ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting October 4, 2023, at 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro

Pledge to Flag

2. Sunshine Law- Read into the record

3. Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)

_√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _x_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)

_√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling

_x_ Ken Konya, _√_ Joe Slomian

_×_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison),

_×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)

_√_ Mihir Majmundar,

_×_ John Riggs

_×_ Surabhi Agarwal

_√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes–: September 6, 2023, minutes will be approved at November meeting. Approval of October 4, 2023, minutes.

Applicant A. Lacina Homes at Applegate, LLC.

Bulk Variance

Located at Oakwood Terrace

Block 71, Lot 19.01

Speaker: Steven Hambro, Esq.

The commission had the following concerns:

· The MTEC understands that this lot is currently undeveloped and is bordered on the southwestern side of the property by Barclay’s Brook. The proposed lot improvement will be to build a single-family dwelling and in order to do so, a variance from the front yard set-back along State Street has been requested. The following comments on the proposed bulk variance are provided.

· The Brook name referenced on the site plan provided dated July 19, 2021, is Wigwam Brook in the General Notes section and labeled Barclay’s Brook on the site plan. The correct Brook name needs to be consistent.

· All proposed street / shade trees should be reviewed and approved by the Township arborist.

· A Freshwater Wetlands Letter of Interpretation (LOI) from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Land Use Regulation Program is required.

· Any plantings to buffer the property with neighboring properties or the roadways should contain as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / trees as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality; and

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Applicant B:

Primera Real Estate Holdings, LLC

Minor Site Plan

259 Prospect Plains Road

Block 56, Lot 9.4

Speaker: Steven Hambro, Esq.

The commission had the following concerns:

· The MTEC understands that the applicant seeks minor site plan approval from the MT Planning Board to convert an existing free-standing warehouse to a satellite laboratory. The following comments on the proposed bulk variance are provided:

· Plantings to buffer the property with neighboring properties should contain as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / trees as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality.

· All proposed plantings should be reviewed and approved by the Township arborist.

· All hazardous waste generated due to laboratory activities is to be properly stored inside the building and disposed of in accordance with Federal, State, County, and Local rules, and regulations.

· The MTEC recommends that all outdoor lighting be LED, dark sky, and motion sensitive, to eliminate as much light pollution as possible during the evening hours.

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

4. Committee Reports:

a. High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-Nothing to report.

b. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

c. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian- Nothing to report.

d. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.

e. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

f. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider – January to May 2024 will start our Library programing.

g. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-Sustainable New Jersey annual awards luncheon will be November 14, 2023. We will start discussing the actions for Sustainable Jersey recertification during our Wednesday Green fair meetings.

h. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar- Green fair was a success. We will discuss more in detail at the next Green Fair meeting.

i. Planning Board – Nothing to report.

5. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

6. Open to Public –Clair Paul the Watershed Ambassador attended our meeting. She discussed the National Service Program and increasing awareness of water usage.

7. Adjournment 8:03 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Roger Dreyling Second

8. NEXT MEETING DATE: January 3, 2024

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting September 6, at 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro

Pledge to Flag

2. Sunshine Law- Read into the record.

3. Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)

_√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _×_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)

_√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling

_√_ Ken Konya, _×_ Joe Slomian

_√_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison),

_×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)

_√_ Mihir Majmundar,

_×_ John Riggs

_√_ Surabhi Agarwal

_√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes–: A Motion to approve August 2, 2023, minutes made by Renee Haider and seconded by Roger Dreyling. All in favor.

Applicant A. Monroe New Jersey, (The Property)

Minor Subdivision Bulk Variance

Block 58, Lot 17.03

Spring Point at Monroe Village Inc, (Applicant and Owner)

Speaker: Peter Klouser, Attorney Heilbrunn Pape

The commission had the following concerns:

· The Commission understands that there will be no change in property use and no construction will be taking place. The purpose for this minor subdivision is to create lot 17.04 strictly for financial reasons.

· The Commission has no comments on this application.

Applicant B. Use Variance, Minor three lot subdivision and site plan.

