The Lake Hopatcong Commission, in partnership with Roxbury Township and Princeton Hydro, and with support from the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, has been awarded a $367,000 Water Quality Restoration Grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the Lake Hopatcong Watershed Basin Enhancement Project.

The project will retrofit an existing stormwater detention basin with a series of green stormwater infrastructure improvements designed to slow, capture, and naturally treat stormwater runoff. The basin project, located between King Road and Mount Arlington Boulevard in Roxbury Township, was identified in the 2021 Upper Musconetcong River Implementation Plan (WIP) as a priority project to reduce non-point source pollution and improve water quality before stormwater enters the lake at King Cove.

"Roxbury is truly thankful for the Lake Hopatcong Commission. Lake Hopatcong is such a valuable resource and the commission’s work alongside Princeton Hydro has preserved a natural treasure," said Shawn Potillo, Mayor of Roxbury. "We are grateful to the NJDEP for their support and award of this grant. This water basin project in Roxbury will help continue the commission’s purpose of keeping the lake a beautiful place to swim, boat, relax, and call home."

A range of improvements will be incorporated including planting native vegetation and managing invasive species to stabilize soils, support wildlife, and naturally filter pollutants before they reach the lake. Erosion and sediment control measures will further protect the area by reducing stormwater scouring and preventing bank degradation.

In addition to on-the-ground restoration, the project emphasizes public education and outreach to promote best management practices and ongoing watershed stewardship among residents and local partners. Project success will be evaluated through water quality monitoring conducted before and after construction, providing measurable data on the project’s effectiveness in improving water quality.

“Lake Hopatcong’s fight against harmful algal blooms requires a united front, where many projects, like retrofitting stormwater basins to capture nutrients before they go into the lake, collectively make a big impact,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “Thanks to the leadership of the Lake Hopatcong Commission and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, this collaborative approach is driving real progress toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient future for New Jersey’s largest lake.”

The basin enhancement project is funded through NJDEP’s Water Quality Restoration Grant Program, which is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Clean Water Act Section 319(h). Along with the state grant, the project includes a $200,000 local match from the Commission, Roxbury Township, and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, and builds on a $98,000 planning grant awarded by the New Jersey Highlands Council in 2024 that helped prepare the project for implementation and future grant opportunities.

“This project represents an important step forward in improving Lake Hopatcong’s water quality and reducing pollutants that contribute to harmful algal blooms,” said Ron Smith, Chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission. “We’re grateful to NJDEP, Roxbury Township, Princeton Hydro, the Foundation and the Highlands Council for their continued partnership in protecting this vital resource.”

[caption id="attachment_18637" align="aligncenter" width="1380"]

Photo by the Lake Hopatcong Commission[/caption]

The Lake Hopatcong Commission is an independent state agency created in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. LHC is recognized as a steward of the lake and watershed. The 11-member Board of State and local appointees include representatives of the four municipalities and two counties surrounding Lake Hopatcong. LHC is responsible for fulfilling the obligations of the Lake Hopatcong Protection Act, to safeguard Lake Hopatcong as a natural, scenic, and recreational resource. To learn more, click here to visit lakehopatcongcommission.org.

For over 30 years, Princeton Hydro has been proud to work alongside the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Lake Hopatcong Foundation in support of the lake’s health and resilience. Through these partnerships, and with the support of numerous funding agencies, a wide range of projects have been implemented to reduce pollutant loads, manage stormwater runoff, address invasive species and harmful algal blooms, and enhance habitat quality—helping to protect both the lake and the communities that depend on it. To learn more about our collaborative efforts, click here.

The Borough of Mountain Lakes has received grant funding from the New Jersey Highlands Council to develop a comprehensive Lake and Watershed Management Plan for nine lakes within the Borough. To lead this effort, the Borough engaged Princeton Hydro, a leader in ecological and engineering consulting. The initiative will focus on characterizing hydrologic and nutrient dynamics within the Borough’s lake systems and watersheds to guide targeted water quality improvement and management strategies.

“Mountain Lakes takes great pride in our lakes, which play an important role in defining our community. Through our partnership with the Highlands Council and Princeton Hydro, we’re taking a proactive, data-driven approach to protecting both the environmental and recreational value of our lakes and waterways, with the goal of preserving these vital natural resources for generations to come,” said Borough of Mountain Lakes Manager Mitchell Stern.

A selection process was undertaken by the Borough of Mountain Lakes, Princeton Hydro, and the New Jersey Highlands Council to define the scope of this Lake and Watershed Management Program. In accordance with Policy 1L2 and Objective 1L2a of the NJHC Regional Master Plan, which establish lake management tiers and prioritize lakes greater than 10 acres for protection and management, nine lakes were selected for the study: Birchwood Lake, Crystal Lake, Wildwood Lake, Sunset Lake, Mountain Lake, Shadow Pond, Olive Pond, Grundens Pond, and Cove Pond. These lakes represent the waterbodies in the Borough and were chosen to ensure the program focuses on areas with the greatest potential impact on water quality, watershed function, and community value.

Princeton Hydro’s work will include watershed modeling, hydrologic and pollutant load analyses, and in-lake and watershed-based water quality monitoring. Once the data is analyzed, Princeton Hydro will develop a General Assessment Report that identifies the primary drivers of eutrophication and outlines a prioritized set of management strategies to effectively reduce nutrient loading and enhance long-term lake health.

“The regional, science-based approach to lake and watershed management has proven to be a powerful tool for municipalities in the Highlands Region,” said Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics at Princeton Hydro, Certified Lake Manager, and lead designer for this initiative. “We’re excited to collaborate with Mountain Lakes to help identify cost-effective, data-driven strategies that will enhance water quality throughout the watershed and help safeguard these treasured natural resources.”

The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council) is a regional planning agency that partners with municipalities and counties in the Highlands Region to promote proactive watershed protection. Established under the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act of 2004, the Council has funded numerous water-quality-related planning initiatives.

Historically, municipalities and private lake associations have managed water quality issues independently. However, taking a coordinated, watershed-based approach enables communities to more effectively address pollution sources, improve water quality, and prevent the spread of invasive species and harmful algal blooms.

Mountain Lakes joins several other Highlands region municipalities that have received Highlands council funding to implement similar lake and watershed management initiatives. In 2019, the Borough of Ringwood became the first municipality in New Jerey to adopt a regional, public-private approach to lake management, partnering with four lake associations across six lakes. Since the completion of the Ringwood plan, NJDEP has funded recommendations from the plan. This model has since inspired additional projects, including watershed assessments for West Milford Township, Rockaway Township, Byram Township, Vernon Township, and Somerset County Parks Commission. Princeton Hydro worked with each agency to develop the respective scope of work to secure grant funding from the Highlands Council.

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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently announced $8 million in Water Quality Restoration Grants to support projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution, mitigate harmful algal blooms, restore riparian areas, and enhance watershed and climate resilience. Funded through Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act and administered by the DEP's Watershed and Land Management Program, these grants were awarded to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions across the state.

