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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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

Raritan Twp was certified on September 19, 2024 with 250 points. Listed below is information regarding Raritan Twp’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Raritan Twp is:

Name:David Moutner
Title/Position:Green Team Chair / Green Team and Environmental Commission
Address:1 Municipal Drive
Flemington, NJ 08822

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Raritan Twp was approved for in 2024 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

    Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: The Green Team functions under the umbrella of the Environmental Commission. In 2022 we expanded team from four to six members in anticipation of the work needed to retain bronze level certification in 2022. The team has met monthly (second Thursday of each month) immediately preceding the Environmental Commission meeting of which a number of Green Team members are also members. 2022 was a challenging year for the Raritan Township Green Team. One of the biggest challenges was the expiration of all but 30 points towards the Township’s Sustainable Jersey Bronze Certification. Lead by the Green Team and supported by the Environmental Commission, Donna Drewes, The Township Committee and staff, an all out effort was undertaken to earn the additional 120 points needed for the Township to retain its Bronze certification. The effort of the Green Team surpassed that goal, earning 190 points and securing Bronze certification until 2025. In 2023 the Green Team identified new actions to focus on for our recertification efforts in 2023 and began working on these actions. In April of 2023 the Green Team hosted a amazing Green Fair in partnership with the Environmental Commission that offered a wide variety of nonprofit environmental and conservation organizations along with municipal and county organizations. The Green Team also took the lead to prepare and submit two Sustainable Jersey grant applications. In 2022 we received a $2,000 PSEG Foundation and Sustainable Jersey Grant to plant a native plant and pollinator garden in front of the municipal building. In 2023 we prepared and submitted a $10,000 Residential Food Waste Recycling and Composting grant to Sustainable Jersey. This grant was awarded in May 2023 and the Green Team quickly mobilized to launch the free residential food waste collection program at two existing farmers markets - Stangl Factory Farmer's Market on Saturday and The Hunterdon Land Trust's Sunday market. This program will continue through the end of 2023 and involved mobilizing volunteers to host the collection sited each Saturday and Sunday morning.

    Green Fair

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Green Fair was held on May 4, 2024 at the Township municipal building. Approximately 20 organizations were invited to participate including; Raritan Headwaters, Hunterdon Land Trust, Nature Conservatory, Local Schools, Beekeepers, Watershed Ambassador and others. 15 of the organizations were able to attend. In addition, we had electric vehicles on display and we gave away over 300 native saplings. New this year was the inclusion of the environmental clubs from the local high and intermediate schools for the children to share the environmental projects. The Raritan Township Green Team, with the assistance of the Raritan Township Environmental Commission was responsible for organizing and running our 2024 Green Fair. The Township Committee approved the Green Fair at their township meeting on Feb 20th , to be held at the municipal building on May 4. DPW, CERT and the township police department were notified of the event. DPW provided tables, trash and recycling cans while CERT was on site directing traffic and generally helping set-up and take down stations. The Township allowed us to use the building bathrooms during the Fair and had reserved the court room in case the weather prevented us from being outside. Initiation letters were sent out in late Feb (letter attached) in early March notifying participants of our goal to make this a waste free event. Over the next two months, the Green Team coordinated with participating organizations, DPW and CERT to insure everyone was kept up to date. Participating organizations were instructed to arrive around 10 AM to set-up. Upon arrival they signed in at the admitting table where they were directed to their set-up location. Traffic cones were then set up to cordon off the Fair area and CERT casually patrolled the area for the duration of the Fair.

  • Energy

    Buy Electricity From A Renewable Source

    10 Points

    Program Summary: 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 Request for Bids (RFB) issued on June 27, 2023 for which bids were accepted from and contracts were awarded to electric power suppliers on August 01,2023, for service from October 2023 through September 2025. CES hereby certifies that the June 2023 RFB specifications included a section entitled voluntary optin 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 (otherwise referred to as Energy Year or ‘EY’ ), 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 (otherwise referred to as ‘PJM Class I RECs’). Raritan Township is a member of the HCCPS whose facilities were included in the RFB and whose electric accounts are currently being provided power supply by Approved Energy II LLC under a contract awarded by the HCCPS in October 2023 and has affirmatively opted in to receive the voluntary renewable energy product. A copy of the additional voluntary renewable energy opt in form is attached for your review. The attached statement of certification is being provided in support of Raritan Townships application to Sustainable Jersey for the Buy Electricity From A Renewable Source action under the Sustainable Jersey certification category Energy Projects.

    Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    15 Points

    Program Summary: In 2020 the Township adopted an ordinance to purchase and construct a total of four public charging stations for electric vehicles. Two at the Municipal building and two at Lenape Park. The charging stations provide residents easy access to charge their personal electric vehicles on Township owned property, as well as, provide a station for potential Township vehicles. The charging stations are all level 2 and have been advertised on goHunterdon website. https://www.gohunterdon.org/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-in-hunterdon-county and are listed on ChargeHub https://chargehub.com/en/charging-stations-map.html Please see attached photos, ChargeHub map locations and letter providing the details of installation from Councilman Sipos.

  • Food

    Farmland Preservation Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Farmland Preservation plan plan is intended to be an integral element of the Raritan Township Master Plan. The specific agricultural and preservation goals and policies set forth in the plan are intended to complement the Township’s 2018 Master Plan and Raritan Township’s overall planning vision. The document addresses both the State’s guidelines for a Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan and Municipal Land Use Law requirements for a Farmland Preservation Plan element. The Plan was adopted and reviewed by the Raritan Township Planning Board at their March 24, 2021 meeting and by the Township Committee. The Open Space Committee, in conjunction with the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) actively pursues preservation of farmland in Raritan Township and makes recommendations to the Raritan Township Committee. In 2023 the Committees have actively pursued farmland preservation in Raritan Township. The Open Space Committee meets monthly and goes over updates of farmland preservation projects we are pursuing and regularly consults with the Agricultural Advisory Committee on those prospective projects. The Open Space Committee also communicates regularly with Stefanie Miller, Acquisition Program Manager with the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) regarding current projects. We send a representative to the monthly meeting of State, County and Municipal staff and volunteers involved in farmland preservation projects to discuss project updates. Recently the SADC completed preservation of the 150-acre Bowlby farm in Raritan Township, a project Raritan Township has been pursuing for several years. In 2023 the Open Space Committee communicated with several additional owners of active farms regarding interest in Farmland Preservation. The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) met three (3) times in 2023: February 13, October 18, and November 27. Mid-year, member Jeff Bowlby resigned as he moved to East Amwell Township, creating a vacancy. Possible candidates were considered and discussed. Tom Zeng, a farmer residing in the Township for many years, was recommended to the Township Committee. The AAC reviewed the status of a specific application related to Right-to-Farm matters as well as the status of an application to the SADC for preservation of a farm, both within the Township. The AAC reviewed and discussed the inventory of farms in the township and contacting specific landowners again to inquire if they would be interested in farmland preservation. The Open Space Committee, in conjunction with the Agricultural Advisory Committee actively pursues preservation of farmland in Raritan Township and makes recommendations to the Raritan Township Committee. In 2023 the Committees have actively pursued farmland preservation in Raritan Township. The Open Space Committee meets monthly and goes over updates of farmland preservation projects we are pursuing and regularly consults with the Agricultural Advisory Committee on those prospective projects. The Open Space Committee also communicates regularly with Stefanie Miller, Acquisition Program Manager with the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) regarding current projects. We send a representative to the monthly meeting of State, County and Municipal staff and volunteers involved in farmland preservation projects to discuss project updates. In 2023 the Open Space Committee initiated the process of farmland preservation for a farm on Old Clinton Road by the SADC. The Open Space committee communicated with the farm owners and met jointly with the owners and SADC representatives. The owners applied to enter the program. The SADC and Hunterdon County approved moving forward with the appraisal and preservations. The appraisal is expected to be completed in 2024.

