Cape May County Recognized For Environmental Efforts

COURT HOUSE — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has recently awarded Cape May County a Certificate of Environmental Stewardship for its voluntary and proactive measures to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future.
Each year under the Water Quality Program, the NJDEP Compliance and Enforcement Division performs an inspection of the County Public Works’ facilities. Following the inspection, NJDEP determined that the County was engaged in or had completed activities that made Cape May County eligible for recognition under the Department’s Environmental Stewardship Program.
The County’s facilities at the following locations were inspected on September 27, 2013 by NJDEP: the County Airport, Crest Haven and Upper Section Road Department Maintenance Yards that also included the salt storage buildings and fueling stations; the County De-Water pads for the street sweepings at the County Airport, Crest Haven Complex and 46th Street in Ocean City; and the County maintenance yard at the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge.
Additionally, the inspector reviewed various records at the County Public Works’ Department Offices including catch basin and street sweeping records, time spent and materials disposed of from trash cleanup along roadways and various facilities and properties.
County Engineer Dale Foster said, “The County Public Works Department does not use herbicides or pesticides along the roadways and bridges; we purchase products made from recycled materials such as garbage cans, paper products, etc.; new or remodeled buildings are designed incorporating sustainable construction methods; we utilize biodiesel fuel for vehicles, maintain compliance with environmental regulations such as those required by our stormwater management permits; incorporate good housekeeping practices at the County fueling facilities; we purchase alternate energy powered vehicles; our litter abatement through the Clean Communities Program and use of “green” or biodegradable cleaning products for housecleaning and parts cleaning.”
“It is a great honor for Cape May County to be seen in the eyes of NJDEP as stewards of the environment,” added Foster.
For additional information, please contact the County Engineer’s Office at 609-465-1035.
Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster presented the certificate of recognition to the Board of Chosen Freeholders at their meeting on Oct. 22, 2013.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are: E. Marie Hayes, Freeholder, Leonard C. Desiderio, Freeholder Vice-Director, Gerald M. Thornton, Freeholder Director, Dale Foster, County Engineer, Nancy Mauro, Clean Communities Coordinator, Ann Marie McMahon, Facilities & Services Director, Kristine Gabor, Freeholder, and Will Morey, Freeholder.