Environmental Advisory Committee

Nether Providence Township’s Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) works on behalf of the residents and NPT Commissioners to identify environmental problems in our municipality and recommend programs to conserve our natural resources and improve the quality of our Township’s environment. The EAC frequently works together with similar groups in neighboring municipalities and non-profit organizations.

While the EAC has focused largely on recycling and water quality, there are growing concerns – and opportunities! – related to improving air quality, composting, waste reduction and disposal, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction. The EAC generally serves these purposes:

A. Identifying environmental problems.
B. Recommending plans and programs for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within the area of this township.
C. Making recommendations as to the possible use of open land areas of this township.
D. Keeping an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas.
E. Undertaking such additional duties as requested by the Township Commissioners.

The EAC meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the second floor Conference Room at the Township Building, located at 214 Sykes Lane. Meetings are open to the public. 

The EAC has seven members who are appointed by the Board of Commissioners for three-year terms and serve without compensation. If you are interested in joining the EAC as a full or ad-hoc member, please contact the EAC Chair or your NPT Commissioner.

Agendas and Minutes of the EAC can be found here. 

Environmental Advisory Council MembersTerm Expires
Bill Silverstein (chair)31-Dec-24
Jane Miluski31-Dec-23
Vacant
Alex Morrison31-Dec-24
Krikor Panossian31-Dec-24
Cory Salmon31-Dec-24
Michael KraussAd Hoc

Composting Information

Why Compost?

  1. Soil Health: No fertility, no food. Effectively composting returns nutrients to the soil, fosters healthy bio-diversity, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and allows life to flourish.
  2. Fossil Fuels: Relying on a more local, natural system of waste reduction and food production decreases our reliance on fossil fuels, a costly resource.
  3. Water: Soil rich with organic matter retains water better, and erodes less. Incorporating compost into our soils reduces the need for irrigation and helps preserve water, arguably our most precious resource.
  4. Climate Change: The U.S. alone wastes some 35 million tons of food in landfills every year – enough to fill 5 Citizens Bank Parks to the brim. Picture that.  In a landfill or stagnant backyard pile where compostables are starved of light and air, they decay anaerobically (without oxygen) producing methane.  Methane is a greenhouse gas with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.
  5. Our Health: Local seasonal ingredients harvested at their peak nutritional value from healthier soils means healthier food with fewer “food miles.” We eat better, exercise more, and spend more time together as a family or community when we graze from our gardens and local farms rather than driving to the store.
Kitchen Harvest Brochure
Importance of Native Plants:

The Township elected officials and staff have committed to using a minimum of 80 percent native plants on all properties owned or controlled by the Township, because as the resolution notes, there are a variety of environmental benefits to using native plants. Please consider using native plants whenever you are beginning landscaping improvements around your property! Here is the resolution that the Board of Commissioners passed:

Greenhouse Gas Reduction/Energy Conservation:

The Township conducted a Multi-Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Action Plan Project in 2010, leading to Greenhouse Gas Reduction Resolution 2011-12.

The Township has undertaken energy efficiency measures including LED streetlights and traffic lights, as well as initial energy efficiency measures at Township properties. The Township passed a “Ready for 100” Resolution which charges the EAC with identifying further energy efficiency/GHG reduction measures which can be undertaken by the Township and directly by Township residents.

Waste Minimization, Recycling, and Disposal:

NPT Commissioners approved Resolution 2021-9 to encourage the County and Township to transition over time to a Zero Waste Strategy. This Plan is intended to reduce disposable waste, reduce environmental burden, and reduce cost from waste landfilling and incineration.. The EAC is charged with development of the Township zero waste strategy and recommendations.

Resolution 2021-9 link here: 2021-9-Covanta-Zero-Waste

The public works garage will be open Saturday April 6th from 8-noon for residents to drop off yard waste. Limbs and branches must not be greater than 3-4" in diameter and no longer than 4'. They must be bundled together with twine. Residents can request pick up by calling 610-566-4516.
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