    Community Gardens

    20 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Community Garden was started in 2011 with the help of the Garden Club of New Jersey. They engaged with township officials who offered the use of a grassy area within the municipal building complex. Working with the Department of Public Works and the Township Engineer an area approximately 0.3 acres in size was divided into 38 individual garden plots. In addition to the land, the Township provides water, equipment storage, garbage disposal and mowing of the grassy areas. This year we asked the township to replace the old mower with a new self-propelled model which they happily did. Since its’ inception, approximately 25 individuals each year have leased plots to grow many varieties vegetables and flowers. Individual plots are leased on a yearly basis, mainly to residents of Raritan Township. Gardeners are required to maintain their plots throughout the growing season and are prohibited from using pesticides as the gardeners are required to use organic practices. As the Garden Rules state, “ Only certified organic materials will be used.” Gardeners also need to clean out their plots before the start of winter. In 2019 the gardeners started a program to donate excess produce from their plots to the Flemington Food Pantry. Once a week, gardeners left their excess produce in coolers left at the garden for delivery to the Food Pantry the next morning. In our first year approximately 150 pounds of food was donated, mainly consisting of tomatoes, herbs, squash, cucumbers and green beans. During the 2021 garden season we dedicated a plot exclusively for the Food Pantry. Gardeners donated seeds and plants and maintained the plot. In 2023 we encouraged gardeners who couldn’t always harvest in time for our weekly collection to bring their excess harvest individually to the food pantry. Despite some weather challenges this year our donations of fresh vegetables was our best year yet at 586 lbs. A letter of acknowledgement from the Food Pantry for 3 weeks in September is attached.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 1

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Native Plant and Pollinator Garden was planted in October of 2022 with a red bud tree, 20 various shrubs and 720 native grasses and perennials. The garden was designed by the Township’s landscape architect and planted with the help of the Environmental Commission, Green Team, boy scout troop and other volunteers. It provides an additional habitat for pollinators near our existing rain gardens and Community Garden. The Garden was dedicated in April of 2023 at the Township’s Green Fair. An area of approximately 2000 square feet of under river stone and mulch was transformed into a oasis for butterflies and pollinating insects. The pollinator garden supplements the nearby rain gardens and community garden to provide additional native habitat in an otherwise manicured area. With individual labels for the different plants and descriptive literature about the plantings available in the lobby of the municipal building, the garden provides guidance to homeowners on the benefits of using native plantings in their own landscaping and specific examples of the different varieties of plants they might use. A QR code on the sign also directs residents to the Jersey Friendly Yards website supported by Rutgers where extensive information on pollinators and other water quality friendly practices can be found. Environmental Commission Member Amy Greene also registered the new garden with the HomeGrown National Park program and a sign with a QR code is posted in the garden area as well. This program seeks to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks. The pollinator garden has become a true asset to the ecosystem and the community. The Green Team has launched a new initiate to recruit volunteers to not only join the Green Team but to volunteer to assist with maintenance of the pollinator garden, rain gardens and trail maintenance in the township. Using social media, flyers and direct recruitment at events we have been successful in recruiting volunteers to help with the pollinator garden. Funding to support the garden was through a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey PSEG Grant and additional funds from the Township and in-kind and volunteer donations.

