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Metuchen Environmental Commission
About the Commission
- Metuchen Environmental Commission
- The Commission was established in 1973. Its seven members, one of whom is also a member of the Planning Board, make recommendations to the Borough Council and Planning Board regarding the preservation and use of parks and other open spaces in the Borough. Since completing its first project, the Environmental Resources Inventory, the Commission has taken on a variety of projects, including support of the Middlesex Greenway, improvements to Tommy's Pond, the creation of Centennial Park and the preservation of the Dismal Swamp.
Members of the Commission
Member (Term Expires)
Tom Rudel (1/2011)
Arline Zatz (1/2011)
Brian Weeks (1/2010)
Mark Herzberg (1/2010)
Patricia Donahue (1/2009)
Steve Toth (1/2009)
Mike Vissichelli, alternate
Ann Sardone, alternate
Will Waldron, Council Liaison
Kathy Busch, Planning Board Liaison
Tom Rudel (1/2011)
Arline Zatz (1/2011)
Brian Weeks (1/2010)
Mark Herzberg (1/2010)
Patricia Donahue (1/2009)
Steve Toth (1/2009)
Mike Vissichelli, alternate
Ann Sardone, alternate
Will Waldron, Council Liaison
Kathy Busch, Planning Board Liaison
Ideas for a Greener Metuchen
Wood Brook Pond
Preservation is sought for this hidden natural area.
October 15, 2008 Minutes
Metuchen Environmental Commission
Minutes of the October 15, 2008 Regular Meeting
— Regular Meeting of the Metuchen Environmental Commission was held on Wednesday October 15, 2008.
— Review and approval of September 17, 2008 Minutes.
— Present were: Mark Herzberg, Chair, Will Waldron, Council Liaison, Patricia Donahue, Ann Sardone, Arline Zatz, Steve Toth, Thomas Rudel and Brian Weeks.
— Absent were: Mike Vissichelli and Kathy Bush (new member).
— Changes in membership: John Leazer, our former Liaison to the Planning Board, is now no longer a member of the Environmental Commission but has been appointed a full member of the Planning Board. The Mayor has appointed Kathy Bush as a new member of the Environmental Commission and Planning Board liaison.
— Correspondence: DEP Bulletins (9/17 & 10/1): Nothing pertaining to Metuchen.
Correspondence from the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission regarding its plan to restore water flow through ditches and channels in the Dismal Swamp. Referred to Steve Toth for followup, especially about potential adverse effects upon wildlife.
Correspondence from Edison Township with its proposed tree ordinance.
A member of the Edison Township Council reached out to the Metuchen Council about Edison’s plan to reconstitute its Environmental Commission. Discussion followed of how we can assist. Pat and Ann volunteered to reach out to the Edison Council and attend a preliminary meeting. We can follow with further joint meetings, offers of organizational ideas and perhaps joint projects.
Old Business
Thomas Pond: Report that Mike is considering launching in the spring the proposed algae mitigation project using bales of barley straw.
Planning Board: No report.
Dismal Swamp: Discussion of continued litter problem adjacent to trucking company warehouse at Liberty Street entrance to the Swamp. Borough Council Members and the Mayor reportedly are considering appropriate enforcement measures.
Edison Wetlands Association proposed a fundraising event, perhaps a softball game, for the spring. They would use the funds to open a trail network starting in the Edison portion of the Swamp. Perhaps Metuchen could do so as well.
Dog Park: Pat reported that Edison Township now owns the former CIC Superfund site. Mark and Brian reported that, according to the press, Edison plans to open a dog park on it.
Tree Farm: Pat discussed with Fred Hall of DPW. Discussion followed of the labor-intensive maintenance needed to water, weed, replace dead seedlings and remove litter. Further discussion was tabled, no decision having been reached.
Edgar School Trees: Pat reported that Ms. Glutz, principal of Edgar School, had asked the custodian to water the trees in the bus turning circle behind the school.
Discussion followed of possibly planting more trees in the large area of the parking lot where all the trees died and have been cut down.