Block 123 Lots 11-14

Block 68 Lot 41.29

45 Lower Matchoponix

Speaker: Lucille DiPasquale, Michael DiPasquale (owner)

Van Cleef Engineering

The commission had the following concerns: Block 68 Lot 41.29

· The Commission understands that Block 68, Lot 41.29 is a vacant parcel of land that is being subdivided into three residential building lots, upon which three single family dwellings will be constructed.

· Wetlands are present at the very southern end of each lot. A 50-foot buffer line is shown on the site plan entitled “Site, Grading, Utility, Landscaping, & Soil Erosion Plan” by Van Cleef Engineering dated May 15, 2023. The plan shows that the limit of disturbance does not encroach on the 50-foot wetland buffer. The Commission recommends the buffer area be provided as a recordable conservation easement to the Township of Monroe.

· The Commission recommends that all drainage from the dwellings and other improvements to the properties be directed toward Lower Matchaponix Avenue.

· The Commission understands that the vacant land was at one time farmed. No historic pesticide sampling results were provided. Historic pesticide sampling should be conducted, and the results should be submitted to the Commission for review.

· The location and species of street trees should be reviewed and approved by the township arborist.

· Any plantings to buffer the properties should contain as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / trees as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality; and

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board in all future application submittals.

a. The commission had the following concerns: Block 123 Lots 11-14

· The Commission understands that the four lots will be merged to create two residential lots. One lot will be 100 x 100 feet and the other lot will be 100 x 130 feet. Two single family homes will be built and there are no wetlands on any of the properties.

· The Commission recommends that sidewalk and curbing be constructed as part of the development plans.

· All trees being removed / planted should be reviewed by the Township arborist.

· Any plantings to buffer the properties should contain as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / trees as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality; and

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Committee Reports:

a. High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-

BACK TO SCHOOL GREEN FAIR

● Returning members from EAC were asked to create an environmental exhibit or reuse their EcoNight presentations for this event. Anticipated amount of 5-10 exhibits. BEGINNING OF YEAR CLUB GOALS

● Retaining 80-100 members during club rush/after first meeting.

● Late October/early November - host an environmental field trip with the Middlesex County Conservation Corps. ● Multiple snack sales to raise money for EcoNight (panel, food trucks, supplies, etc.) MTHS GREEN TEAM

● Wrap up 2022 refillable water stations grant by installing plaques recognizing the club and grant sponsors.

● Beginning stages of the 2023 $2k grant to refurbish the greenhouse in the back of the school - take inventory of flowers, plants, & other items to be purchased.

● Continue preparation for new subcommittees to implement new action plans & initiatives. FALL ACTIVITIES

● Interested club members will participate in the Semi-Annual Clean Ocean Action Beach Cleanup on October 21st at Asbury Park.

● EAC will have a booth for Haunted High School with environmentally themed games and candy for the kids.

● Members will brainstorm an environmental theme and use recycled materials to decorate a hallway for MTHS Spirit Week Hall Decorating

b. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

c. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian-Nothing to report.

d. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.

e. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

f. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider – Nothing to report.

g. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-nothing to report.

h. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar- Meetings are being held every Wednesday to discuss what is still needed for the green fair. Still Receiving exhibitor applications and working on booklets.

4. Planning Board – Nothing to report.

5. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

6. Open to Public –Comments- Erin Medlicott from Rossmoor attended the meeting. She is interested in volunteering and being a part of the commission.

7. Adjournment 8:32 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Mihir Majmundar Second

8. NEXT MEETING DATE: October 4, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting August 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro

Pledge to Flag

2. Sunshine Law- Read into the record

3. Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)

_√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _√_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)

_√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling

_×_ Ken Konya, _√_ Joe Slomian

_√_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison),

_×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)

_√_ Mihir Majmundar,

_×_ John Riggs

_×_ Surabhi Agarwal

_√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes–: A Motion to approve the June 6, 2023, minutes made by Mihir Majmundar and seconded by Roger Dreyling. All in favor.

Applicant A. No Applicants.

4. Committee Reports:

High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-

ECONIGHT RECAP

● The 4th Annual EcoNight Event took place at MTHS on April 18th. Overall, the actionable

conversation panel, trivia, refreshments, environmental exhibits, and games were a

success and this was a great turn out!