Princeton Hydro is proud to be a partner on five of the 17 funded projects. Our contributions vary by project and encompass activities such as engineering design, water quality assessment, watershed-based planning, and technical support for implementing stormwater and habitat restoration measures. Let's take a deeper look at these collaborative efforts:

1. The Watershed Institute – Watershed-Based Planning for Assunpink Creek

The Watershed Institute received $205K in 319(h) grant funding to develop a watershed-based plan for the Assunpink Creek watershed, located within the Raritan River Basin. This watershed spans 11 municipalities across two counties, where varied landscapes and demographics share common challenges such as localized flooding, stormwater management, and water quality degradation, highlighting the need for a coordinated, watershed-wide, science-driven approach.

The plan will evaluate pollution sources and identify large-scale restoration opportunities, including green infrastructure and riparian buffer restoration, to improve water quality and reduce flooding. It will also assess the cost, feasibility, and pollutant reduction potential of proposed measures to ensure practical implementation. Princeton Hydro supported the Institute in developing the grant proposal and planning framework, leveraging our expertise in watershed-based planning to prioritize nature-based solutions that address both water quality and climate resilience. This initiative represents a critical step toward regional collaboration, enabling upstream and downstream communities to work together on strategies that strengthen watershed health, protect public safety, and build long-term resilience.

2. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Watershed-Based Stormwater BMPs

The Lake Hopatcong Commission (LHC) was awarded $366K to retrofit an existing stormwater detention basin between King Road and Mount Arlington Boulevard in Roxbury Township. This retrofit is part of a larger Watershed Implementation Plan that Princeton Hydro developed in collaboration with LHC, which prioritizes nutrient reduction and stormwater management strategies across the Lake Hopatcong watershed. Over the past several years, LHC has actively implemented multiple elements of this plan to address harmful algal blooms (HABs) and improve water quality.

For this project, Princeton Hydro is providing engineering design and technical oversight to transform the existing basin into a green stormwater infrastructure system that slows, captures, and naturally treats runoff before it enters King Cove. The design incorporates native vegetation, invasive species management, and erosion control measures to stabilize soils and filter pollutants, reducing nutrient loading, which is one key driver of HABs. Public outreach and pre- and post-construction water quality monitoring will ensure performance tracking and measurable improvements. This basin retrofit represents a critical step in a coordinated, science-based approach to restoring ecological health and water quality in New Jersey’s largest lake.

3. Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township – Addressing Emerging Contaminants

Jefferson Township received $350K in grant funding to develop an Emerging Contaminants Management Plan for Cozy Lake, focusing on cyanotoxins and HABs. Cozy Lake is a 28-acre waterbody within a 1,152-acre sub-watershed that includes both forested (60%) and developed (29%) land. The lake is fed by the Rockaway River at its northern end and a smaller southeastern inlet, with outflow through a dam on the western edge.

The shoreline is primarily residential lawn with minimal emergent wetlands, and several inlets and rock-lined drainage ditches exhibit erosion and lack slope protection, contributing to sediment loading. Princeton Hydro provided early technical input to shape this innovative project with the creation of a comprehensive Jefferson Township Lake and Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan. As part of the plan, Princeton Hydro made recommendations for Cozy Lake, which included enhancing shoreline buffers with native vegetation and installing living shorelines at select properties to stabilize soils, filter stormwater and reduce nutrient loading, improve habitat quality, and enhance community access. These measures, combined with in-lake monitoring and proactive management strategies, will help mitigate HABs and protect ecological and public health.

4. Rockaway Township – Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure

Rockaway Township received $399K in grant funding to implement elements of its Watershed Implementation Plan, focusing on green infrastructure stormwater management and nutrient reduction to improve water quality. The project will retrofit the municipal complex by converting a rock-lined drainage swale into a vegetated swale with a bioretention basin, designed to filter stormwater runoff and reduce nonpoint source pollutants entering Fox’s Pond and Fox Brook.

Princeton Hydro played a key role in developing the Watershed Implementation Plan, which encompasses 11 private lakes within the Rockaway River watershed, prioritizing critical locations for intervention and designing cost-effective green infrastructure BMPs. This regional approach aligns with strategies recommended by NJDEP and the Highlands Council. The plan included a comprehensive watershed-based assessment to identify and quantify factors contributing to eutrophication, evaluate management measures, estimate costs, and establish an implementation schedule. Princeton Hydro authored the final report, which guided the Township in applying for the Section 319(h) grant and now informs the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure that will deliver measurable water quality improvements while supporting ecological restoration goals.

5. Green Trust Alliance – Green Infrastructure and Community Engagement

Green Trust Alliance (GTA), a nationally accredited land trust and public charity dedicated to accelerating large-scale conservation, received $1.39 million in NJDEP funding to implement green infrastructure improvements at Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey. This initiative targets the Tuckerton Creek watershed, which drains into Tuckerton Creek and ultimately flows into Barnegat Bay—a critical estuary spanning 33 municipalities in Ocean County and four in Monmouth County. The retrofit will transform the school’s stormwater detention basin into a multi-functional system that mimics natural hydrology, enhances flow control, and improves water quality locally and in the larger Barnegat Bay watershed.

Working with GTA and GreenVest, Princeton Hydro is serving as the design engineer, applying nature-based engineering and ecological restoration techniques to intercept, evapotranspire, and infiltrate stormwater runoff at its source. In addition to its technical objectives, the effort includes a strong community engagement component and an educational platform for students. By bringing green infrastructure into the school environment, the initiative provides hands-on experience with water resources, stormwater management, and ecological engineering, help to build STEM skills while fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape and an understanding of how natural systems work together to support environmental and community health.

Princeton Hydro also assisted several of these partners in developing successful NJDEP Section 319(h) grant applications, providing technical documentation, conceptual designs, and pollutant load reduction estimates to strengthen the proposals.

To date, the Murphy Administration has awarded more than $33M in Water Quality Restoration grants to improve the health of waterways in all corners of the state. Click here to read about all the 2025 grant funding recipients and their innovative projects.

As NJDEP Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette noted in the department's press release, “Enhancing the ecological health of our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal waters has long been a priority of the Murphy Administration. The Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to award these grants that will help our partners advance a variety of strategies to improve the health of these waterways and enhance the quality of life in our communities.”

We are proud to play a continued role in advancing that mission: helping communities implement practical, data-driven solutions that make a measurable difference for New Jersey’s waterways and the people who depend on them. Click here to learn more about our work to protect natural habitat and restore water quality throughout the New Jersey.

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This summer, Princeton Hydro aquatic scientists joined forces with Billion Oyster Project and AKRF on an exciting effort to better understand how restored oyster reefs are supporting life in New York City’s waterways. The project, “Monitoring of Mobile Estuarine Organisms at Restored Oyster Reefs,” focuses on tracking fish, crabs, snails, and other aquatic species that call these reefs home, as well as using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect organisms that might otherwise go unnoticed.

As a consultant to AKRF, our team deployed collection gear across current and potential restoration sites, including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bush Terminal Park, Flushing Bay, and Paedergat Basin. The sampling enclosures, left in the water for 48 hours, revealed a fascinating snapshot of estuarine life, from small schooling fish to a surprise dogfish, a small shark-like species that was one of the highlights of the summer survey sessions.

This collaborative initiative brings together multiple partners: Billion Oyster Project, the driving force behind large-scale oyster reef restoration in New York Harbor, is leading the project. AKRF, headquartered in New York City, is serving as the primary consultant; Princeton Hydro is leading the mobile estuarine sampling efforts and eDNA sample collection; and Monmouth University is analyzing the eDNA samples to help identify species present at the restoration sites.