Recycling: Discussion of possible enforcement measures by the Borough. Concern expressed that the new automated trash container removal trucks do not detect the disposal of recyclables with trash. The Borough’s recycling tonnage figures have fallen over the past few years. Restoration of the 1990s recycling rates could save the Borough over $300,000 in disposal fees.
Country Fair: Discussion of the Environmental Commission presentation at our booth during the Oct. 4 Country Fair.
The Environmental Commission presented four issues at the Fair, prepared by: Mike, on Thomas Pond; Pat, on recycling; Brian, on the Edgar School trees; and Tom, on Woodbrook Pond. All were well received by the public.
Consensus that we should request a booth area near the other environmentally oriented groups, and consideration of measures to attract members of the public who are not yet interested in environmental issues.
Global Warming: Discussion of the bike rack proposed for adjacent to the bench on the New Street side of Metuchen Savings Bank. Tom has reached out to the Bank, but has not yet received their consent to install the rack at that location.
Open Space: No report.
Greenway: No report.
New Business: The Borough and the Board of Education will each apply to the State for a grant to conduct an energy audit on existing Borough buildings. Grants of up to $100,000 are available. The Borough Administrator Bill Boerth will prepare the Borough’s application, which eh will circulate to the Environmental Commission to review before its submission.
— There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
I welcome comments on this because my notes are a bit sketchy on the fundraiser.
Minutes of the October 15, 2008 Regular Meeting
— Regular Meeting of the Metuchen Environmental Commission was held on Wednesday October 15, 2008.
— Review and approval of September 17, 2008 Minutes.
— Present were: Mark Herzberg, Chair, Will Waldron, Council Liaison, Patricia Donahue, Ann Sardone, Arline Zatz, Steve Toth, Thomas Rudel and Brian Weeks.
— Absent were: Mike Vissichelli and Kathy Bush (new member).
— Changes in membership: John Leazer, our former Liaison to the Planning Board, is now no longer a member of the Environmental Commission but has been appointed a full member of the Planning Board. The Mayor has appointed Kathy Bush as a new member of the Environmental Commission and Planning Board liaison.
— Correspondence: DEP Bulletins (9/17 & 10/1): Nothing pertaining to Metuchen.
Correspondence from the Middlesex County Mosquito Commission regarding its plan to restore water flow through ditches and channels in the Dismal Swamp. Referred to Steve Toth for followup, especially about potential adverse effects upon wildlife.
Correspondence from Edison Township with its proposed tree ordinance.
A member of the Edison Township Council reached out to the Metuchen Council about Edison’s plan to reconstitute its Environmental Commission. Discussion followed of how we can assist. Pat and Ann volunteered to reach out to the Edison Council and attend a preliminary meeting. We can follow with further joint meetings, offers of organizational ideas and perhaps joint projects.
Old Business
Thomas Pond: Report that Mike is considering launching in the spring the proposed algae mitigation project using bales of barley straw.
Planning Board: No report.
Dismal Swamp: Discussion of continued litter problem adjacent to trucking company warehouse at Liberty Street entrance to the Swamp. Borough Council Members and the Mayor reportedly are considering appropriate enforcement measures.
Edison Wetlands Association proposed a fundraising event, perhaps a softball game, for the spring. They would use the funds to open a trail network starting in the Edison portion of the Swamp. Perhaps Metuchen could do so as well.
Dog Park: Pat reported that Edison Township now owns the former CIC Superfund site. Mark and Brian reported that, according to the press, Edison plans to open a dog park on it.
Tree Farm: Pat discussed with Fred Hall of DPW. Discussion followed of the labor-intensive maintenance needed to water, weed, replace dead seedlings and remove litter. Further discussion was tabled, no decision having been reached.
Edgar School Trees: Pat reported that Ms. Glutz, principal of Edgar School, had asked the custodian to water the trees in the bus turning circle behind the school.
Discussion followed of possibly planting more trees in the large area of the parking lot where all the trees died and have been cut down.
Recycling: Discussion of possible enforcement measures by the Borough. Concern expressed that the new automated trash container removal trucks do not detect the disposal of recyclables with trash. The Borough’s recycling tonnage figures have fallen over the past few years. Restoration of the 1990s recycling rates could save the Borough over $300,000 in disposal fees.
