CRANBERRY TWP — The township's Environmental Ad Hoc Committee will dig into everything from stormwater management to carbon footprints over the next six months.

The committee was formed earlier this year after a series of public hearings for planned residential developments. Numerous speakers shared concerns over the environmental impact such developments have on the community, including deforestation and the disturbance of nature and wildlife.

The committee aims to review the role an environmental advisory committee should play in future development. The goal of the 11-member panel selected in June is to make a final recommendation to supervisors by January.

Committee member Anne Gill considered the group's first meeting last week a success. The group was joined by township officials, who helped outline focus areas moving forward.

August's meeting will focus on planning code and the limitations of municipal authority as well as comprehensive planning, land development patterns and density issues. Other future topics include green space preservation, landscaping and parks, environmental regulations, floodplains and stormwater management and quality measures.

There is also a scheduled discussion on the thought process behind zoning, including building placement and the concept of “sense of place.” The final meeting will look at the township's carbon footprint, and how it can be reduced through education and other programs.

Held at the township municipal center, the meetings are open to the public and scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7, Sept. 4., Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 and Jan. 8.