An
ERI provides visual depictions of natural resources, in the form of
mapping information and text that describes these resources, their
sensitivities and limitations for development and suggested measures
for protection of sensitive resources.
The
Livingston ERI details the Township’s geology, topography, flood areas,
land uses, wetlands, existing and planned infrastructure, wildlife,
water supply, historical places, air quality, and bodies of water.
It serves as a tool for planning, a guide for surveys and other scientific
activities and as a resource to increase public understanding of the
environment. It was prepared for the Township by Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants.
BACKGROUND
The
LEC was awarded a 2009 Smart Growth Planning Assistance Grant from
the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)
to share in the cost of preparing an Environmental Resource Inventory
(ERI).
The
ERI provides both visual depictions of natural resources, in the
form of mapping information and text that describes these resources,
their sensitivities and limitations for development and suggested
measures for protection of sensitive resources. It serves as both
a tool for planning, a guide for surveys and other scientific activities
and as a tool for public education.
Specific features to be mapped in the ERI include: Bedrock Depths
Soil Land Use Stability, Erodible Soils, Major Soil Types, Topography
and Steep Slopes, Wetlands, Hydroligic Features, Wildlife and Threatened
and Endangered Species Habitat, Mature Forest Coverage andWellhead
Protection Areas including public community supply wells within
a 500 ft buffer of Livingston and known contaminated sites and groundwater
contamination areas and an Open Space Inventory.
The ERI will include an introductory section that will detail the
purpose of the ERI, relevance to the Township Master Plan, general
conditions including current population figures and trends and a
general introduction to regulatory agencies specific to the region.
The History section will include a brief description of the local
history, historic preservation, and if any, prehistoric sites, significant
trees and historic roads, structures and other significant cultural
resources with in the municipality. The Climatology section will
include a description of the general climate conditions and trends
of the region.
The Geology section will include physiographic region, stratigraphy,
surficial formations, major aquifers and recharge areas, potable
water supply, USEPA Superfund sites (if present) and Sole-source
aquifers. Available data on groundwater quality compared to standards
and a discussion of sources of water supply will be presented.
The Air Quality section will include National “Clean Air”
standards, regional and local air monitoring sites and statistics.
This section will also include levels of criteria pollutants and
air toxics within the municipal region. The Summary will include
potential actions and measures that may be taken to identify and
efficiently protect resources in the Township.
Based on price and technical proposals, Amy S. Greene Environmental
Consultants, Inc. was awarded a consultant contract to prepare the
ERI narrative and maps. The project was initiated in July 2009,
and will continue into 2010 with the support of ANJEC representatives.
The ERI will provide a tool that will help the Planning Board, Open
Space Committee and other Township bodies assess the strengths and
weaknesses of our community as they make decisions that will shape
the future of the Township of Livingston.
Additional information on the ERI project
Back
to LEC-Topics