Master Plan - Conservation

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script type="text/javascript" src="http://hb.lycos.com/hb.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ratings.lycos.com/ratings/lycosRating.js.php"></script> <script type="text/javascript"><![CDATA[//><!]]></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://scripts.lycos.com/catman/init.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-start.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-middle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-end.js"></script> <noscript> <img src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/img/common/ot_noscript.gif?rand=326954" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  <iframe frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="728" height="90" src="http://ad.yieldmanager.com/st?ad_type=iframe&ad_size=728x90&section=209094"></iframe>  </noscript> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="1a500640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Voorhees Environmental and Recreational  Alliance</b></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </b></FONT><B>    |     </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Voorhees Environmental and Recreational "><U><B>home</b></U></A></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#666699" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Master Plan - Conservation</b></div> <div> <A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Master Plan Open Space"><U>Master Plan - Open Space</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Master Plan Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan"><U>Master Plan - Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id290.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bikeway Map"><U>Bikeway Map</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Master Plan Open Space Techniques"><U>Master Plan - Open Space Techniques</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>CONSERVATION PLAN</b></div> <bR> <div> The Conservation Plan goals as stated in this Master Plan Update provide for the preservation, conservation and utilization of natural resources, including, to the extent appropriate, energy, open space, water supply, forests, soil, wetlands, streams and other waters, fishing areas and endangered or threatened species of wildlife.  This plan examines the impact of each component and element of the Master Plan on the present and future preservation, conservation and utilization of these resources.</div> <bR> <div> Since 1980 Voorhees Township has more than doubled its population. Directly related to this increase is the doubling of its housing units (see Supplemental Analysis). The amount of vacant land in Voorhees is rapidly decreasing due to development pressures primarily for more residential housing units and commercial development.</div> <bR> <div> The streams, lakes, farms and woodlands of Voorhees invite residential development, but also form components of functional ecosystems which directly impact the everyday lives of Voorhees residents in terms of water supply, drainage, flood control, septic disposal, quality of life and recreation. These ecosystems also support the varied vegetative and wildlife communities which are linked to the multitude of streams, ponds. and lakes found throughout the Township.  It is important to realize that all these environmental components are linked, and every action taken to alter the environment impacts ecological functions as well as the quality and integrity of our surroundings. The elements discussed herein form the network of resources which provide Voorhees with its primary character and ecological form.</div> <bR> <div> In view of its  recent rapid development,  the Township has examined  its environmental resources including wetlands, floodplains, woodlands, farmlands, open space, and aquifer recharge areas, as well as soils and scenic areas. To further Township goals in the area of preservation, these resources have been mapped and made part of the Master Plan.  The Conservation Plan is provided in part as a reference for the Township during its review and determination of which properties are most appropriate for preservation.  The plan also describes how to preserve the benefits of our natural resources in conjunction with sound development. The Conservation Plan is also made available to all Township residents for general reference and use.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES</b></div> <bR> <div> <B>Wetlands</b></div> <bR> <div> Freshwater wetlands are areas of low topography typically exhibiting poor drainage and standing water or a high groundwater table much of the year. They are characteristically occupied by wet or hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation. Wetlands serve valuable ecological functions such as storing floodwaters, filtering pollutants, allowing for groundwater recharge and providing wildlife habitat. In 1987, the State of New Jersey passed the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act to "preserve the purity and integrity of freshwater wetlands from random, unnecessary or undesirable alteration or disturbance." The act defines freshwater wetlands as areas which are normally</div> <div> saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and which under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. The delineation of freshwater wetlands is based upon a three parameter approach which involves an analysis of vegetation, hydrology, and soils. The Act also established "transition areas" ranging from 50 to 150 feet to act as buffers between wetlands and adjacent development. The transition area serves to minimize the adverse impacts of human activity in freshwater wetlands and is also an integral component of the freshwater wetland ecosystem.