● Actionable Conversation Panelists’ Contact Information:

· Ashlyn Spector (Environmental Analysis Communication Group and New Jersey

· Climate Change Resource Center) - http://eac.rutgers.edu/spector/

· Kathleen Parrish (Program Coordinator, Office of Climate Action & Megalopolitan

· Coastal Transformation Hub at Rutgers) - kparrish@oq.rutgers.edu

· Christopher Sikroski (District Recycling Coordinator for Office of Health Services,

Division of Solid Waste) - chris.sikroski@co.middlesex.nj.us

○ Brynn Mosello (Sustainability and Communications Director at Mazda Recycling) -

bmosello@mazzarecycling.com

MAY

MTHS GREEN TEAM

● 2023 Sustainable Jersey Grant - The MTHS Grant Team won the $2k grant to refurbish the

greenhouse in the back of the school. The project will also include educating club

members on various plants, flowers, and other greenery in coordination with the special

education students.

● Refillable Water Stations - EAC will purchase interchangeable signs that will be installed

next to each water station that will recognize the club, the grant sponsors, and include an

environmental fact or quote of inspiration that the club could change each month.

JUNE & JULY

● New GT & EBoard Members - These leadership positions will get a head start on next

school year and get our school on track for certification.

● June BOE Meeting - The MTHS Grant Team was recognized at the June BOE meeting for the School Greenhouse $2k grant.

a. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

b. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian- Working with Helmetta NJ and Spotswood NJ to clean up Devoe Lake, Daniel Road, and Old Forge Road by the Creek.

c. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.

d. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

e. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider –

f. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-

g. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar-

Green Fair Flyers are finalized and now can be added to the Monroe Township website. Senior Communities will publish the flyers on their TV Channels.

We are still receiving Exhibitor applications and checks.

5. Planning Board – Nothing to report

6. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

7. Open to Public –On August 1, 2023, Roger Dreyling attended an on-line presentation, hosted by ANJEC, concerning the new Inland Flood Protection Rule. This rule was signed by the Governor and then became law upon being published in the New Jersey Register in mid-July. It updates New Jersey’s rules/requirements concerning freshwater wetlands, precipitation, and flooding (a new rule concerning salt water flooding is coming in 2024). Until now New Jersey’s rules and regulations concerning freshwater wetlands and flooding have been based on past data, primarily from the 1990s. The new Inland Flood Protection Rule regulations are designed to deal with climate changes, current and anticipated future conditions. The new Rule increases the first-floor elevation from two to four feet above the freshwater flood elevation level and, I believe, increased the holding capacity of retention basins. Municipalities have one year to modify their regulations to comply with the requirements in the new Flood Protection Rule. Flood insurance was also discussed during the presentation. Premiums will be lower for structures built with a four-foot 1st floor elevation. People who do not live in a flood hazard zone can purchase flood insurance, at a reduced cost.

8. Adjournment 8:33 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Roger Dreyling Second.

9. NEXT MEETING DATE: September 6, 2023.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting June 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro

Pledge to Flag

2. Sunshine Law- Read into the record

3. Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)

_√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _√_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)

_√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling

_×_ Ken Konya, _×_ Joe Slomian

_×_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison),

_×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)

_×_ Mihir Majmundar,

_×_ John Riggs

_√_ Surabhi Agarwal

_√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes–: A Motion to approve the May 3, 2023, minutes made by Karen Polidoro and seconded by Renee Haider All in favor.

Applicant A. Preliminary and Final Site Plan Application

Monroe Logistics Center II

Block 82 Lots 2.02, 4.01, 4.02

Block 85.15 Lots 19-42

A Portion of Block 19 Lots 2, 3.01, 3.02

Speaker: Kristen Roslund, P.E

Alan Arico, LSRP Senior Project Manager

Langan Engineering

The commission had the following concerns:

· Please provide a copy of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) prepared for this development that was referenced in the EIS, including a summary of all environmental conditions (RECs, CRECs, and HRECs) discussed in the Phase I ESA and a summary of any follow up media sampling conducted at these RECs. The MTEC will review the Phase I ESA and provide additional comments.