    Innovative Community Project 3

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township Meadow Management Program Raritan Township has an active program for acquisition of open space. Total Raritan Township Open Space currently includes 1265 acres. The Township with the leadership of the Open Space Advisory Committee and support of the Raritan Township Green Team and Environmental Commission have been pursuing activities to optimize management of open space to provide healthy habitats for wildlife. The Raritan Township Open Space Committee, with support from the Township Committee, has spearheaded a program to optimize native meadow habitat for wildlife on Township Preserves. The Raritan Township Department of Public Works currently maintains meadow habitat at three preserves through annual mowing during the winter to avoid wildlife disturbance during the breeding season and to encourage the growth of native meadow vegetation. Mowing also prevents invasive woody shrub species such as Autumn olive from colonizing the fields. A variety of grassland birds, including some state listed threatened species, have been observed using meadow habitat on Open Space properties in Raritan Township. Bird species observed included American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, grasshopper Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and Eastern Bluebirds. The meadows also support a variety of insect pollinators including many species of butterflies. In order to improve meadow habitat Raritan Township engaged Raritan Valley Community College Center for Environmental Studies to perform vegetation and wildlife surveys at all Township owned meadows. (see attachment) Following their recommendation the Township contacted the NJ Audubon Society who performed a field survey and provided a detailed report with recommendations on managing meadows at four priority properties to maximize habitat for native grasses and wildflowers, pollinators and grassland birds most efficiently. (See attached report from NJ Audubon Society) Implementation of some of the recommendations will begin in 2024/2025. Birth Announcement – 5 American Kestrel Chicks Fledge at Raritan Township Micek Farm Park! Raritan Township efforts to manage meadows for wildlife habitat at our Township preserves has resulted a pair of American kestrels successfully raising five chicks at Micek Farm Park, a 99-acre located on Johanna Farms Road! The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most widespread falcon. Kestrels are a threatened species in New Jersey. Their numbers are declining. Overall, in North America, their numbers have declined by 30% since 1970. A statewide effort to assist the falcons is underway led by Zoologist Bill Pitts with the NJ Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program. The Raritan Headwaters Association has adopted the American Kestrel as an ambassador for clean water and land protection and has developed a program in the upper Raritan Watershed to monitor and install kestrel nest boxes. Inspired by their efforts, Raritan Township began an effort to try and assist the beautiful little falcons. With the Township Committee’s approval and encouragement, the Open Space Advisory Committee and Department of Public Works examined current open space holdings. Three preserves with suitable meadow habitat were identified for nest box Kestrel box installation. The first box was installed at Lone Cedar Park and Preserve in 2023. And in 2024 two more boxes were installed at the Highpoint Section of Assiscong Preserve and at Micek Farm Park. Jeff Climpson, a Raritan Township resident, is the volunteer who monitors the nest boxes. These efforts paid off this year when a pair of American kestrels began utilizing the nest box at Micek Farm Park! The nestbox at Micek Farm Preserve was successful with five chicks. Bill Pitts and members of the Raritan Township Open Space Committee and Environmental Commission gathered at Micek Farm Park on July 5 to band the chicks. Banding enables biologists to learn more about the species. This season seems to be a good one thus far for the Kestrels statewide and according to Bill Pitts. “good habitat management at places like Micek Farm Park is a vital piece of the recovery puzzle.” All five have successfully fledged, which was the goal of the effort. The Raritan Township Open Space Committee with support from the Raritan Township Committee has also promoted public enjoyment of our open space. A map of all Raritan Township parks and preserves and trail maps can be found online at https://raritan-township-business.com/thingstodos/hiking. The trail maps were prepared by the Raritan Valley Community College Center for Environmental Studies.

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Sustainable Land Use Pledge

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Committee adopted Resolution 22-128 adopting the Sustainable Land Use Pledge at the May 17, 2022 Township Committee meeting. The Sustainable Land Use Pledge highlights the wise land use planning that the township has undertaken in the past and will help guide the community in the future. The adopted Pledge was distributed to the Chairs of the Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Zoning Board and Open Space Committee via email by Karen Gilbert, Township Administrator on May 19, 2022.

  • Natural Resources

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township established an Environmental Commission many years ago. The latest change to the ordinance was in 1999. It increased the commission membership to seven members. We have a representative from the township's Planning Board and Open Space Committee serving on the Environmental Commission as well as a liaison to our governing body, the Raritan Township Committee. The ordinance for the Environmental Commission can be found in our online codes at https://ecode360.com/36095621 and a copy of the ordinance is attached. The Raritan Township Environmental Commission continues to serve the community by providing the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment with environmental reviews of applications. The Commission also participates in community events to provide education on various topics, provides support for grant funding opportunities, and partners with environmental organizations on various projects. A full listing of our 2023 activities is attached. The Environmental Commission maintains it's annual membership with the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, earns Forestry CEUs and collaborates with the Raritan Township Green Team on projects and programs throughout the year.

    Environmental Commission Site Plan Review

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township Environmental Commission reviews all site plan and subdivision submissions to the township Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. Plans are reviewed for environmental concerns and recommendations are made to those boards regarding approvals. A spreadsheet of reviewed submissions and comments made to the governing boards for 2022 is provided. There is also a sample of one of our township projects where our comments were particularly helpful. Please see attached Site Plan Inventory for 2022 and an Environmental Commission comment page for a September application.

    Open Space Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township has a active open space preservation program. Please see the attached 2019 Open Space Plan, Map showing the existing open space properties and the Resolution 19-2019 by the Planning Board adopting the Open Space plan. Over the last Ten Years numerous Open Space Properties have been purchased by the Township following the plan developed by the Open Space Committee. Through out 2019 the Open Space Committee worked with the townships planner to update the townships open space plan. On September 25, 2019 the Raritan Township Planning Board formally adopted the new plan as an element of our Master Plan. Properties that have ben purchased have been kept in their natural state and are used for passive recreation. Some have been added to the yearly Hunting program.