</div> <bR> <div> The freshwater wetland areas in New Jersey were mapped by the NJDEP as required by the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, N.J.S.A. 13:9B1. The maps provide the most current and complete inventory of wetland areas in Camden County. While the wetland areas mapped by the NJDEP are subject to field verification, they are nonetheless a good source for wetland identification. Based on this information, freshwater wetlands in Voorhees Township are shown on municipal base maps.</div> <bR> <div> Wetland areas are considered in the severe constraints category and should not be developed. In cases of absolute need, however, minor intrusions, such as road and utility crossings may be acceptable, subject to NJDEP approval.</div> <bR> <div> The wetland areas in the Township are prohibited to be developed by NJDEP and require a surrounding buffer or transition areas that can extend 5010150 feet beyond the wetland. These areas are generally located in close association to the streams within the Township. The wetland areas are concentrated in relatively narrow bands around the stream corridors and often include the floodplain. Some low lying areas have more expansive wetland sites which are more likely associated with seasonal high water table rather than stream hydrology.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Rivers and Streams</b></div> <bR> <div> There are numerous tributaries and streams within Voorhees Township which flow into two major river systems, the Cooper River and the Rancocas Creek. In addition to these surface waters, there are numerous lakes and ponds scattered throughout the Township.</div> <bR> <div> These waterways are shown on the Conservation Plan Map and several of the other Master Plan Maps included with the Master Plan. The presence of these high quality waterways benefits the Township but also necessitate additional diligence on the part of the Township to protect from increased erosion and runoff and the subsequent sedimentation which can be caused by improper development and deforestation, especially on steep slopes.</div> <bR> <div> It should be noted that Voorhees is considered to be the headwaters of several drainage basins, including the Mullica River, as well as the Cooper River and Rancocas Creek. This is worthy of note because the quality of these basins depends in great part on the quality and quantity of water as it travels through Voorhees and into other communities. Voorhees Township recognizes its obligation to help protect surface water quality for its downstream neighbors.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Floodplains</b></div> <bR> <div> The major floodplains of Voorhees are confined to three main waterways and their tributaries: Cooper River, the Nicholson Branch and the Kresson and Cedar Lakes stream corridor. Some interior portions of the Township have not been studied by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The unfinished study areas; however, are associated with substantial floodplain zones. In these areas, special attention to new development proposals should include additional floodplain delineations in accordance with NJDEP regulations to insure that construction is not</div> <div> approved in floodplain areas.</div> <bR> <div> The smallest floodplain area reaches into Voorhees from Cherry Hill and is associated with the low lying areas of Duffy's Run. The Cooper River comprises the largest floodplain area, bordering the west side of the Township. The Nicholson Branch and Kirkwood Lake are contiguous with the Cooper River. Together, they create development restrictions along the western Township line. A swath ranging from 200 to 700 feet wide reaches from Kresson Road past Cooper Road. However, this is one of the floodplain areas which was not completed by FEMA. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Aquifer Recharge Areas</b></div> <bR> <div> Aquifer recharge areas which replenish geological formations can yield economically significant quantifies of water to wells. This is achieved either through infiltration of precipitation or through downward seepage from surface water bodies. The quantity and quality at which aquifers are recharged varies greatly with soil characteristics and present and future land uses (relating to impervious cover and associated runoff). Minimizing development in aquifer recharge areas assures continual renewal of the underlying aquifer and maintained use of the area's ground</div> <div> waters.</div> <bR> <div> The New Jersey Geological Survey has developed a method for evaluating aquifer recharge areas which takes all these factors into account. Based on that methodology, there are three soil classifications in Voorhees which are potential aquifer recharge areas. They are Lakehurst, Lakewood and Lakeland soils. Where these soils overlie waterbearing geological formations, such as the Kirkwood and Cohansey sands, the potential for aquifer recharge exists.</div> <bR> <div> In an effort to protect the long term viability of the aquifer, land use planning in areas of potential aquifer recharge should reflect a respect for the dynamics of natural processes. Monitoring of potential contamination from facilities on or near aquifer recharge areas, as well as controlled development in these areas and responsible development in more buildable areas will help assure reasonable water supply for the Township in the future.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Soils</b></div> <bR> <div> Several formations serve as important aquifers in the region and the State. In Voorhees these include Cohansey Sand, the Wenonah Formation, Mount Laurel Sand, the Kirkwood Formation and underlying RaritanMagothy Formation. This last aquifer is the most productive source of groundwater in the region, and has some of its greatest depth in Voorhees Township.