· Based on a review of historical aerial photographs and our discussion during the meeting, we understand that the property has been used as a tree farm. Due to the historical farming on the property, the MTEC recommends that historic pesticide sampling be conducted in accordance with the most recent version of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Historically Applied Pesticide Technical Guidance document. The testing should include the portion of the property proposed for development, not just the area farmed. The sampling methodology and results should be submitted to the MTEC and Zoning Board for review.

· We understand that there are Deed restricted areas on the property (Block 82, lot 4.02 and the northeast corner of Block 82.15) which are areas that will remain undeveloped. The MTEC is recommending that the Deed restriction include

both the 150-foot buffer established when the first warehouse was approved plus a new buffer comprised of all of the land south of a new line running from the northwest end of the existing 150-foot buffer to the northeast corner of the land being retained by Regina Peters-Bryant. The MTEC recommends that the applicant transfer ownership of the buffer area via a deed to either Monroe Township or Middlesex County, so that it can be used by the public as an adjunct to the County owned Jamesburg – Helmetta Park or the buffer area be provided as a recordable conservation easement to the Township of Monroe; • The MTEC is recommending that the landscaping be maintained and dead or dying tress / landscaping bushes, shrubs, etc. be replaced by the property owner as needed to maintain a vibrant visual buffer between the roadway and the warehouse building;

· The MTEC recommends that an 8-foot-high board on board fence be provided on top of the berm, be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Also, the property owner needs to acknowledge its responsibility for any and all necessary future maintenance of the fence.

· The MTEC recommends that all outdoor lighting be LED, dark sky, and motion sensitive, to eliminate as much light pollution as possible during the evening hours.

· The MTEC recommends that landscaping to act as buffers between neighboring properties and roadways include as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / evergreen trees (except for white pine) as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These plants, bushes, and trees also act to improve local air and water quality.

· The Monroe Township Environmental Resources Inventory (MT ERI) was last updated in 2020 and can be found on the Monroe Township website under the Planning / Zoning Board or the Environmental Commission webpages. Figure 22 (NJDEP Landscape Project) in the MT ERI indicates that there is a potential vernal habitat area on or very close to the planned development. Figure 23 (Natural Heritage Plant Grid) indicates a hashed area on the planned development property which is a potential area of selected rare species of plants as defined in the MT ERI and on Figure 23. Figure 24 of the MT ERI is a map showing Environmentally Critical Areas. The planned development location is within a Rank 3 Habitat and mapped as Core Forest. The MT ERI maps and planned development drawings should be superimposed for comparison and an updated EIS should be prepared discussing the results and any modifications to the development that may be necessary to protect the mapped habitat areas.

· Sound barriers have been designed as part of the development. The MTEC recommends that an acoustic study be conducted once the building is partially and fully operational to ensure that it is operating as designed and not impacting nearby residents.

· Please consider incorporating as many of the attached eco-friendly design options as possible; and

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the MTEC prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

4. Committee Reports:

a. High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-

EcoNight Recap for April

· The 4th Annual Econight event took place at the Monroe Township High School on April 18, 2023. Overall, the actionable conversation panel, trivia, refreshments, environmental exhibits, and games were a success, and this was a great turn out.

· Actionable Panelist contact information:

o Ashlyn Spector (Environmental Analysis Communication Group and New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center) http://eac.rutgers.edu/spector/

o Kathleen Parrish (Program Coordinator, Office of Climate Action & Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub at Rutgers) kparrish@og.rutgers.edu

o Christopher Sikroski (District Recylcing Coordinator for office of Health Services, Division of Solid Waste) chirs.sikroski@co.middlesex.nj.us

· Brynn Mosello (Sustainability and Communications Director at Mazza Recycling bmosello@mazzarecycling.com

· Monroe Township Green Team

· 2023 sustainable Jersey Grant- The Monroe Township High school Grant Team won the $2k grant to refurbish the greenhouse in the back of the school. The project will also include educating club members on various plants, flowers, and other greenery in coordination with the special education students.

· Refillable Water Stations – EAC will purchase interchangeable signs that will be installed next to each water station that will recognize the club, the grant sponsors, and include an environmental fact or quote of inspiration that the club could change each month.

· New GT & EBoard Members- These leadership positions will get a head start for the next school year and get our school on track for certification.

