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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Bernards Twp, a Sustainable Jersey silver certified applicant.

Bernards Twp was certified on October 07, 2016 with 380 points. Listed below is information regarding Bernards Twp’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Bernards Twp is:

Name:Ann Marie Siclare
Title/Position:Administrative Coordinator / Administration
Address:1 Collyer Lane
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone:908-204-4612

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Bernards Twp was approved for in 2016 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: Attached is a copy of the 2007 Resolution #070292 "Appointments to the Green Team Advisory Committee" and January 2, 2016 Township Committee Reorganization meeting documenting "Appointment and Restructuring of the Green Team Advisory Committee for 2016." Also attached is a copy of the activities and efforts undertaken and completed in the last year, as well as priorities and initiatives for the current year. Green Team meetings are held on a quarterly basis, with sub committee meetings held on a frequent basis.

  • Energy

    Municipal Onsite Solar System

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has implemented 2 major solar projects over the last 3 years and a third solar project is planned at the former Pill Hill landfill site. The LEED certified Bernards Township Sewerage Authority installed over 4,000 solar panels providing approximately 1.1 megawatts of electricity. The second solar project was the installation of solar panels on the roof of the DPW/Engineering building in 2013 generating approximately 40,000 kwh. In addition to the previous two solar projects that were implemented a large-scale solar array is planned at the former Bernards Township Pill Hill landfill site.

    Fleet Inventory

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Public Works Department has been diligently working to increase efficiently, reduce fleet and increase mpg of vehicles. Please find attached files documenting fleet inventory 2013 and 2015, as well as measures taken, and strategies utilized to increase fleet efficiently in the future.

    Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Bernards Township Public Works Department garage has been very active in creating a greener fleet. This process entails resource, energy, cost and time saving measures. Part of this process involved replacing existing vehicles with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and other vehicles obtaining increased mileage efficiency.

  • Green Design

    Green Building Policy/Resolution

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has adopted a Green Building policy. A number of actions have already been taken with further actions planned for the near future. Bernards Township is actively working on making all aspects of municipal facilities “greener” and more environmentally sustainable. This policy encompasses municipal buildings, grounds and facilities operations. The new addition to the Bernards Township Sewerage Authority has been designed and constructed to meet LEED certification requirements. The overarching goals of this policy include promoting efficiency, reducing waste, conserving resources, reducing overall environmental impact, cost savings promoting health and safety of municipal employees and residents and improving the quality of life for all members of the community. Energy efficiency and water conservation actions have been implemented as an integral part of this process. The township has also adopted a Green Building & Environmental Sustainability element incorporated into the newly updated (2010) Master Plan.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 1

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Solar tubes have been installed in the Department of Public Works by DPW personnel. This installation has saved the township substantial energy costs, as well as reducing environmental costs associated with production of electricity. It has also improved the working environment for DPW personnel, adding natural light to buildings where the installation was done. Installation of the solar tubes has provided the township significant energy cost savings.

    Innovative Community Project 2

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The latest innovative project that Bernards Township has identified and is in the process of implementing is the installation of CIRUS Technology on the salt trucks. This advanced technology can limit salt application by automating the spreader to account for temperatures, speed of the vehicle and predetermined spreader routes. This will reduce the use of salt and other deicers, which are harmful to the environment. Fewer trips to reload the salt trucks translate into lower fuel consumption, less wear and tear on the vehicles and a reduction in Bernards Township’s carbon footprint. Taxpayers also benefit from a more effective operation, leading to safer roads and less tax dollars spent on purchasing salt. This innovative project was duly recognized by Sustainable Jersey in 2015 by awarding Bernards Township a $30,000.00 grant funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund.