</div> <div> <I>     Wenonah Formation and Mount Laurel Sand</I></div> <bR> <div> The Wenonah Formation is a dark gray, poorly sorted, micaceous, silty, fine quartz sand. The difference between the Wenonah Formation and the Mount Laurel Sand, which lies above the formation, is that the Mount Laurel Sand has a larger grain size and is lighter gray in color. The Mount Laurel Sand outcrops in the extreme northwest part ofVoorhees and is continuous in the Township, dipping to the southeast and is overlain by the Navesink, Kirkwood and Cohansey formations.</div> <bR> <div> <I>     Navesink Formation</I></div> <bR> <div> This is the uppermost unit of the Cretaceous System, and lies on top of the Mount Laurel Sand, outcropping in the northwest portion of the Township. It is of marine origin, consisting of dark green to black glauconitic sand and clay, mixed with varying amounts of quartz sand. It is a confining layer, only allowing recharge to the Wenonah/Mount Laurel through vertical leakage.</div> <bR> <div>      <I>Kirkwood Formation</I></div> <bR> <div> Formed in the Tertiary age, this formation out crops in the central and northern portions ofVoorhees, continuing into Burlington County. It consists chiefly of sand, silt, and clay. Colors are varied from light gray, yellowishand grayishorange to grayishyellow, light red to moderate reddishbrown, and moderate to dusky yellow and, when weathered, yellowishgray. Generally, the Kirkwood Formation is not used for water supply since the Cohansey occurs at a shallower depth. However, the Kirkwood Formation is important since its large surface area absorbs precipitation that is partly transmitted to deeper aquifers.</div> <bR> <div>      <I>Cohansey Sand</I></div> <bR> <div> This formation lies on the Kirkwood Formation and outcrops throughout a large portion of Voorhees Township. It is a yellowishorange, with fine tocoarsegrained sand and fine gravel. It does contain some lenses of silt and clay, which can be as much as 30 feet thick. It was derived in part from older sedimentary rocks and deeply weathered crystalline rocks of the New Jersey Highlands. It is one of the most important aquifers in Camden County, and since it is hydraulically connected to the Kirkwood Formation, it serves as an excellent source of water.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Energy Conservation and Land Use</b></div> <bR> <div> Energy consumption can be significantly reduced by incorporating energy efficient land use concepts in site and building design and locational planning. Substantial energy savings can be achieved by siting and designing buildings and neighborhoods to take advantage of natural environmental heating and cooling. Site and building design is a likely starting point for implementing energyconscious land use techniques and can be used in a subdivision, neighborhood, or individual building. The concepts include southern exposure for buildings, orienting windows toward the sun, and using landscaping and natural terrain features to block or redirect winds and breezes to increase the heating or cooling efficiency of buildings.</div> <div> Energy efficient locational planning is another concept that can be used to reduce a community's demand for energy. This approach, which can be applied to small neighborhoods or large regional areas, primarily deals with reducing energy intensive automobile travel by locating activities such as industrial centers, shopping and recreational facilities close to centers of population. Compact communities encourage less frequency and average trip lengths of automobile usage. The creation of a pedestrian and bikeway system throughout the community also reduces automobile travel and conserves energy.</div> <bR> <div> Locational planning involves decisions concerning energy intensive construction of roads and sewers. By locating new development in areas already serviced by infrastructure, suburban sprawl is discouraged and much of the costs associated with new construction can be averted. This sort of development finds its most recent local expression in the planning for the Voorhees Town Center where commercial and residential uses are combined to form an energy efficient core development area within the Township. It is also supported by recent State planning initiatives centering on the State Development and Redevelopment Plan. Efficient locational planning also plays a key role in the preservation of open space, farmlands and scenic vistas.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>RECOMMENDATIONS</b></div> <bR> <div> <B>Overview</b></div> <bR> <div> Conservation planning can be utilized as a tool to help preserve the remaining</div> <div> natural character of critical areas in Voorhees and protect necessary environmental</div> <div> areas. These include, but are not limited to: wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes,</div> <div> mature woodlands, groundwater, sensitive surface waters and wildlife habitat.</div> <div> Conservation planning can prevent wasteful land development practices, promote</div> <div> recreational development, help protect historic and cultural sites, lessen the cost of new</div> <div> development and maintain property values.