[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Highland Park as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-1851]
Drilling for natural gas using the drilling technique of hydraulic
fracturing (fracking) and exploring for natural gas beyond the reconnaissance
phase is prohibited within the Borough of Highland Park, Middlesex
County, New Jersey.
[Added 10-20-2015 by Ord.
No. 15-1895]
"Hydraulic fracturing" shall mean the drilling technique of
expanding existing fractures or creating new fractures in rock by
injecting water, often with chemicals, sand, or other substances,
and often under pressure, into or underneath the surface of the rock
for purposes, including, but not limited to, well drilling and natural
gas exploration and production. The term "hydraulic fracturing" shall
include "fracking," "hydrofracking," "hydrofracturing," and other
colloquial terms for this drilling technique.
[Added 10-20-2015 by Ord.
No. 15-1895]
No wastewater, wastewater solids, sludge, drill cuttings or
other byproducts resulting from hydraulic fracturing for the purpose
of natural gas exploration or production may be treated, discharged,
disposed of, applied to a roadway or otherwise released into the environment,
or stored in the Borough of Highland Park.
[Added 10-20-2015 by Ord.
No. 15-1895]
A.Â
Any person or entity violating the provisions of this article, upon
conviction before a Municipal Court Judge of the Borough, shall be
subject to a fine of not less than $2,500 and not more than $10,000
at the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge.
B.Â
In addition to any other remedies provided for in this article, the
Borough Attorney, or his or her designee, may commence an action in
the Superior Court of New Jersey to enjoin a person or entity that
has violated this article and for any other appropriate remedies at
law or equity.
