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REPORTSUMMER 2010

The right sitefor solar

ANJEC announcesSmart Growth

grants

Dealing withdifficult people

2 ANJEC REPORT - Summer 2010

Director’s Report

New Jersey League ofConservation Voters formed

In May, I joined with several leaders ofour State’s environmental organizations toannounce formation of the New JerseyLeague of Conservation Voters (NJLCV), anonpartisan, nonprofit, public educationand policymaking organization. NJLCVwill seek to make environmental protec-tion a top priority with elected officials,decision makers and the State’s voters.This new alliance is committed to workingfor a positive agenda to safeguard theenvironment through the adoption ofeffective laws and regulations.

NJLCV will provide another voice inTrenton in support of the environment.Because ANJEC is a tax-exempt nonprofitorganization, federal law strictly limits theamount of lobbying our organization cando. This restriction can be frustrating attimes such as this, when the State seems tobe rolling back environmental laws,regulations and programs that have beensecured since the first Earth Day 40 yearsago. Yet while few elected officials havemade the environment and our health apriority, New Jersey voters continue theirlong tradition of support for policies toprotect the State’s environment, such asapproving the ballot question last year tocontinue to fund state open space preser-vation efforts.

StrategyNJLCV will be patterned after the

structure of the national League ofConservation Voters, founded in 1969 tomonitor the actions of Congress and thePresident. NJLCV will work only in New

Jersey, evaluating the environmentalperformance of State legislators; seekingadoption and implementation of keypolicies, regulations and legislation; andendorsing and electing environmentalleaders in the Garden State.

Each year, NJLCV will develop andpublicize a “Scorecard” on key environ-mental legislation and a “Report Card” forthe Governor and senior administrativeofficials. Using the scorecard, NJLCV willtrack and publicize elected officials’records to help voters distinguish betweenthose who act to protect and improve ourquality of life and those who don’t.

NJLCV is committed to an objective,transparent process of preparing theseassessments. We will let the Legislatureknow in advance when a proposed bill issignificant enough that it will likely be onthe Scorecard. If legislators are informed ofa bill’s importance, they may considertheir votes more carefully and more oftentake a stronger environmental stand.

Developing the Scorecard and ReportCard will be the organization’s firstinitiatives. NJLCV will be drawing on theexpertise of environmentalists throughoutthe State for advice in establishing theagenda and selecting issues that meritplacement on the Scorecard. We will bescheduling listening sessions to learn whatother issues concerned environmentalistsconsider significant in New Jersey. I hopethat you will participate in one of thesesessions so we can learn about yourconcerns. A primary goal of NJLCV is toempower the broader environmental

ANJEC REPORT - Summer 2010 3PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Sandy BattyExecutive Director

Executive Director .......................................... Sandy BattyEditor ..................................................... Julie Lange Groth

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissionsis a private, non-profit educational organization serving environ-mental commission and open space committee members, con-cerned individuals, non-profits, and local officials. ANJEC’sprograms aim to promote the public interest in natural resourcepreservation, sustainable development and reclamation andsupport environmental commissions and open space commit-tees working with citizens and other non-profit organizations.

The REPORT welcomes articles and photographs but is notresponsible for loss or damage. Opinions expressed by guestauthors do not necessarily reflect ANJEC policy. Articles maybe reprinted with permission and credit. Please addresscorrespondence to ANJEC REPORT, PO Box 157, Mendham,NJ 07945; tel: 973-539-7547; fax: 973-539-7713.E-mail [email protected]. Web site: www.anjec.org.

566 MUNICIPALITIES .................... ONE ENVIRONMENT

Vol. 30 / No. 3 SUMMER 2010

Library Subscription $18.00ISSN 1538-0742

REPORT

2 New Jersey League ofConservation Voters formed

4 ANJEC announcesNew Smart Growth grantees

6 Acting Locally

10 The right site for solar

15 ANJEC mid-year appeal

16 Army’s “No Significant Impact”finding raises questions

18 Dealing with difficult people

20 Smart Growth Updates

22 Clean Energy Corner:New Jersey Natural Gaspromotes energy conservation

24 21st Century communication forenvironmental commissions

26 New Jersey Water Saversprogram helps communitiessave water and money

28 ANJEC salutes our 2009 donors

30 “A Reverence for Water”art show

31 ANJEC Report goes paperless!

32 How to get free publicity

On the cover: On April 24, with help from theHarrington Park Environmental Commission,Girl Scouts from Troop 702 encouraged visitorsat the town�s History Day to reduce, reuse, andrecycle. Photo by Mary Ann Schran

In This Issue:In This Issue:community to become more engaged andeffective in the political process.

The League of Conservation Votersmakes sense for our State. New Jersey has along tradition of nonpartisan environ-mental leadership and a diverse, effectiveconstituency for environmental issues.NJLCV will help strengthen environmen-tal advocacy by informing legislators aboutthe issues and educating voters on keyactions of elected officials, regulatoryagencies and the executive. In addition,NJLCV will work to expand publicparticipation in the political process andgive a powerful voice to citizens whovalue the environment.

More information about New JerseyLeague of Conservation Voters can befound at the website at www.njlcv.org or byinquiry to [email protected].

Click on selection to go to page


In May, 18 New Jersey towns and onecounty were named to the most recent“class” of ANJEC Smart Growth PlanningGrant recipients. Now in its ninth year,the grant program is the only one in NewJersey targeted specifically to munici-palities that have environmentalcommissions.

This year’s matching grants, rangingfrom $2,333 to $15,000, will enable themunicipalities to carry out important localplanning initiatives such as developingenvironmental resource inventories (ERI),sustainability or conservationdocuments, greenway/bike/trails plans and openspace/recreationplans. The $135,000in new grants bringsthe amount distributedthrough the programsince its start in 2002 to$1.47 million.

In 2010, Passaic Countybecame the second countyto receive ANJEC SmartGrowth funding, with aproposal to carry out a MorrisCanal Trail Feasibility Study.This project will examine theentire length of the Morris Canaland the Pompton Feeder inPassaic County to determine howareas of open space can beconnected to create a contiguousrecreational trail for safe publicbicycle and pedestrian use. Projectpartners include the municipali-ties of Clifton, Little Falls,

ANJEC announcesNew Smart Growth grantees

By Kerry Miller, ANJEC Assistant Director

Pompton Lakes, Paterson, Woodland Parkand Wayne.

Other 2010 granteesEnvironmental Resource Inventory:Edison, Highland Park, Long Branch,Madison, Morristown, Ramsey, Swedesboro

ERI/Conservation Element:Hamilton Township (Mercer)

Bike/Trails Plan:Highlands, Mendham Borough, West

Milford

Green Building &Sustainability Element:Flemington

Environmental Ordi-nance Updates:Denville

Watershed Improve-ment District Study:Bernardsville

Open Space &Recreation Plan:Greenwich(Warren),Hopatcong,

Montville, Peapack-Gladstone, Pompton Lakes

The Smart Growth PlanningGrant program is funded byannual grants to ANJEC fromthe Geraldine R. DodgeFoundation (Morristown). TheFoundation’s underwriting hashelped 182 of the state’s 566municipalities to carry out astudy or plan that contributes

KingwoodTownship�s 2009EnvironmentalResourceInventory wasdeveloped withan ANJEC SmartGrowth PlanningGrant.


to natural resource protection andcapacity-based land use.

Environmental resourceinventories

The emblematic project of the programhas been the ERI (also called a naturalresource inventory, or NRI), a documentthat provides the foundation for informedland use planning by identifying, mappingand explaining the functions of theenvironmentally-significant features of amunicipality. An ERI is usually developedand updated by the environmentalcommission, which typically presents thecompleted inventory to the planningboard with a recommendation for adop-tion into the municipal master plan.

Over the past eight years, the SmartGrowth program has funded new orupdated ERIs for 68 municipalities. Theseinventories are often a catalyst for addi-tional resource studies, protection ordi-nances, open space plans, and master planor zoning changes by municipalities. Inaddition, the comprehensive local knowl-edge that a commission gains in the processof developing the ERI is invaluable, and thatexperience itself can help a commissionevolve into a trusted local resource.

This was a difficult budget year for localgovernments. Although grant applicationsto ANJEC were down by approximatelyone third, the fact that many towns were

willing to provide matches for environmen-tal projects, even in tough times, indicatesan impressive level of local support forenvironmental protection and sustain-ability, and a respect for what environmen-tal commissions do in their communities.