    Wildlife Interaction Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Deer Management Program Forest health and associate wildlife habitat has been severely impacted by the overabundance of deer. Deer browse on native species which are essential to support our native wildlife at all levels. Deer over-browsing has resulted in essentially denuding the native groundcover and understory in a forest which has eliminated habitat for species such as birds that utilize this habitat. Deer feed on seedlings of many of our native trees and shrubs. Forest habitats in areas of high deer density have been documented to lack young trees. Over time this will result loss of tree and shrub regeneration and in collapse of forest habitat. Deer browsing has also resulted in colonization by invasive species further affecting habitat for wildlife species that depend on native plants. In order to improve forest habitat quality and to combat the other adverse affects of deer overabundance Raritan Township implemented a deer management program. The Township established a Wildlife Management Committee and engaged RVCC to perform a deer population survey and collect data vegetation data to evaluate forest health. The Township held public hearings and met with NJ Fish and Wildlife Biologists to gather information on the need for and to identify effective measures to manage the deer population. Based on these studies and input from the public the Township implemented a deer management program that entailed identification of predominantly forested preserves that were not regularly utilized by the public for recreation and soliciting hunting clubs, via an auction, to harvest deer at the preserves. The fees paid by the clubs help support future open space acquisition in the township. Quotas for harvesting anterless deer are established for each preserve. The Township has expanded the available lands for management as new open space properties have been preserved. Currently 718 acres out of 1265 acres of Township owned open space are in deer management. Raritan Township engaged Raritan Valley Community College Center for Environmental Studies to perform deer surveys for the township. Surveys were performed in 2019 and again in 2023. According to the 2023 RVCC Deer Survey report: Biologists estimate precolonial deer densities to be approximately 8-11 deer/mi2. The negative impacts from deer browse tend to occur at densities above these levels for preferred browse species and forest structure. Additional indirect or “cascade” effects on food webs and other ecosystem properties tend to occur at densities above 15-20/mi2 with ~10 deer/mi2 being the optimal target for supporting the greatest biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. The effects of overabundant deer are not limited to natural areas, however, but to human populations as well, costing millions of dollars a year from deer-vehicle collisions, damage to agricultural crops and landscaping, and impacts of Lyme’s disease and other tick-borne diseases. Increased deer-vehicle collisions are associated with higher deer density, among other factors, and deer management practices that have successfully reduced deer populations have resulted in significant decreases in deer-vehicle collisions in New Jersey and other areas. Effective deer management is, therefore, likely to yield significant benefits not only for environmental integrity, but for social and economic goals as well. The 2023 report identified deer densities in the Township ranging between 61-91 deer per/mi2 with an average of 73 deer per/mi2. The densities observed across the survey area, as a whole, were 7.3x higher than those needed to maintain ecosystem health and public safety with only 2-6% of the survey area having deer densities ?10 deer/mi2. The 2023 study found a reduction in deer densities township wide with greater reductions in Township lands being hunted. Additional measures are needed however as densities still greatly exceed optimal target densities for ecological health. Raritan Township also engaged RVCC to install two deer exclosures on its preserves to collect data on the ecological benefit of reduced deer herbivory on forest health. To date significantly increased growth of existing native understory and groundcover native vegetation and establishment of seedlings and saplings has been observed within the exclosures. The Township of Raritan uses regulated bow hunting as a method for managing deer population levels. For that reason, hunters who are allowed to hunt on Township properties are considered "deer managers." Hunting as a wildlife management technique supports the protection of the natural environment, fosters a diverse ecosystem, and helps to ensure that the land you enjoy today will remain healthy for future generations. Deer management activities are allowed only with the express permission of Township of Raritan, and only in strict compliance with the Township's deer management rules. ( Rules posted at https://www.raritan-township.com/government/forms/public-works/308-raritan-township-deer-management-rules-regulations-and-waiver-form-1/file) Following a public meeting process and initial deer survey completed in 2017, Raritan Township has allowed regulated bow hunting on designated Open Space parcels as a method for managing the deer population. Hunting as a wildlife management technique supports the protection of the natural environment, fosters a diverse ecosystem, and helps to ensure that the land we enjoy today will remain healthy for future generations. The Township currently allows regulated bow hunting of deer on the following Open Space parcels: Assiscong Creek Preserve – Cherryville Hollow Assiscong Creek Preserve – Highpoint Assiscong Creek Preserve – Urbach Back Brook Preserve – Erich/Salamon Brownstein Preserve Dayton Road Preserve Hardscrabble Road Preserve Neshanic River Preserve – Eden Neshanic River Preserve – Harmony School Plum Brook Preserve Thomason Preserve Walnut Brook Preserve – Barton Hollow Walnut Brook Preserve – Thatchers Hill The Township posts and promotes opportunities for hunting club/deer managers to bid through an open and advertised bidding process, tor the right to hunt on specific township open space parcels. Contracts are awarded for a two year period. As the township acquires new open space properties the Open Space Committee assesses and recommends if hunting should be permitted. (bid page from 2023 can be found at: https://www.raritan-township.com/public-works-page-list/316-hunting-and-wildlife-management?highlight=WyJkZWVyIiwib2ZmaWNlLW9mLWVtZXJnZW5jeS1tYW5hZ2VtZW50IiwibWFuYWdlbWVudCIsIm1hbmFnZW1lbnRlbnQiXQ== Attachments: Deer Survey 2023 Deer Rules Twp Website on Deer Management Car collision data