Country Fair: Discussion of the Environmental Commission presentation at our booth during the Oct. 4 Country Fair.
The Environmental Commission presented four issues at the Fair, prepared by: Mike, on Thomas Pond; Pat, on recycling; Brian, on the Edgar School trees; and Tom, on Woodbrook Pond. All were well received by the public.
Consensus that we should request a booth area near the other environmentally oriented groups, and consideration of measures to attract members of the public who are not yet interested in environmental issues.
Global Warming: Discussion of the bike rack proposed for adjacent to the bench on the New Street side of Metuchen Savings Bank. Tom has reached out to the Bank, but has not yet received their consent to install the rack at that location.
Open Space: No report.
Greenway: No report.
New Business: The Borough and the Board of Education will each apply to the State for a grant to conduct an energy audit on existing Borough buildings. Grants of up to $100,000 are available. The Borough Administrator Bill Boerth will prepare the Borough’s application, which eh will circulate to the Environmental Commission to review before its submission.
— There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
I welcome comments on this because my notes are a bit sketchy on the fundraiser.
2007 Annual Report
Thomas Park Pond
The Metuchen Environmental Commission returned donations and grant money not used for the construction of a biological water filtration since construction and future maintenance would be cost prohibitive and the anticipated results were not certain. The Commission has chosen to take some small scale measures to try and improve the water quality in Tommy's Pond through the help of low cost biological techniques while at the same time obtaining information on the water quality trends in Tommy's Pond. In winter 2007, a water quality sampling kit was purchased with the help of the Edison Greenways Group and donations from local sponsors. The Metuchen High School Environmental Club has volunteered to take monthly samples to collect baseline water quality data that will be used to measure progress of future projects implemented to try and mitigate water quality at the pond. In 2008, the Environmental Commission intends to distribute flyers to increase public awareness on what can be done to help improve Tommy's Pond. The Metuchen High School Environmental Club will begin to take water quality measurements, and initial biological measures will be implemented to try to minimize algal growth in the pond.
Greenway
We made it a policy to interface more actively with the Edison Greenways groups, in part to monitor the renovations of the existing Greenway and in part to join forces with them in pressing for an extension of the Greenway to the Dismal Swamp in northwestern Metuchen.
New Jersey Water Conservation Project
In December 2008, the Borough submitted an application to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program - Water Resources Program. The application demonstrates Metuchen's uniqueness and why we would be an ideal municipality to obtain assistance in implementing a water conservation project. If selected, Rutgers will work with the residents on ways they can conserve water and will include public outreach to different groups such as business owners, school children, and home owners.
Metuchen High School Indoor Air Quality
The renovation of the Metuchen High School created significant amounts of dust and particulates within the building. This was of concern to the Commission since the school continued to be used by students and staff during the construction. Due to concerns regarding the air quality within the school, especially with respect to levels of dust and particulates, the Metuchen Environmental Commission corresponded with the Board of Education on several occasions. Commission members reviewed reports prepared by Board consultants on an initial investigation of the issue.
Based on the limited information provided, the Commission offered several preliminary recommendations:
1. outreach by the school to determine whether additional students have experienced respiratory complaints;
2. notification to all students and families of the situation and steps taken to improve it;
3. conducting all work and debris movement behind impermeable barriers;
4. obtaining comparison particulate measurements from other schools that have clean indoor air; and
5. using that comparison data as performance criteria to measure the effectiveness of particulate control measures.
The Commission was most concerned regarding the Board’s decision not to follow procedures recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to protect indoor air quality during school renovations. Only one of five Commission recommendations was implemented by the contractor and this was done after the majority of the demolition was complete. The Commission remains concerned that similar construction activities be more closely monitored in the future and that procedures be put in place to ensure that this occurs.
Edgar Pool Parking Lot Trees
The Environmental Commission, with input from the Shade Tree Commission and assistance from the Department of Public Works and Metuchen Cub Scout Pack 15, planted a small island of trees in the Borough parking lot between the Edgar School athletic field and the municipal pool at the Earth Day event on Saturday April 23, 2005. The purpose was to replace some of the many mature shade trees that once shaded the parking lot. As recently as the mid-1990s, almost the entire parking area was at least partially shaded. Unfortunately, automobile parking and driving immediately around the trees caused soil compaction that damaged roots and killed the trees.
