Environmental Commission

Jeff Storms, Chairperson
Allison Lucci, Vice Chairperson and Treasurer
Virginia Horn, Recording Secretary
Anita Fritz, Corresponding Secretary
Harry Blaschke
Aslan Basol
Brian Waters
Stephanie Vernacchio

Meetings are held the 2^nd Wednesday of each month starting at 7:00 pm at the Westville Community Center, located at 1035 Broadway (No meetings are held in July and August)

Environmental Resource Inventory Study

Residents, on behalf of our Council Members and the Westville Environmental Commission, I’m pleased to share with you the Westville Environmental Resource Inventory Study that was prepared by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The study was completed with help of the Westville Environmental Commission, the Borough’s Superintendent of Public Works, the Borough Engineer and Westville Council. I especially want to thank the members of the Westville Environmental Commission for their tireless work that encompassed a two-year period to make this project a success. My hope is that many of you will have the opportunity to browse through the ERI Study to read the many interesting facts about Westville and its resources.

Below is information about an Environmental Resource Inventory.

Environmental Resource Inventories: What are they, and why are they important?

What is an ERI (Environmental Resource Inventory)?

• An index of natural resources and a compilation of text and visual information specific to the natural resource characteristics and environmental features of an area

• Baseline documentation for measuring and evaluating resource protection issues

• An important tool for environmental commissions and planning boards – the ERI can be adopted as part of a Master Plan and serves as the first step in protecting and preserving natural resources

Why is it Important?

An ERI is an important land use tool as the natural resources identified in the ERI should be taken into account throughout the land use decision-making process. By integrating the ERI into the Master Plan and land use decision making process, the inventory will serve as the basis for where the community should seek to protect, integrate and/or conserve resources. Communities should begin their planning with the resources available and their ability to sustain a population while ensuring clean water and safe living conditions.

An ERI should also serve as an educational tool for the public as it shows a community’s citizens and visitors where their resources are and provides insights about why certain land use decisions are made. An ERI also empowers citizens, environmental commissions, and planning boards to think about how they can further protect and plan for the sustainability of the municipality’s resources.

An ERI should be used as:

• a factual basis for municipal land use planning;

• a resource in the preparation of the land use element of the municipal Master Plan;

• a comprehensive guide in the Site Plan review process;

• a basic tool in determining zoning regulations, municipal ordinances, or other land use management techniques;

• a basis for a land capability analysis and for determining the intensity and location of development;

• an indicator of sensitive areas and areas suitable for certain kinds of development;

• a tool to increase understanding of natural systems, and their limitations and opportunities for use;

• a long-term planning tool to identify potential land use and natural resource problems;

• an educational tool for residents to learn more about their community and its environment;

• a way to save dollars by avoiding future problems and mitigation costs;

• a tool for making decisions about the placement of infrastructure, roads, sewers, schools, etc.

For those of you who have questions about the Study, feel free to send an email to the Borough at info@westville-nj.com.

Westville Environmental Resource Inventory Study