    Community Forestry Management Plan & NJUCF Accreditation

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township is pleased to achieve NJ Urban and Community Forestry Accreditation Status for 2022. Four township Environmental Commission and Green Team members earned 20.5 CEU's during 2022 which contributed to our successful accreditation. Activities in 2022 included forest stewardship activities in our municipal parkland, tree planting and maintenance and Arbor Day tree giveaways in conjunction with our annual Green Fair.

    Tree Planting *New 2026*

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township Continues to be active in its goal of preserving trees and reforestation throughout Open Space properties. Partnerships between Raritan Valley College, local Boy Scout troops, Hunterdon Land Trust, volunteers from the Open Space Committee and Environmental Commission along with community volunteers have enthusiastically supported these tree planting and maintenance efforts. Please see Tree Program that details tree planting and maintenance activities for the past 3 years.

  • Operations & Maintenance

    Green Grounds & Maintenance Policy

    10 Points

    Program Summary: An Environmentally Conscience Grounds and Maintenance policy was adopted by municipal resolution on August 16, 2011. The policy incorporated all of the components recommended by the Sustainable Jersey program. For the 2022 certification cycle the Township decided to update and readopt the policy. On July 19, 2022 the Township Committee adopted Resolution 22-191 adopting the updated Environmentally Conscious Grounds and Maintenance Policy. Lisa Fania, Township Clerk distributed Resolution 22-191 along with the policy to the department heads, chairs of the boards and commissions in the township via email dated July 22, 2022. A copy of the resolution of adoption can be found on the municipal website at Website link to policy resolution https://ecode360.com/documents/RA0805/public/671621411.pdf The township has been engaged in several environmentally conscience practices, in some cases for many years. The Department of Public Works operates a leaf composting facility which turns the leaves collected by the township in the fall into compost. The compost is made available to municipal residents and is also used by DPW on public properties. In addition, trees and limbs resulting from maintenance on public properties are chipped and reused in parks and for landscaping at several sites. The Township continues to maintain the pesticide free zones in two parks, Mine Brook Park and Morales Preserve established in 2007.

  • Public Information & Engagement

    Online Municipal Public Service Systems

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township website provides a resource to the community to access useful information about routine, non-emergency public services, permits, registrations, status of establishment licenses, allows for tax payments and renewal of pet licenses. Notices about community happenings and non-emergency public services are available on the Home page and in the News Section of the website. There is also a mobile version of the website for access from mobile devices. The Township also uses NIXLE for both nonemergency and emergency notifications and residents can sign up on the Police OEM web page. Raritan Township Mobile311 citizen website allows township residents to communicate electronically with the Department of Public Works regarding non-emergency requests and concerns. Citizens can access the site from a computer, smartphone, or tablet at http://raritan.mobile311.com. Citizens can create an account, log in, and report issues to Raritan Township Department of Public Works. Issues are automatically converted to work requests and routed to the Department of Public Works. Citizens and Raritan Township employees can attach photos and notes to their requests. Users can track the status of their requests and view comments entered by the Department of Public Works in response to their request. *** please note the signup location is through the application website link of http://raritan.mobile311.com and a link to that website is provided on the townships website*** Raritan Township Also implemented SDL Spatial database logic, for municipal block and lot files. This is accessible to Raritan Township residents to view attachments and property data, construction permit status. Information processed by the Clerks Office including establishment licenses, games of chance permits and other items are also displayed. Finally the SDL portal includes block and lot information on Engineering and Fire Protection inspections. Raritan Township Tax Accessor office webpage includes a link that allows residents to pay their taxes online. Links to all of the webpages included above are included in the attached documentaiton.