EligibilityTo be eligible to apply for a Smart Growth

grant, a town or county must have afunctioning environmental commission,established by ordinance. (For projectsinvolving open space planning only, asimilar open space committee can suffice.)In December each year ANJEC issues anannouncement to towns and commissionsregarding the availability of grant fundingfor the following year.

The reimbursable grants of up to $20,000must be matched dollar for dollar by thetown, and up to half of the match may be inthe form of in-kind services, such as timecontributed by municipal staff or volunteersfor meetings, information gathering, mapor text development or report preparation.

ANJEC encourages commissions to discusspotential projects early on with townofficials and administrations, to buildsupport and assure matching funds areavailable when grant funding is offered. Ifyour commission has an idea or questionabout a potential project or any aspect ofthe grant program, call or e-mail ANJEC(973) 539-7547; [email protected].

Check out the Directory at www.anjec.organd click on “Environmental Consultants”

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Information on environmental professionals andbusinesses operating in New Jersey and surround-ing regions. You can search by keyword (includingcompany name) or service area.

Information on environmental professionals andbusinesses operating in New Jersey and surround-ing regions. You can search by keyword (includingcompany name) or service area.

ANJEC�s Directory ofEnvironmental ConsultantsANJEC�s Directory ofEnvironmental Consultants


Summit studentschampionsustainability

By Michele Gaynor, ANJEC Resource Center;and Stephen Carroll, Member, Chatham Township

Environmental Commission and Sustainability Committee, ANJEC volunteer;and Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor

Energy Ambassadors helpbusinesses save

The Summit Energy Ambassadorsprogram is an intergenerational programthat brings together students and smalllocal businesses to save energy andmoney. The Environmental Commissiontrains middle school and high schoolstudent volunteers to become EnergyAmbassadors for the town. A series ofweekly training sessions prepares theAmbassadors to conduct free energysurveys to identify opportunities forbusinesses to save energy and money.

Students make phone calls and canvastown businesses, distributing brochuresand setting up appointments for freeenergy assessments to help companiesidentify cost-effective energy savingmeasures. The program was developed incooperation with ANJEC and funded by agrant from New Jersey’s Board of PublicUtilities as a model for energy conserva-tion outreach that could be adapted bytowns statewide.

Once the audits are completed, thestudents write a letter explaining theirrecommendations for changes. Theyfollow up with business owners to discusswhat changes the business would like toimplement and to let them know aboutstate and federal incentives and rebatesthat pay for in depth energy audits and

up to 80 percent of energy-saving buildingimprovements.

The focus is on making small changesthat are inexpensive but can still add up tosignificant savings. Some businesses haveindicated that they liked the idea thatstudents were learning about conservationthrough the program and wanted to encour-age the educational program. Ambassadorsalso have an opportunity to learn abouthow businesses operate by looking behindthe scenes at local businesses.

On April 20, the Environmental Com-mission hosted a reception for the EnergyAmbassadors and other volunteers at City

Summit Mayor Jordan Glatt recognizedteen Energy Ambassadors and adultmentors at an April Council meeting.


Hall, preceding a special awards presenta-tion at the Summit Common Councilmeeting where Mayor Jordan Glattrecognized the adults and students whomade the program a success. For samplematerials from the Summit Energy Ambas-sadors program that can be adapted for useby other towns, see www.anjec.org/EnergyTwoTowns.htm.

Students organize free stuffexchange

Summit Free Market encourages resi-dents to give and get for free. Summit FreeMarket is a way for residents to exchangetheir unwanted, reusable items at no cost.In doing so they help keep usable itemsout of landfills.

This program is operated by students atpublic and private Summit schools and iscredited in 2009 with diverting at least 10tons of reusable items from landfillswhich, in turn, helps save Summit taxpay-ers’ money.

Organizers set up tents for the day at thelocal transfer station and any items that aretoo large to bring there, such as beds andrefrigerators, can be listed at no charge onthe Summit Free Market web sitewww.summitfreemarket.org. – Michele Gaynor

Making a difference,One Day One School

Florham Park’s annual One Day OneSchool event, created by local residentsand Environmental Commission mem-bers, brings together tree professionals,town leaders, students, school administra-tors and community volunteers to clean upschool grounds.

Enlisting the help of volunteers and localtree companies gets the job done withoutstraining the town’s budget. Everyone getsinvolved in trimming trees, removinghazardous tree limbs, raking, weeding,planting and cleaning up, all at no cost tothe school district. The Commission empha-sizes use of native vegetation wheneverpossible, and leaving some dead woodalong the perimeter of the property to helpsupport species that rely on it for habitat.

The Commission saw a need and also anopportunity to act – and marshaled thehelp of the entire community to spend asingle day to create a safer and moreattractive environment for the children.Currently in its fourth year, this programis now being imitated nationally. For moreinformation contact the Florham ParkEnvironmental Commission [email protected].

– Michele Gaynor

Compost and rainbarrel initiative

The neighboring environmentalcommissions of Chatham Township,Madison, Summit, Berkeley Heights, andChatham Borough Green Initiatives cametogether to offer composters and rainbarrels at a great discount to their commu-nities. To add to the fun they came up withcatchy titles – ”Soak it, don’t send it” forthe rain barrelpromotion and“Save it tospade it” for thecompost bins.They alsooffered freelessons and afree accessorywith eachcomposter orrain barrelpurchased.

This was acost effective win/win for both themunicipality and the residents. Divertingrain water from stormdrains with the useof a rain barrel not only saves water butalso saves residents money. Compostingdiverts waste that would otherwise go to alandfill while producing nutrient rich soilto enhance residents’ gardens (also savingmoney on fertilizer).

One lucky participant in the programwon a complimentary rain barrel donatedby New Jersey American Water. Seewww.chathamtownship.org/CTEC/index.html for more information.

– Michele Gaynor

www.simplyrainbarrels.com

www.anjec.org/Energy/TwoTowns.htm

www.chathamtownship.org/CTEC/index.html


Lyndhurst Townshipadopts thePrecautionaryPrinciple

Along with San Francisco, Lyndhurst isone of only two municipalities in thenation to adopt an ordinance embracingthe Precautionary Principle to help guidelocal policy.

A 1998 Wingspread Statement definesthe Precautionary Principle: When anactivity raises threats of harm to humanhealth or the environment, precautionarymeasures should be taken, even if somecause and effect relationships are not fullyestablished scientifically.

The potential polluter should have toprove that his/her actions will not causeharm to the environment and humanhealth. If there is a less harmful alterna-tive it should be considered.

Lyndhurst is an old industrial town with20,000 residents. This ordinance wasinitiated by the municipality’s healthofficer when a business was thought to beresponsible for emitting air pollutionclose to town recreation fields and also inresponse to a possible cancer cluster. As itstands, if Lyndhurst wants testing ormonitoring done on the site, the town hasto bear the cost in order to determine ifthe business is in fact contaminating thetown’s air, water or soil.

Specific points in the ordinance includeanalysis of alternatives causing leastpotential harm and informing the publicabout different effects of various options.It calls for preservation of the environmentby generating power from renewableresources, recycling waste and keepingland and waters free from toxins andpollutants.

With this new tool the town leadershope to develop laws to promote ahealthier and safer environment for thefuture of Lyndhurst residents. Contact theANJEC Resource Center for a copy of thisordinance at [email protected] orcall (973) 539-7547. – Michele Gaynor

Morristown has a newOffice of Sustainability

In February Morristown Mayor TimDougherty created the Office ofSustainability to continue the work of theMorristown Partnership’s Step AheadMorristown program, which studied thetown, recommended ways to make it morelivable and environmentally friendly andhelped Morristown to achieve certificationby Sustainable Jersey. The mayor namedPaul Miller, who directed Step AheadMorristown, to be Sustainability Director.The Office of Sustainability is expected tobe funded with foundation grants.

The Office of Sustainability helpedorganize the town’s celebration of the 40thanniversary of Earth Day. Following EarthDay the Office of Sustainability led themonth-long Sustainable Morristowncampaign that featured local organizationsand initiatives working “to ensure that ourcommunity and the planet will be in thebest shape possible to pass on to futuregenerations,” Miller said.

The Office of Sustainability has becomea member of Sustainable Morristown, aventure that also includes the MorristownPartnership, the Institute for SustainableEnterprise of Fairleigh Dickinson Univer-sity and the Inspired Futures Campaign ofthe UN Education for Sustainability Pro-gram. For more information contact PaulMiller at [email protected].

