Lawrence Township New Jersey - Environmental Green Advisory Committee

Township of Lawrence Mercer County - New Jersey

Environmental Green Advisory Committee

ABOUT US

The Environmental Green Advisory Committee (EGAC) consists of ten members appointed by the Lawrence Township council. Each member serves a term of four years, except for those first appointed, who are appointed for a term of two years. Terms end on the last day of the calendar year or until a successor is appointed.

Our Mission

Advise and consult with the council and the manager with respect to the environmental needs of the township.
Review and make recommendations with respect to township acquisition and administration of open space and other conservation areas and projects.
Study and develop proposals for the conservation and preservation of natural features, including landscaping of the township and make recommendations with respect thereto to the council and manager.
Review and make recommendations to the zoning board of adjustment and the planning boards on all site plans and subdivisions submitted to the board.

As recorded in Sec. 2-92 of the Lawrence Township Code, Ord. No. 1034-86, Ord. No. 1253-90

News from the Committee

Lawrence Township, "where nature smiles for 22 miles", prides itself on protecting the Township's natural beauty by acquiring and preserving hundreds of acres of parkland and open space. Wetlands, which represents nearly 21% of Lawrence Township land, plays an important role in maintaining and protecting our environment.

Members & Liaisons

Current Members:

Donald Little (Through 12/31/25)
Annette Loveless, Chair (Through 12/31/25)
Pamela Mount, (Through 12/31/24)
Cindy Peacock (Through 12/31/27)
Carolyn Peucker (Through 12/31/25)
Noemi de la Puente (Through 12/31/24)
Katharine Schumacher, Vice Chair (Through 12/31/23)
Vacancy (Through 12/31/25)
Vacancy (Through 12/31/25)
Vacancy (Through 12/31/25)

If you are interested in applying for a position on this or any board/committee, please complete this form.

Current Liaisons:

Council Member Christopher Bobbitt, Township Council Liaison
TBD, Township Staff Liaison

Projects & Activities

Site Plan Review

At monthly meetings, EGAC members continue to review site plans presented to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board. Comments written by the chairman of the EGAC are sent to the appropriate board to be used at their discretion.

Mapping of stormwater outfalls for the township

In January 2004, New Jersey adopted new "Phase II" Municipal Stormwater Management rules designed to reduce discharge of polluted runoff into our streams. The rules require counties and municipalities to map all stormwater outfalls that discharge to surface water. EGAC members assisted the township in the collection of outfall data by walking all of the streams in Lawrenceville.

Environmental Resource Inventory

With a $5,250 Smart Growth Planning Grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) Lawrence Township has released the 2017 updated version of the Environmental Resources Inventory (ERI) that is available as a large PDF file.

The Township Council contracted with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to complete the ERI project in conjunction with the Township’s EGAC. The ERI is a comprehensive assemblage of maps and text that identifies and describes the environmental features and natural characteristics of Lawrence including geography, topography, surface and groundwater, vegetation, landscape, wildlife, historical sites, and land use. The maps use geographic information system (GIS) technology to precisely detail the location and extent of the Township’s resources and the accompanying narrative give a descriptive account of each item.

The ERI in digital format can be viewed and updated by Township officials over time to improve and expand the information content. It will serve as the foundation of a Conservation Element; a component of the Township’s Master Plan, which is constantly being updated.

Green Buildings and Environmental Sustainability Element

Utilizing a grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, Lawrence Township developed a Green Buildings and Environmental Sustainability Element to the Master Plan. The EGAC was instrumental in getting and executing the grant. The Element was adopted by the Planning Board on May 3, 2010. It is intended to guide land-use decisions and provide the basis for ordinances addressing sustainability and land use issues.