· June BOE Meeting- The Monroe Township High School Green Team will be recognized at this month’s BOE meeting for the $2K grant.

b. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

c. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian- Nothing to report.

d. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.

e. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

f. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider – Nothing to report.

g. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-Nothing to report.

h. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar-

5. Planning Board – Nothing to report

6. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

7. Open to Public –Comments- Nothing to report.

8. Adjournment 8:27 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Karen Polidoro Seconded.

9. NEXT MEETING DATE: August 2, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting April 5 at 7:00 PM                      

1.       CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro

Pledge to Flag

2.       Sunshine Law- Read into the record

3.       Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)            

                   _√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _×_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)

                   _√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling

                   _√_ Ken Konya, _√_ Joe Slomian

                                   _√_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison),

                                     _×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)

                                   _√_ Mihir Majmundar,

                                   _√_ John Riggs

                                    _√_ Surabhi Agarwal

                                   _√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes–: A Motion to approve the March 1, 2023, minutes made by Renee Haider and seconded by John Riggs. All in favor.               

Applicant A.    Bulk Variance, Owner Patrick Mahon

                           Block 21.17, Lots 1

           Speaker:       Attorney Jared Pape, Heilbrunn Pape

The commission had the following concerns:

• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission Finds both the letter from the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission and the permit from the Middlesex County, Office of Environmental Health to construct an individual sewage disposal system on the property acceptable.
• We understand the property has overgrown Christmas Trees that will be removed and replanted, if possible. The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that landscaping to act as buffers between neighboring properties and roadways include as many New Jersey native flowering plants /bushes/evergreen trees (except for white pine) as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also help to improve local air and water quality.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that all outdoor lighting be LED, dark sky, and motion sensitive, to eliminate as much light pollution as possible during the evening hours.

We understand that at least lot 1 was used to farm and grow Christmas trees. Due to the historical farming on the property and change in use to residential, the MTEC recommends that historic pesticide sampling be conducted in accordance with the most recent version of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Historically Applied Pesticide Technical Guidance document. The sampling methodology and results should be submitted to the MTEC and Zoning Board for review.

• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the MTEC prior to seeking Zoning and/or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Applicant B. Esposito Construction

                       Preliminary Final Site Plan

                       Block 31 Lot 1

Speaker:       John Vincenti

The commission had the following concerns:  

• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission understands that this property is rural residential-farmland preservation zone, with a portion of the northern corner of the property located in a flood hazard/conservation district determined by FEMA as an area of minimal flood hazard. The property contains three buildings (residence, a roughly 8,000sq.ft. metal warehouse unoccupied. The residence was serviced by a water supply well and septic system. The site plans provided by the applicant note that a second supply well is present near the metal building and that a septic system is present between the metal building and a former storage building located further north. The plans indicate that this fourth building on site was being removed at the time the property survey was being completed.
• The Monroe township Environmental Commission understands that the applicant plans to store and perform maintenance on company – owned trucks and vehicles on the property. No third-party vehicle maintenance will be conducted.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that the areas to the north and west of the currently developed portion of the subject property remain underdeveloped so that the wetland and vernal pool ecosystems remain intact habitat for wildlife. It appears from review of the plans provided and from aerial photos, that the neighbor to the west appears to be encroaching on the applicant’s property. This reduces the amount of land the applicant states will remain in its natural state as open space and habitat for wildlife.   It also creates a potential liability for the applicant if someone is injured due to activity on the applicant’s property.
• As Stated during the Monroe Township Environmental Commission meeting, please confirm in writing that a chain link fence will be installed around the perimeter of the developed portion of the property.
• According to the EIS, heavy machinery, trucks, and materials such as piping, accessories, hydrants, pre-cast structures, concrete blocks, geotextiles, and traffic control devices will also be stored on the property. The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that these material items be stored in covered secured locations to prevent rainwater from washing any residual debris on these items into the ground or nearby waterways.
• The Monroe Township recommends the applicant review our Environmental Resources Inventory document (2020) with respect to the property’s location within the potential vernal habitat area and with respect to a portion of the site mapped as Rank 2 in the NJDEP Landscape Project, indicating there is an occurrence of species considered to be of special concern.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that the historic pesticide sampling be conducted in accordance with the most recent version of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Historically Applied Pesticide Technical Guidance document.
• The Monroe Township Environmental commission recommends that landscaping to act as buffers between neighboring properties and roadways include as many New Jersey native flowering plants/bushes/evergreen trees (except for white pine) as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that all outdoor lighting be LED, dark sky, and motion sensitive, to eliminate as much light pollution as possible during the evening hours.