The trees are configured in an “island” to maintain an area of loose soil around the base of all the trees and to facilitate watering, weeding, and mulching. The layout reduces any adverse impact upon traffic flow or parking availability. When the trees are mature, they will provide welcome shade to cars parked in the southern area of the lot near the pool. As we reach the third anniversary of this tree planting, all but two of the original trees survive.
Maintenance of the trees has required periodic weeding and mulching, watering during extended hot and dry weather, planting more saplings, and picking up litter during the Earth Day events in 2006 and 2007. Around the time of those Earth Day events, the Department of Public Works delivered and spread wood chip mulch and pulled weeds in the entire area. The Department of Public Works also has assisted by realigning concrete tire stops around the tree island and along the grass edges of the parking lot. The purpose of the tire stops is to deter parking against the trees and on the lawns during the summer. Volunteers, including Environmental Commission members, Cub Scouts from Pack 15 and off-shift teenage pool employees, have kept the trees watered each summer, picked up litter, and pruned the growing trees.
Our next volunteer tree planting event will take place along the northern edge of the parking lot outside the athletic field fence scheduled as an Arbor Day event for Friday, April 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. This event will be sponsored by the Shade Tree Commission and the Environmental Commission, with assistance from the Department of Public Works and Cub Scout Pack 15.
Dismal Swamp
Several attempts were made to utilize local volunteers to monitor conditions at the Dismal Swamp. These efforts met with limited success. As an alternative, an Eagle Scout project to clean up and improve the entrance to the area was approved and completed. The kiosk at the entrance was repaired; much litter and debris removed; and, fresh woodchips were added to the trails. Routine and on going maintenance of the Dismal Swamp area is required. In 2008, the Commission hopes to encourage the Department of Public Works to add Dismal Swamp to its list of locations to visit twice yearly. The Commission will continue to monitor Edison’s efforts to preserve and promote their portion of the swamp with an eye toward future “connections” between the two parcels or with an expanded Greenway.
Dog Park
The Commission monitored attempts made in other surrounding municipalities to establish or maintain off leash dog parks. Some progress has been made in Edison to site such a facility. The former CIC site is one property that has potential to include a dog run. The Commission’s efforts were supported by Edison Wetlands Association.
For the first time, dogs walked in the annual Winter Festival Parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The dogs will return in 2008 to join the Memorial Day and Winter Festival Parades. Information regarding these events will be distributed at the annual rabies clinic in May and will be posted on the website.
Tree Farm
The Environmental Commission investigated the feasibility of planting and maintaining a small number of trees at a tree farm site within the Borough. The purpose was to reduce tree purchase costs, increase the number of trees available for planting, and combat global warming. The initial plan to plant seedlings on Borough owned property was abandoned when the Department of Public Works decided that the pumping station site was unsuitable. Since the Edgar Middle School curriculum includes trees, science teachers were contacted regarding the feasibility of adding a tree farm concept. The idea was well received and further discussed with the administrators of the school. Outstanding issues include identifying an appropriate location, approval by both the Borough and the Board of Education, and maintenance of any site selected. This concept will be revisited when plans for the tree plantings for the parking lot are more firmly established.
Open Space
The Commission conducted some initial research into the ownership, tax payment status, maintenance, and zoning of several open space parcels within the Borough. A potential extension to the Greenway would allow pedestrian access from Metuchen to these high amenity places in the northwestern corner of the town. We will continue to monitor the status of these parcels and intend to invite the Mayor and Council to tour the area.
Global Warming
The Commission began discussing global warming in an attempt to develop an action agenda for the town on this issue. For example, the Commission began discussions regarding the installation of additional bicycle racks in the downtown area. These efforts are likely to become part of the publicity efforts to be undertaken by the Commission.
Planning Board
The Commission’s Liaison with the Planning Board provided periodic updates on projects within the Borough. Of note and discussion were issues associated with locating dry cleaning businesses near daycare providers. Concerns regarding adequate parking, tree planting and lighting regarding upcoming projects were routinely discussed almost always to mutual satisfaction.