</div> <bR> <div> The Conservation Plan helps preserve the ecological, historic, visual, and scenic</div> <div> resources of the Township by: a) providing a continuous greenway network of open</div> <div> space along streams, slopes, scenic areas and critical environmental areas such as</div> <div> flood plains, wetlands and woodlands areas; b) limiting or prohibiting development in</div> <div> critical environmental areas; c) limiting environmental degradation and adverse impacts</div> <div> such as noise and air pollution due to improper use of land; d) encouraging land</div> <div> development which preserves natural amenities and does not aggravate drainage</div> <div> problems affecting the Township and water quality, particularly in important wellfield</div> <div> and drainage areas; e) avoiding stream channel relocation and development;</div> <div> f) providing for suitable wildlife habitat; g) preserving existing woodland areas; and</div> <div> h) protecting the quality of surface bodies of water (streams, lakes, ponds) and</div> <div> groundwater sources.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Open Space/Greenways</b></div> <bR> <div> Create a greenway/open space network by establishing and designating desired protection areas on a greenway map as part of the Natural Resources Inventory. Greenway/open space linkages may be established via stream corridors, flood hazard areas, wetlands, steep slope areas, wildlife corridors, existing public and private conservation easements and public uses including local and county parkland. Historic landmarks and districts, railroad and utility rightsofway, farmlands, mature woodlands and trails may also be used. Greenway/open space designations should consider existing and potential linkages with similar efforts in neighboring municipalities,</div> <div> especially Evesham and Gibbsboro.</div> <bR> <div> Greenways, open space areas, conservation areas and the linkages between them should be identified on effected site plan and subdivision applications, enabling the municipality to arrange for preservation of the reserved area, negotiate for a conservation easement, or preserved by using lot averaging or cluster techniques.</div> <bR> <div> The Township could also pursue a greenways preservation program for the Rancocas Creek tributaries in cooperation with Evesham and Medford Townships and the Rancocas Conservancy.</div> <bR> <div> The residential subdivision ordinance requiring dedication or provision of open space or recreation facilities should be considered for amendment to exclude wetlands, flood plains, and stormwater management facilities (retention and detention basins) from any calculation of provided open space.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Groundwater</b></div> <bR> <div> Voorhees Township supports the NJDEP wellhead protection program for public community and public noncommunity water supply wells. The purpose of wellhead protection is to ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water. The responsibility for meeting this challenge often rests with local planning officials. This program involves defining wellhead protection areas, evaluating existing and potential sources of contamination, and establishing appropriate management techniques for wellhead protection, including subdivision and site plan review, design and operating standards, source prohibitions, acquisition of open spaces and public education. All public community and public noncommunity wells should be identified on a map included in</div> <div> the Natural Resources Inventory. Public noncommunity wells typically serve restaurants, schools and hospitals. As such, these wells should meet water quality requirements and be protected through proper monitoring. </div> <bR> <div> As a component of a groundwater protection strategy, an environmental audit of the groundwater system should be conducted, including the identification of existing facilities which could adversely impact groundwater and an analysis of existing groundwater samples. Among the facilities that are typically mapped and inventoried are the following:</div> <bR> <div> •     Underground storage tanks</div> <div> •     Gas, fuel, and sewer line connection</div> <div> •     Large septic systems for commercial/industrial users</div> <div> •     Permitted community septic systems</div> <div> •     Hazardous substance storage areas and facilities</div> <bR> <div> •     Permitted NJPDES groundwater or surface discharge facilities</div> <div> •     Known contaminated sites</div> <bR> <div> In order to provide a level of maintenance for existing septic systems that parallels the requirements for new septic systems, the Township cooperates with County and State programs to ensure that existing septic tanks meet State and County Standards.</div> <bR> <div> The Township supports the education of property owners on water conservation measures to reduce water usage during peak daily and seasonal usage, and on the potential impacts to groundwater quality from excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Advice should include the use of landscaping materials with reduced irrigation requirements and the use of water conservative irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation and rain shut off switches.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Wetland Protection</b></div> <bR> <div> Considering the importance of groundwater supply and quality to Voorhees Township and surrounding municipalities, potential impacts on groundwater supply and quality should be considered when reviewing significant development proposals within Voorhees. Since aquifers do not stop at municipal boundaries, impacts to ground water supply and quality in neighboring municipalities may influence the quality and quantity of water supplies available within Voorhees and vice versa. The Planning Department should keep aware of development in neighboring municipalities and the potential impact it may have on local water supply and quality.</div> <bR> <div> Apply the appropriate standards of the Statewide Residential Site Improvement Standards.