The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection awarded Cape May County, the southernmost county in the state, a certificate of environmental stewardship recently for its “voluntary and proactive measures to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future,” NJDEP stated in a recent press release.

Use of biodiesel blends in county vehicles was one of the highlighted practices earning the county its environmental stewardship recognition.

Certain county facilities were inspected by the state Sept. 27 and the award was announced in late October.

“The County Public Works Department does not use herbicides or pesticides along the roadways and bridges,” said County Engineer Dale Foster. “We purchase products made from recycled materials such as garbage cans, paper products, etc.; new or remodeled buildings are designed incorporating sustainable construction methods; we utilize biodiesel fuel for vehicles, maintain compliance with environmental regulations such as those required by our storm water management permits; incorporate good housekeeping practices at the county fueling facilities; we purchase alternate energy powered vehicles; our litter abatement through the Clean Communities Program and use of ‘green’ or biodegradable cleaning products for housecleaning and parts cleaning.”

Nancy Mauro, Cape May County clean communities coordinator, said 23 16-passenger fair-free vehicles running on a B5 blend help transport the disabled and elderly around the community.

“It is a great honor for Cape May County to be seen in the eyes of NJDEP as stewards of the environment,” said Foster, who recently presented the certificate of recognition to the Board of Chosen Freeholders.