Environmental Commission
Profile

The Vernon Township Environmental Commission began in 1968.

Environmental Commission’s main purpose is for the protection, proper development or use of natural resources, including water resources, located within Vernon Township. As well as pollution prevention, solid waste management, noise control and appearance.

The commission is made up of seven members, one of whom would be selected by the Mayor of Vernon to be Chairman and one to be selected to the planning board. Members are not paid, and must be residents of Vernon.

The Environmental Commission is charged with the task of reviewing all applications to the planning board and Zoning Board. Also empowered to research open land and natural resources in the township. The commission will create a NRI (Natural Resource Inventory) of the entire township. public and private lands. The NRI is critical information for planning and zoning boards, as well an integral part to the creation and updating of the towns master plan.

The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Town Council, acquire property, both real estate and equipment, in the name of the Township by purchasing, receiving State grants or gifts from businesses or citizens.

Our Environmental Commission has similar goals in protecting the environment as the State Dept. of Environmental Protection. The NJ DEP mission statement is: “The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections mission is to assist the residents of New Jersey in preserving, restoring, sustaining, protecting and enhancing the environment to ensure the integration of high environmental quality, public health and economic vitality”.