</div> <bR> <div> Apply groundwater protection strategies in environmentally sensitive areas such as in the vicinity of the mapped wetlands. The strategies should be environmentally sensitive "Best Management Practices" to control pollutants from stormwater runoff and control of other nonpoint source pollutants.</div> <bR> <div> Consider establishment of a planted buffer area for wetlands classified as "ordinary value" by the NJ DEP, i.e. certain isolated wetlands, manmade drainage ditches, swales or detention basins. A planted buffer area of appropriate width is recommended to provide additional erosion control, prevent sedimentation of waterways and urban wildlife corridors.</div> <bR> <div> Consider amending the municipal ordinance to require the deduction of wetlands and flood plain from a tract's area for the purpose of determining the permitted development or number of lots. </div> <bR> <div> Acquire conservation easements on wetlands and wetlands buffers as appropriate.</div> <bR> <div> Establish a monitoring system to monitor and enforce conservation easement restrictions on an ongoing basis.</div> <bR> <div> Prepare and maintain an ongoing map showing delineated wetlands.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Conservation Easements</b></div> <bR> <div> Initiate a practice of obtaining conservation easements along stream corridors, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas. Conservation easements/buffer areas to protect stream corridors should be required as a condition of all developments impacting adjacent to stream corridors.</div> <bR> <div> Develop an easement tracking and mapping system. Catalogue and map all conservation easements, open space easements and/or land dedicated to the Township, the DEP, homeowners associations, or others for open space/parkland or greenway use.</div> <bR> <div> Require identification on all subdivision and site plan applications of any such easement or dedicated land located within 200' of the subject property.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Development Regulations</b></div> <bR> <div> Examine currently permitted residential and nonresidential densities in environmentally sensitive and open space areas. Densities.should be lowered where the presence of environmental constraints makes current densities inappropriate.</div> <bR> <div> Permit and encourage Cluster Development. Clustering redistributes the entire parcel's development potential to a portion of the same parcel capable of supporting higher densities. Normally permitted development is simply arranged within a smaller area in order to safeguard those portions of the site unsuitable for development. This allows the remainder of the site to be set aside for open space and/or protection of critical environmental resources without cost to the developer or the Township.</div> <bR> <div> Cluster development lowers development costs by reducing needed infrastructure and subsequently lowering housing costs. It conserves land, promotes design flexibility, protects environmentally critical areas, protects farmland and can provide large tracts of open space at no cost to the community. Clustering also permits development to take place away from substantially wooded areas, preserving the wooded character of an area. </div> <bR> <div> Consult the Residential Site Improvement Standards regarding excessive pavement, road widths, or parking lot sizes which unnecessarily increase ground cover. This would include an examination of permitted impervious coverage in all nonresidential zones. In addition, common driveways and shared parking should be encouraged where possible. The current ordinance standards should be reviewed to determine where decreased coverage requirements can be established.</div> <bR> <div> Require natural resource mapping and environmental impact assessment for all subdivisions, site plan approvals. Mapping should delineate all natural resources, environmentally critical areas and historic resources. Environmental impact assessment should conform to EIA ordinance requirements. The greenways, conservation areas and open space areas should be identified on site plans and subdivision applications submissions. The Township should conduct a review of the ordinances and make recommendations for desirable amendments to the required contents of Environmental Impact Statements, based upon technological advances and Board experience in the years since enactment. Prescribe specific land conditions for which EIS development is necessary. These could be based on project size and/or location and/or the presence of a given percentage of environmentally sensitive factors on site. These may include wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes and stream corridors, or may involve sites where the project includes volatile or toxic substances.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Stream Corridors and Surface Water</b></div> <bR> <div> Utilize appropriately the following water quality management practices to protect the quality of surface water resources, depending on the scale of the proposed development:</div> <div> Buffer strips</div> <div> Overland water flows</div> <div> Regional  stormwater management</div> <div> Water quality stormwater management facilities</div> <div> Wetland or marsh creation</div> <div> Infiltration  practices</div> <div> Porous pavements</div> <div> Water quality inlets, oil/grit separators</div> <div> Maintenance of vegetative cover in roadside swales and ditches</div> <bR> <div> Require the establishment or maintenance of vegetated buffers along all stream corridors. Reforestation of disturbed buffer areas with appropriate vegetative complexes should be included in the design standards.