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Township of Cranbury
TO: Cranbury Township Committee FROM: Peter Sibley , Environmental Commission Chair DATE: December 30, 2005 SUBJECT: Environmental Commission 2004 Year-End Report The activities of the Cranbury Township Environmental Commission in 2005 are summarized in this Year-End Report. Membership – We began the year with four vacancies on the Environmental Commission. New members were actively recruited, and we succeeded in filling all vacancies by May. Environmental Resources Inventory – A grant application to support the development of an Environmental Resources Inventory (ERI) was submitted to the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. The grant was approved, and a consulting firm was selected to prepare the ERI. Development of the ERI began in July, and a partial draft was received from the consultant. Cranbury Brook Preserve – The EC initiated the development of a management plan for the Cranbury Brook Preserve. Two representatives of the Natural Resources Conservation Service toured the Preserve with EC representatives in March. We are awaiting their recommendations regarding management of the Preserve. For signage being installed by the Parks Commission, Preserve Rules were agreed upon. Nature programs led by the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association were held in January and October. A message center to promote enjoyment of the preserve and three "No Motor Vehicles" signs were installed as an Eagle Scout project. Stormwater Regulations – Members of the Environmental Commission participated in the development of the new stormwater management plans and ordinances. Plans for the Local Public Education Program and for Storm Drain Inlet Labeling were developed and implemented. Water-Quality Testing – A grant request to NJDEP was approved to continue our program for surface-water testing. This grant supports sampling of the Cedar Brook during wet-weather conditions. Soil-Testing Program – The EC established a soil-testing program in conjunction with the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory. Soil-testing kits were purchased and made available for free to township residents. The test results enable homeowners to eliminate unnecessary application of fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns. Vehicle-Washing – The EC initiated a program focusing on the environmental effects of washing cars. Environmental soap and inlet protectors were purchased and provided to volunteer groups holding fundraising carwashes. An educational flyer was developed with the help of a Princeton High School student, and it was distributed at Cranbury Day and at a Boy Scout car wash. Educational Activities – The EC page for the new Township website was developed. The EC had a booth at Cranbury Day, at which information was made available on the stormwater regulations, our water-testing program, vehicle-washing, the Cranbury Brook Preserve, free soil-testing kits, and other activities of the EC. Articles about EC activities were included in each of the Township's quarterly newsletters. Regulatory Activities – The EC: 1) developed a Resolution in opposition to the Fast-Track Permitting Act; 2) researched and recommended against development of a soil-testing ordinance for the Township; 3) initiated development of a stream-corridor ordinance; and 4) wrote to the Governor in support of NJDEP's Environmental Services Project funding. Freehold Soil – Notices of Violation and other activities of the Freehold Soil Conservation District were monitored, supported, and encouraged as needed. Applications – Numerous applications for development were
reviewed, and comments were submitted to the Planning Board and Zoning
Board, as appropriate. |
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