HOWELL – Clean Ocean Action has awarded a municipal Blue Star certification to Howell to recognize the municipality’s efforts to improve water quality.
“On behalf of the governing body and the township, I would like to thank Clean Ocean Action for recognizing the efforts undertaken by our Green Team. We take pride in our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our efforts and making a difference today and 10 years from now,” Deputy Mayor Robert Nicastro said.
“It is important that we all make an effort to protect and preserve our natural resources in any way we can, which means increased awareness and participation. Green initiatives and recognizing where we can improve will be one of the keys to continued success. We look forward to working toward a common goal,” he said.
The Blue Star program launched in 2014 and more than 20 towns have expressed interest in obtaining the certification, according to a press release.
“The Blue Star program was established by Clean Ocean Action to encourage towns along the coastal regions and beyond to prioritize water quality protection measures while achieving the Sustainable Jersey certification, which harnesses the best of both programs,” said Cindy Zipf, the executive director of Clean Ocean Action. “The award is in recognition of a town taking significant and meaningful actions to improve and protect water quality.”
“It is an honor to have received Blue Star certification through Clean Ocean Action. With our acquisition of bronze certification in Sustainable Jersey in October 2015, Howell’s Environmental Commission and Green Team strive to improve the environmental sustainability of our community for future generations,” said Nick Huszar, vice chairman of the Howell Green Team.
“Howell will continue to focus on the protection of human health and the environment, the reduction of costs through implementation of green initiatives, and increase citizen participation in environmental-related projects and programs,” Huszar said.
The municipal Blue Star program encourages communities to promote healthy waters, resilient communities and environmentally sound practices, according to the press release. This is done by completing projects that protect community watersheds and climate mitigation.
Howell attained the necessary 75 points for the municipal Blue Star certification. Examples of the actions completed include education for sustainability programs, a natural resource inventory, a community forestry plan and tree cover goal, and recycling education and enforcement, according to the press release.
In addition to Sustainable Jersey projects, towns are required to choose one of Clean Ocean Action’s additional actions.
Howell unanimously passed the storm water utility support resolution and focused attention and effort on matters of water quality associated with the installation, maintenance, retrofitting, improvement and repair of storm water infrastructure to improve surface water quality in Howell, Monmouth County and New Jersey, according to the press release.