</div> <bR> <div> Educate property owners on the potential impacts to surface water quality from excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Forest Resources</b></div> <bR> <div> Prepare a detailed map on forest cover types to assist the Township's efforts to identify and protect local forest resources. Such a project could be undertaken by the Environmental Advisory Board and made part of the Natural Resources Inventory.</div> <bR> <div> Include design standards which establish the extent of forest removal, based on the quality of the forest type, along with standards for reforestation.</div> <bR> <div> Enact a woodlands protection ordinance regulating the removal of trees when greater than 1,500 square feet of tree removal is involved, limit the destruction of trees in proposed subdivisions, and prohibit the destruction of significant trees of a certain caliper without obtaining a permit from the zoning officer.</div> <bR> <div> Encourage residential development which maintains "wooded lots" or otherwise preserves large areas of mature woodland.</div> <bR> <div> Limit tree cutting along collector and higher order roadways so as to preserve the wooded view from the roadway except in those situations where traffic safety requires vegetation removal. It is recommended that along existing or proposed roadways, removal of trees of over five inches in diameter be minimized. Removal of existing trees can usually be lessened by shifting the site of the building, parking lot, or access drive. Planting of trees along side of roads is encouraged to reinforce the Township's natural character. These roadside trees should be deciduous hardwoods and should meet the following criteria: cast moderate to dense shade in the summer: be long lived, be tolerant of pollution and heat, require little maintenance, be able to survive 2 years with no irrigation after establishment; and be of native origin, provided they meet all other criteria. Additional hedging and tree planting along roadways is encouraged. Tree clearing for utility installation should also be minimized.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals</b></div> <bR> <div> Continue the Environmental Advisory Board's fieldwork on the occurrence of threatened and endangered plants and animals in the Township in wetlands and uplands habitats. New Jersey Natural Heritage Program data and Environmental Advisory Board data on habitats could be incorporated in the conservation plan and maps.</div> <bR> <div> Include the findings of the wetlands survey of threatened and endangered plants and animals done by the Environmental Advisory Board relative to the resource value and buffer requirements for different stream corridors in the stream corridor study.</div> <bR> <div> Develop a list and map of habitat requirements for documented threatened and endangered plants and animals and critical habitats for preservation.</div> <bR> <div> Establish management policies for grassland, woodland, and wetlands species.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Conservation and Historic/Scenic Assets</b></div> <bR> <div> Consider the location of historic or culturally significant buildings and areas, the location of scenic views and preservation of conservation areas in the arrangement of new development. Where possible, development should avoid the destruction of historic or cultural sites or areas and scenic areas. The design of subdivisions and buildings should appropriately preserve scenic views, retaining them as a natural amenity.</div> <bR> <div> Prepare a Scenic Corridors map as part of the Natural Resources Inventory.</div> <div> Evaluate individual Scenic Corridors for the characteristics which contribute to the attractive view, such as distance views of hills and woods, extended roadside views, and enclosed roadside views. Characteristics of the views and Corridors should be documented.</div> <bR> <div> Develop design standards which address the valuable elements of particular views and the methods to maintain the views.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Agriculture</b></div> <bR> <div> A MunicipallyApproved Farmland Preservation Program (MAFPP) increases the likelihood that a landowner will be eligible for the State purchase and retirement of development easements, protects the landowner from eminent domain and nuisance suits, exempts the landowner from emergency energy and water restrictions, makes available additional soil and water conservation funds, and simplifies the approval process for farm structures.</div> <bR> <div> Consider establishing a MAFPP at the request of a landowner (and recommendation of the Planning Board) in order to promote the retention of agricultural lands and support the agricultural community.</div> <bR> <div> Encourage landowners to seek technical assistance from the Camden County Soil Conservation District to develop Conservation Plans using best management practices (BMPs) to conserve soil and water resources. BMPs serve to mitigate the potential environmental impacts of agricultural production, including those related to agricultural runoff.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Air Quality</b></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Consider preparing a trip reduction ordinance (TRO) utilizing transportation demand management (TDM) strategies as a method to reduce the number of trips between residences and work places. TDM strategies that are typically permitted as alternatives in a TRO include the following:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Ridesharing:  park and  ride, van pools/car pools, van  pool/car pool lots</div> <div> Flextime/compressed work weeks</div> <div> Shuttle services</div> <div> Subsidized transit and ridesharing</div> <div> Preferential parking for multiple occupancy vehicles</div> <div> Opportunities and  amenities for pedestrians and  bicyclists, including bikeways and pathways</div> <div> Telecommuting</div> <div> Reduction  of required  parking</div> <bR> <div> Consider requiring air quality assessments for significant developments to identify problem areas and mitigation strategies, and establish standards for the mitigation strategies to address.