Publicity
An article written by a Commission member appeared in the Spring/Summer issue (#12) of the Metuchen Messenger. The article provided tips on how to reduce your water bill. Articles on topics such as recycling, electric bill reduction, and combating global warming are planned for 2008.
Discussions and planning for participation in the Country Fair were begun. This event is sponsored by the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce. The Commission’s booth would provide information on topics of interest as well as promote worthy projects to encourage public support.
The Metuchen Environmental Commission returned donations and grant money not used for the construction of a biological water filtration since construction and future maintenance would be cost prohibitive and the anticipated results were not certain. The Commission has chosen to take some small scale measures to try and improve the water quality in Tommy's Pond through the help of low cost biological techniques while at the same time obtaining information on the water quality trends in Tommy's Pond. In winter 2007, a water quality sampling kit was purchased with the help of the Edison Greenways Group and donations from local sponsors. The Metuchen High School Environmental Club has volunteered to take monthly samples to collect baseline water quality data that will be used to measure progress of future projects implemented to try and mitigate water quality at the pond. In 2008, the Environmental Commission intends to distribute flyers to increase public awareness on what can be done to help improve Tommy's Pond. The Metuchen High School Environmental Club will begin to take water quality measurements, and initial biological measures will be implemented to try to minimize algal growth in the pond.
Greenway
We made it a policy to interface more actively with the Edison Greenways groups, in part to monitor the renovations of the existing Greenway and in part to join forces with them in pressing for an extension of the Greenway to the Dismal Swamp in northwestern Metuchen.
New Jersey Water Conservation Project
In December 2008, the Borough submitted an application to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program - Water Resources Program. The application demonstrates Metuchen's uniqueness and why we would be an ideal municipality to obtain assistance in implementing a water conservation project. If selected, Rutgers will work with the residents on ways they can conserve water and will include public outreach to different groups such as business owners, school children, and home owners.
Metuchen High School Indoor Air Quality
The renovation of the Metuchen High School created significant amounts of dust and particulates within the building. This was of concern to the Commission since the school continued to be used by students and staff during the construction. Due to concerns regarding the air quality within the school, especially with respect to levels of dust and particulates, the Metuchen Environmental Commission corresponded with the Board of Education on several occasions. Commission members reviewed reports prepared by Board consultants on an initial investigation of the issue.
Based on the limited information provided, the Commission offered several preliminary recommendations:
1. outreach by the school to determine whether additional students have experienced respiratory complaints;
2. notification to all students and families of the situation and steps taken to improve it;
3. conducting all work and debris movement behind impermeable barriers;
4. obtaining comparison particulate measurements from other schools that have clean indoor air; and
5. using that comparison data as performance criteria to measure the effectiveness of particulate control measures.
The Commission was most concerned regarding the Board’s decision not to follow procedures recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to protect indoor air quality during school renovations. Only one of five Commission recommendations was implemented by the contractor and this was done after the majority of the demolition was complete. The Commission remains concerned that similar construction activities be more closely monitored in the future and that procedures be put in place to ensure that this occurs.
Edgar Pool Parking Lot Trees
The Environmental Commission, with input from the Shade Tree Commission and assistance from the Department of Public Works and Metuchen Cub Scout Pack 15, planted a small island of trees in the Borough parking lot between the Edgar School athletic field and the municipal pool at the Earth Day event on Saturday April 23, 2005. The purpose was to replace some of the many mature shade trees that once shaded the parking lot. As recently as the mid-1990s, almost the entire parking area was at least partially shaded. Unfortunately, automobile parking and driving immediately around the trees caused soil compaction that damaged roots and killed the trees.
The trees are configured in an “island” to maintain an area of loose soil around the base of all the trees and to facilitate watering, weeding, and mulching. The layout reduces any adverse impact upon traffic flow or parking availability. When the trees are mature, they will provide welcome shade to cars parked in the southern area of the lot near the pool. As we reach the third anniversary of this tree planting, all but two of the original trees survive.
