EPA Funding at Work

 The Municipal Assessment Program

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s (SBMWA) Assessment Program aims to strengthen a municipality’s ability to achieve its own unique vision while protecting the natural environment. An Assessment report provides a comprehensive analysis of how a municipality's local laws and practices support its vision. Assessment reports are complete for 10 of the 12 municipalities enrolled in the program in the Millstone River Watershed. SBMWA staff assist municipalities in implementing recommendations in the report. Some accomplishments include: 

S  East Amwell received grant assistance and is leading the effort among the five Sourland Mountain municipalities to establish a Region Stormwater Management Plan.

S  East Windsor applied for a state grant to produce A Guide to the Native Tree Arboretum at Etra Lake Park that will compliment the restoration projects completed by the SBMWA in the Township.

S  Hillsborough Township is drafting an ordinance to protect stream corridors and critical areas.

S  Hopewell Township implemented both a stream corridor protection and a pet waste ordinance.

S  Millstone Township passed a stormwater control ordinance that establishes requirements for new major developments.

S  Montgomery Township organized a community education tour of the Sourland Mountain region.

S  West Amwell’s Environmental Commission (EC) rented the GPS unit from and attended a training session held by the SBMWA’s GIS Center.  EC members then used the GPS unit as they hiked a number of Moores Creek tributaries to ensure they are accurately represented on maps. 

It is SBMWA’s goal to partner with all 26 municipalities in the Watershed through the Municipal Assessment Program to achieve our mutual goals of protecting and preserving the health of the watershed.

 Training Others to Conduct Municipal Assessments

In 2004, NJWSA staff worked with the SBMWA to learn how to implement the municipal assessment program.  In turn, NJWSA has introduced the municipal assessment program to members of the Raritan-Highlands study committee who will be conducting surveys in the North and South Branch Region.  Thus far, NJWSA has partnered with Bethlehem, Union, and Bridgewater Townships to conduct assessments.

 The River-Friendly Program

SBMWA works cooperatively with businesses, golf courses and residents to encourage environmental stewardship and reduce nonpoint source pollution through better land management practices. SBMWA staff work with applicants to tailor goals for River-Friendly certification. Some advantages of River-Friendly certification include: decreased water use, reduced exposure to chemicals, and increased natural habitat that attracts beneficial wildlife. Janssen Pharmaceutica is the first business to accomplish its goals and receive River-Friendly certification. In 2005, several residents, golf courses, and additional businesses are expected to complete their goals and receive certification.

SBMWA Expands River-Friendly Program Beyond our Borders

In 2003, SBMWA began working with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) and South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA) through the EPA Targeted Watershed Grant to implement the River-Friendly Program in the Mainstem Raritan and South Branch Raritan Watersheds. To date, NJWSA received commitments from National Starch and Chemical and from NJ American Water Company/Elizabethtown Water Company (both in Bridgewater) to participate in the River-Friendly Business Program; NJWSA has conducted a site visit at National Starch and Chemical.  SBWA has commitments from and also conducted site visits at the High Bridge Hills Golf Course and NJWSA’s Spruce Run Facility.

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