– Stephen Carroll

Morris CountyFreeholders renewsupport forrenewable energy

In February the Morris County Board ofChosen Freeholders approved a resolutionreaffirming its consent to the issuance bythe Morris County Improvement Authority(“MCIA”) of up to $30 million in county-guaranteed bonds to finance a regionalrenewable energy project. The project iscalled the Morris Model.


The Morris Model allows MCIA to use itslow-cost financing to enable private solardevelopers to install, operate and main-tain solar systems on structures owned bythe government entities at a lower cost ofcapital. In return for hosting the solarsystems, the government entities obtainelectricity generated by the systems at aprice below current rates. In addition thegovernment entities incur no out-of-pocket costs.

MCIA has partnered with five schooldistricts and the county government on apilot program that will install solar panelsat 14 schools and several county facilities.The average savings on energy bills afterthe first year is expected to be 35 percentfor the school districts and 20 percent forthe county facilities. The solar systems areexpected to provide 17 percent of the totalelectric requirements of the Morris Modelparticipants. For more information go to:www.co.morris.nj.us/improvement/press.asp.

– Stephen Carroll

Giving medical geara second life

Bordentown City EnvironmentalCommission has been encouragingresidents who have medical equipmentthey no longer use to recycle it. They cando so by donating it to Your ReSource, aEwing-based not-for-profit organizationthat finds new homes for used durablemedical equipment, such as wheelchairs,hospital beds, shower chairs, crutches, etc.Your ReSource volunteers help evaluate,clean and rehabilitate the donatedequipment for reuse and recycling, whichis then resold at an affordable price.

Many people who need medicalequipment but have no access to it canbenefit from the gently used gear thatmight otherwise wind up in landfills. YourReSource accepts donated equipment at itsfacility and also makes stops at collectionpoints in a variety of Mercer Countylocations. For more information visitwww.yourresourcenj.org/index.html.

– Julie Lange Groth

Honk if you have toomany geese!

Since 2007, the Millburn EnvironmentalCommission has implemented a localGeesePeace program to help control theoverpopulation of resident Canada geese.The brainchild of David Feld and HollyHazard of Falls Church, VA, GeesePeace is anationwide approach to resolving geeseconflicts in communities and avoiding thecontroversy regarding lethal management.It uses effective, non-lethal methods toprevent and redirect geese activities basedon their biology and natural cyclic behav-iors, such as: mating, nest building, egglying, care of goslings, molting, etc.

Volunteers are trained to humanely oileggs, excluding those containing a breath-ing gosling by first floating the egg in water.The oiled eggs are returned to the nest,ensuring the goose does not lay anotherclutch of eggs.

The program also includes modifyinghabitat around water bodies to eliminatefavorite grazing vegetation and installingtall decorative grasses and plants at thewater’s edge that discourage nesting.

Janet Piszar, the coordinator forMillburn’s GeesePeace program, saysinteraction with geese is fascinating andexciting, and she encourages residents whofeel an affinity to nature and wildlife to getinvolved. For more information contact theMillburn Environmental Commission [email protected]. – Julie Lange Groth

Canada Geese CSL IMAGE


The right site for solar:Fostering renewable energy without sacrificing natural resources

Will solar farmsovershadow gardenstate agriculture?

By Cheryl Reardon,ANJEC SJ Bayshore Project Director

State and federal incentives have madelarge-scale projects financially attractive toinvestors, especially the ability to earnSolar Renewable Energy Certificates,tradable certificates issued to solar energygenerators of at least one megawatt. Onaverage, these certificates were selling forover $570 each in April.

Since early solar generation is notexpected to trigger costly capital upgradesat the substations, current circumstanceshave created a “grid space race” (similar tothat of the California Gold Rush) forfarmland throughout New Jersey – espe-cially in Salem and Cumberland Counties– due to the availability of flat, affordableland, the presence of sufficient intercon-

ANJEC strongly supports the goals of New Jersey's Energy Master Plan tosurpass the current renewable portfolio standard goals by achieving 30percent of the State's electricity needs from renewable energy sources, suchas solar, by 2020. As the solar market evolves, however, wide scale industrialsolar development has raised questions about optimal siting of large groundarrays to safeguard other natural resources.

Below, three ANJEC staffers explore the potential impacts of large-scalesolar development and how towns can protect the environment by guidingsolar development to appropriate locations. Obviously, this article onlybegins to identify the important issues. ANJEC is currently in the process ofdeveloping a Resource Paper and workshop to provide more guidance forplanning boards and environmental commissions. In the meantime, pleasecontact the ANJEC Resource Center ([email protected]) for moreinformation and copies of sample ordinances.

nection locations (substations) and – asstated by one applicant – “you have moresun down here.”

With the recent slump in residentialdevelopment providing some relief fromthe decade-long housing boom, SouthJersey towns have been hoping to obtainGarden State Preservation Trust funding topreserve more farmland and open space.But those hopes are now in jeopardy assolar developers are offering landownersas much as $1,000/acre per year for leasedland and up to $28,000 per acre foroutright purchase.

Planning boards and environmentalcommissions are suddenly faced withnumerous commercial solar applicationsproposing to convert thousands of primeagricultural soils to “solar farms” –claiming they “harvest the sun.” Applica-tions are being filed so rapidly that it isdifficult to keep a current tally of what’s inthe application pipeline; however, totalacreage is expected to quickly exceed3,500. In addition to putting primeagricultural soils at risk, several applica-


tions also propose to clear woodlands,disturb wetlands, and place solar arrayswithin 300-foot buffers required for C-1waterways.

What�s at stake?Recent New Jersey legislation classifies

solar panels as an “inherently beneficialuse” and not to be included in imperviouscover calculations. Some municipalitiesare trying to identify ways to determinesuitable placement for large, commercialsolar installations while supportingvisions outlined in their master plans topromote agriculture-based economies andprotect environmentally sensitive areas.

What�s at risk:● South Jersey contains the vast majority

of remaining contiguous prime agricul-tural soils in the Garden State.

● South Jersey farms provide an affordablesupply of fresh fruits and vegetables tosuburbs and urban centers essential tothe health and well-being of millions.

● South Jersey agriculture providesthousands of jobs, such as packing, ware-housing, cold storage, transportation,tractor/equipment companies, seeds, andirrigation. Other than short-term instal-lation jobs, commercial “solar farms”support few permanent employees.

● With many farmers dependent onleasing additional farmland to remainviable, a decrease in available land

creates hardship forfarmers and may driveup lease costs.● Devoting more primeagricultural land to solardevelopment couldundermine farmland/open space preservationplans.● There is a lack ofscientific research on thelong-term impacts oflarge-scale solar develop-ment on wildlife withinthe Northeastern ClimateRegion – most solarinstallations and studies

pertain to arid climate conditions. It’snot known how inappropriate sitingmight impact wildlife and lead to loss ofhabitat for dependent species within theBayshore region.

● Installing large expanses of solar arrayscould cause soil erosion, compaction,changes in runoff patterns and release oftoxic materials such as cadmium frombroken photovoltaic panels.

● Fast evolving technologies could lead todecommissioning and disposal issues forabandoned, obsolete panels.

● Negatively impacted scenic vistas couldaffect tourism.

Master planning is keyIt is important for master plans to

contain a clear vision statement anddescription of what is essential to thefuture well-being of the town, as well asspecific woodlands and environmentallysensitive areas that are to be protected.Towns should refer to their environmentalresource inventories and farmland/openspace preservation plans, which may needto be updated and should be adopted aspart of the master plan.

Further, planning boards should consideradopting a sustainable energy ordinancethat clearly states their towns’ objective toensure compatibility of sustainable energygoals and sustainable agricultural andenvironmental policies within the commu-nity and region.

Large scale solar developers propose to cover thousands ofacres of South Jersey farmland.


Solar siting andsustainable land use

By David Peifer,Highlands Project Director

Despite the fact that “green energy”generation has been deemed “inherentlybeneficial” by the New Jersey legislature,not every land use is appropriate every-where, even when it serves a desired socialobjective or is profitable. Large-scaleground-mounted “solar farms” – not to beconfused with systems serving individualhomes, businesses or farms – can occupyhundreds of acres and may pose serioussiting concerns for municipalities, includ-ing loss of prime farmlands.