Oyster reefs are living structures that provide essential habitat for a wide array of species, improve water quality through natural filtration capabilities, and enhance the resilience of New York Harbor against coastal storms and erosion. Monitoring oyster reefs ensures that restoration efforts are successful and helps scientists refine approaches for scaling up oyster reef projects in urban estuaries locally and throughout the world.

As the field sampling lead, Princeton Hydro completed two monitoring and sampling collection events, one this Spring and one this Summer, at the various oyster reef restoration sites. Using sea bass and minnow collection gear, our team - Jesse Smith, Aquatic Ecologist; Jackson Tilves, Staff Scientist; and Kaitlyn Jones, Staff Scientist - identified, measured, and documented each of the found species before safely returning them to the water. In addition, we collected in-situ water quality data at each site to help interpret how environmental conditions influence reef communities.

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Jackson and Jesse preparing to deploy sampling collection gear in Brooklyn Bridge Park.[/caption] [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="18274,18267"]

Our team brings deep experience and specialized equipment to this project. Princeton Hydro’s biologists have conducted estuarine surveys throughout the Hudson River and New York Harbor, led nekton and benthic sampling along New Jersey’s coastline, and carried out numerous studies that inform restoration and resilience efforts across the region.

Alongside traditional monitoring, the “Monitoring of Mobile Estuarine Organisms at Restored Oyster Reefs” project uniquely incorporates eDNA sampling. eDNA is genetic material that organisms shed into their surrounding environment, through skin cells, mucus, or waste, that can be detected in water samples. By collecting and analyzing eDNA, scientists can identify the presence of species that may not appear in sampling enclosures. The analysis provided by the team at Monmouth University helps paint a fuller picture of biodiversity at the restored oyster reef sampling locations.

More Scenes from the Field

The photos below capture moments from the field and the diverse aquatic life our team encountered, offering a glimpse into the many species that oyster reefs help support in the New York Harbor:

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="18276,18271,18277,18272,18269,18284"] *The Asian Shore Crab pictured above is an invasive species encountered fairly often during the Summer sampling events. [caption id="attachment_18266" align="aligncenter" width="1227"]

Dogfish (Squalus acanthias)[/caption]

Founded in 2014, Billion Oyster Project is working to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor while engaging New Yorkers directly in the process. Oyster reefs once covered hundreds of miles of shoreline, filtering water, creating habitat, and buffering against storm surge. Today, Billion Oyster Project’s mission is not only to restore these vital ecosystems but also to inspire lasting stewardship of them through educational programming and free STEM curricula for NYC schools and educators . To learn more about Billion Oyster Project and how to participate, click here.

Princeton Hydro is proud to partner with Billion Oyster Project, AKRF, and Monmouth University on this project and in the advancement of urban reef restoration. Together, we’re building knowledge that informs the future of oyster reefs in New York Harbor while strengthening ecological health and resilience of the city’s waterways for generations to come.

To learn more about our work to restore New York’s waterways, we invite you to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring Riverkeeper, a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization committed to protecting and restoring the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguarding drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and law.

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When most people think of engineering, they picture bridges, buildings, and dams rising above the landscape. Yet the performance and longevity of these structures depend just as much on the subsurface conditions beneath them. Geotechnical engineering is the discipline dedicated to investigating, analyzing, and characterizing soil, rock, landscape, and groundwater conditions, and applying that data to the design and construction of safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure and restoration projects.

At Princeton Hydro, our geotechnical and soils engineers design and execute customized, cost-effective investigations that provide the parameters needed for successful design. Because geotechnical services touch every stage of a project, our integrated approach of investigation, including soils laboratory testing, analysis, and design, all done in-house, ensures streamlined communication, efficiency, and technical excellence.

This blog offers a closer look at what geotechnical engineering entails, the specialized capabilities Princeton Hydro provides, and real-world examples of how our work supports resilient, sustainable design.

Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Capabilities

Geotechnical Investigations: Our engineers can perform subsurface investigation, identification, and assessment of accumulated sediment, subsurface soils, and rock, as well as slope stability and stabilization modeling. Our work ranges from foundation type and bearing capacity assessments to mitigation strategies for unsuitable materials. We also regularly conduct forensic geotechnical investigations, which focus on investigating soil-interaction-related failures of engineered infrastructure.

Laboratory Testing: We operate an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accredited laboratory in Sicklerville, NJ. This allows us to complete 100% of geotechnical investigation planning and oversight, laboratory testing, analysis, design, and reporting in-house. Our geotechnical laboratory performs a full suite of soils and materials testing, including grain size analysis, plasticity index, organic content, moisture content, compaction characteristics of soil (Standard and Modified Proctor), California bearing ratio (CBR), one dimensional consolidation, and flexible and rigid wall permeability testing under constant or falling head conditions. With this capability, we can rapidly deliver high-quality data to inform project design and construction. Our laboratory is also a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Validated Laboratory. Click here to view Princeton Hydro’s complete accreditation listing and certificate. And, click here to learn more about the USACE Materials Testing Laboratories and Validation.

Field & Construction Services: Our engineers are experienced in construction requirements, design, and methodology for various structures, as well as field inspections and special testing. We have a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) on staff and ACI-certified concrete field-testing technicians. Our team performs compaction testing of soil and asphalt using a nuclear density gauge, reinforcing steel inspections, and 2006 International Building Code (IBC) special inspections. We help determine foundation type, site improvements, and optimal construction techniques.

Dredging & Sediment Investigations: Over our 25-year history, we’ve managed more than 100 dredging projects across freshwater and estuarine systems. We specialize in beneficial reuse of dredged material for ecological restoration, including wetland creation, thin-layer placement, and living shorelines. Our team provides sediment characterization, slope stability modeling, and contaminant analysis in complex, developed watersheds.

Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Work in Action

To bring this work to life, we’ve chosen a few Princeton Hydro projects that showcase where our geotechnical expertise helped solve unique challenges:

Geotechnical Design & Subsurface Investigations for Coastal Wetland Restoration – New York

At Spring Creek Park North in Jamaica Bay, New York, decades of urbanization and dredged material placement had degraded more than 40 acres of tidal marsh and uplands. To address this, Princeton Hydro provided subsurface investigations and design services for a large-scale ecosystem restoration led by the USACE New York District, in partnership with NYC Parks.

A key design assumption was the reuse of excavated material: soils removed from wetland areas were repurposed to construct upland hills, supporting both ecological function and cost-effective implementation. Our work included geotechnical borings, slope stability analyses, and hydraulic modeling, as well as the collection of topographic and bathymetric survey data, wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, and hydrodynamic measurements. This data informed the development of slope stability and hydraulic models and guided the restoration design.

The project advanced through a structured engineering design process — with 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design submissions — along with preparation of technical specifications, permit applications, and a detailed construction cost estimate. When complete, the project will restore more than 43 acres of marsh and upland habitat, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience in one of New York City’s most ecologically significant coastal systems.

