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The campus’ exterior lands have undergone a remarkable transformation, blossoming into an enchanting and peaceful place for community member gatherings, and a wildflower meadow. Princeton Hydro partnered with Congregation Kol Emet to design and implement the synagogue's 10-acre campus transformation. The Princeton Hydro team provided green infrastructure engineering, landscape architecture, and construction services aimed at enhancing the usability and welcoming atmosphere of the synagogue, and creating a sustainable outdoor solution in the event of future pandemics, and a place to connect with the natural environment that surrounds the property. The design provides a net positive impact by reducing flooding in the community and improves water quality by augmenting stormwater management and biodiversity throughout the property. "Our vision surpassed mere construction of a gathering space," said Geoffrey M. Goll P.E., President of Princeton Hydro, a congregant of Kol Emet, Executive Board Member, and point person for the project. "We wanted to create a harmonious union between the synagogue campus and the surrounding preserved woodlands, cultivating a serene haven where congregants can unite, celebrate, and worship, while also enhancing the ecological functionality and biodiversity of the landscape. This was a realization of the vision of the Founders of Kol Emet and the labor and financial support of many members of the Board, past and present, and a generous donation by a longtime supporter of the community. The outdoor sanctuary was named in honor and memory of a founding member and former President, Geri Shatz, who was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community and advocate for the mission of Kol Emet. She lived the ideals of community and contribution. I am proud of the extraordinary transformation that’s been achieved." About the Congregation of Kol Emet The Kol Emet Reconstructionist Congregation, is a 501(c)3 religious organization, founded in 1984. While a center of worship for its members, it is much more than that. Kol Emet is a community of people who care about improving the world around them through social action and environmental protection. The sentiment of "Tikkun Olam" is embodied by Kol Emet and the committee that spearheaded the project, working directly with the Princeton Hydro team to bring the project goals to fruition. The modern interpretation of the Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” is “action intended to repair and improve the world.” The campus restoration project brings the concept of “Tikkun Olam” to life. About the Restoration Project Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP is the project’s lead designer. The project included landscape design and planting that incorporates native and sustainable trees and shrubs; significant upgrades to the existing stormwater management basin, including the conversion of low-flow channels, impervious surfaces, and turf-covered areas to native grassland and wildflower habitat; and the development of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space." Cory’s design inspiration for the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space is modeled after the Hebrew term “etz chaim” or “Tree of Life.” In Judaism, the Tree of Life has a number of meanings, both literal and figurative. In the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life represents the connection between heaven and earth, wisdom and knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is visually represented as a diagram that looks much like a tree with 10 nodes and 22 lines. Cory’s design for the community space uses strategically placed trees to mimic the Tree of Life and aims to promote community connection and a connection to the surrounding natural landscape. The contemplative space consists of a bimah, seating to accommodate at least 80 people, and a beautiful array of native trees and flowering shrubs, including black gum, silver birch, and Virginia sweetspire. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13138,13073"] [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13117,13071"] Cory’s design for the land surrounding the contemplative space improves flood resilience; controls stormwater runoff volume and promotes groundwater recharge; boosts safety features of the campus; and enhances habitat for pollinators, native plants, and other important species. The wildflower meadow was seeded with a variety of native plants, including purple love grass, common milkweed, wild bergamot, and blue wild indigo. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13055,13081"] [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="13042,13044"] “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like the only way to see our loved ones was to be outside, and during these backyard and front porch gatherings many people re-discovered their love for the outdoors,” said Cory. “In talking with the Committee, there was a desire to create an outdoor sanctuary where the congregation could gather and continue that re-discovery. I believe that through the careful consideration of symbolic elements and thoughtful design choices, we’ve created a space that can inspire introspection, connection, and a sense of harmony with both nature and faith.” The Generosity that Made the Project Possible Funding for the project came from the Congregation Kol Emet’s “Our Heart. Our Home” capital campaign, a $750,000 campaign focused on upgrading four key aspects of the synagogue: social hall, HVAC upgrades, indoor sanctuary, outside school, and the new outdoor sanctuary. The outdoor sanctuary and ecological uplift to the 10-acre campus is a primary piece of the campaign and was made possible by the generous donations of several Kol Emet members. Stan Shatz bestowed a bounteous donation in memory of Geri Shatz, which made possible the creation of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space.” The following families also contributed to the funding of the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space: Laurel & Kevin Bloch, Barbara & Debra Fogel and Family, Jill & David Gordon, Annie & Ryan Kubanoff and Family, and Teddi & Josh Matisoff and Family. The Princeton Hydro team is honored to have worked with Kol Emet on this important and inspirational project. Enjoying and Celebrating the New Space Congregation Kol Emet came together on Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the outdoor sanctuary project. Here are a few photos from the joyous event: [gallery link="none" ids="13125,13116,13130"] Princeton Hydro is an expert in engineering, ecological restoration, and landscape architecture, and we’ve been incorporating green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions into our designs for decades. Click here to read about the landscape restoration and stormwater management project we designed and implemented in