New Jersey’s southernmost county has won an environmental award, thanks to its biodiesel efforts. Biodiesel Magazine says Cape May County picked up the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection certificate for its “voluntary and proactive measures to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future.”

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

“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.”

Cape May has 23 16-passenger fair-free vehicles running on a B5 blend that transport the disabled and elderly around the community.