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Offshore Subsurface Investigation for Jetty Reconstruction – Delaware

Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE Philadelphia District to perform offshore subsurface geotechnical investigations in support of reconstructing the Indian River Inlet jetty at Delaware Seashore State Park. Working under challenging marine conditions, our team successfully advanced deep geotechnical borings (to depths of 100 feet) from a lift boat platform, collected soil samples, performed laboratory testing including triaxial strength, consolidation, and direct shear tests; and delivered detailed soil data. Despite difficult sea states, we maintained close communication with USACE to ensure safety and project continuity.

The resulting data provided USACE with critical insight into subsurface conditions, helping inform design alternatives for the new jetty structure.

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Subsurface Investigations for Dike Raising – New Jersey

At the Killcohook Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), Princeton Hydro carried out a large-scale subsurface investigation to support USACE Philadelphia District’s plans for raising the site’s perimeter dikes. The project site, formerly a National Wildlife Refuge, is located in Pennsville, New Jersey, on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, to the north of Fort Mott State Park and adjacent to the Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refuge. Each cell of the CDF receives dredge material from the Delaware River. The subsurface explorations performed by Princeton Hydro were conducted along the existing dike comprising the border of Cell 1 of the CDF. Cell 1 consists of an area of approximately 710 acres with the entire CDF covering 1,200 acres.

For this exploration project, Princeton Hydro was tasked with the performance of thirty-one (31) geotechnical borings as well as sixty-five (65) cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurements (CPTu) soundings. Princeton Hydro also provided site safety oversight in accordance with USACE standards. Soil samples were logged and collected by Princeton Hydro and tested at their Sicklerville, New Jersey geotechnical laboratory, which is accredited under the AASHTO Accreditation Program and validated by USACE for soils testing.

The data collected is now being used by USACE to design the upgraded dike system, ensuring safe, resilient operation of the facility for future dredged material management.

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Comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation and Reporting – New Jersey

At the 545-acre Pedricktown North Confined Disposal Facility in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, located on the Delaware River west of Route 130 between Porcupine Road and Pennsgrove-Pedricktown Road, Princeton Hydro conducted a comprehensive subsurface investigation in support of a dike raising project led by the USACE Philadelphia District.

As part of this field exploration, our team performed eight geotechnical borings, thirty-eight cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurement (CPTu) soundings, and collected five grab samples. These efforts provided critical soil strength and settlement data to inform USACE’s design of the upgraded dike system.

In addition to managing subcontractors and ensuring compliance with USACE safety protocols, Princeton Hydro oversaw the field program, coordinated directly with the Project Manager, and delivered the final geotechnical report. This investigation is supplying USACE with essential geotechnical data to guide the design and construction of the improved dike infrastructure.

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This blog only scratches the surface of what geotechnical engineering entails. To dive deeper, we invite you to read “A Day in the Life: Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Laboratory,” where you’ll step into our laboratory and shadow Marissa Ciocco, P.E. as she turns soil samples into the data that drives resilient design. [post_title] => Beneath the Surface: Exploring the World of Geotechnical Engineering [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => beneath-the-surface-exploring-the-world-of-geotechnical-engineering [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-10-15 17:39:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-10-15 17:39:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18379 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18294 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-10-13 18:11:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-13 18:11:03 [post_content] =>

Coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising seas, stronger storms, and eroding shorelines. At the same time, these landscapes provide critical habitat and natural defenses that protect people, ecosystems and myriad wildlife. Coastal ecological restoration restores natural systems and strengthens future resilience to climate impacts.

Earlier this month, our team joined the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) for its Coastal Ecological Restoration Technical Workshop, a full-day, in-person event held at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. The workshop convened coastal stakeholders, researchers, practitioners, and managers to share knowledge and explore the latest science advancing coastal ecological restoration.

Inside the Workshop

The day began with a work group session, “Advancing Science-Based Ecological Restoration Across New Jersey’s Coast,” led by a panel of experts and followed by an interactive Q&A. Click here to view the presentation. Participants then chose from a variety of technical sessions covering topics such as, eDNA and Water Quality as Indicators of Coastal Ecological Health; Smart Permitting for Restoration; and Diatoms as Ecological Indicators in Living Shoreline Applications.

Dana Patterson Grear, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing & Communications, delivered an engaging presentation titled, "How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action." She provided practical guidance for turning communication into a powerful tool for advancing ecological restoration and climate resilience, including how to develop tailored climate messaging, understand the values of your audience and remove personal bias, and determine your level of engagement and capacity. Dana's presentation broke down complex communication strategies into actional steps that attendees can apply directly to their work. Click here to view her presentation slides.

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Beyond the educational workshops, networking breaks, shared meals, and a post-workshop reception created opportunities to connect and collaborate. And, as a fun and fitting bonus, each participant went home with a complimentary native plant courtesy of Pinelands Nursery.

More About Coastal Restoration

Coastal ecological restoration involves the rehabilitation and creation of coastal ecosystems, like wetlands, reefs, and shorelines, with the goal of restoring the natural processes and functions. These efforts provide long-term protection from erosion, create habitat for fish and wildlife, and build community resilience against flooding and storm surge.

At Princeton Hydro, we understand the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, and use tools such as vulnerability assessments to inform our restoration designs. Our team specializes in designing and implementing living shorelines and habitat restoration projects. We combine field data, empirical approaches, ecological and geomorphic understanding, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and state-of-the-art computer programming technology to develop our designs. Our nature-based solutions deliver lasting ecological and community benefits.

A prime example of this work is the Spring Creek North Ecosystem Restoration project, located in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Once part of the expansive Jamaica Bay wetland system, Spring Creek's salt marshes were heavily degraded over the last century. Princeton Hydro was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District to lead the design and engineering for this restoration effort. Construction efforts began in early October 2025. Once completed, the project will restore approximately 43 acres of habitat within a 67-acre footprint, including low and high marsh, scrub shrub wetland, and maritime upland. Efforts also aim to improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and strengthen the overall Jamaica Bay ecosystem.

Key restoration activities include:

Excavating and re-contouring uplands to intertidal elevations
Thin layer placement of sand on the marsh platform to restore areas of degraded tidal wetland
Removing invasive plants and replanting with native species

The following photos depict the degraded habitat and pre-construction conditions of the site. Stay tuned to our blog for more photos from each of the project phases.

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Workshops like the NJCRC's play a vital role in advancing collaborative, science-based strategies for restoring and protecting our coasts. Princeton Hydro is proud to participate in and contribute to these efforts. Click here to view the full conference agenda and download more presentations. And, click here to learn about more about Princeton Hydro's coastal restoration work. [post_title] => Advancing Coastal Resilience: Highlights from the NJCRC Coastal Ecological Restoration Technical Workshop [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => advancing-coastal-resilience-highlights-from-the-njcrc-coastal-ecological-restoration-technical-workshop [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-10-15 18:11:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-10-15 18:11:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18294 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18240 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-09-23 16:29:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-09-23 16:29:44 [post_content] =>

Princeton Hydro is honored to be recognized by Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) with the 2025 Corporate Conservation Recognition Award. This distinction celebrates Princeton Hydro's long-standing dedication to advancing ecological resilience through science-based, innovative solutions. Over the past three decades, our team has led more than 10,000 water resource projects in New Jersey and beyond, integrating engineering and ecology to restore wetlands, manage stormwater, and safeguard natural resources.