1. The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends the applicant provide a supplemental environmental report that includes the following NJDEP Wetlands LOI and a copy of the wetland’s delineation map.
2. Determine the appropriate North American Industry classification system (NAICS) codes for all prior owners and tenants to determine if the property is subject to regulations pertaining to the Industrial Site Recover Act (ISRA) rules.
3. A discussion of how the applicant’s waste fluids from the site will be stored, handled, disposed.
4. A discussion of how the development of the site will protect the potential vernal habitat and Rank 2 species of special concern.
5. A discussion as to why no site samples were submitted for total metals analysis.
6. Soil and, if necessary, groundwater sampling should be conducted in the following areas of environmental concern.

• Beneath the stained areas identified in one or both of either the metal building and/or 2,000 sq. ft masonry building.
• Heating oil tank associated with the residence.
• Septic system associated with the residence and the metal building.
• The former oil change pit that has been filled in is located in the 2,000 sq. Ft. masonry building.
• Areas on sit that were farmed after reviewing the historic aerials not only in the Phase I/II Report, but also provided on the historicaerials.com website.
• A site plan clearly indicates the test pit locations, along with the appropriate test pit number so that the soil and groundwater analytical results can be associated with each test pit location.
• A discussion of the purpose for the fourth building on sit north of the metal building which was apparently a storage building being removed at the time the site survey was being performed and whether any media sampling is appropriate.
• A site plan showing the AOCs mentioned in the Phase I/II report.
• Potable water sampling results of the well to be used as the water supply on the property and well abandonment report on the property.
• Sampling results should be forwarded to the Monroe Township Environmental Commission.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the MTEC prior to seeking Zoning and /or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

4.       Committee Reports:

a.       High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-

MTHS Green Team

• Completed and submitted the application for the new grant cycle to refurbish and supply the greenhouse at MTHS.

Preschool Collab

• On February 8^th, 13^th, and 16^th in conjunction with the Shade Tree Commission, EAC student volunteers collaborated with the Falcon’s Nest Preschool to educate children about sustainability and the environment.

Econight Prep

• The Econight Event Team finalized the vent timeline and continued planning for the 4^th Annual Econight that will be taking place at MTHS on Tuesday, April 18 @5:30-8PM this spring.
• The event will include an actionable conversation panel, trivia, refreshments, environmental exhibits, games, and more for all those who attend.
• The Actionable Conversation Panel will discuss the environmental social responsibility people had and what kinds of actions they can take to be more sustainable on an independent/community level with regards to waste management, energy, and environmental legislation.

Ashlyn Spector- environmental social responsibility to people hold and what kinds of actions they can take to be more sustainable on   an independent/community level with regards to waste management, energy, and environmental legislation.

Brynn Mosello- Sustainability and Communications Director at Mazda Recycling

Christopher Sikorski- District Recycling Coordinator for Office of Health Services, Division of Solid Waste.

• Members will present their live exhibit about a niche environmental topic of their choice. Topics include fast fashion, light pollution, endangered animals, wind mills & whales, and more.

b.       Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

1. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian- Stream Clean up is scheduled for April 15, 2023, 11:00 AM.
2. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.
3. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.
4. Education Committee Report-   Coordinator Renee Haider – Nothing to report.
5. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider- Registration is now open for NJ Sustainable Summit held on May 5^th, 2023, at Bells Works. Meeting scheduled for April 26, 2023, with Kevin McGowan to discuss 3 actions.

h.       Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar- Library agreed to work on the Book Marks. Still working on Green Tip Books.

5. Planning Board – Nothing to report

6.       Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

7. Open to Public –Comments- Nothing to report.
8. Adjournment 8:47 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Joe Slomian Second
9. NEXT MEETING DATE: May 3, 2023