November 15 – LRWP meeting
At our November 15 meeting, following an update on our Natural Assets Mapping exercise, we welcome special guest Ed Clerico (Natural Systems Utilities). Mr. Clerico will discuss man-made asset as well as natural assets, guiding us in a conversation on the idea of integrated infrastructure and how man-made infrastructure can mimic ecological infrastructure.
The November 15 meeting will be held from 9:30 – 11 am in the Middlesex County Planning Offices at 75 Bayard Street, New Brunswick, NJ – 5th floor mid-size conference room.
Parking is validated for those parking on floors 5 and higher in the RWJ Wellness Parking Deck located at 95 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Be sure to bring your ticket to the meeting for validation.
For more information contact Heather: hfenyk AT lowerraritanwatershed DOT org
About Ed Clerico
Mr. Clerico is widely recognized as an innovator and entrepreneur in the field of sustainable infrastructure. He is noted for having made significant achievements in the practices of wastewater reuse and carbon waste reuse, with over 40 projects, some of which are part of America’s leading green buildings and neighborhoods and most of which entail complete design, build and operation services. He is a licensed professional engineer, licensed wastewater operator and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Mr. Clerico has 30 years of experience in water resource and waste management and is the Founder and former President of both Applied Water Management, Inc. (AWM) and Alliance Environmental LLC and former CEO of Natural Systems Utilities, LLC during its venture growth phase. He also previously held executive roles with American Water as Technical Development Director and VP of Strategy.
About the LRWP Natural Assets Mapping Project
We have three key objectives in developing a Natural Asset Map:
1) To evaluate, prioritize and map natural and cultural assets in the Lower Raritan Watershed;
2) To provide an informed basis for Green Infrastructure (GI) Initiatives to be included in pending updates of regional/County Comprehensive Master Plans; and
3) To promote inclusion of a mitigation plan component with GI implementation strategies into recertification of Municipal Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permits and stormwater management plans for municipal master plans.
To advance these goals, the LRWP will host a speaker series in 2016: “Developing a Natural Assets Map for the Lower Raritan Watershed.” The year’s activities will be roughly divided into two phases. The first half of the year will include a series of presentations that will help us develop priorities for assets mapping and lead us to development of a Natural Assets Map for the Lower Raritan Watershed. The second half of the year and running into 2017 will focus on how to use the LRW’s Natural Asset Map to prioritize GI initiatives at the municipal, county and watershed level. We are using Karen Firehock’s “Evaluating and Conserving Green Infrastructure Across the Landscape: A Practitioner’s Guide” to structure the mapping effort and orient our work.