    Innovative Community Project 3

    10 Points

    Program Summary: This project aimed to improve river flow and recreational opportunities on the Upper Passaic River. The Passaic River in Bernards Township is a recreation attraction. The upper reaches are Category 1 trout producing waters. The area between Maple Avenue/Basking Ridge Road and Haas Road/Stonehouse Road bridges is one of the most fished areas of the entire river system. As the river exits the Great Swamp, the quantity of public land access attracts many fishing and kayak enthusiasts. Bernards Township is home to the rivers only white water and there have been multiple near tragic kayak/canoe accidents involving obstructions. Bernards Township participated in an unprecedented joint grant application with multiple municipalities and counties to De-Snag the Upper Passaic River. This successful project removed a total of 28 full river snags between Long Hill Township and Bernards Township. Nine full river snags were removed in addition to the initial 19 snags identified. Before and after pictures are included in FILE 5.

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Green Building & Environmental Sustainability Element

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has been on the forefront of Environmental Planning for the future. The updated 2010 Bernards Township Master Plan incorporates a number of elements focused on future sustainability of the township including: - A Vision For The 21st Century - A Farmland Preservation Element - A Green Building and Environmental Sustainability Plan - A Historic Preservation Plan Element - A Conservation and Open Space Plan Element - A Parks and Recreation Plan Element

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resource Inventory

    20 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Bernards Township NRI has just recently been updated. The update has been approved by the Environmental Commission and incorporated into the Bernards Township Master Plan, and utilized in planning and policy making decisions. This revision was in 2014, and the township is working within the framework of updating the NRI at least every 6 years. As per the Environmental Commission, there were no substantive changes to the NRI. Be it noted, some open space acreage was formalized as designated protected open space.

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has a very active Environmental Commission. The EC is responsible for ensuring that environmental issues in Bernards Township are given the right priority in order to protect and preserve natural resources of the town and surrounding areas including land, water, air and bios (flora and fauna). The Environmental Commission accomplishes its mission through: • Taking proactive stances on local environmental matters and strengthening the local planning process. • Coordinating rational, balanced reviews of development applications for the appropriate township bodies. • Increasing public awareness and understanding of local and regional environmental issues. • Keeping abreast of, and involvement in, as appropriate, issues in surrounding areas and communities.

    Open Space Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has been very active regarding purchase and preservation of open space, as well as planning to ensure open space remains protected and made a priority well into the future. The Open Space as well as Parks and Recreation Elements of the 2010 update of the Township Master Plan are comprehensive and forward looking. The resolution adopting the 2010 Master Plan is provided. In addition to these documents, attached are all maps pertinent to the open space and Parks and Recreation planning initiative.

    Easement Inventory & Outreach

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has established a comprehensive Easement Inventory Program with a complete database compiled and mapped in GIS. In addition, a public education and outreach program is in place with outreach documentation provided. The Township Engineer, Planner, Zoning Officer, Surveyor and GIS Specialist have worked together to develop the Conservation Easement Inventory, Inspection and Stewardship Program. Conservation Easements are required by the Township Land Development Ordinance, Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment to protect wetland, wetland transition, stream buffer, steep slope and woodland areas. The intent of this program is to limit soil loss, erosion, flood damage and degradation of surface water while at the same time buffer the effects of pollutants and preserve wildlife habitats and scenic views. Conservation Easements are granted to Bernards Township during the Planning/Zoning Board application process or during the construction permit process. The easement inventory is constantly expanding as new easements are added. Each individual easement is inspected by the Zoning Officer once every two years. Baseline pictures are taken during the initial inspection and uploaded into our GIS database. The pictures will be used for comparison with future site conditions. Violations discovered during the inspection process will be addressed immediately. An inspection report is completed for each property. All property owners will receive educational correspondence, at least every two years, explaining the restrictions associated with, and the benefits of, the conservation easements.

    Easement Inspections & Evaluations

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has established a comprehensive Easement Inventory Program with a complete database compiled and mapped in GIS. In addition, a public education and outreach program is in place with outreach documentation provided. Easement inspections and evaluations are performed by the Zoning Officer once every two years. Documentation pertaining to each easement is kept on file, including items such as the official recorded easement, an easement map, a monitoring report and photos or aerial photos of the easement. To date, the initial 306 conservation easements have been evaluated.