The award was presented to Princeton Hydro Vice President Mark Gallagher by FoHVOS Executive Director Jenn Rogers during the organization's Annual Fundraising Gala on Sunday, September 14, at Glenmoore Farm.

"I’m honored and deeply grateful to accept the Corporate Conservation Award. It’s a privilege to be recognized among so many passionate and dedicated individuals and organizations working to protect and restore our natural world," said Mark during his acceptance speech. "We’re proud to collaborate with environmental nonprofit groups like FOHVOS, government agencies, and community stakeholders to restore habitats that support biodiversity, improve water quality, and enhance climate resilience. Every restoration effort is a step toward healing the land and reconnecting people with the natural spaces around them."

Also honored at the event was Jim Waltman, Executive Director of the Watershed Institute, who received the Jack Gleeson Environmental Achievement Award.

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Mark Gallagher and Jenn Rogers.[/caption] [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="large" ids="18234,18246"]

This year's gala theme - "Flowing Together - Land and Water, People and Purpose, Community and Care" - celebrated science, stewardship, and the collective efforts of the conservation community. Alongside Mark, Princeton Hydro leaders Megan Hunter Ruf, Chief Operating Officer; Samara McAuliffe, Chief People Officer; and Christiana Pollack CERP, CFM, GISP, Director of Restoration & Resilience, attended the event. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and the signature Green Carpet, where eco-inspired attire took center stage.

Guests weren't the only stars of the evening. Roaming the grounds of Glenmoore Farm was Rizzo, a resident turkey, who quickly became a crowd favorite. From strutting across the Green Carpet to mingling with guests, Rizzo delighted as she proudly paraded through the party.

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Princeton Hydro and FoHVOS have a long history of partnership and collaboration, rooted in a shared mission to protect natural resources and foster resilient communities. In addition to project collaborations, our Chief People Officer Samara McAuliffe has proudly served on the FoHVOS Board of Trustees since 2022. Princeton Hydro was also a proud sponsor of this year's gala.

We are deeply grateful to FoHVOS for this recognition and look forward to continuing our work together to advance conservation in Hopewell Valley and beyond.

Learn more about FoHVOS's initiatives and how you can get involved by clicking here.

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The Winchell-Smith Dam on the Farmington River in Connecticut has been removed! This long-anticipated project, spearheaded by the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), is a major milestone in the restoration of the Farmington River. The full removal and restoration effort, which began on September 8, reconnects 30 miles of critical upstream habitat.

The effort is the result of a robust collaboration among project partners, following years of persistence and careful planning to turn a long-standing vision for the Farmington River into reality. Under the leadership of FRWA, the project partners include Miss Porter's School, the current dam owner; Princeton Hydro, providing engineering, design and project oversight; RiverLogic Solutions; CTDEEP Fisheries; and the Town of Farmington. Together, these partners are advancing ecological restoration, community safety, and recreation access along one of New England's most celebrated rivers.

Photo taken September 10 by Princeton Hydro Director of River Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP

Restoring Natural Function & Reconnecting Habitat

The Farmington River, a designated "Partnership Wild & Scenic River," flows for nearly 47 miles along its main stem in northwest Connecticut, with major tributaries extending into southwest Massachusetts. It's longest route, originating from the West Branch, stretches 80.4 miles, making it the longest tributary of the Connecticut River. Its watershed spans more than 600 square miles, providing critical drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, supporting a world-class trout fishery, and serving as a vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory species. Nearly 79 miles of the river are federally protected for their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values.

The Winchell-Smith Dam, a 200-foot-wide, 4-foot-high, low-head timber crib structure, dates back to the early 1600s and may have been the first gristmill ever built on the Farmington River. The dam had long ceased to serve a functional purpose but continued to impede the river's natural process, blocked access for migratory fish, created localized erosion and scour, presented an obstacle for paddlers and anglers, and posed as a safety hazard.

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Pre-Construction, Winchell-Smith Dam and Miss Porter’s School Administration Building. Photo by Farmington River Watershed Association.[/caption]

Removing the dam delivers myriad benefits to the ecological landscape and surrounding community. Most significantly, it reopens 30 miles of historic spawning habitat for species such as American shad, alewife, blueback herring, sea lamprey, and American eel, and provides unobstructed access to the upper reaches of the river and its tributaries. The restored river channel will support healthier fish populations, stabilize riverbanks, reestablish important wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Additionally, the project enhances public safety by eliminating a hazardous low-head dam and expands opportunities for nature-based recreation along this cherished waterway.

The photos below, taken by Princeton Hydro Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist Casey Clapsaddle, show the rapid progress being made at the Winchell-Smith Dam site:

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A Decade in the Making

Princeton Hydro's involvement at the Winchell-Smith Dam site dates back to 2009, when the engineering team worked with FRWA to complete early assessments and developed a design for a nature-like fishway. Funding constraints and the dam's continued deterioration ultimately made full removal the only viable option. With funding support from CTDEEP Fisheries, the effort to fully remove Winchell-Smith Dam was finally able to advance.

Princeton Hydro provided comprehensive engineering services, including site investigation and geomorphic inspection, wetland delineation, hydrologic assessment and hydraulic modeling, permitting, and construction oversight.

The removal of the Winchell-Smith Dam is part of a larger restoration plan initiated by FRWA and Princeton Hydro, which included the removal of the Spoonville Dam. The 35-foot-high concreate dam once stood as the first barrier to fish passage on the Farmington River.

Photos from the Spoonville Dam Removal in 2009: [gallery link="none" ids="10435,10441,10440"]

Honoring History & Celebrating the Future

While the Winchell-Smith Dam itself is being dismantled, its history will not be lost. Timbers from the structure are being preserved and repurposed for educational objectives, honoring the site's industrial legacy while celebrating its ecological renewal. Rocks and boulders from the dam will also be used to restore the river location, constructing a riffle-like condition in the riverbed.

The project also aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards by engaging the students at Miss Porter's School and local public schools. Throughout the process, students are participating in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of river restoration and introduce them to STEM subjects like engineering and ecology.

As demolition progresses, partners, community members, and environmental advocates are celebrating the return of a free-flowing Farmington River and looking forward to its continued transformation. Stay tuned to for more updates!

To learn more about FRWA, visit their website or click here to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring Executive Director Aimee Petras.

This blog was updated on October 15, 2025. [post_title] => Restoring the Farmington River: Winchell-Smith Dam Removal is Complete! [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => restoring-the-farmington-river-winchell-smith-dam-removal-is-underway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-10-15 18:22:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-10-15 18:22:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18216 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18093 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-09-09 16:52:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-09-09 16:52:52 [post_content] =>

Welcome to our “A Day in the Life” blog series, where we explore the diverse expertise and everyday experiences of the professionals who power Princeton Hydro’s mission. In this edition, we feature Nicole Hanson, Office and Special Projects Manager, and delve into her role as Health & Safety Program Lead.

While you may spot many of Princeton Hydro’s team members out in the field inspecting dams, delineating wetlands, or monitoring water quality, Nicole’s work happens mostly behind the scenes. Her dedication to health and safety makes all those field activities possible. Spend a day with her, and you’ll quickly see that safety is anything but routine. It’s equal parts organization, problem-solving, collaboration, and people-care (with a healthy dose of coffee).

