14 2026 02 12 Crestmont CC Environmental Impact Statement

On June 10, 2025, the county submitted a cross-acceptance report related to the State Development and Redevelopment Plan (SDRP). For the cross-acceptance process, the State Office of Planning Advocacy (OPA) requested that municipalities submit a Municipal Cross- Acceptance Response Template and an examination of municipal planning documents to evaluate each municipality’s consistency with the Preliminary SDRP Goals and Priorities. The OPA found that the participating municipalities were consistent with the State Plan, including the goals and priorities for their applicable Planning Areas. The project area is part of the Metropolitan Planning Area (PA1), an area that encourages development where infrastructure is available to support development (Figure 6 – State Plan and Policy Map). The project is consistent with the goals outlined in the SDRP for PA1. 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY 2.1 Soils According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Essex County, New Jersey Soil Survey, the following soil map units are onsite, and described below (Figure 7 – NRCS Soils Map): • Udorthents, Haledon substratum, 0-8 percent slopes (UdhalB): loam, loamy sand. Parent material is loamy material transported by human activity. Considered well- drained. • Boonton loam, 0-8 percent slopes, extremely stony (BogCc): slightly to highly decomposed plant material, loam, silt loam, gravelly fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, loamy sand. Parent material is coarse loamy basal till derived from basalt. Considered well-drained. • Boonton-Uban land, Boonton substratum complex, 0-8 percent slopes (BouB): slightly to highly decomposed plant material, loam, silt loam, gravelly fine sandy loam, fine sandy loam, loamy sand. Disturbed and natural soil material. Parent material is surface covered by pavement, concrete, buildings, and other structures underlain by disturbed and natural soil material. Considered well-drained. • Haledon silt loam, 0-8 percent slopes, extremely stony (HanBc): moderately decomposed plant material, silt loam, loam, gravelly fine sandy loam. Parent

ed well-drained. • Haledon silt loam, 0-8 percent slopes, extremely stony (HanBc): moderately decomposed plant material, silt loam, loam, gravelly fine sandy loam. Parent material is coarse-loamy basal till derived from basalt. Considered somewhat poorly drained. 2.2 Topography Surface grades vary significantly across the site, which slopes upward from Eagle Rock Avenue. The project site topography slopes from south to north, with existing grades across the AOD ranging from elevation (EL) 570 to EL 532. 4

2.3 Geology The project site surficial geology consists of Rahway Till (Qwtr), a reddish-brown sandy silt till derived from sedimentary rocks in northeastern New Jersey (Figure 8 – NJDEP Surficial Geology Map). The project site is underlain by Preakness Basalt (Jp), which consists of thick basalt flows and interbedded volcaniclastic rocks, formed during the early Jurassic Period (Figure 9 – NJDEP Bedrock Geology Map). 2.4 Vegetation The project area vegetation consists of lawn and areas of deciduous trees and shrubs. NJDEP Natural Resource Mapping does not identify any threatened or endangered plant species onsite (Figure 10 - NJDEP Threatened and Endangered Species Map). On October 29, 2025, Langan received a Natural Heritage Program (NHP) letter from NJDEP (Appendix A – Threatened and Endangered Species Correspondence). The NHP letter indicates the LOD has no natural heritage priority sites, nor any Rank 3 or higher wildlife or wildlife habitat. An Information, Planning, and Consulting (IPaC) letter with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), dated September 25, 2025, indicates the LOD has no critical habitats (Appendix A – Threatened and Endangered Species Correspondence). The IPaC letter does not identify any threatened or endangered vegetation at the project site. 2.5 Surface Water The project site is part of the Canoe Brook watershed (Figure 11 – NJDEP HUC-14 Watershed Map). While the area of disturbance does not include surface waters, a Canoe Brook unnamed tributary (UNT) is on the project site approximately 1,000 southwest of the LOD (Figure 12 – NJDEP Surface Waters Map). According to the NJDEP Surface Water Quality Standards, the stream classification is FW2-NT (freshwater non-trout). The LOD does not include any wetlands, but wetlands are present on the project site, with the closest wetlands approximately 500 feet south of the LOD (Figure 13 - NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands Map). Neither the LOD nor the project site is part of a flood hazard area (Figure 14 – FEMA Preliminary FIRM). 2.6 Subsurface Water The LOD is part of a Public Community Water Supply Well Head Protection Area centered north of the area of disturbance (Figure 15 – NJDEP Well Head Protection Areas Map). 5