    Clustering Ordinance

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has adopted a Clustering ordinance to control sprawl, conserve resources and habitat and promote quality of life in the township. In addition, the township has passed other ordinances to regulate development and protect natural resources including a Natural Resource Conservation Development ordinance and a Land Development ordinance.

    Environmental Assessment Ordinance

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has established an Environmental Assessment ordinance. In addition, to better protect the environment and guide development in a sustainable manner, the township has also put in place a Natural Resource Conservation Development Ordinance and a Land Development Ordinance.

    Tree Protection Ordinance

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The township has been very proactive regarding tree protection. In addition to a Shade Tree Protection Ordinance, the township has enacted a Tree Removal and Protection Ordinance and has been recognized as a Tree City USA.

    Tree Maintenance Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township is dedicated to protecting and maintaining its trees and woodlands in a healthy condition. The township has a contract with an outside service to help with tree maintenance. In addition, the Public Works department actively monitors and maintains trees. The township has a dedicated Shade Tree Commission which is also involved in the health and well being of trees in our community. Due to the large number of trees lost to Hurricane Sandy the Township implemented a Tree Safety Pruning Program on all Township owned properties. Absolute Arbor was hired to walk the property lines of approximately two thousand acres and drop/prune any hazardous trees along the property lines that were deemed a safety concern. Absolute Arbor was paid approximately $66,000.00 and removed approximately two hundred trees. The Department of Public Works Staff also pruned and removed hazardous trees during the year, as needed. In addition to in house efforts we employ High Tech Tree Service for an additional $80,000.00 per year to prune and remove hazardous trees. Additional tree pruning and removal documentation is provided in file 4.

    Tree Planting Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission has an active tree planting program as part of its Community Forestry Management Plan. The commission is engaged in public education and awareness of the value and importance of trees in our community. A tree planting program has been undertaken in cooperation with the local schools. Information on tree planting including tree specifications and budget is provided. The maintenance plan is part of the BT Community Forestry Management Plan. The township has also initiated a 5 in Five tree planting program, with online portal encouraging residents to become actively involved in the initiative. The Township Committee has passed an Arbor Day 2014 resolution and is committed to tree protection in the community. Bernards Township has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 2013 by the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree maintenance documentation is provided in file 4.

  • Operations & Maintenance

    Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Resolution *Retires 12/31/23*

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Green purchasing is an integral component of the overall Bernards Township Environmental Sustainability initiative and the Township Committee has formally adopted a Green Purchasing policy. Bernards Township is actively involved in promoting its "Green" purchasing program. The goals of this initiative include the following: • Improve the community’s environmental performance and make it more sustainable. • Raise awareness of environmental issues among the staff and residents of the community. • Make policy decisions reflecting the municipality’s commitment to conducting business in an environmentally responsible way. • Require "green" bid specifications to be met in the municipal "environmentally preferable purchase" initiative. Documentation of web posting and emailing of resolution and policy is provided.

    Green Cleaning Products & Motorized Cleaning Equipment

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has implemented a policy requiring all cleaning products to be as "green" as possible. This requirement is part of the bid specs for all cleaning service proposals submitted to the township. In addition, other product purchases are made using environmentally preferable purchasing standards. Product documentation is provided. All cleaning services are done by hired outside contract. Please find included updated documentation regarding current service provider.

    Green Maintenance Equipment & Materials

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township is committed to purchasing and using green maintenance equipment and materials whenever possible. The township public works garage has undertaken a number of measures to become more efficient, conserve resources and reduce costs. Examples provided of our "Green Garage" initiative include the tire recycling, oil recycling and recycled materials purchases. To further efficiency, the township has partnered with the county in a sand and salt sharing program. Documentation of recycled materials purchases is provided.