Laying the Foundation for Leadership in Health & Safety

Nicole joined Princeton Hydro in 2007, starting in the former Voorhees, NJ office with administrative tasks like answering phones, ordering supplies, and organizing files. Before long, she took on a much larger responsibility: helping coordinate the construction of Princeton Hydro’s Southern Regional Office in Sicklerville, NJ. The new space was designed to accommodate the firm’s growing staff and house the Geotechnical Soils Testing Laboratory, a facility accredited by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and validated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Materials Testing Center (MTC) to perform a full range of tests.

“The office construction project was my first taste of special projects management,” Nicole reflects. “From pouring concrete, coordinating with the movers to relocate the entire office to the new office, and working with the team installing furniture, I was involved in almost every detail. I still have all the original documents and notes from that time.”

Over the years, inspired by the many women in leadership roles at Princeton Hydro, Nicole worked hard to grow into her own influential path. "Working alongside such talented and dedicated women showed me what leadership looks like in action, and motivated me to grow, learn, take on new challenges every day, and pursue my own professional goals."

Today, alongside her Office Management and Special Projects responsibilities, Nicole manages Princeton Hydro’s Health & Safety Program in partnership with Chief Operating Officer Megan Hunter Ruff and Regional Safety Leaders (RSLs) Jerry Vogel, Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM, and Casey Pantaleo, PE. She has been instrumental in formalizing and advancing the program’s systems and practices. "I take great pride in knowing that I play a key role in implementing a Health & Safety Program that protects our employees in their specific line of work and ensures that everyone goes home safely."

Starting the Day: Coffee, Calendars, & Checklists

Nicole’s day begins at 8:00 AM, caramel iced latte in hand. After scanning her inbox and calendar, she sets her priorities for the day, though she knows her plan may shift at any moment.

“I’m constantly juggling tasks, solving problems, and adapting on the fly,” Nicole says with a laugh. “What surprises people most is how unpredictable my day can be, and how many different team members I connect with across projects. Some mornings, I’ll talk to fifteen employees before I even drink my second cup of coffee!” One moment Nicole is coordinating health and safety needs, the next she’s ordering lunch for the team, and later she’s assisting with a proposal submission. No two hours, let alone two days, look the same!

Interwoven with the many tasks on Nicole’s to-do list each day are her health and safety responsibilities, which she views as mission critical. She creates “Toolbox Talks” and newsletter updates on various health and safety topics, verifies all staff certifications are valid and current, reminds staff of required safety trainings, and works with team members to order specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety vests, masks, hard hats, and other field gear. Nicole also keeps the Health & Safety Program current by reading safety-industry publications and attending virtual OSHA-regulated training courses, ensuring both the company protocols and her own knowledge evolve with the latest standards. Her role centers on coordinating and administering the program logistics, compliance tracking, and staff resources, rather than acting as a certified technical safety professional.

Success, she says, comes down to collaboration, flexibility, and attention to detail. “Honestly, no one has it all figured out. My role is constantly evolving, so I rely on my notebook to track tasks and stay organized. I’m always open to feedback and enjoy learning from those around me - teamwork is everything, and a steady supply of coffee doesn’t hurt either!”

Projects, People, & Safety

Nicole’s role is unique in that she bridges multiple departments and disciplines within Princeton Hydro. As Health & Safety Program Lead, she works closely with the COO, RSLs, and many other technical staff across the company, a collaboration ensures that while Nicole steers the day-to-day systems, the technical experts remain at the core of the program's success.

Nicole takes immense pride in Princeton Hydro's comprehensive Health & Safety Program. “It became my baby,” she says. “Safety doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s essential and the backbone of everything we do here at Princeton Hydro. Every time I help someone navigate a challenge or ensure they have the right tools and support, I know I’m contributing to both their success and their safety, and that feels great!"

Nicole puts a lot of effort into making sure staff are prepared and equipped to handle the unique risks of environmental engineering and in-the-field science. Maintaining a strong Health & Safety Program at Princeton Hydro involves a lot of research, planning, budgeting, and communication, including:

Tracking certifications and licenses for staff across all disciplines;
Sending reminders about renewals and coordinating required safety trainings, including First Aid, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, Confined Space Awareness, equipment training, and more;
Regularly reviewing and updating documentation to align with OSHA regulations;
Conducting safety checks and audits for Princeton Hydro's fleet of trucks;
Working with the technical RSLs to complete safety audits of the Geotechnical Soils Testing Laboratory as well as specialized machinery like the Marsh Master; and
Providing staff with health and safety updates, including resources, videos, and flyers that staff can use when completing their Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs).

Beyond the checklists and compliance requirements, Nicole also looks for creative ways to keep safety top of mind. By creating and sharing safety-themed memes, she makes important reminders easier to remember and a lot more fun. Here are a few of our favorites:

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For special projects, risk assessment and mitigation start on day one. Nicole reviews project goals, timelines, and team roles with a critical eye, helping to identify potential challenges, whether logistical, regulatory, or health and safety related. By asking questions and gathering input from both field staff and managers, she zeroes in on the right Health & Safety experts to guide the team and flags anything that could derail success.

For Nicole, every challenge is also an opportunity. She welcomes the twists and turns that come with her work, letting new projects and unexpected needs guide her growth. “There’s always something new to learn or take on, and I’ve learned to stay open to wherever the day leads me."

Looking Ahead

After 18 years with Princeton Hydro, Nicole continues to approach her role with curiosity and momentum. She is committed to refining and expanding the Health & Safety Program, not by resting on what already works, but by seeking out new opportunities to make systems more efficient, accessible, and effective. She welcomes input from colleagues and pairs it with her own creative problem-solving to build tools that support the entire team.

Looking ahead, one of Nicole’s top priorities is creating a centralized internal platform that gives staff easy access to safety resources, training reminders, Active AHAs, and comprehensive program documents, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. To bring this vision to life, she’s collaborating closely with the COO and RSLs, combining operational insight with technical safety expertise to build a system that’s both practical and comprehensive for the entire company.

At the end of the day, Nicole’s goal is simple: give her colleagues the confidence to do their best work, backed by the training, tools, and systems that keep them safe. “My highest priority is ensuring that every employee returns home safely to their loved ones at the end of each day. Nothing I do is more important than protecting the health and well-being of our team.”

To learn more about Nicole, click here.

Click here to read the previous “Day in the Life” blog series edition, which follows Casey Pantaleo, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the Engineering Services team, as he performs one of his highly specialized roles: dam inspection. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from our talented team!

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Princeton Hydro's Director of Aquatics, Michael Hartshorne, recently traveled to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to present at the Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Congress 2025. Hosted by the Institute of Natural Resources (INS) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the annual event convened researchers, industry professionals, government officials, and students from around the world to advance aquatic science by linking research with real-world practice.

Over the course of five days, participants shared insights on critical global and regional issues, including water pollution, water security, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and community-based resource management. The program featured an array of interdisciplinary presentations spanning hydrology, freshwater ecology, and policy, while also creating space for collaboration and connection through interactive workshops, poster sessions and exhibits, networking events, and a gala dinner and awards ceremony. On the closing day, field trips brought attendees out into the surrounding landscape, offering a tangible backdrop to the themes explored throughout the conference.

