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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Kingwood Twp, a Sustainable Jersey bronze certified applicant.

Kingwood Twp was certified on December 12, 2022 with 170 points. Listed below is information regarding Kingwood Twp’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Kingwood Twp is:

Name:Mara Tippett
Title/Position:Vice Chair, Kingwood Township Environmental Commission / Environmental Commission
Address:59 Lower Oak Grove Rd. Frenchtown, NJ 08825
Baptistown, NJ 08803
Phone:908-304-8574

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Kingwood Twp was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Community Partnership & Outreach

    Create Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township’s green team, Sustainable Kingwood, was established in 2009 with a formal resolution but sat dormant for some time even as the Township continued to implement sustainable actions within the community. In 2018, support for the Sustainable Kingwood team was reaffirmed by the Township Committee with a resolution and the new team has been busy documenting the recent environmental accomplishments of the township and planning new initiatives. Sustainable Kingwood was awarded bronze level certification under Sustainable Jersey in 2019. Some of the Team's accomplishments include participation in the Rutgers Water Resources' Green Infrastructure Champions program, involvement in a riparian buffer restoration tree planting on municipal open space, maintenance of a rain garden located on municipal property, mapping of open space and park trails and municipal fleet inventory. Kingwood held Community Well Testing events in 2019, 2020, and 2021 to encourage residents to test their well water. This event coincided with a septic awareness campaign that offered discounted rates on pumping and information on safely disposing of old prescription drugs at our local Rx Drop box in an effort to keep pharmaceuticals out of our ground water. We've worked on Direct Install programs, energy tracking, and participation in a government energy aggregation program with neighboring municipalities. We recruited 2 new members to join our team and continue working towards a more sustainable community.

    Community Education & Outreach

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The Kingwood Township Environmental Commission and Sustainable Kingwood Green Team work together to educate residents about environmental issues and provide volunteer opportunities for community conservation and stewardship. In the spring and summer of 2021, Mayor Richard Dodds hosted five "Walk with the Mayor" hikes at Horseshoe Bend Park to create local recreational opportunities on Kingwood's open space properties. In March 2022, the EC hosted NJ State Climatologist Dave Robinson to give a talk about New Jersey's Changing Climate in an effort to engage the public about the impacts of climate change to our community. In April 2022, Kingwood hosted a seedling distribution and education program at Horseshoe Bend Park. This event was made possible by the Arbor Day Foundation Community Tree Recovery Campaign and the NJ Forest Service. When properly planted and maintained, trees can be assets to a community. They improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood or business district, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

  • Energy

    Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities

    15 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township is making its municipal buildings more energy efficient by upgrading heating and cooling systems and lighting to LED fixtures through the NJ Clean Energy Direct Install program. These actions save taxpayer money while reducing the municipality's carbon footprint. Energy audits were conducted for Kingwood Township municipal facilities through the Direct Install program in 2011 and again in May 2019. Installations of recommended upgrades were installed at municipal facilities in 2011 and 2012 and again in November 2019. Attached is an EUI spreadsheet that illustrates substantial anticipated energy savings as a result of the most recent upgrades to the lighting at the Kingwood Township Municipal Building.

    Energy Tracking & Management

    20 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township is now using Energy Star Portfolio Manager to track their energy costs. There are currently 3 facilities in Kingwood's Building Portfolio including the municipal building, Department of Public Works facility and Morton building at Horseshoe Bend Park. The building portfolio is attached in a spreadsheet format. Current energy bills have been provided by the Kingwood Township Business Administrator for tracking with the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM). The ESPM profile has been shared with Sustainable Jersey and a summary of meter entries for the 3 municipal facilities has been provided in the attached documents. While tracking was suspended during the pandemic and energy usage from 2020-2021 does not reflect typical daily usage, the ESPM will be updated annually by the Sustainable Kingwood team going forward.

    Buy Electricity From A Renewable Source

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township is decreasing its consumption of fossil fuel-powered electricity and offsetting its carbon emissions by increasing the amount of renewables in its energy portfolio. Kingwood is a member of the Hunterdon County Cooperative Pricing System (HCCPS) whose facilities were included in the Request for Bids (RFB) and whose electric accounts are currently being provided power supply by Mid-American Energy Services under a contract awarded by the HCCPS in October 2019 and has affirmatively opted in to receive renewable energy product. A copy of the additional voluntary renewable energy opt in form is attached. Concord Energy Services (CES), an Energy Agent, Private Aggregator and Energy Consultant duly registered with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, administered the electric power supply procurement processes for the Hunterdon County Cooperative Pricing System ("HCCPS"), including most recently a RFB issued on July 30, 2019 for which bids were accepted from and contracts were awarded to electric power suppliers on August 20, 2019, for service from October 2019 through September 2021. The July 2019 RFB specifications included a section entitled voluntary opt-in option renewable energy product that consists of a total amount of renewable energy that is 20% greater than the total amount of renewable energy (Class I, Class II and solar combined) required by virtue of the New Jersey Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in any given RPS compliance year, with the additional 20% above and beyond the RPS requirements to be comprised of New Jersey RPS-compliant Class I renewable energy; that is, Class I renewable energy generated within or delivered into the PJM region, consistent with N.J.A.C. 14:8-2.7.