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Project Medicine Drop Box The lobby of the Raritan Township Police Department houses a Project Medicine Dropbox allowing any individual to drop off unused prescription medications for timely, safe, and secure destruction. This service is made through a cooperative effort between our department, the NJ Attorney General’s Office, and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. This effort is designed to help prevent abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. The mailbox is frequently emptied and the contents are transferred to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office where they are kept until they are destroyed in the presence of Officers at a refuse processing facility. Hours Accessible: Monday – Friday 7am-7pm After Hours – anyone wishing to dispose of medication after hours or on weekends may utilize the phone on the exterior of the building to dispatch an officer for assistance in accessing the drop box. Items Accepted: Pills Capsules Patches Pet Medications Items NOT Accepted: Mail Trash Syringes Liquids Yearly total of items collected 2020 - 134lbs 2021 - 234lbs 2022 - 289.75lbs 2023 - 288lbs The Raritan Township Police Department provides information on the program on their Department website at https://raritantownshippolice.com/project-medicine-drop-box This service is made through a cooperative effort between the Raritan Township Police Department, the NJ Attorney General’s Office, and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. This effort is designed to help prevent abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. Promotional efforts include posters outside the municipal court, Nixel announcements promoting National Drug Take Back Day and an article in the 2023 Township newsletter.

    Household Hazardous Waste

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township encourages residents to safely dispose of household hazardous waste at the municipal recycling center. In 2023 the Township accepted used motor oil (~64 tons) and consumer electronics (~34 tons). The township advertised the availibility of these services on the municipal website recycling page, in the recycling information handout provided to all residents when they purchase recycling or e-waste permits and in the municipal newsletter. After collecting the used motor oil, the township transferred it to several oil recyclers, who treat the used oil in accordance with regulations to produce fuel oil. The consumer electronics were transferred to several R2 certified facilities, which ensure the electronics are refurbished or parts are recycled as appropriate. The amount of materials collected and disposal location is found in the attached pdf of the tonnage report, rows for these categories are in bold text.

    Non-Mandated Materials Recycling

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Raritan Township offers it's residents the opportunity to recycle brush and textiles onsite at their municipal Recycling Center. The Township advertises the availability of these services on the Recycling website, in the recycling informational handout provided to residents when the purchasing their recycling permits, on facebook and in the annual municipal Newsletter. Raritan composted 298.7 tons of brush at the recycling center in 2023, this information is in the attached Tonnage 2023 Report (line items bold). The Township Cooperates with two vendors for textile recycling- Salvation Army and Helpsy/Am Vets that the township authorizes to provide onsite collection boxes. The Salvation Army did not provide a tonnage weight for 2023. The materials that Helpsy/Am Vets collects is recycled on the secondary market and proceeds are shared with Am Vets. Am Vets collected 3.4 tons (6848 lbs) of clothing as noted in the HelpsyAmVets 2023 Report. Copies of the clothing bin licenses approved by the Township Committee are provided in the documentation.

    Recycling Depot

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Raritan Township recycling center is located at the township public works facility, 204 Pennsylvania Ave, Flemington, NJ. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30-3:00 and Saturday from 7:30 to noon. Raritan Township Department of Public Works operates the facility and has a dedicated Recycling Coordinator. The township has a webpage which lists the hours of operation, materials collected, permit requirements and other miscellaneous information. In addition, a municipal newsletter includes information on the services that can be found at the recycling center- including recycling, electronics disposal and free compost and mulch. The recycling depot has been in operation for many years, expanding to include more materials to meet state mandates and residents requirements. The center is available to residents for a $5 annual fee per household for recycled materials that permits unlimited drop offs. The center offers an additional non-recyclable drop-off service which costs $30 for 6 drop-offs. Scrap metal collected is sold to offset the cost of operating the center. The remaining cost of operation is provided by the municipality. The Public Work and Recycling information can be found at https://www.raritan-township.com/resident/trash