Michael's Presentation on Harmful Algal Blooms

On the opening day of the SASAqS Congress 2025 program, Michael addressed the full conference audience with a presentation titled “Novel Techniques for the Monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Lakes and Rivers of the United States,” which focused on innovative approaches for detecting and managing HABs, a growing worldwide concern driven by nutrient pollution and climate change. Michael illustrated how innovative research can inform practical management strategies while encouraging global collaboration.

HABs are intensifying in frequency, scale, and severity worldwide, presenting challenges for drinking water supplies, recreational lakes, and river ecosystems. Michael’s presentation showcased a suite of monitoring tools, from handheld phycocyanin and phycoerythrin meters, to drones with multispectral lenses, to advanced techniques such as qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), microscopy, and akinete cell monitoring. Through case studies from lakes, reservoirs, and river systems in New Jersey, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, he highlighted the strengths and limitations of each method, emphasizing the importance of tailoring monitoring strategies to the unique conditions of each waterbody. Michael also discussed management interventions and highlighted how emerging technologies can support more adaptive, science-driven management of HABs.

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“It was an honor to participate in this year’s event and learn alongside so many dedicated professionals who are working to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems,” said Michael. “The international exchange of ideas and techniques is critical in helping us all address the increasingly complex challenges facing our water resources.”

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Michael Hartshorne with Dr. Matthew Burnett, Principal Scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources and member of the SASAqS 2025 local organizing committee.[/caption]

In the Field: Aquatic Science in Action

The conference concluded with optional field trips that gave participants a chance to view South Africa’s aquatic systems and management challenges firsthand. Each excursion highlighted a different aspect of aquatic science in practice:

UKZN Zebrafish Research Facility: On the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Pietermaritzburg campus, this outing introduced participants to the zebrafish as a model organism for studying genetics, development, and aquatic toxicology. The tour provided a window into laboratory-based aquatic science and its applications to regional and global challenges.
Lions River Monitoring Demonstration: Hosted by GroundTruth, this field trip took a group to Lions River to observe live demonstrations of water quality and quantity monitoring using advanced tools such as UAVs (drones), USVs (unmanned survey boats), and a suite of citizen science methods, including MiniSASS, clarity tubes, and velocity planks. The excursion showcased how high-tech innovation and community-driven monitoring can complement one another in managing freshwater resources.
uMkhomazi Upper Catchment: Michael chose to participate in this field trip, led by the Institute of Natural Resources’ Chief Scientist Jon McCosh and Scientist Zanele Makhaya, which examined grassland rehabilitation efforts aimed at reducing sediment mobilization at catchment scale. Erosion control project implementation and monitoring is conducted locally with participants who are trained as community scientists and restoration ecologists by the INR. Participants learned how erosion control strategies can extend the lifespan of proposed dams on the uMkhomazi River, while also considering the complex socio-ecological impacts of large infrastructure projects on local communities and landscapes.

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Travel Highlights Beyond the Conference

Outside of the conference, Michael took the opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and culture of South Africa. At Betty's Bay, a small town on the Western Cape he enjoyed coffee while taking in sweeping coastal views; walked scenic trails; spotted a few Hyraxes and Chacma baboons; and observed the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at the Stony Point colony. He also viewed the Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus), a ground-dwelling bird endemic to the mountain Fynbos, at nearby Rooi-Els.

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He visited Karkloof Nature Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal province, a rural agricultural area which has implemented conservation efforts for the once endangered, but still threated, Wattled Crane (Grus carunculate).

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Michael’s participation in SASAqS Congress 2025 reflects Princeton Hydro’s ongoing commitment to advancing aquatic science and collaborating with experts around the world. By sharing practical monitoring and management strategies for HABs, his contributions added to a rich global dialogue on how science can inform sustainable solutions.

Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2006, Michael has led numerous lake, stream, and watershed studies focused on water quality, restoration, and sustainable management. His expertise includes applied limnology, ecological restoration, TMDL (total maximum daily load) development, and biological surveys. Michael is skilled in designing and implementing monitoring programs that integrate technical rigor with community engagement, ensuring effective outcomes for both ecosystems and stakeholders. To learn more about Michael, click here.

The Institute of Natural Resources promotes the sustainable use of natural resources to benefit both the environment and society. Click here to learn more. To learn more about The University of KwaZulu-Natal a teaching and research-led university with multiple campuses across South Africa, click here.

Earlier this year, Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE traveled to Durban, South Africa, to participate in a symposium focused on “Dam Management and Restoration of River Connectivity.” Click here to read the blog about his journey.

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Welcome to our Partner Spotlight blog series, where we highlight the meaningful collaborations and shared successes Princeton Hydro enjoys with our valued partners. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Save Barnegat Bay, a nonprofit rooted deeply in environmental advocacy and stewardship, dedicated to safeguarding Barnegat Bay.

Fed by freshwater inputs from rivers, creeks, and streams, and saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean, Barnegat Bay is a unique estuary stretching approximately 42 miles from Bay Head to Long Beach Island and the Little Egg Harbor inlet. Barnegat Bay is the largest body of water in New Jersey and one of the region’s most valuable natural resources.

Save Barnegat Bay, founded in 1971 by neighbors concerned about the future of their local waterways, has grown into a highly respected, effective, and influential voice for environmental protection throughout the state. Through advocacy, education, restoration, and community engagement, the organization is leading the charge to preserve the Barnegat Bay ecosystem and the wildlife and communities that call it home.

For this Partner Spotlight, we spoke with Britta Forsberg, Executive Director of Save Barnegat Bay, who brings decades of personal and professional commitment to protecting this vital resource.

Let’s jump in!

Q: What makes Save Barnegat Bay unique, and how does the organization’s vision guide its work?

A:

“What truly sets Save Barnegat Bay apart is our hyper-local approach. We’re not a Washington, D.C.-based environmental group, we’re right here in the Barnegat Bay Watershed, working directly with the communities we serve. For 54 years, we’ve remained a steady and effective environmental voice, and we’ve achieved meaningful, lasting impacts through persistence, collaboration, and grassroots engagement.”

In the video below, Britta shares more about the guiding vision behind Save Barnegat Bay’s work and what continues to fuel the organization’s success:

[embed]https://youtu.be/PG6s6VMnMGg[/embed]

Q: What are some of Save Barnegat Bay’s core areas of focus?

A:

[embed]https://youtu.be/87ibiGzHeI0[/embed]

Q: Can you share a few key initiatives that represent Save Barnegat Bay’s mission and impact?

A:

“Save Barnegat Bay’s work spans decades and addresses a wide range of threats to the watershed, from nutrient pollution to legacy contamination. One of our most impactful successes is the passage of the New Jersey Fertilizer Law, which we wrote and lobbied for. It remains the strictest fertilizer content law in the country. This effort began with local ordinances, but we quickly realized a patchwork of municipal laws wasn’t effective. So, we pursued statewide legislation to reduce nitrogen pollution, a major stressor for Barnegat Bay’s ecological health. This law has helped prevent millions of tons of nitrogen from entering New Jersey’s waterways.

