[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Plainsboro 6-10-1985 by Res. No. R-85-110. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
There is hereby created an Environmental Advisory Committee of the Township of Plainsboro which shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the Township Committee. The members shall be appointed as follows:
(1) 
Seven members appointed by the Township Committee for terms of three years, except the first appointees shall be appointed as follows: two for a term of one year each; three for a term of two years each; and two for a term of three years each. The members of the Environmental Advisory Committee shall, to the extent practical, be selected to represent broad environmental interests of the community. The Township Committee will consider, to the extent practical, providing for a direct liaison between the Planning Board and the Environmental Advisory Committee.
(2) 
One member of the Township Committee will be appointed annually by the Township Committee for a one-year term in a liaison nonvoting role.
B. 
The Environmental Advisory Committee shall organize annually, adopt procedures for the conduct of its affairs and select a Chairperson and other officers to serve in accordance with adopted procedures.
The Environmental Advisory Committee will, in an advisory capacity, serve as a community advocate for environmental issues, working within the framework of established procedures in the community.
The Environmental Advisory Committee will provide advice to the Township Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and other municipal bodies. This advice may be either self-initiated by the Committee or in response to a request for information.
A. 
The following are specific functions of the Environmental Advisory Committee in fulfilling its role:
(1) 
Research the use and possible use of open areas of the community and make recommendations to the Planning Board and/or Township Committee as may be appropriate.
(2) 
Prepare and recommend printing and distribution of books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which it feels necessary to further its environmental advocacy role.
(3) 
Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including classification by characteristics, in order to obtain information on the proper use of such areas. The Environmental Advisory Committee may from time to time recommend to the Planning Board and/or the Township Committee plans and programs for inclusion in the Master Plan for the uses of such areas.
(4) 
Acquire subject to the approval of the Township Committee property, both real and personal, by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise or lease for any of its purposes.
(5) 
Study and make reports and recommendations regarding open space preservation, water resources management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearances, protection of flora and fauna, agricultural preservation, land use, groundwater and stormwater management, recycling, air quality, toxic materials storage, energy conservation and noise control.
(6) 
Receive any notice or report that might normally be sent to a Municipal Environmental Commission.
(7) 
Appoint one of its members to serve on the Development Review Committee of the Township.
(8) 
Work with agencies to improve education of the public of the community and especially school children on environmental issues.
(9) 
Review issues as may be directed from time to time by the Township Committee, Planning Board or Township Administrator.
(10) 
Serve as a repository of information about environmental issues especially as they may relate to Plainsboro Township.
(11) 
Develop lists of technical resources, including personnel, which may be available in carrying out its role.
(12) 
Provide an annual report to the Township Administrator.
B. 
The Environmental Advisory Committee may recommend to the Township Committee, and subject to funds being available, the hiring of experts to assist the Committee in carrying out its role.
C. 
The Environmental Advisory Committee shall be deemed to be in, but not of, the Department of Planning and Zoning.
[Amended 12-12-2007 by Ord. No. 0-07-25]