The location, scale and character of“solar farms” can be regulated under theMunicipal Land Use Law to protect thepublic health, safety and welfare, but it ishighly unlikely that current municipalplanning and zoning frameworks ad-equately address this type of land use. Inthe absence of any coherent statewide planor control, municipalities should seriouslyconsider appropriate planning and zoningresponses, including the development ofordinances to control the siting of thesefacilities.

Begin with your ERILike the creation of any land use ordi-nance, the process begins with fact findinguntil a clear picture emerges as to justwhat the proposed use will mean for thetown. The environmental resourceinventory (ERI) provides an excellent

foundation for this process, as well as themaster plan, open space plan, farmlandpreservation plan and other municipalplanning documents. Examining andvisiting other large, operational solar sitesis also recommended.

Once potential impacts are understoodin relation to the municipality’s naturalresources, planning goals and objectives,the conflicts as well as opportunities forthe land use can be assessed.

�No brainers�Even without an ERI, one could reason-

ably conclude that large solar featuresshould not be located on existing surfacewater, beaches and dunes or on wetlands,vernal pools and their transition zonesthat are regulated by the New JerseyDepartment of Environmental Protection(NJDEP). Cemeteries, public parks andother permanently deed-restricted openspaces and preserved farmland might alsofall into this category.

Critical areas constraintsWhile some critical areas constraints,

such as septic suitability, may be of littleconcern for solar development, otherscould pose serious concerns. For example,floodprone areas, not just 100-yearfloodplains, present obvious problems,such as interruption of electric service,damage from flood debris and lack ofaccess during floods.

Since solar farms remove all naturalvegetation, they are unsuitable for riparianzones where filtration of surface run-off,discharge of groundwater, wildlife interac-tion between aquatic and terrestrial

Installingground-mounted solararrays candisturb soils,fragmenthabitat andincreasestormwaterrunoff.


environments, stream shading and a hostof other chemical and biological functionstake place.

The ERI should contain a soil sectionthat can be used to address a wide range ofconcerns such as soils with high seasonalwater tables that may pose severe con-straints for seasonal access, and structuralstability. Some facilities use steel supportsthat are driven nearly 20 feet into the soil.These projects also typically involveextensive trenching or “running sand”that can be problematic in wet conditions.

Erosion potential is also a concern dueto the extensive land clearing and gradinginvolved. Upland forests and trees areespecially precious natural features inmany South Jersey farming regions, andthey are of key importance to the hydro-logic functioning of their watersheds.

Since forests sequester carbon dioxide,clear-cutting of forests to establish “greenenergy” is also not logically sustainable.Impacts on wildlife habitat come primarilyfrom land clearing, coverage with struc-tures, and fencing. Areas of high sensitiv-ity, such as Natural Heritage Priority Sites,all threatened and endangered specieshabitat and critical grassland habitat alsopose serious constraints.

Agricultural preservationLarge solar farms may compete directly

with agriculture for land resources.Examination of the master plan coupledwith the ERI will reveal the community’scommitment to agricultural preservationand the location of the best soils.

Competing usesMany communities have planned and

zoned for center based development andredevelopment areas. Because land is ascarce commodity in these zones, largeground mounted solar facilities should beprecluded, but roof mounted facilitiesshould be specifically encouraged.

Where should solar facilities go?There are several land use categories that

can support large scale solar facilitiesunder most circumstances without creating

serious conflicts. These could includerooftops, existing impervious areas,brownfields, and sand and gravel pits.Rooftops, in particular, have the advantageof being near electrical demand, reducingthe need for transmission lines andsubstations. A local ordinance mightprioritize these areas for use.

ConclusionMunicipal environmental commissions

can play an important role in interpretingthe ERI and advising the planning boardand governing body on the developmentof master plan changes and new ordinanceprovisions for solar siting. Such anordinance should also encourage solardevelopment in the most appropriatelocations.

Manage waterimpacts of solardevelopment

By Abigail Fair,ANJEC Water Resources Director

Ground-mounted arrays of solar panelson undeveloped land create impervioussurfaces. Rain runoff flowing off the edgesof the panels strikes the ground surface ina concentrated way that inhibits infiltra-tion and could lead to erosion over time,carrying sediment and polluting nearbywaterways. Resulting erosion could alsoundermine the stability of the panels.On-site stormwater management for solarinstallations could be critical to protectthe installation itself and to protectneighboring properties from flooding anddamage.

Keep solar development out ofwetlands

ANJEC has suggested to the NJDEP thatdevelopers should be restricted fromlocating solar panels in wetlands. Even ifsupported by single posts, the installationof solar panels into wetland soils wouldpermanently damage wetland functions.


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Use of heavy equipment during installa-tion, maintenance and replacement wouldfurther damage and disrupt the functionsthat wetlands serve.

Potential impacts of solar installationsin wetland environments could include:● Virtual loss of the vital carbon seques-

tration function due to lack of orimpaired access to sunlight;

● Permanent compaction of hydric soils;● Loss of light needed for particular

vegetative communities and naturalsuccession;

● Invasion of alien weeds due to soildisruption and reduced vitality andcompetitive ability of light-lovingnative wetland species;

● Disruption to and loss of animal speciesusing the wetland habitat;

● Disruption to the hydrology of thewetland complex, due to severe slowingof evapotranspiration;

● Reduced ability to absorb nutrients andfilter pollutants due to lack of vegetativebiomass;

● Increases in erosion and downstreamsedimentation due to the loss of peren-nial root sytems and conversion tomostly annual, alien weeds.Solar arrays can have many different

sizes and configurations, and the physicalcharacter of the sites for solar panels canvary widely. Because of the many variables,installation of solar energy projects callsfor site-specific considerations. Stormwatermanagement should always be a consider-ation in siting ground-mounted solararrays, and wetlands should be off limitsfor solar development.

Note: for an expanded version of thesearticles, please contact the ANJEC ResourceCenter at [email protected] or bycalling (973) 539-7547.

www.h2m.com


Please help us supportthose on the front linesDear ANJEC supporter,

As you browse through the pages of this ANJEC Report, I hope it will remind youof the many ways ANJEC helps facilitate environmental action at the local level--and why you have supported us through your donations in the past. In this issue,you’ll see examples of how ANJEC helps by:

● Sharing stories about the outstanding work of environmental commissionsand green teams around the state;

● Advocating for sound public policy that promotes clean, renewable solarand wind energy without sacrificing prime agricultural lands;

● Offering grants to help towns plan for sustainable growth;● Offering up-to-date information on current issues, available resources,

publications and incentives to help towns protect the environment.

You’ll notice we have also included an envelope in this issue, and we hope you’lluse it to help us continue assisting towns throughout the state as they navigatethis challenging period for the environment. In recent months we have allwitnessed the undoing of many hard-won environmental protections at the statelevel, leaving municipalities to take up the slack through sound planning, strongprotective ordinances, vigilant site plan review and compelling public outreach.ANJEC will continue to support those frontline efforts through timely informa-tion, training, resources and support, just as we’ve done for over 40 years.

Every penny makes a difference to ANJECWhile the dues paid by member municipalities continue to be an importantsource of revenue, as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization we depend heavily onindividual donations to make ends meet, especially now. Even though the recenteconomic crisis seems to be easing, nonprofits like us are typically the last torecover. So we are still in great need of your support.

Please help us continue to stand strong with thousands of volunteers in townsacross New Jersey who care about protecting clean air and drinking water,precious natural resources and sustainable communities.

Please be generous!Sincerely,

Sandy Batty

PS – If the envelope has already been removed from this issue, you can stilldonate through our web site at www.anjec.org/Membership.htm or mail it toPO Box 157, Mendham, NJ 07945.


Army�s �No Significant Impact� findingraises questionsBy Kerry Margaret Butch, ANJEC Urban Project Director

Fort Monmouth is scheduled to close ina year and a half and the Department ofthe Army will be transferring the 56-acreproperty, which currently containsnumerous contaminated sites, to thecombined bordering municipalities ofEatontown, Tinton Falls and Oceanport.Public officials, nonprofit environmentalgroups and community members haveexpressed concern that the Army will leavethe municipalities “holding the bag,” andvacate before adequate cleanup has beenperformed.

The military installation has been inoperation since the 1920s and, notuncommon considering its historical use,contains 70 contaminated parcels, manyof which are still undergoing remediationand 27 of which were recently added tothe list. The sites include nine landfills,

over 400 underground storage tanks,aquatic sediments that received dischargefrom four closed sewerage treatment plantsand 22 areas that are being investigatedfor radiation.

