MIDDLE TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MISSION STATEMENT

The Middle Township Environmental Commission (MTEC) was created to pursue a mission of fostering environmental awareness, understanding and appreciation in order to protect and sustain our municipality’s abundant natural resources, which enhance quality of life for our residents and seasonal visitors. Our goals are to advocate for the long-term protection of Middle Township’s natural resources, support the Township’s pursuit of sustainability, and to be an environmental education resource for all citizens.

MTEC’s PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES ARE:

• Advising the Township Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board about open-space preservation and sustainable municipal policies and practices.
• Educating residents about environmental issues through programs, meetings, publications and news releases.
• Working with neighboring commissions and other organizations, including the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Soil Conservation Districts, local planning boards, boards of health and utilities authorities.
• Making well-researched recommendations regarding the Township’s pursuit of alternative energy solutions, energy conservation and renewable energy resources based on the Township’s 2010 Energy Audit.
• Making well-researched recommendations related to local environmental issues, including: solid waste management and recycling; clean water resources; storm water management; air, noise and light pollution control; preservation and use of parks and other open spaces; land use; and protection of flora, fauna, soil and landscape, per the Township’s Master Plan Land Use Update, adopted July 2010.
• Maintaining and updating the Township’s Natural Resource Inventory (NRI), conducted November 2007 and revised May 2010.

The MTEC is empowered to:

• Make recommendations regarding environmental policy and land use to the Township Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board.
• Advise the Township with regard to water resource management, pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, protection of flora and fauna, alternative energy solutions and other issues of an environmentally sensitive nature.
• Educate and inform residents about ways to help protect the environment.