Environmental Commission
The Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission supports the development of a sustainable community. A sustainable community meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future through the effective and efficient use of natural ecosystems and social systems.
Goals:
To maintain a healthy community and populations.
To identify, protect, and preserve open space.
To create and expand awareness of natural systems.
To provide educational information that will increase awareness of issues and concerns.
The Commission has seven (7) members plus two (2) alternates appointed by the Mayor. One of the members shall also be a member of the Planning Board and all members must be township residents. All members serve three (3) year terms.
Chantal Greffer (term exp. 12/31/13)
Roberta Martin (term exp. 12/31/14)
Patricia Osborne (term exp. 12/31/14)
Christopher Adornato (term exp. 12/31/12)
Jeanette Miller (term exp. 12/31/12)
James H. Major (Councilman), Planning Board Rep (term exp. 12/31/2013)
VACANCY (term exp. 12/31/12)
Kathy Whooley, Chairperson (term exp. 10/19/12)
Chuck Berry (alternate, term exp. 11/09/12)
Meeting Schedule
Environmental Commission—Annual Notice
Township of Woodbridge
In accordance with the statute requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, C.10:4-8 (d), listed below are the meeting dates for the Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission. All meetings will be held in the third floor conference room, One Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ, unless publicized to be held at another location.
Meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue until adjournment.
Second Thursday of every month
Third floor of Town Hall in conference room across the Mayors office.
Meeting Dates for 2012:
1/12/12
2/09/12
3/8/12
4/12/12
5/10/12
6/14/12
Off in July
Off in August
9/13/12
10/11/12
11/08/12
12/13/12
Keeping Our Township Green
Many township residents might not be aware of the existence of the township’s tree replacement ordinance. Woodbridge Township’s Municipal Council adopted Ordinance 25-8.5 as a means to regulate all activity concerning public arboriculture. As a homeowner, the ordinance pertains to trees in the public right-of-way.(the land that borders your home dedicated for public use)
On rare occasions the need might arise to remove a streetscape tree. It should be noted that a permit is required before any tree can be removed from the public right-of-way. A tree removal permit can be obtained through the Department of Public Works. Essentially, permits for the removal of trees may be granted under the following circumstances:
-the tree constitutes a visual barrier of a street intersection
-the tree is of a non-conforming species – such as maple or elm
-the tree constitutes a hazard
-the tree prohibits the efficient operation of a solar heating or wind generating system
-the tree roots are blocking the sewer pipes
-insurance denial
For a more detailed version of this ordinance, you may contact the Department of Public Works. Keep in mind any tree that is removed at the homeowner’s request must be replaced by the homeowner and replaced on homeowner’s property with an approved tree species within one year of removal. A fee of $150.00 will be assessed if you choose not to replace the tree. The money collected from the fee will be used to defray the cost of purchasing and planting the replacement tree on public property.
The Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission welcomes input from the public with regard to environmental issues within the Township. You can email your inquiry or concern to Betsy Rudowski, member, WTEC at brudowsk@bellatlantic.net
Ways to Reduce Waste – Composting: Beneficial for Gardens and the Environment
Think composting is difficult, unsightly, or smelly? Quite the opposite. Not only does it create the best food for your garden, it also cuts down on waste sent to the landfill. Want to learn more? Check out these helpful websites:
www.anjec.org
www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/compost.html
www.rce.rutgers.edu
www.compostingcouncil.org
www.epa.gov