At a May 19 meeting at the Tinton FallsMunicipal Complex, the Department ofthe Army presented a Base Realignmentand Closure (BRAC) 05 National Environ-mental Policy Act (NEPA) Overview to theFort Monmouth Economic RevitalizationPlanning Authority. They explained theirrecent Finding of No Significant Impact(FNSI) in their Environmental Assessmentof the tract.

“The Army will clean up the currentcontamination that is on the site prior tothe base closing,” explained ThomasLederle, Industrial Branch Chief for theU.S. Army. “Federal agencies do not walk

away from an installationuntil they determine thetypes of contaminationand work out a plan to dothe cleanup.” Ed Dlugosz, chair of theEatontown EnvironmentalCommission and presidentof New Jersey Friends of

The planned closing of FortMonmouth has raisedconcerns aboutcontaminated sites on the56-acre property.Photo by Kerry Margaret Butch


Clearwater, said he wants the Army toproduce a more thorough EnvironmentalImpact Statement (EIS) instead. “I don’tfeel that the town can afford to go forwardwithout understanding all of the impacts,all of the remedies and the time frames,and the cost that will be involved.”

“Two remaining areas of major concernthat have not been addressed in any of thepreceding Army assessments are healthconcerns of Fort Monmouth workersexposed to the contamination over theyears, and the need for thorough down-stream testing for contaminated sedimentaffecting human and marine life of theShrewsbury watershed,” he said.

Members of both the Authority and thepublic expressed misgivings about theArmy’s Environmental Assessment andadvocated for an EIS, a process that wouldincrease the opportunities for publiccomment.

“An EIS is prepared when it is deter-mined that a proposed action has thepotential to significantly affect natural orhuman environments and resources insome manner,” reported Neil D. Robison,Ph.D, of the BRAC NEPA Support Team forthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Heexplained that because the proposedfuture use of Fort Monmouth is verysimilar to its current use, there would be“no significant impacts” from the baseclosure.

Not all agree with the Army’s findings.In a January joint letter to Congressionalleaders, Clean Ocean Action, MonmouthCounty Friends of Clearwater, New JerseyEnvironmental Federation and FortMonmouth Earth Renaissance PeaceAlliance asked federal legislators to ensurethat the following actions occur in atimely manner prior to property transfer:● Assessment of all impacts that Fort

Monmouth has had on the area andwaterways through an EIS;

● Remediation of the landfills, includingthe possible need for excavation ofcontents based on the results fromgroundwater testing, baseline ecologicalevaluations and surveys for under-ground tanks or drums;

● Full public disclosure of contaminationand infrastructure conditions, deedrestriction requirements, as well asexpected remediation requirementswith specific timeframes.Oceanport Mayor Mahon asked repre-

sentatives of the Army whether they wouldoppose the Authority’s possible request foran EIS. Mr. Robison replied that there mustbe “a reason to drive it.” Mayor Mahonexplained that there would be more of anopportunity to hear from the public and forthe Army to receive additional publiccomment. Several members of the PlanningAuthority expressed concern in relation tothe clean up of the contamination. ChairDr. Robert Lucky responded, “Cleanupversus capping. Are they synonymous? Idon’t think they are.” Oceanport MayorMahon and Tinton Falls Mayor MichaelScudera spoke about the current landfillsbeing adjacent to the waterways and theneed for watershed monitoring. “If weleave waste in place we are responsible tocome back,” responded Lederle.

Army representatives gave assurancesthat the cleanup would be monitored bythe NJDEP. Rosemary Brewer, Chair of theLittle Silver Environmental Commission,spoke about the need for the streamcorridors to be tested and expressedconcern about what may have alreadyleached into the waterways. “We have gotto make sure that the NJDEP forces theArmy to do the testing,” she remarked.Lederle responded by saying “just becauseyou get a mid-level EnvironmentalAssessment doesn’t mean you’ll get amid-level cleanup.”

Other written comments from thepublic, public officials, NJDEP, TheMonmouth County Friends of Clearwaterand the Monmouth County HealthDepartment can be found online athttp://www.monmouth.army.mil/C4ISR/brac/ea/ea.shtml.

http://www.monmouth.army.mil/C4ISR/brac/ea/ea.shtml


Dealing withdifficult people:By Mary Reilly,Cranford Township Environmental Commission

The opportunity in resistance

Speaking at public forums as amember of the environmental commis-sion or local green team is a great oppor-tunity to educate people and win commu-nity support. Sure, you may get moreresistance from such a mixed audiencethan you would from groups of peoplewho already think like you do, but it mayoffer you a chance to reach people youmay not otherwise meet.

Here’s a sample scenario and sugges-tions for dealing with difficultpeople.

Gary�s dilemmaGary left the meeting

frustrated by the way the talkwent at the Chamber ofCommerce. It was especiallyfrustrating because he hadtaken great pains to get allthe scientific details into thepresentation, but it didn’tseem that his work wasappreciated.

He was glad for theopportunity to shed lighton a water problem thetown had been having. Itwas no surprise to see John Cletch enterthe room; it was well known that Johnwanted to extend his parking lot into anarea the town was designating as water-shed for the river.

Gary began his presentation confidentthat his detailed explanation wouldanswer any questions. After about 10minutes, John started to ask questions andhis annoyance became obvious as thequestions got more emotional. “You mean

to tell me that the river is more im-portant than the people who pay taxes inthis town?”

To Gary’s surprise, the more he answeredJohn’s accusations and explained about theimportance of the watershed, the morepeople in the audience took John’s side.Gary knew he was right, and ultimatelyknew the law was on his side, so why did itfeel like him against the audience?

He was glad to get off the topic and ontoanother – the municipalenergy audit – when thesame people who werearguing about the riverbasin drainage started toargue about globalwarming! “Scientists don’t

really know what’s going on,”someone said. They are alwayscontradicting each other.”

Gary was on the defensive andanxious to end his talk. Hehad another presentationto the Rotary Club comingup soon and didn’t want arepeat performance oftoday’s experience. Whatshould he do?

Overview and solutionsHere are some tips that could help Gary

think about his next opportunity differ-ently and be prepared:

Arrive early and set up the presenta-tion. This will allow time to addressunexpected problems and to meet peoplecoming in.

Meet and Greet. Walk around and meetthe people in the audience. In most cases,

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I understandwhy you feelthat way.


this will surprise them because speakersdon’t often do that, and it will also pay offlater when you hit a topic consideredcontroversial.

Do your best to remember people’snames. Although there is nothing magicabout remembering names, there is magicin using them. It’s much harder to beargumentative with someone who callsyou by name.

I was about to give a talk on carbonfootprint one day, and as I was meetingthe people who would be in the group,one man said to me, “If I ask questions,don’t take it personally.” I instantly knewhe was THAT GUY. I immediately re-sponded, “I welcome questions – butthanks for letting me know.” Immediately,I established a person-to-person relation-ship and took the punch out of theargument.

Allow and prepare for dissention.When someone brings up an opposingpoint of view, acknowledge their positionby saying something like, “Other peoplehave said that too;” or, “I can see why youwould say that.” Then immediately followup by repeating why your position is theonly logical conclusion, i.e.: “...but whenyou understand the impact of water runoffon flooding in our town, then ....” Reviewthe possible arguments and have answersready before the presentation.

Preempt the argument. If you knowcertain people will disagree with you,preempt the discussion by offeringinformation to counter his argumentbefore he raises the issue.

Establish ground rules. If you knowpeople are likely to grandstand or inter-rupt, establish ground rules beforespeaking. “I want to ask that this conversa-tion be respectful. I welcome your com-ments, but I ask that people try not tomonopolize the conversation, grandstandor use accusing language.”

Use diagrams, examples and anec-dotes. This helps people learn. Mostpeople have not had the opportunity tolearn about environmental andsustainability issues enough to understandthe impact of their actions, so use a variety

of techniques to make your point.Use the Tai Chi of public speaking.

When someone attacks you directly, do notdefend yourself. Instead ask, “What doeseveryone else think?” If you oppose yourattacker, the conversation becomes youversus him/her and many people will sidewith the attacker. If you do not reactdefensively, they are more likely to come toyour aid. Attackers will:● Use the word “you,” i.e.: “You don’t

understand business in this town.”● Imply that you’re wrong. “That is crazy/

impossible/ etc.”Resisting the impulse to react is far easiersaid than done. If you find yourself on thedefensive, you can get out of it by saying.“OK, you have heard my point and John’spoint. Now I’d like to hear the viewpoint ofothers in the room.”