    Green Grounds & Maintenance Policy

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has developed and formally adopted a sustainability-based Grounds and Maintenance policy, which is presently being implemented in the daily activities of the Grounds and Maintenance department. This includes: • An Integrated Pest Management policy, with most areas being free of pesticides and excess fertilizer application. • Design to reduce storm water runoff through increasing infiltration in parking lots, more naturally vegetated areas (less lawn) and installation of rain barrels. • Reduced mowing by letting more areas go natural, reducing fuel costs and pollution. • Promoting biodiversity through native plantings as feasible.

    Efficient Landscape Design *Retires 12/31/23*

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Bernards Township Grounds and Maintenance department is utilizing several strategies to promote efficient landscape design. These include planting of native and drought tolerant plants, less lawn area (and mowing), letting more areas go natural, installation of rain barrels and designing areas to allow more water infiltration and less storm water runoff. The township has purchased a heavy-duty mulching machine which uses the mulch to enrich the soil and reduce the need for watering vegetation, reusing and recycling our wood resources.

    Integrated Pest Management *Retires 12/31/23*

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has developed an Integrated Pest Management policy, including an ordinance limiting the use of pesticides on township property. This policy is in effect and being implemented on municipally managed properties throughout the township. Measures being taken to implement this policy have been documented.

    Recycled Materials & Composting

    10 Points

    Program Summary: A wood chipper/mulcher has been purchased and put to extensive use. This has saved the town transportation costs and provides a valuable onsite resource at the recycling center. In addition, the township has purchased a topsoil making machine to further enhance recycling and reuse of organic material. The accompanying files document information regarding these two exceptional recycling “tools”. The Bernards Township Green Grounds and Maintenance Policy is also provided. Recycled materials use and usage is provide in file 4.

  • Public Information & Engagement

    Online Municipal Public Service Systems

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township is very pro-active in providing essential information regarding public services on the municipal website and is a leader in providing digitized information to the public. From the homepage, visitors can view department information and hours, register for a recreation class, pay their taxes/sewer fees on-line or get information on recycling, just to name a few. With just a click, QUICKLINKS provides: directions; documents; forms, applications & permits; tax maps; school information; employment opportunities; etc. Bernards Townships Spatial Data Logic (SDL) Portal allows the public to enter a service request, report issues and track results via an online mobile platform. In addition members of the public can access construction permit records and application status from any internet capable device. Examples of the essential information regarding public services and the SDL Portal- online system for citizens to enter a service request, report issues , check the status of construction permits are included in the attached files. FILE 1: Information-Quicklinks; Department Contact Information & Hours; Forms, Applications & Permits; Recycling; Recreation Activities & Events/Road Closures/Snow Removal FILE 2: SDL Portal for the public to report issues, enter a service request via an online mobile device FILE3: Online Payment Systems allows the user to pay taxes and sewer bills online; pay a ticket or fine; register and pay for a recreation program or apply/pay for a pool or golf membership FILE 4: Notification- Sign Me Up-allows the public to receive notification about non-emergency as well as emergency information, based on which options the user selects. FILE 5: SDL Portal-online system to enter service request, view construction permit records and application status from a mobile device Please visit www.bernards.org to view the multitude of information regarding public services and the SDL Portal.