Another critical focus for us is environmental justice and accountability. We’re currently challenging a controversial settlement related to the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site in Toms River. This site has a painful history: decades ago, a chemical plant discharged toxic waste into rivers, groundwater, and even the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in significant health impacts, including a well-documented childhood cancer cluster. While criminal charges and civil suits were eventually brought, we’re now fighting for appropriate restitution. We believe the NJDEP’s current settlement with the site’s owner, BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, lacks transparency and fails to account for the full environmental damage. We’ve filed an appeal and are advocating for a more just and science-based resolution that considers the lasting damage to 1,200 acres of land, the groundwater, wetlands, river, bay, and ocean.

We’re also proud to have played a leading role in the closure of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, once the oldest operating nuclear plant in the country. The plant’s design used Barnegat Bay water to cool its reactors, then discharged superheated water back into the estuary, devastating marine life daily. We believe Save Barnegat Bay is the only grassroots environmental organization in the U.S. to successfully close a nuclear plant not on the basis of nuclear energy itself, but on its local ecological impacts.

These are just a few examples of the many efforts Save Barnegat Bay has led or supported over the years. From legislative advocacy to grassroots mobilization, our work is broad and ongoing. What unites it all is our deep commitment to protecting the Bay and ensuring its health for generations to come.”

Q: While Save Barnegat Bay is widely known for its work protecting the coastal and estuarine areas of the watershed, can you tell us more about your “Rivers, Creeks, and Streams” initiative and how it broadens that focus?

A:

“Barnegat Bay relies on a delicate and often overlooked network of 58 named rivers, creeks, and streams. Many of these freshwater sources originate in the Pine Barrens, winding through Ocean County and parts of Monmouth County before reaching the Bay. They are the lifeblood of the estuary, delivering freshwater that supports the Bay’s health, biodiversity, and overall ecological function.

Our “Rivers, Creeks, and Streams” campaign was created to inspire and connect people with their local waterways and take part in their protection. Whether it's through cleanup activities, water sampling, or making simple, eco-friendly changes at home, we believe small actions can collectively have a big impact.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, we've been able to acquire a fleet of canoes and kayaks to get people, including elected officials and community leaders, directly out on the water. This hands-on approach helps participants build a personal relationship with their local water resources, see firsthand the challenges and opportunities for improvement, and feel empowered to help. It’s one thing to talk about water quality in a meeting room, it’s another to experience it on the water, paddle in hand.”

In the video clip below, Britta shares more about this unique initiative:

[embed]https://youtu.be/Ij6s8lKokfo[/embed]

Q: Can you share some insights about the collaborative history between Save Barnegat Bay and Princeton Hydro?

A:

[embed]https://youtu.be/WF8E6P2BaW8[/embed]

Q: Can you talk more about initiatives that Save Barnegat Bay and Princeton Hydro have partnered on?

A:

“Over the years, we’ve collaborated with Princeton Hydro on a wide range of impactful projects. We've worked with many members of their team, including Dr. Steve Souza; Dr. Fred Lubnow; Geoffrey Goll, P.E.; and Mark Gallagher, just to name a few. Our work together has spanned everything from technical restoration projects to public education initiatives. In fact, we’ve probably partnered with a good portion of their staff at some point on various critical initiatives across the watershed.”

In the video clip below, Britta highlights two collaborative projects that stand out as major wins, successfully protecting sensitive habitats while navigating the priorities of various stakeholders:

[embed]https://youtu.be/WB-5iM72nVA[/embed]

Britta continues: “We’re also partnering with Princeton Hydro to take a proactive approach to water quality management in coastal towns throughout the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Specifically, we’ve been supporting Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head in developing comprehensive lake and watershed management plans. There are three coastal lakes in Point Pleasant and one in Bay Head, and these proactive planning efforts have been incredibly valuable for those communities.

Honestly, I could go on and on. We’ve worked with Princeton Hydro on so many important projects together; it’s a true partnership.”

Q: How can people get involved and support the important work Save Barnegat Bay is doing?

A:

“There are so many ways to get involved. At Save Barnegat Bay, we encourage people to contribute and participate in whatever way works best for them—time, treasure, or talent. Nearly everything we offer is free and open to the public, from hands-on workshops like rain barrel construction to science-based programs like eelgrass planting and clinging jellyfish monitoring to volunteer initiatives like shoreline clean-ups. We’re not a membership-based organization, which means there’s no barrier to participation. You can simply show up and engage in whatever way feels right to you.

Some people contribute by donating, others by volunteering their skills, or even some folks bring their truck and trailer to help haul materials. Every contribution matters, and every skillset can find a meaningful place here. We keep things informal and welcoming. We want people to get involved in whatever way makes them feel comfortable, happy, and fulfilled, at a pace and in a place that works for them. It’s all about finding the role that fits you best.” Click here to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Q: Are there any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

A:

Britta leaves us with a few inspiring words about the power of big ideas, and a reminder to look beyond the everyday and believe in what’s possible:

[embed]https://youtu.be/rmtP5qfh7gM[/embed]

A heartfelt thank you to Britta Forsberg for her time, passion, and leadership, and for sharing the inspiring story of Save Barnegat Bay. Her dedication to community-driven stewardship and environmental advocacy reflects the profound impact that local action can have on protecting vital natural resources on a wide-reaching scale.

Click here to learn more about Save Barnegat Bay’s work, sign up for the volunteer email newsletter, check out the events calendar, and explore all the ways you can get involved. To learn more about some of Princeton Hydro's work to protect and restore Barnegat Bay, click here.

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Photo by the Lake Hopatcong Commission[/caption]

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Posted on November 10, 2025 by Princeton Hydro

1. The Watershed Institute – Watershed-Based Planning for Assunpink Creek

2. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Watershed-Based Stormwater BMPs

3. Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township – Addressing Emerging Contaminants

4. Rockaway Township – Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure

5. Green Trust Alliance – Green Infrastructure and Community Engagement

More Scenes from the Field

Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Capabilities

Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Work in Action

Geotechnical Design & Subsurface Investigations for Coastal Wetland Restoration – New York

Offshore Subsurface Investigation for Jetty Reconstruction – Delaware

Subsurface Investigations for Dike Raising – New Jersey

Comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation and Reporting – New Jersey

Inside the Workshop

More About Coastal Restoration

Restoring Natural Function & Reconnecting Habitat

A Decade in the Making

Honoring History & Celebrating the Future

Laying the Foundation for Leadership in Health & Safety

Starting the Day: Coffee, Calendars, & Checklists

Projects, People, & Safety

Looking Ahead

Michael's Presentation on Harmful Algal Blooms

In the Field: Aquatic Science in Action

Travel Highlights Beyond the Conference

Q: What makes Save Barnegat Bay unique, and how does the organization’s vision guide its work?

A:

Q: What are some of Save Barnegat Bay’s core areas of focus?

A:

Q: Can you share a few key initiatives that represent Save Barnegat Bay’s mission and impact?

A:

Q: While Save Barnegat Bay is widely known for its work protecting the coastal and estuarine areas of the watershed, can you tell us more about your “Rivers, Creeks, and Streams” initiative and how it broadens that focus?

A:

Q: Can you share some insights about the collaborative history between Save Barnegat Bay and Princeton Hydro?

A:

Q: Can you talk more about initiatives that Save Barnegat Bay and Princeton Hydro have partnered on?

A:

Q: How can people get involved and support the important work Save Barnegat Bay is doing?

A:

Q: Are there any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

A:

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