Meet people where they are, andsuspend judgment. For example, my petpeeve is when I tell people I’m a“sustainability consultant,” most peoplewill agree that sustainability is importantand tell me how they recycle – and then gopick up their daughter from soccer practice(three blocks away) in their mighty SUV. If Igive in to my judgment, I will lose a friend.If I ask them why they recycle and why it’simportant to them and let them talk abouttheir own values, I will have an easier timeof broaching the discussion about theircarbon footprint.

Use humor. Humor breaks up tensionand helps people to relax. But a word ofcaution – avoid sarcasm at all costs.

We have great opportunities to providemuch needed education in our communi-ties. Our approach, preparation, anddelivery of information can make thedifference between winning allies andcreating obstacles. Let’s make the most ofthe opportunity.

Mary Reilly has a background in adultlearning, group dynamics, charrettes, andtraining. She works with groups to help themalign their culture around sustainability tobecome more efficient, decrease costs andimprove community engagement for publicand private sectors. [email protected]


New law freezes zoning at time of applicationBy Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor

In spite of strong opposition fromANJEC, the New Jersey League of Munici-palities, hundreds of local governments,and a number of other environmen-tal organizations, GovernorChristie signed S-82/A-437 intolaw on May 5, nullifying a1995 Supreme Court rulingknown as the Time ofDecision rule governingzoning determinations. Thenew rule effectively locks inthe zoning and ordinances inplace at the time a develop-ment application is filed.

Under the new law, whichwill take effect in one year,the mere filing of an applica-tion with the appropriatebody will make it immunefrom any changes in municipal ordi-nances. This means that even an incom-plete or insufficient application wouldprotect the applicant from any municipallegislative amendments. The applicantwould be exempt from land use planningchanges, such as new ordinances protect-

ing local environmental features likestreams or slopes or requiring energyefficient measures. Filed applications

would also shield developers fromcomplying with progressive land

use changes recommended bymaster plan updates.

As the clock ticks away untilthis new law takes effect,environmental commissions,land use boards, municipalplanners and attorneys shouldimmediately begin to reviewtheir local land use ordinancesto make sure they effectivelyprotect the town from undesir-able development. Mostordinances take more than ayear from introduction untiltime of passage, and extensive

public discussion often precedes the actualintroduction of the ordinance – so there isno time to waste!

Contact the ANJEC Resource Center [email protected] for more informa-tion or samples of protective land useordinances.

By David Peifer, Highlands Project DirectorHighlands TDR Bank begins operation

Amid continuing uncertainties andrumors, the Highlands Transfer of Develop-ment Rights (TDR) process and Conform-ance are moving forward. Lack of firm,reliable information about affordablehousing requirements, Highlands Councilfunding and the new administration’sattitude toward the Highlands Act continue

to make decision making difficult formunicipalities.

The Highlands Act authorized thecreation of a TDR program and the High-lands Development Credit Bank. In a TDRprogram:● Landowners in areas defined for preser-

vation (sending zones) may sell their

B. PRETZ


development rights to owners of landin areas where development iswanted (receiving zones).

● Sending zone owners are compen-sated for not developing butretain all other rightsto their land.

● The land is encum-bered with a conserva-tion restrictionpermanently prevent-ing its future develop-ment.

● Farming may becontinued.

● Receiving zone ownerspay for the right to buildadditional density on their land asauthorized by a local receiving zoneordinance.Ideally these transactions are private,

involving no government money. How-ever, due to the lack of any designatedreceiving zones, the Bank is currentlypurchasing Highlands DevelopmentCredits (HDCs) on a hardship basis. Forhardship guidelines see www.highlands.state.nj.us/njhighlands/hdcbank/.

The Bank was capitalized by an initialinfusion of $10 million. Landowners inthe Preservation Area, but outside of theExisting Community Zone, may apply tothe Bank to sell their development rightsas they existed prior to the Highlands Actand under the rules and regulations inplace at that time. Interested owners cancheck their initial HDC allocation on lineby using the HDC Estimation Tool on theHighlands Council’s website,http://maps.njhighlands.us/hgis/hdc/. This site will

calculate the number range ofavailable credits for yourproperty and link youdirectly with an electronicapplication form.

Legislative update �TDR expansion

On May 5, GovernorChristie signed into lawthe Highlands TDRExpansion Bill(S-80/A602) that amendsthe Highlands Act to allowany municipality state-

wide to establish a receiv-ing zone to accept Highlands

HDCs. The law also removes the require-ment for receiving zone municipalities tohave obtained Plan Endorsement from theState Planning Commission (SPC). Nowthe SPC and the Highlands Council candetermine whether a municipally pro-posed project area is appropriate to serveas a receiving zone. Highlands TDRFeasibility Studies are to be used todemonstrate appropriateness. This actionwas taken to address the lack of designatedreceiving zones in the Highlands and theseven Highlands counties.

For more information go to:www.highlands.state.nj.us

B. PRETZ

B. PRETZ

http://maps.njhighlands.us/hgis/hdc/


By Susan Ellman, NJNG Energy Efficiency Marketing Manager

New Jersey Natural Gaspromotes energy conservation

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) isworking to help customers meet thechallenge of greater energy conservationto save money and help preserve ourenvironment for future generations.While traditional utilities try to sell asmuch natural gas as possible to stay inbusiness, an innovative rate mechanismallows NJNG to encourage and rewardconservation while still providing thesame safe and reliable service our custom-ers expect and deserve.

receive seasonal energy-savings tips,updates on available rebates and specialoffers. See www.njng.com/save-energy-money/ctp/dashboard.asp for more information.

Free green resourcesfrom NJNG for residents

SAVEGREEN Project – In addition torebates from New Jersey’s Clean EnergyProgram on qualifying, high efficiencyfurnaces, boilers and air conditioningsystems, NJNG offers a $900 enhancedrebate. Residents can call and speak with aSAVEGREEN consultant to learn more at(877) 455-NJNG.

Conserve to Preserve Dashboard – Thisfree NJNG online software lets customersanalyze their home’s energy use and takecontrol of their costs. Customers can log in(or register) at “My Account” onwww.njng.com to learn about no- and low-cost energy saving tips for the home andstart using the Conserve to PreserveDashboard. They can also sign up toreceive E-Tips. Registered customers will

Tools for businesses andmunicipalities

Conserve to Preserve Business Online –This powerful, free tool includes an energyresource library, “Ask an Expert” hotline,and a monthly newsletter filled withconservation tips and energy-relatedinformation. To register, commercial andmunicipal customers can visit the “SaveEnergy & Money” section onwww.njng.com and select “Conserve toPreserve.” All you need is your NJNGaccount number when you enroll andclick “Business Online.”

Direct Install is a new offer from NewJersey’s Clean Energy Program, tailored tosmall commercial and governmentbuildings. This program identifies provenmeasures for reducing utility costs byreplacing inefficient equipment withenergy efficient alternatives. The programwill cover up to 80% of the cost of theproject. Contact NJNG at (877) 455-NJNGfor more information on program detailsand eligibility.

Rewarding your communityCommunity Rewards – Schools and

organizations can raise up to $5,000 by

www.njng.com/save-energy-money/ctp/dashboard.asp


spreading awareness of our Conserve toPreserve Dashboard through our Commu-nity Rewards program. Best of all, there’sno inventory, sales or paperwork. To helpspread the word, NJNG’s “Energy Hog” isavailable for free appearances at schools,libraries and organizations to engagestudents in energy conservation and hand

Programs from other energy companies

out educational items. For an older crowd,NJNG offers a free Speakers’ Bureaupresentation that covers topics such asconserving energy at home, safety, energyassistance, the environment and muchmore. Call (732) 938-1035 or [email protected] to book a visit orspeaker for your group.

Elizabethtown GasenergySMART program● Free programmable thermostat and

weatherization kit for customers whocomplete a home energy assessmentthrough the NJ Clean Energy Program

● Extra incentives up to $900 over andabove Clean Energy rebates onenergy efficient furnaces, boilers andwater heaters.More information can be found

online at www.elizabethtowngas.com/energysmart/

PSE&G● Online Home Energy Toolkit provides

home energy calculator, appliancecalculator and other information andresources to help customers saveenergy.

● The PSE&G Residential Whole HouseEfficiency Program is available in 25towns, providing:❍ A free in-home energy audit to

identify areas of your home whereyou are losing energy.

