FEBRUARY 7, 2001

* Indicates Absent Member
** Indicates Excused Absence

Guest: Michael Gross, Middlesex County Health Inspector

1. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
   Blanche Hoffman opened the meeting by introducing Wayne Farmer appointed member and Owen Henry appointed as alternate.
   
   
2. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 10, 2001 MINUTES
   On behalf of Bob Sommers, Cindy Bell noted correction of Earth Day to be held on April 21, 2001. Motion to approve minutes as corrected was moved by Ernest Schmitz, seconded by Blanche Hoffman. All in favor, with one abstention by Susan Knauf.
   
   
3. BILLS OUTSTANDING
   Blanche Hoffman presented ANJEC'S Environmental Commission Training Course-Making a Difference to be held in East Amwell on March 10, 2001. Motion to approve two members to attend not to exceed $60.00 was moved by Susan Knauf, seconded by Ernest Schmitz, all in favor.
   
   
4. GLOBAL LANDFILL UPDATE
   Blanche Hoffman reported that there would be no cap for at least two years. Reference was made to the Golder Associates summary on the December 20th meeting regarding the Global Landfill. In part it was discussed that a lighter cap would be technically more appropriate based on site-specific conditions.
   
   
5. WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AREA 12
   Wayne Farmer attended this meeting and reported that a grassroots effort is needed for success. The Freehold district has an educational watershed model set up to explain the workings of a watershed. Questions on how town ordinances deal with watershed issues were discussed, and how each town is measured against other towns. At some point, information on each other's ordinances will be exchanged. It was discusses that municipal leaders should undertake various aspects of evaluation of streams. Insect population and conduct stream walks. The next Watershed Management meeting will he held on February 8th. Wayne will attend.
   
   
6. EARTH DAY
   Cindy Bell reported Bob Sommers has ordered seedlings and Mickey Gross will arrange for refreshments.
   
   
7. ARBOR DAY
   Cindy Bell reported that Arbe Landscaping would again donate a tree. It was suggested that the tree be planted in front of the Public Works building, and to plan a stand of trees at the site. Cindy will discuss further with Arbe Landscaping. Blanche Hoffman will contact the Township Council and Mayor Cannon on acknowledging Mr. Butler's generosity.
   
   
8. MARGARET'S CREEK - NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
   Blanche Hoffman reported that the Estuary runs from the Hudson River to Sandy Hook. Designation of a research reserve will assure the long-term preservation of a sensitive national area and open space in the township. Susan Knauf questioned why does the township have to sell the property if it is already labeled as open space. Blanche Hoffman stated that the township would have more funds to buy other properties.
   Blanche Hoffman asked the Environmental Commission members to fill out a survey as part of the NJ Comparative risk Project sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the NJDEP to be mailed back by February 12, 2001.

Mickey Gross asked that the tire and recycling project be put on the agenda for the next Environmental Commission meeting.

Discussion followed regarding the amount of recycling facilities along Bordentown Avenue. Susan Knauf state the area is zoned as industrial and that there is no legal reason to dispute the issue.

REVIEW OF PLANNING AND ZONING

95-99Z Manzo-Final Subdivision

After reviewing the plans, it was noted that all sediment control and soil erosion requirements from the State of New Jersey and Township of Old Bridge should be met. This may include, but not limited to, silt control fences and sediment control basins. Seeding and mulching, and all other work required to present soil loss.

101-00P PeopleMover-Child Care Center

Having reviewed the plans, a memo to the Planning Board will be sent with the Commission's comments as follows: there is no title and topographic survey included in plan set. This type of map will show existing topography, vegetation, etc. and will allow the Environmental Commission to better assess this project. The applicants Environmental Report indicated that there are no wetlands on this site. Was this determination made by a certified wetlands specialist? The applicant is proposing a screening row of twenty-five white pines. A mixture of three or four evergreen varieties should be used in the event that disease or insect infestation should occur.

143-00P Matchaponix Estates

The Environmental Commission's comments to the Planning Board are as follows: all wetland areas must be protected with conservation easements. Such easements should be descried in the deed and recorded with the County. The easement lines must be shown on each individual property survey. All future property owners whose lot contains a conservation easement must fill out the Notice of Conservation Easement Form at the time of closing as per the township ordinance. Many of the lots are larger than required under the ordinance. Had a number of these larger lots been closer to the ordinance requirement of 20,000 feet, more of this property, and especially environmentally sensitive areas could have been protected as open space. It is not clear whether the control of the larger open space falls under the homeowners association control, or be dedicated to the township.

10:00 PM - Motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Blanche Hoffman.

Township of Old Bridge
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Main Phone: 732-721-5600