Monmouth County Environmental Newsletter: May Edition

Holland Tulip Farms

Holland Ridge Tulip Farms, Upper Freehold. Source: Carla Mallm

Monmouth County Seal 2018

Monmouth County Environmental Newsletter:  May 2019

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Family Hiking

Ticks and Mosquitoes in Monmouth County, June 5 at 7 p.m.

The Monmouth County Environmental Council is holding an annual round-table event titled "Ticks and Mosquitoes in Monmouth County: Resources to help you protect your family and pets."  Please note that this event has been rescheduled to June 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Monmouth County Ag. Building, 4000 Kozloski Rd, Freehold. Join us to learn from a variety of expert speakers about health threats from ticks and mosquitoes, local research and methods you can use to keep your family and pets safe.

We will hear presentations from Christopher Merkel, Public Health Officer from the Monmouth County Health Department; Prof. Dina Fonseca, Director of Rutgers Center of Vector Biology; Dr. Deborah Breitstein, veterinarian and co-owner of Animal Health Care of Marlboro; and Victoria Thompson, Superintendent of Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division. The presentations will be followed by a brief question and answer session with the speakers.  Guests will also receive a copy of the new Eco-Tips Brochure: Dealing with Ticks and Mosquitoes.  Monmouth County Division of Planning routinely publishes Eco-Tips brochures to coincide with round table events. To browse previous eco-tips brochures click here. 

This event is planned to help the average citizen understand the threat ticks, mosquitoes and other pests pose to their families and their pets. Ultimately, guests will learn what strategies they can use to protect their families.  Everyone is welcome. Gardeners, hikers, athletes, outdoor workers, pet owners and concerned citizens will find this program especially helpful.  Although this event is free, please RSVP to Amber Mallm. 

Upcoming Environmental & Outdoor Events in Monmouth County:

Some activities require registration and/or fees:

Board of Chosen Freeholders Opposes NESE Pipeline

NESE Pipeline Proposed Route

The red line shows the proposed NESE pipeline route across the Raritan & Lower NY Bay. Source: FERC, NESE FEIS

On April 18, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution opposing the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE) pipeline. The NESE pipeline is proposed to transport 400 million cubic feet of hydraulically fractured natural gas through Pennsylvania, Middlesex County and the Raritan and Lower New York Bay to Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island New York. The project is currently under review by NJDEP for Flood Hazard Areas, Coastal Wetlands, Waterfront Development and Temporary Dewatering permits. Comments may be submitted via email to NJDEP by May 2, 2019.

The Freeholder's resolution asserts that this pipeline will in no way benefit N.J. or Monmouth County and its residents. The resolution states the pipeline will disturb 14,165 acres of seabed, discharge 690,000 gallons of drilling fluid and associated chemicals,  re-suspend over 1 million tons of toxins including PCBs, dioxin, lead, mercury, and arsenic into the water column and simultaneously destroy benthic habitat. The resolution also states marine life would be further affected as an anticipated 3.5 million gallons of water is seived, and loud sounds and vibrations are generated. It continues to say the pipeline would negatively affect the safety and well-being of the Bayshore coastal communities and disturb commercial, recreational and shell fishing activities. Furthermore the resolution expresses that this pipeline increases the dependency on fossil fuels. Copies of this resolution were sent to Govenor Murphy, NJDEP, the Monmouth County Legislative Delegation, all Monmouth County municipalities and all other Boards of Chosen Freeholders. View the resolution here.


Rutgers 14th Annual Energy Symposium Focuses on Offshore Wind Energy 

The Rutgers Energy Institute is hosting its 14th annual Energy Symposium on Wednesday May 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Rutgers Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, 500 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway Township, NJ 08854. This year's event is focused on offshore wind in New Jersey and the northeast. Speakers include Scott Glenn, Distinguished Professor & Co-Director, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences & Center for Ocean Observing Leadership at Rutgers University; Annmarie Carlton, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine; Kris Ohleth, Senior Stakeholder Relations Manager for U.S. Offshore Wind Division, Orsted; Kathleen Frangione, Chief Policy Advisor, New Jersey Governor’s Office.  In the afternoon participants may chose one breakout session from a variety of topics focused on the future of offshore wind in New Jersey. Click here to register.

Pin Oak

The Official County Tree: The Oak

Monmouth County now has an official tree, the oak. To denote this County tree, the Monmouth County Shade Tree Division performed a survey of the land it manages.  The diversity of this species allows different varieties to grow across the County's central, coastal, western and southern regions. While oaks are found naturally growing in our forested areas and parks, their hardiness and speedy growing habit makes them a common planted tree along our roadways. Freeholder Director Arnone announced the determination at the 2019 Shade Tree Spring Forum and emphasized the importance of recognizing these trees as part of the County's identity. 

sustainable jersey

2019 New Jersey Sustainability Summit

Monmouth County is proud to be the host-community for Sustainable Jersey's annual New Jersey Sustainability Summit, to be held at Bellworks in Holmdel, on Friday, June 14, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year, Sustainable Jersey is celebrating its 10th anniversary by recognizing all of the people, organizations, businesses and agencies that have contributed to its success. 

Participants may chose from 12 breakout sessions to engage in discussions, share best practices and identify areas for future regional collaboration.  Guests may also test drive electric vehicles provided by ChargEVC or browse exhibits from businesses that may help advance sustainable goals. Register here.