</div> <bR> <div> Reduce the need for vehicular trips by facilitating better interconnections among residential, commercial, office, and recreational uses.</div> <bR> <div> Evaluate the transportationrelated aspects of local government, including reducing the number of trips, using cleaner fuels, and maintaining vehicles so that they run efficiently.</div> <bR> <div> Encourage energy conservation and the reduction of fossil fuel use and air quality impacts, through subdivision design, building design, building orientation and the evaluation of microclimate conditions such as solar access and wind direction.</div> <bR> <div> Provide landscaping standards that result in buildings with maximum solar access, shading, and wind protection.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Energy Efficiency</b></div> <bR> <div> Incorporate energy standards into the land development review:</div> <bR> <div> a)      Consider the micro climate including radiation, humidity and winds in site plan and subdivision designs.</div> <bR> <div>      b)          Provide means for solar access as appropriate such as solar easements and flexibility in the application of setback requirements.</div> <bR> <div>      c)           Require landscaping plans which provide desirable solar access, wind protection and proper shade as needed.</div> <bR> <div>      d)          Examine energy saving activities within the authority of the Township.</div> <bR> <div>      e)          Review public facilities in terms of the energy use and sources.</div> <bR> <div>      f)           Prepare energy audits to improve the energy efficiency of all public buildings.</div> <bR> <div>      g)          Consider preparing an evaluation of Township vehicles and other machinery in terms of fuel usage and the possibility of using increased amounts of renewable fuels.</div> <bR> <div>      h)          Maximize the recycling of energy through resource recovery.</div> <bR> <div> Encourage the use of energy efficient devices such as heat pumps and geothermal pumps where feasible.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Steep Slopes</b></div> <bR> <div> Continue the practice of seeking conservation easements on steep slope areas.</div> <bR> <div> Consider the adoption of performance standards which limit the amount of disturbance of steep slopes.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Household Hazardous Wastes</b></div> <bR> <div> Serious ground and surface water contamination from residential uses can occur through the use and improper disposal of household hazardous wastes. These wastes are composed of various cleaners, pesticides and fertilizers, paints, and preservatives, automotive products, home hobby chemicals, medicines, cosmetics and associated items. Many of these products are flammable, explosive, corrosive, carcinogenic, or have the potential to damage respiratory or nervous systems.</div> <bR> <div> Initiate an active education program to identify and inform residents of the dangers of household hazardous wastes, proper disposal methods, cautions and alternative products which can be used to replace hazardous substances in the home. Brochures may be developed providing this information and encouraging residents to properly dispose of such items at the annual county sponsored collection events. This may be done in conjunction with similar efforts by Camden County.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Soil Resources</b></div> <bR> <div> Continue municipal efforts in cooperation with the Camden County Soil Conservation Service to preserve and maintain existing soil conditions and prevent erosion.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Recycling Plan</b></div> <bR> <div> The New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (P.L. 1987, c. 102) requires that a recycling plan be made part of the Municipal Master Plan. Voorhees Township recognizes that recycling is a costeffective form of solid waste management where savings are realized by avoiding disposal costs that would otherwise be incurred. Revenues generated by resale of materials also help offset handling costs. Toward these objectives and in an effort to improve our environment, Voorhees Township cooperates with the State of New Jersey and the County of Camden in helping to implement the Source Separation and Recycling Act within the</div> <div> Township.</div> <bR> <div> Voorhees Township supports the purpose of the Act which is to promote the maximum practicable recovery and recycling of recyclable materials from municipal solid waste through the use of planning practices designed to incorporate the recycling plan goals and to complement municipal recycling programs. Consistent with the Act, Voorhees Township supports the municipal ordinance requiring the collection, disposition and recycling of designated recyclable materials. Most specifically and consistent with the Act, Voorhees Township supports the collection, disposition and recycling of recyclable materials with any development proposal for the construction of 50 or more units of singlefamily residential housing or 25 or more units of multifamily residential housing and any commercial or industrial development proposal for the</div> <div> utilization of 1,000 square feet or more of land.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>