❍ A free in-home air-leakage testingand $1,000 worth of free air sealingto help prevent energy loss.

❍ A free appliance safety test and freeprogrammable thermostat.PSE&G has also expanded its Solar

Loan Program by approximately $143million to finance the installation ofan additional 51 megawatts of solarenergy systems on homes, businessesand municipal buildings throughoutits electric service area. Visitwww.pseg.com/customer/solar/index.jspor call (973) 430-8460.

JCP&L● First Energy, JCP&L’s parent company,

offers a Home Energy Analyzer thatlets customers follow a few easy stepsto gain a better understanding of theirhousehold energy use and identifyways to improve energy efficiency. Seewww.firstenergycorp.com/energyefficiency/home_energy_analyzer.html.

● An online store offering an array ofproducts to save energy, from energyefficient air cleaners and ceiling fansto lighting and programmable thermo-stats. See www.energyfederation.org/firstenergy/default.php.

Don’t Miss Out!If we don’t have your current email address,

you could be missing valuable information from ANJEC.With increasingly tight budgets, and mailing costs on the rise, ANJEC will be depend-ing more and more on email to share late-breaking environmental news, announce-ments about trainings and events, and other developing information of interest tolocal environmentalists. To make sure you’re in the loop, send your current emailaddress to [email protected].

www.elizabethtowngas.com/energysmart/

www.firstenergycorp.com/energyefficiency/home_energy_analyzer.html

www.energyfederation.org/firstenergy/default.php


21st Centurycommunicationfor environmentalcommissions:

By Lindsay McNamara, ANJEC volunteer

The benefits ofsocial networking sites

Social Networking is becoming thelifeblood of any successful organization...itis salient that most of us have a firm graspon the whole social networking scene,”says Chris Cioffi, the lead for SouthPlainfield Environmental Commission’ssocial networking. He hit the nail right onthe head. With the start of a new decade, itis important for environmental commis-sions to plug themselves into the internetage. Below are some social networkingoptions to help spread the word andencourage a greener New Jersey.

TwitterTwitter allows an individual to “follow”

a local environmental commission andsubsequently view and respond to 140character “tweets;” quick bits of stream-lined information, opinions or updatesthat could be read in seconds. Tweets fromcelebrities like Paris Hilton and P. Diddycan also be followed, making this sitepopular for celebrity gossip. Twitter is anup-and-coming social networking site,whose popularity is still on the rise, asopposed to Facebook, a site that is alreadyconnecting all kinds of people, collegestudents and senior citizens alike.

YouTubeYouTube is an easy and free website that

can be used to upload videos onto theinternet. Simply create an account, or use acurrent Gmail account, and upload away.Videos can be quite effective in spreadingthe word because they go beyond simpletext and photographs. YouTube video linkscan be posted on any environmentalcommission website. Anyone can watch aYouTube video, but only account holderscan upload videos. For example, MonroeTownship has used YouTube to feature avideo, created by commision memberJoseph Harvie, that highlights the DeyFarm, a historic farm preserved in the area.The video has had over 2,000 views!Monroe has also successfully used YouTubein the past for other municipal matters.

While the South Plainfield Environ-mental Commission has yet to ventureinto the realm of producing local video,members recently posted the signing ofthe Dismal Swamp Preservation Law.YouTube is another simple and effective wayto reach out to residents in any township,showcase the success of past events, or drawattention to a local environmental policyor issue through video.

“


Facebook“The big advantage is that everyone is

on Facebook – meaning it isn’t just forcollege kids anymore,” said Joseph Harvie.Environmental commissions can takeadvantage of the extreme popularity ofFacebook in today’s society. Commissionscan use Facebook to create a group or fanpage, which other Facebook users cansearch for and join for free. Many commis-sions have alreadyjumped on theFacebook bandwagonbecause of the benefitsthe social networkingsite offers. Usersalready on Facebookcan become membersof an environmentalcommission’s groupor fan page andreceive invitations forlocal cleanups, rallies,and other events.Pictures of theseevents can be up-loaded onto the pageafter the event hasoccurred. Facebook is also a way to putpictures on the web that might take up toomuch bandwidth on township sites.

Some environmental commissions havedecided to use Facebook after planning anew event or trying something new. Forinstance, Roxbury Environmental Com-mission members saw the benefits ofFacebook after starting a communitygarden last year. Tricia Fragale, RoxburyCommission Chair, outlines the site’sadvantages: “We decided that usingsomething like Facebook would not onlyprovide us with a way to stay in touch andpost information and get notices outquickly, it would also enable us to adver-tise, allow people to find us throughsearches, and to network with other ECsand similar organizations. I am hoping itmay also serve as a place for townshipresidents to ask us questions, post sugges-tions and ideas and have discussionsregarding environmental issues occurringhere in Roxbury.”

Jonathan Abrahams, member of theHighland Park Environmental Commis-sion, pointed out that although the toolsthat Facebook provides are valuable,“Keeping the content fresh is always achallenge. It helps when you have commis-sioners or volunteers that have the time todo this.” After all, creating a Facebook pageis only half the battle; in order for the siteto bring success to an environmental

commission, thecontent must beupdated.

The South PlainfieldEnvironmental Com-mission has risen to thechallenge by makingChris Cioffi the lead forCommission socialnetworking. Cioffi’sposition has certainlypaid off; SouthPlainfield’s FacebookFan page has over 130fans! The chairwomanhas noticed thatturnouts for events likethe Spring Cleanup

have been larger since the establishment ofthe Facebook page. Cioffi explained thatFacebook, “gets the message out well; itcovers our event, promotions, and commu-nity concerns. Also, posting ideas on howto make our community and homes moregreen really helps.”

Harvie believes Facebook has beenhelpful in reaching people who might notnecessarily come to meetings. Creating ayouthful image and staying hip by usingFacebook draws in a younger crowd,“which is good because younger people areon the forefront of going green.”

Monroe Twp. YouTube video

ANJEC is on facebook too! Just log onand use the search bar to find theANJEC pages.


New Jersey Water Savers Programhelps communities save water and money

By Katie Barnett, NJ Department of Environmental Protection,Division of Water Supply

To help curtail water waste and extendthe life of New Jersey’s precious watersupply, the Rutgers Cooperative ExtensionWater Resources Program has partneredwith the New Jersey Department ofEnvironmental Protection and the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency todevelop and implement New Jersey WaterSavers, a pilot water conservation programspecific to New Jersey’s needs.

The New Jersey Water Savers program iscurrently working within the communitiesof Belmar, Rahway, East Greenwich, EggHarbor Township and Livingston toimplement a variety of demonstrationprojects that can be replicated statewide.Projects include outdoor demonstrationsites featuring:

● native plant gardens, rain gardens,porous pavers and smart irrigationtechnologies;

● Build-A-Rain Barrel programs in whichparticipants have the opportunity tobuild and take home their own rainbarrel;

● the One Barrel at a Time Co-op, whichfeatured the work of 35 artists fromaround the State painted on rain barrels;

● the Rahway Name Your Rebate program,which helped Rahway residents pur-chase water saving fixtures and appli-ances at a reduced rate;

● Project Wet teacher trainings in whichprofessional environmental educatorsprepared teachers to effectively commu-nicate water education to youth; and

● an in-school lavatoryretrofit project in whichAmerican Standard donated

New Jersey uses nearly a trillion gallons of water per year. Thisequates to 2.6 billion gallons per day statewide on average. To putthat in perspective, that is enough water to cover the entire State ofNew Jersey eight inches deep in water!

Greg Rusciano of RutgersCooperative Extension designedand installed this native plantsrain garden with the help of theLivingston Department of PublicWorks and the LivingstonEnvironmental Commission.The rain garden was recentlytested with the occurrence of a100 year storm and handledthe water perfectly.Photo by Greg Rusciano


toilets, urinals, faucets and sinks toschools in need of plumbing upgrades.All of these projects and more are being

rolled into case studies which will bepromoted through the forthcoming NewJersey Water Savers conservation web page.This web page will also serve as an infor-mational portal for residents to find outabout water supply issues in New Jerseyand how they can help. The web site willalso feature the New Jersey water supplystory video entitled “Water, a Matter ofImportance” and two additional videosthat offer specific tips on how residentscan conserve water both inside and outsideof the home.

