Environmental Commission

April is Earth Month, a time where we can raise environmental awareness and create consciousness around the issues that directly affect mother nature. In Madison, our Green Teams have partnered together to provide multiple free events for residents, visitors, and neighbors to attend, all of which have one overarching goal – working towards a greener and cleaner Madison. Learn more about the events, and register (when necessary), by clicking here.

Meetings

The Environmental Commission of the Borough of Madison meets from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on the dates listed in the calendar, in the 2nd Floor Committee Room of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road, Madison, New Jersey. 

MEC_02_2021These meetings are open to the public. Please note that official action may be taken for the meetings as seen in the calendar to the right.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Archived Agendas and Minutes Prior to 2012 | View Borough Code 

Overview

MEC_01_2021The Environmental Commission has the following duties:

  • Study and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council in areas of conservation and environmental protection, which shall include but not be limited to pollution control of all types, waste disposal, including sewage, garbage and solid waste, open space preservation, with emphasis on outdoor recreation needs, aesthetic flora and fauna preservation and beautification; and water resources.
  • Plan local conservation programs and inform the public about those programs.
  • Prepare, print and distribute informational materials, such as books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its purposes, within the limits of funds appropriated to the Commission.
  • Keep an index of all open areas, publicly and privately owned, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas.
  • Recommend, from time to time, to the Planning Board, plans, and programs for inclusion in the Master Plan of the Borough of Madison for development and use of such areas.
  • Operate conservation programs on lands donated or purchased for conservation purposes by the Borough of Madison.
  • Do such other acts and things as are reasonably related to and assigned to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Commission.

Watch "Nature's Best Hope" Talk by Dr. Doug Tallamy

Natures Best Hope Opens in new window

Environmental Resource Inventory

The Madison Environmental Commission (MEC) is pleased to present the Environmental Resource Inventory (PDF). There are also 3 appendices: an Environmental Checklist (PDF), Map Appendix Part 1 (PDF), and Map Appendix Part 2 (PDF).

Resources

  • View the 1986 Buried Valley Aquifer Report (PDF).
  • The Department of Public Works (DPW) offers free bags for leaf collection. The bags will be picked up with yard debris on Tuesdays or residents can bring them to the DPW facility on John Street.

Get Involved

Email us at MEC@rosenet.org to volunteer and participate in projects on native plants, energy efficiency, green building, water conservation, composting and food waste.

Stormwater Runoff

The MEC has tested the Madison Recreation Complex stormwater runoff on three times to ensure no contaminants enter our groundwater. Tests were commissioned in October 2012, 2016 and 2021. The lab, Equity Environmental Engineering, interpreted the results as follows: "The stormwater samples were collected from turf fields runoff and analyzed for lead, zinc, and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results of the analysis did not identify concentrations of these compounds that exceeded the NJDEP criteria (Ground Water Quality Criteria and Surface Water Quality Criteria). All of the compounds were non-detect (ND) except Zinc.”

The lab's methodology is as follows: "Method Detection Limit (MDL) is the lowest concentration at which an analyte can be detected in a sample. Reporting Limit (RL) is the lowest concentration at which an analyte concentration can be reported with a reasonable degree of accuracy and precision. Bold MDL and RL values mean that they are greater than the NJDEP criteria. Where the MDL or RL was above the NJDEP criteria, the analytical results were non-detect and therefore, not of concern.” 

View the full reports: 2012 and 2021.

View the lab summaries: 2016 and 2021.

E-Cycling

PC Problems on Main Street will accept electronics for proper disposal during business hours without charge. Large TV's must be taken to the DPW Municipal Garage.

Sustainable Madison, NJ

http://www.sustainablemadisonnj.org/