2.7 Unique Scenic or Historic Features Neither the project site nor the LOD includes any identified historic districts or historic resources. No panels of the NJDEP Archaeological Site Grid overlap with the project site. No identified unique scenic features are present at the project site. 2.8 Existing Development Features The project site has frontage along Eagle Rock Avenue, which the project will include as part of the improvements with Oval Road and the driveway realignment. The project site is Crestmont Country Club, which includes a golf course, accessory buildings, parking areas, landscaping, and stormwater management features. The area of disturbance does not include any buildings or golf course area (Figure 4 – Aerial Photograph Map). 3.0 AREA AND REGIONAL DESCRIPTION The project site is part of a larger neighborhood residential and golf courses on both sides of Eagle Rock Avenue in the area. Essex Fells Country Club is north of the project site, with residential development off Eagle Rock Avenue east of the project site. South of the area of disturbance is the rest of Crestmont Country Club. 4.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 4.1 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Resulting from Surface Runoff A soil erosion and sediment control plan will mitigate the potential for off-site migration of sediment during construction. The applicant will prepare and submit a soil erosion and sediment control plan to the Hudson Essex Passaic Soil Conservation District (HEPSCD) for review and approval. Protective measures may include erosion control matting, temporary seeding to stabilize exposed soils as necessary, temporary stockpile locations, and stabilized construction entrances on site. Based on the proposed measures, the project would not have an adverse impact due to soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from surface runoff. 4.2 Flooding and Floodplain Disruption The project site is not part of a floodplain, nor does the LOD include surface waters or wetlands. Any project site wetlands or surface waters are not part of the LOD. The project stormwater management design will comply with local and state stormwater management requirements to avoid flooding and floodplain disruption. Based on the foregoing,

f the LOD. The project stormwater management design will comply with local and state stormwater management requirements to avoid flooding and floodplain disruption. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact regarding flooding and floodplain disruption. 6

4.3 Degradation of Surface Water Quality The project site is subject to water quality treatment requirements due to the project increasing regulated motor vehicle surface coverage. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5.(a), major developments are subject to providing water quality treatment when the development results in an increase of one-quarter acre or more of regulated motor vehicle surface. The project adds approximately 0.85 acres of new regulated motor vehicle surface within the LOD. A combination of small-scale bioretention basins and the porous asphalt pavement system will manage stormwater quality on the project site. The stormwater management design complies with the West Orange and the NJDEP stormwater rules. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on surface water quality. 4.4 Groundwater Pollution The Stormwater Management Report notes that a geotechnical investigation completed by Langan indicates that site soils within the LOD can be reclassified as Hydrologic Soil Group D (HSG D) (Appendix B – Stormwater Management Report). HSG D soils result in zero annual groundwater recharge. Therefore, the LOD does not include any of the groundwater recharge occurring on the project site. However, the proposed water quality measures will protect groundwater, and the project will comply with state and municipal water quality criteria as outlined in Section 4.3 of this EIS. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact regarding groundwater pollution. 4.5 Sewage Disposal Crestmont Country Club is part of a NJDEP Sewer Service Area (Figure 17 – NJDEP Sewer Service Area Map). Township sewer lines, managed by the West Orange Sewer Division, serve the project site. Project wastewater operation and sewage disposal will remain as is. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on sewage disposal. 4.6 Solid Waste Disposal A private carter manages solid waste disposal for the Crestmont Country Club. The project does not change solid waste generation or disposal practices in any way. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on solid waste disposal. 7

4.7 Destruction of Vegetation The project will result in the removal of 313 trees. The Township tree removal regulations require the applicant to provide 586 replacement trees. The project will work with the Township Forester to comply with Chapter 28, Article 1 of the West Orange Municipal Code “Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement.” 4.8 Disruption of Wildlife Habitats NJDEP mapping does not identify any threatened or endangered species onsite. The NJDEP NHP letter, dated October 29, 2025, does not indicate any natural heritage priority areas, or Rank 3 and above wildlife habitats onsite (Appendix A – Threatened and Endangered Species Correspondence). An IPaC letter from the USFWS, dated September 25, 2025, indicates the project site has no critical habitats (Appendix A – Threatened and Endangered Species Correspondence). The IPaC letter does indicate the project design should consider the following species: • Federally endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis). • Federally endangered Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis). • Federally proposed endangered Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus). • Federally proposed threatened Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus). Some disturbance of landscaped areas will occur, but no identified wildlife habitats are present. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on wildlife habitats. 4.9 Destruction of Scenic and Historic Features The project site does not include any identified historic or unique scenic features. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on unique scenic or historic features. 4.10 Air Quality Degradation Construction activity may result in a short-term equipment emissions increase due to equipment use. Potential air quality and dust impacts may occur due to land clearing, excavation, earth moving, and project construction. The project will employ best management practices (BMPs) to mitigate potential air quality impacts during construction. Based on foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on air quality. 8