New Jersey Water Savers is a truly collabo-rative program engaging State, Federal andlocal governments, along with those in theacademic, industrial and commercialsectors. Our partners include BirdsallCorporation, American Standard, theHome Depot, Brickman Landscaping and

Michele Bakacs and Mike Haberland ofRutgers Cooperative Extension teachNJDEP employees how to build their ownrain barrels. Photo by Joe Brody

is proud to be a memberof Earth Share New Jersey

For more information contact Ann Marchioni, ANJEC�s DevelopmentDirector, and Board Member of ESNJ at (973) 539-7547 today.

New Jersey American Water. For moreinformation about New Jersey Water Savers,a pilot water conservation program specificto New Jersey’s needs, please visitwww.water.rutgers.edu.

Editor�s note:In addition to conserving water, some of

the projects listed in this article aredesigned to keep stormwater runoff fromgetting flushed out to a river or the oceanand instead encourage on-site infiltration.Rain gardens also benefit our water supplyby helping improve water quality throughuptake of pollutants by plants. For moreinformation on rain barrels and raingardens go to www.water.rutgers.edu/Fact_Sheets/Default.htm.

www.water.rutgers.edu/Fact_Sheets/Default.htm


Save the Date!ANJEC’s 37th Annual

Environmental CongressOn the Front Line:

Local environmental action in challenging timesFriday, October 15, 2010

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

Keynote SpeakerRobert Martin, Commissioner,

New Jersey Department of environmental Protection

Plenary SpeakerChristopher J. Daggett, President,

Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and former NJDEP Commissioner

Explore the crucial importance of local environmental action in the face of adifficult and volatile political climate--from strengthening land use planningand ordinances to leadership, activism and innovation

Network with environmental leaders from around the State.Enjoy a day jam-packed with information and resources you can use, including:

Workshops, Exhibitors, Environmental Achievement Awards

ANJEC Annual Meeting and election of board members at 2:00 pm

Check www.anjec.org for more information coming soon

SAVE THE DATES!

�A Reverence for Water�An environmental art exhibition and auction in collaboration with the

Printmaking Council of New Jersey

October 23 - December 5Printmaking Council of New Jersey Gallery

440 River Road, Branchburg

ANJEC and the Printmaking Council of New Jersey (PCNJ) are collaborating tomount a juried exhibition and live auction of printed environmental art. Theexhibition will open with a reception on October 23 and will conclude with anauction to benefit ANJEC on December 5, both in the Printmaking Council gallery.Candace McKee Ashmun, New Jersey environmental pioneer and former ANJECExecutive Director, will serve as guest juror for this exhibition on the theme “AReverence for Water.”

ATTENTION ARTISTS!Submissions are due by September 17. See Call for Entries at www.anjec.org.

For more information about this unique event,please email us ([email protected]) or call (973) 539-7547.


f you are an ANJEC member and wehave an email address on file for you, youhave already received our new “paperless”version of the ANJEC Report. Many of ourreaders have suggested we publish elec-tronically to reduce the magazine’s carbonfootprint by eliminating some of the paper,printing chemicals and transportationinvolved with producing our magazine.

Choose your format!If you would prefer to receive your

ANJEC Report electronically in the future,please let us know. Benefits include:● Earlier delivery (one to three weeks

ahead of the mailed version);● Full color cover;● Easy, one-click links to articles and

references;● Easily downloaded onto your electronic

reading device.

ANJEC Reportgoes paperless!

By Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor

I

B. PRETZ

ANJEC members may receive a freeemail subscription to the ANJEC Report! Toarrange yours just contact us [email protected] or call (973) 539-7547.

ANJEC�s 2010 EnvironmentalAchievement Awards

To be presented at the37th Annual

New Jersey Environmental Congress

Friday, October 15Deadline: Must be postmarked by

September 10, 2010

Mail entries to ANJEC, PO Box 157,Mendham, NJ 07945

For categories, application form and addi-tional details, go to www.anjec.orgor call ANJEC at (973) 539-7547




CIVIL ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS, PLANNERSCIVIL ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS, PLANNERS

PARK DESIGNGREEN ACRES SURVEYSREDEVELOPMENT

P.O. Box 191258 Main Street

Millburn, NJ 07041Ph 973-379-3280Fx 973-379-7993

www.caseyandkeller.com

Casey & Keller, Inc.Casey & Keller, Inc.

Capitol Roofing Co.

Save Energy

ECO-FRIENDLYROOFING PRODUCTS

COOL WHITE ROOFS AND COATINGSSOLAR PANELS

SKYLIGHTS (FIXED AND VENTING)SUN TUNNELS

201-659-3567 or 973-414-0660www.capitolroofingco.com

email: [email protected] STATE LICENSE #13VH00522100

FREE EVALUATIONSCommercial • Residential

• Wetland Delineations• Ecological Impact Assessments

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTSJill Stein Dodds

President

[email protected](908) 234-0870 (908) 996-3214

• Endangered Species Surveys• Wildlife Inventories/Studies• Habitat Mitigation Proposals

• Photography• Expert Testimony

How to getfree publicity

Here’s an easy way to raise commu-nity awareness of the environment andkeep residents informed about whatyour commission is doing.

The ANJEC Resource Center offerssample news articles on a variety of keyenvironmental topics. Just:● choose an article appropriate for the

season,● tailor it for your community by

filling in a few missing words,● add a paragraph about your recent

commission activities, and● send the article to local newspapers.

Topics include tips on energy conser-vation, green home fix-ups, wastereduction, nature-friendly landscaping,stormwater, trees, idling and manymore.

To request a complete set of 18 samplenews articles, contact the ANJECResource Center at (973) 539-7547 or byemail at [email protected].

B. PRETZ

www.caseyandkeller.com

www.MLCVB.com


111 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822908-782-0835 www.banisch.com

Planning...

B A N I S C HA S S O C I A T E S, I N C.

101 Grovers Mill Road, Suite 104, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648Tel: 609.275.0400 • Fax: 609.275.4511 • www.szaferman.com

Representing Public Entities inEnvironmental Matters Since 1986

Janine G. Bauer, [email protected]



that works

AIR • WATER • SOIL • SOLIDWASTE

CONSULTANTS239 US Hwy 22 EastGreen Brook,New Jersey 08812

(732) 968-9600Fax: (732) 968-5279

www.rtpenv.com

Donald F. EliasA. Roger Greenway

DENNIS W. HUDACSKOZoning & Planning Consulting

Community Character & Scenic Protection

135-2 Cowperthwaite Road (908) 781-5610Bedminster, NJ 07921 [email protected]

http://mysite.verizon.net/hudxo2/

www.njecologicalsolutions.com

mailto: [email protected]


www.njcleanenergy.com



PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING

● Hydrology & Hydraulic Studies● Site Plans & Subdivisions● Expert Testimony

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

● Environmental Impact Statements● Wetland Studies● Flood Plain Studies● Natural Resource Inventories● Site Evaluation Studies● Permits● Phase 1 Audits● Expert Testimony

PROFESSIONAL LAND USE PLANNING

● Community Master Plans● Zoning and Land

Development Ordinances● Environmental Ordinances● Expert Testimony● Environmental Land Use Mapping

John A. Thonet, PE, PP, President14 Upper Kingtown Road

Pittstown, NJ 08867908.238.0473 ● Fax: 908.238.9164

www.thonetassociates.com

Environmental Impacts • Resource InventoriesGrants • Wetlands

Environmental ConsultantsThomas D’Angelo

17 Indian TerraceLafayette, NJ 07848

973-875-8585Fax: 973-875-8080



www.amygreene.com

www.exploreELM.com

www.hatchmott.com


www.bartlett.com


James F. Cosgrove, Jr., PrincipalResearch Park, 321 Wall Street, Princeton, NJ 08540-1515

Tel: (609) 924-8821x11 Fax: (609) [email protected]

Watershed Assessment & RestorationEnvironmental & Biological Assessments

Environmental Modeling StudiesStormwater ManagementWastewater Engineering

Thanks to ANJECCorporate Gold Member

PSE&G Service Corporation



RRRRROGEROGEROGEROGEROGER D. M D. M D. M D. M D. MELLICKELLICKELLICKELLICKELLICK

TEL 800-448-1862 908-236-6335 FAX [email protected]

Lebanon, New Jersey 08833 Modesto, California 95354

AndANJEC Corporate Donor

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

www.princetonhydro.com

www.eci-nj.com




Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DWest Caldwell, NJ

Permit No. 195

ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEYENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONS

P.O. Box 157Mendham, NJ 07945

ANJEC depends on your support � see envelope inside!

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