    Digitizing Public Information

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township’s website contains a significant amount of digital information. In addition to viewing information, residents can pay taxes and sewer fees on-line; register for a recreation program or apply for a golf/pool membership; download departmental applications/forms/permits; view the budget/audit/master plan, ordinances/resolutions, the community calendar or the latest agendas & minutes. Township Committee and Planning Board meetings are streamed-live via the website and video clips are incorporated in the agenda’s of the prior Township Committee meetings. A top priority of Bernards Township is to keep the public informed, so visitors can sign up for emergency notifications, via SWIFT 911 or Sign Me Up to follow us on social media, receive notification of employment opportunities or license and tax reminders, etc. Bernards Township’s Spatial Data Logic Portal allows the public on-line access to property records, permits, service requests and custom map searches. The custom map search allows the user to search by Block & Lot /Address or Name. This portal significantly reduces OPRA requests, from residents, potential buyers, realtors, contractors, etc. Snapshots of some of the information available on the website are in the attached files. FILE 1: Home Page Information- Quicklinks/Community Information/Townhall/Township Committee/ Boards& Commissions/ Department & Staff Information/Welcome Guide/ On-line Payment Access/OPRA Form/ Recycling Information/ Bid Results, etc. FILE 2: Township Committee and Department/Staff Information – including all relevant department information posted on the respective page. FILE 3: Boards & Commissions/Meeting Dates/Agendas/Minutes, etc. FILE 4: Ordinances/ Tax Maps posted online. FILE 5: Spatial Data Logic on-line portal to search for Digital Tax Maps by block & lot, address, name, etc. Please visit www.bernards.org to view the tremendous amount of information available on Bernards Township’s website.

  • Sustainability & Climate Planning

    Municipal Carbon Footprint

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has calculated the 2015 Carbon Footprint and compared the results to 2010. The calculation includes every municipal facility, including the Sewerage Authority, all street lights, traffic signals and fleet data. The results indicate a significant overall reduction in Total Emissions (Metric Tons CO2e) of 20% from base year 2010. One of the key drivers is a 33% reduction in KWH at the Sewerage Authority since the installation of a 1.1 megawatt solar field in June 2011. Also contributing to the reduction is the installation of Solar Panels in September 2013 and Solar Tubes in 2012 at the Department of Public Works and Engineering Building. All municipal buildings have experienced reductions in electric usage due to the installation of efficient lighting & HVAC measures, contributing to the overall 25% reduction in CO2e for electric. Fleet efficiencies have reduced CO2e by 22% as the Township continues to replace low MPG vehicles with higher MPG units, downgrade vehicle size when appropriate and practice proactive vehicle maintenance to ensure efficiency. The favorable results indicate the significant progress Bernards Township has made over the past few years in reducing Bernards Townships Carbon Footprint.

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Bernards Township is home to one of three permanent prescription drug drop-off locations in Somerset County. The drop-off box is located at the Bernards Township Police Department, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ. Hours of operation are 7:00am – 4:30pm. Residents can drop off unwanted/expired prescription drugs or over the counter medication. Final disposition of the drugs is transportation on a quarterly basis to COVANTA in Newark, NJ where the drugs are destroyed by combustion in a generator. Over 1,000 lbs of prescription drugs were collected in 2015, with approximately 375-400 people using the drop off site. In addition to the permanent drop-off box, Bernards Township has hosted drop off events on March 28th and October 10th 2015, as well as April 30th of 2016.

    Community Paper Shredding Day

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township held a “Community Shred Day” on October 10th, 2015 from 9am -1pm. The event was held at the Bernards Township Engineering Services Building and was funded by Somerset County. 15,530 pounds were collected from the 441 cars that attended the event. Residents were able to drive into the DPW Garage and drop off documents which were commercially shredded by trained, licensed and bonded document destruction specialists while residents stayed to watch the process. The event was advertised and promoted on Bernards Township’s website, Somerset County website and local media. Somerset County also provided pamphlets to give to the residents. The listing of “2015 Shred Dates” was posted under announcements on the Bernards Township website as well as all of the websites of the participating towns in Somerset County. The event was very successful and planning is underway to hold the next “Community Shred Day” on October 8th, 2016.

    Recycling Depot

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bernards Township has developed an extensive recycling program supervised by the Public Works Director and Certified Recycling Coordinator Pat Monaco. In addition to recycling in municipal buildings, the program includes a recycling center, recycling at the public works facility and in municipal parks, as well as several downtown locations. Information regarding materials collected, recycling center hours of operation and other recycling center information required is provided in the attached documentation. The Department of Public Works Staff is used to facilitate the successful operation and management of the recycling center. The recycling center provides residents a valuable resource, enabling them to recycle items in an efficient and effective manner.