4.11 Noise Levels The applicant will minimize and mitigate potential short-term construction-related impacts to the extent possible. The applicant will maintain equipment, including using rubber tires and mufflers, per the EPA’s noise emission standards. The applicant will comply with township requirements regarding construction hours. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on noise levels. 4.12 Energy Use A temporary increase in energy use will occur during construction. The new parking area will use new, energy-efficient lighting fixtures. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact regarding energy use. 4.13 Neighborhood Deterioration The additional 36 parking spaces will increase the parking supply and bring the project site closer to complying with the West Orange parking space regulations. The project improvements include enhanced landscaping, lighting, stormwater management improvements, and adds a new two-way driveway and a signalized intersection. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on the neighborhood, nor contribute to neighborhood deterioration. 4.14 Effect on Public Services, Such as Schools, Fire, Police. The intersection improvements will provide more efficient circulation at the intersection of Eagle Rock Avenue and the new driveway at the project site. The project will not increase demand for public services, including schools, police, fire, and other services. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on public services. 4.15 Traffic Congestion Langan prepared a Traffic Impact Statement (TIS) indicating that the proposed improvements would not have an adverse effect on traffic congestion (Appendix C – Traffic Impact Statement, bound separately). 4.16 Health, Safety, and Welfare of Existing Residents The project will increase the onsite parking inventory and bring the project site closer to complying with West Orange parking regulations. The Eagle Rock Avenue improvements will have a positive impact on area circulation. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on the health, safety, and welfare of existing residents. 9

4.17 Regional Development Policies Per Section 1.3 of this EIS, the project aligns with regional development policies. The additional parking spaces bring the parking inventory closer to compliance with the township requirements. The project improvements are consistent with Essex 2045 goals such as green infrastructure within stormwater and prioritizing local businesses. Based on the foregoing, the project would not have an adverse impact on regional development policies. 5.0 RECOMMENDATION TO MITIGATE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 5.1 Drainage Plans The project proposes the following stormwater management system: • A subsurface conveyance system consisting of inlets, manholes, and pipes to convey stormwater runoff from the 25-year design storm event. • 2 small-scale bioretention basins. • 1 porous asphalt pavement system. The project stormwater management features comply with the Township of West Orange and NJDEP stormwater rules, regulations, and ordinance requirements in effect at the time of the preparation of this report. 5.2 Sewage Disposal Techniques The project does not change existing sewer demand for the project site. 5.3 Water Supply and Water Conservation Proposals The project does not change existing water demand. The landscaping plan encourages sustainable water use through the planting of native vegetation and drought-tolerant species. 5.4 Site Design Techniques Sensitive to the Natural Environment The stormwater management design will include green infrastructure in the form of bioretention basins and pervious pavement (Appendix B – Stormwater Management Report, bound separately). 5.5 Energy Conservation Measures The project will not create new energy demand. Parking lot lighting will include energy efficient light fixtures. 10

5.6 Noise Reduction Techniques The project does not result in increased noise. 5.7 Construction Schedule The applicant anticipates commencing project construction in summer 2026, with completion expected from late 2026 to early 2027. 5.8 Miscellaneous On-Site and Off-Site Public Improvements The project includes roadway widening and signal improvements to the intersection of Eagle Rock Avenue, Oval Road, and the realigned driveway to Eagle Rock Avenue. 6.0 ALTERNATIVES Under the no action alternative, the Eagle Rock Avenue and Oval Road intersection improvements will not occur. The existing driveways would remain as is. The no action alternative would keep the existing parking inventory as is. No other scenario would allow for the intersection improvements. Other driveway plans would not necessarily align with the proposed intersection improvements at Eagle Rock Avenue and Oval Road. The proposed parking areas mostly replace existing parking areas, with limited impact on the landscaped area. Adding more parking spaces to comply with the West Orange parking regulations would add additional impervious surface without substantial benefit for the project site. 7.0 PERMITS, LICENSES AND OTHER APPROVALS Table 1 lists the licenses, permits and other approvals applicable to the project. Table 1: Permits, Licenses and Other Approvals AGENCY APPROVALS STATUS West Orange Planning Board • Preliminary and Final Site Plan Pending Hudson Essex Passaic • Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Pending Soil Conservation District (HEPSCD) Certification Essex County Planning Board • Site Plan Approval Pending 11