  • Food

    Farmland Preservation Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township has, since its inception, been a farming community. Farming activities have varied over time, from high volume chicken farms to sod farms, and agriculture remains the core of the Township’s “industry”. Kingwood has long recognized the significant role of agriculture in its past, present and future and has taken steps to help preserve the right to conduct agricultural activities, such as enacting a “Right-to-Farm” ordinance. This ordinance protects a farmer from complaints made by neighboring property owners and determines that “whatever nuisance may be caused to others by these uses and activities are more than offset by the benefits from farming to neighborhood community and society in general.” The ordinance advances the Township’s desire to take additional actions to enhance the ability of the farmer to productively and profitably continue to devote lands to active farming, and to preserve farming as an integral part of Kingwood Township’s future. The attached farmland preservation plan was prepared pursuant to Paragraph (13) of section 19 of P.L. 1975, c.291(C.40:55D-28). The Kingwood Township Agricultural Advisory Commission meets monthly to promote and assist the Farmland Preservation Program's Planning Incentive Grant (PIG) applications. These grants allow for the purchase of large blocks of farmland using an installment purchase option. The Commission monitors the status of properties under farmland preservation, identifies target agricultural properties and updates the Township’s preserved open space and farmland map. Current minutes and agendas may be found on the Township's website https://www.kingwoodtownship.com/open-space-advisory#Info.

  • Health & Wellness

    Private Well Outreach & Testing

    15 Points

    Program Summary: In 2020 and 2021, Kingwood Township partnered with the non-profit watershed watchdog organization, Raritan Headwaters to offer residents the opportunity to test their private wells through the Community Well Testing program. Annual testing for bacteria and nitrates is highly recommended for all private well owners, particularly in areas where most homes utilize septic systems. Arsenic is a common naturally occurring contaminant in Kingwood Township and testing is recommended every 3-5 years. Other common contaminants include lead, radionuclides, boron, iron and manganese. Regular testing and treatment of private well water is important for public health in rural communities and homeowners are solely responsible for monitoring the quality of their drinking water. This program makes this practice easy, affordable, and convenient for homeowners and allows for monitoring of local groundwater quality. Residents are notofied of the Community Well Testing event through the Township newsletter (see newsletter copy in supporting documentation), postcard mailings, and social media. All water samples were analyzed by a state-certified laboratory that partners with Raritan Headwaters to offer discounted testing rates that are extended to residents. A summary report of the 2020 event is attached and a summary of the 2021 event was included in the Environmental Commission's annual report.

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Build-Out Analysis

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In 2018, Kingwood Township was chosen by students at Rowan University as one of eight pilot municipalities for the NJ Map Buildout Modeler Project because of its seven-acre zoning. The project creates visual tools to assist municipalities. The Rowan GIS model incorporates Kingwood block and lot maps and zoning regulations to show future build out as if the development patterns are built out to the municipality’s zoning. See attached description for further information and a link to the NJ Map Build Out Tool. The link is posted on the Kingwood Township municipal site home page: https://www.kingwoodtownship.com/ as well as the Planning Board page.The Build Out Modeler now includes a “Learn More” button at the top of the page where you will find an instructional video on how to use the tool and also a quick start guide PDF.

  • Natural Resources

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Kingwood Township Environmental Commission was established in 1972 for the protection of natural resources, including water resources in the Township. The Environmental Commission created an Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) to promote long-range environmental planning, helps evaluate the environmental impact of development applications before the Planning Board, advises local government and informs residents on environmental issues, laws and programs. The EC helps to inventory, plan and preserve open space in Kingwood, supports the recycling program within the Township and works with neighboring commissions and other organizations to obtain grant funding for a variety of hands-on projects including rain gardens, numerous tree plantings and tree giveaways, community clean up days, and programs to assist residents with septic pumping and well testing. The Ordinance No. 3-6-72 creating the Commission has been incorporated into Chapter 15 of the Kingwood Township Municipal Code (https://www.ecode360.com/10102693) and the Annual Reports for 2020 and 2021 are attached. Current members, meeting information, and important documents may be found on the Kingwood Township Environmental Commission webpage at www.kingwoodtownship.com/boards/environmental.