Maintenance of the trees has required periodic weeding and mulching, watering during extended hot and dry weather, planting more saplings, and picking up litter during the Earth Day events in 2006 and 2007. Around the time of those Earth Day events, the Department of Public Works delivered and spread wood chip mulch and pulled weeds in the entire area. The Department of Public Works also has assisted by realigning concrete tire stops around the tree island and along the grass edges of the parking lot. The purpose of the tire stops is to deter parking against the trees and on the lawns during the summer. Volunteers, including Environmental Commission members, Cub Scouts from Pack 15 and off-shift teenage pool employees, have kept the trees watered each summer, picked up litter, and pruned the growing trees.
Our next volunteer tree planting event will take place along the northern edge of the parking lot outside the athletic field fence scheduled as an Arbor Day event for Friday, April 25, 2008 at 4 p.m. This event will be sponsored by the Shade Tree Commission and the Environmental Commission, with assistance from the Department of Public Works and Cub Scout Pack 15.
Dismal Swamp
Several attempts were made to utilize local volunteers to monitor conditions at the Dismal Swamp. These efforts met with limited success. As an alternative, an Eagle Scout project to clean up and improve the entrance to the area was approved and completed. The kiosk at the entrance was repaired; much litter and debris removed; and, fresh woodchips were added to the trails. Routine and on going maintenance of the Dismal Swamp area is required. In 2008, the Commission hopes to encourage the Department of Public Works to add Dismal Swamp to its list of locations to visit twice yearly. The Commission will continue to monitor Edison’s efforts to preserve and promote their portion of the swamp with an eye toward future “connections” between the two parcels or with an expanded Greenway.
Dog Park
The Commission monitored attempts made in other surrounding municipalities to establish or maintain off leash dog parks. Some progress has been made in Edison to site such a facility. The former CIC site is one property that has potential to include a dog run. The Commission’s efforts were supported by Edison Wetlands Association.
For the first time, dogs walked in the annual Winter Festival Parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The dogs will return in 2008 to join the Memorial Day and Winter Festival Parades. Information regarding these events will be distributed at the annual rabies clinic in May and will be posted on the website.
Tree Farm
The Environmental Commission investigated the feasibility of planting and maintaining a small number of trees at a tree farm site within the Borough. The purpose was to reduce tree purchase costs, increase the number of trees available for planting, and combat global warming. The initial plan to plant seedlings on Borough owned property was abandoned when the Department of Public Works decided that the pumping station site was unsuitable. Since the Edgar Middle School curriculum includes trees, science teachers were contacted regarding the feasibility of adding a tree farm concept. The idea was well received and further discussed with the administrators of the school. Outstanding issues include identifying an appropriate location, approval by both the Borough and the Board of Education, and maintenance of any site selected. This concept will be revisited when plans for the tree plantings for the parking lot are more firmly established.
Open Space
The Commission conducted some initial research into the ownership, tax payment status, maintenance, and zoning of several open space parcels within the Borough. A potential extension to the Greenway would allow pedestrian access from Metuchen to these high amenity places in the northwestern corner of the town. We will continue to monitor the status of these parcels and intend to invite the Mayor and Council to tour the area.
Global Warming
The Commission began discussing global warming in an attempt to develop an action agenda for the town on this issue. For example, the Commission began discussions regarding the installation of additional bicycle racks in the downtown area. These efforts are likely to become part of the publicity efforts to be undertaken by the Commission.
Planning Board
The Commission’s Liaison with the Planning Board provided periodic updates on projects within the Borough. Of note and discussion were issues associated with locating dry cleaning businesses near daycare providers. Concerns regarding adequate parking, tree planting and lighting regarding upcoming projects were routinely discussed almost always to mutual satisfaction.
Publicity
An article written by a Commission member appeared in the Spring/Summer issue (#12) of the Metuchen Messenger. The article provided tips on how to reduce your water bill. Articles on topics such as recycling, electric bill reduction, and combating global warming are planned for 2008.
Discussions and planning for participation in the Country Fair were begun. This event is sponsored by the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce. The Commission’s booth would provide information on topics of interest as well as promote worthy projects to encourage public support.