    Environmental Commission Site Plan Review

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township receives few development applications as we are a rural community with little development but when development applications are submitted, they come before the Environmental Commission for approval and input. Kingwood Environmental Commission reviews development applications submitted to the Planning Board using the Environmental Resource Inventory, the Kingwood Township NJ Map Buildout Analysis and knowledge of the community. Informed evaluations are made of the potential environmental impacts of private and subdivision development and comments provided to the Planning Board when warranted. The EC reviewed 2 site plans in 2021 and no site plan applications came before the Environmental Commission for review in 2020. A list of plans reviewed in 2021 with details on the EC's comments is included in the supporting documentation.

    Open Space Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The rural character of KingwoodTownship is the aspect of the community that most residents cherish and wish to preserve to the greatest extent possible. As residential development opportunities dwindle in the region in the coming years, Kingwood Township’s open space preservation efforts will become increasingly important if its prized open and rural character is to survive. Kingwood’s terrain is characterized by an expansive plateau of farmland, rolling hills of farms and forests, winding, narrow rural roads and rock outcroppings along Route 29 that create the serene setting for the Township in the midst of suburban communities in western Hunterdon County. Historically, the plateau area has been farmed and is characterized by extensive wetland areas in the Lockatong and Wickecheoke watersheds. Many small streams drain through steep ravines with scenic waterfalls to the Delaware River. The Delaware River is designated part of the National Wild and Scenic River System for its reach along Kingwood’s riverbanks. Endowed with this unique array of natural and cultural resources that define the community character, Kingwood can ensure the protection of open space and natural resources. Kingwood's Open Space and Recreaction plan was updated in 2014.

    Easement Inventory & Outreach

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The establishment of conservation easements helps ensure long term preservation and maintenance of Kingwood Township’s natural resources. A Conservation Easement Ordinance adopted by the Kingwood Planning Board calls for conservation easements to be deeded to the Township prior to, or as a condition of, subdivision or site plan approval. The ordinance also identifies limitations on activities that may be conducted within a conservation easement area. An easement ensures that the current and future property owner abides by any conservation restrictions. Kingwood maintains an inventory of all conservation easements granted to the municipality and is working towards a monitoring and stewardship plan. A brochure was developed to educate owners of property containing conservation easements on the restrictions outlined in the deed.

    Environmental Assessment Ordinance

    10 Points

    Program Summary: A statement of environmental impact and assessment must be submitted with any application for development in Kingwood Township resulting in the creation of two or more new lots; and for any site plan application that proposes any combination of disturbance of and/or new impervious coverage for more than 1/4 acre of land. This ordinance serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of people and property and threatened and endangered species within Kingwood Township from adverse impacts of uncontrolled development, construction, disturbance and building on environmentally sensitive areas. An environmental impact analysis prior to development reduces the degradation of land areas due to erosion, siltation, flooding, grading and/or filling, surface water runoff, pollution of potable water supplies, destruction of unique and predominant vistas, destruction of threatened or endangered species and to encourage appropriate planning, engineering, design in certain areas to preserve and maximize the best use of the natural terrain and maintain the quality and quantity of the Township's inherent natural resources. Link to Ordinance No. 17-02-2013 in web-based codes: https://ecode360.com/27328590

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: There is a pharmaceutical drop box located at the New Jersey State Police (Kingwood Station) at 945 State Highway 12 Frenchtown, NJ. The location is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An informational flyer on the Project Medicine drop box was included in the Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Township newsletter mailed to Kingwood Township residents. Location information on this Rx drop box is listed on the Safe Communities Coalition website (http://www.safecoalition.org/2018-03-13-rx-drop-box-locations), NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs website (https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/meddrop/Pages/Locations.aspx#Hunterdon) and linked to from the Kingwood Township website homepage (http://www.kingwoodtownship.com). Law Enforcement agencies and the NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs do not report on or provide information about medications collected at these drop boxes so the information requested under this action (number of prescriptions collected, total weight in pounds, number of individuals served) is currently unavailable. For more information, please contact Rich Rebisz at NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs (973) 504-6275.

    Community Paper Shredding Day

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Kingwood Township plays an active role in promoting and organizing annual Ident-A-Shred community paper shredding days hosted by Hunterdon County at the Route 12 County Complex 314 State Route 12 Flemington. In 2022, events were held on April 23, June 4, September 10th and October 22nd from 9am-noon. In addition to promotion of the event through the County website, the Township promoted the program to residents and local businesses through the municipal website (www.kingwoodtownship.com/Announcements) and social media. Please see attached flyers advertising the program. In 2021, 52.35 tons of paper were shredded and recycled.