Thompson Park, a 675-acre recreation area in Middlesex County, New Jersey. [post_title] => From Turf to Biodiverse Outdoor Space: The Remarkable Transformation of Congregation Kol Emet’s 10-Acre Campus [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => transforming-kol-emet-campus [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-07-27 16:44:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-07-27 16:44:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=13315 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13006 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-07-26 15:03:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-26 15:03:21 [post_content] => In a momentous occasion for environmental conservation, a dam removal on Bushkill Creek is underway, building upon a new era for this cherished limestone stream. This dam removal marks another important milestone in restoring Bushkill Creek back to its natural, free-flowing state; connecting migratory fish species like alewife and American shad with upstream spawning grounds; and helping to revitalize ecologically-beneficial freshwater mussels colonies and populations of trout and other residential fish species. Freeing Bushkill Creek One Dam at a Time Bushkill Creek begins at the foot of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township and flows 22 miles before its confluence with the Delaware River. The limestone stream flows through agricultural and suburban areas, as well as Easton, and supports a large wild brown trout population. It is designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery” and treasured by anglers and the surrounding community as an important resource in an urban environment. In 2022, Wildlands Conservancy contracted Princeton Hydro to design, permit, and oversee construction for the removal of four dams along Bushkill Creek. The Crayola Dam, also called Dam #4, was the first of the four dam removal projects to be completed. The map below shows the location of the next three Bushkill Creek dams being removed: [caption id="attachment_13253" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Created by Wildlands Conservancy, Contributed by Kurt Bresswein of The Star Ledger[/caption] The demolition and removal of Dam #1 commenced on July 7, 2023 and is scheduled for completion in August. The site labeled as Dam #3 is scheduled for demolition and removal later this year. And, the site labeled as Dam #2, is scheduled for removal in the summer of 2024. Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams from the Bushkill and allowing the creek to return to a natural, free-flowing state will have myriad ecological benefits. Removing the Bushkill’s First Barrier Dam #1, the first barrier on the Bushkill, is located directly upstream from the Creek’s confluence with the Delaware River. Previous to this removal process, Dam #1 was the upstream limit for migratory fish like alewife, striped bass, and shad. Dam #1 is owned by Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. It spans an impressive length of 90 feet, width of 14 feet, and stands 4-feet high. Having been constructed in 1793, the dam had fallen into a state of disrepair, with crumbling concrete impacting the integrity of the streambank retaining wall. Consequently, the dam and associated impoundment have had detrimental effects on the creek's ecosystem, obstructing fish passage, exacerbating local flooding, and degrading water quality. Professors and students of the College have tried for years to effectuate Bushkill Creek dam removals to improve the aquatic environment. [caption id="attachment_13174" align="aligncenter" width="694"] View of the Bushkill Dam #1, located in the City of Easton, before the construction crew takes the first notch.[/caption] [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13188,13187"] By removing the dam, the project team aims to improve water quality, restore the creek back to its natural flowing state, reconnect river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed. The project work also includes stabilizing the streambank, expanding riparian buffers, planting native trees and shrubs to filter runoff, and installing in-stream structures to restore fish habitat, which has numerous and far-reaching ecological benefits. It is important to note that the project's scope involves minimal disturbance, impacting less than one acre of land surrounding the dam. Watch as the construction team makes the first notch in Dam #1: [embed]https://youtu.be/73Jrssb75pE[/embed] The removal of this specific dam holds profound promise, heralding a transformative era for the ecological well-being of Bushkill Creek. Signs of improvement were immediately visible as the construction team worked to notch out Dam #1: [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="13177,13171"] [caption id="attachment_13180" align="aligncenter" width="692"] This photo taken on July 12, 2023 (just 5 days after the first notch) shows great progress being made on the Bushkill Dam removal effort.[/caption] [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13265,13264"] Collaborative Efforts Yield Success The continued effort to restore Bushkill Creek with the removal of Barrier #1, which has been 10-years in the making, serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication displayed by a diverse array of 20+ stakeholders, including Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro. According to the Wildlands Conservancy, the initial natural resource damage assessment funding came following a fly ash spill from the Martins Creek Power Plant in 2005. The settlement, which was reached in 2016, totaled $1.3 million, with $902,150 going to the Delaware River Basin Commission for dam removal projects and $50,000 going to the Commission to manage mussel restoration. Additional funding for the overall project came from NFWF's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund ($2,049,200), and Northampton County's Livable Landscapes program ($100,000). Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of 80+ small and large dams in the Northeast. For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Wildlands Conservancy to remove dams in the Lehigh River Valley. To learn more about our fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. To learn more about Wildlands Conservancy, click here. [post_title] => Revitalizing Bushkill Creek: Dam Removal is Underway! [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => revitalizing-bushkill-creek-dam-removal-is-underway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-08-09 11:52:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-08-09 11:52:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=13006 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5787 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2023-07-10 05:16:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-10 05:16:11 [post_content] => Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors. Princeton Hydro was contracted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. NJDEP held an open house on May 24, 2023 at Liberty State Park announcing the next steps for the Revitalization Program. During the open house, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and USACE Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto shared details of the multi-phase revitalization program for the park. The public was presented with a video that showcases detailed engineering design renderings and simulates the expected visitor experience. The video was created using renderings by Princeton Hydro's Landscape Architect Cory Speroff PLA, ASLA, CBLP and produced in-house by our Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with NJDEP ONRR. Watch it now: [embed]https://youtu.be/XbzQ08o7b5Y[/embed] Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resilience for urban communities who are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs. Project partners for the interior restoration design include USACE, NJDEP ONRR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, HDR, and Princeton Hydro. Over the next year, NJDEP will provide the community with updates on revitalization program activities, which will include multiple points of continued public engagement and opportunities for community input to inform further design work. The initial groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in Fall 2023. Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates. To read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services, click here. [post_title] => Restoring 235 Acres in NJ's Iconic Liberty State Park [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => liberty-state-park-2023 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-07-10 21:28:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-07-10 21:28:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.princetonhydro.com/blog/?p=883 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12814 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-06-12 17:15:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-06-12 17:15:54 [post_content] => The Horseshoe Mill Dam, built in 1827, served as the first barrier to fish passage on the Weweantic River in Wareham, Massachusetts. For over 150 years, migratory fish were unable to reach their breeding grounds upstream due to this structure. However, thanks to the efforts of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and its project partners, the dam was successfully removed between December 2019 and February 2021. As early as April 2021, migratory fish were seen swimming unimpeded from Buzzards Bay to lay their eggs in freshwater upstream. A true success story! This blog explores the Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project and celebrates the significant milestone in the recovery of fish populations and the restoration of ecological processes in the Weweantic River. A Brief History The Weweantic River winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of southeastern Massachusetts, spanning a length of 17.0 miles. This land is the traditional territory of the Wampanoag/Wôpanâak tribes. Derived from the Wampanoag language, Weweantic means "crooked" or "wandering stream." Originating from the wetlands in Carver, the river flows in a southerly direction meandering through swampy birch and maple forests in Middleborough and Rochester. Eventually, it empties into a Buzzards Bay estuary near the mouth of the Sippican River in Wareham. The river's watershed covers approximately 18,000 acres, with numerous cranberry bogs situated in its upper sections. Although the Weweantic River historically teemed with fish, the presence of the Horseshoe Mill Dam posed an obstacle to fish passage. The dam, spanning the Weweantic River at the head-of-tide, was built in 1827 to support a metal forge mill. Although it was once part of the infrastructure that supported Wareham’s economy, it had been decommissioned and left crumbling for decades. The defunct dam restricted to tidal inundation, hindered the migration of important fish species, and impacted riverine ecological processes. Ecological Importance of the Weweantic River The Weweantic River is the largest tributary to Buzzards Bay and provides 20 percent of all freshwater flow into Buzzards Bay. The meeting of salinity and nutrients through the tidal flow creates a vibrant ecosystem. It supports diverse communities of wetland species and a variety of non-migratory and migratory fish species, including river herring, white perch, and American eel. It is also home to the southernmost population of rainbow smelt in the United States, marking a significant change from a century ago when rainbow smelt were found as far south as the Chesapeake Bay. In the 1960s, smelt populations were even present in the Hudson River in New York. Further highlighting the ecological significance of the Weweantic River and its surrounding watershed are the unique tidal freshwater wetland plant communities. The wetland areas surrounding the Horseshoe Mill Dam site contained two rare wetland plants, Parker's Pipewort (Eriocaulon parkeri) and Pygmyweed (Crassula aquatica), both of which are designated as priority habitats for rare species. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" link="none" ids="12818,12820"] Additionally, situated along the shore of Buzzards Bay and the Weweantic River is the Cromeset Neck & Mark's Cove Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. The 47-acre wildlife sanctuary consists of three separate parcels within one mile of each other. Salt marsh comprises most of the wildlife sanctuary, and the property also contains approximately six contiguous acres of coastal woodland. Restoration Efforts and Project Phases The Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project involved several phases to achieve its restoration goals. An inspection of the dam, conducted in 2009, rated its condition as unsatisfactory and noted significant concrete deterioration and erosion. The dam also included a former concrete-walled mill race that was in a state of disrepair, with collapsed walls and obstructed channels. The Buzzards Bay Coalition acquired the 10-acre Horseshoe Mill Dam property in 2012 to preserve it, provide public access, and pursue river restoration. In 2016, the Buzzards Bay Coalition contracted Princeton Hydro to provide an Alternatives Analysis for the Weweantic River restoration project and a Fish Passage Feasibility Study for the dam. The analysis included a thorough site investigation, historical data review, sediment evaluation, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and ecological assessment. The five options considered in the analysis were: No action; Structural dam repair with a fish ladder; Dam lowering with a nature-like fishway; Partial dam removal with an extended riffle; or Complete dam removal. The analysis ultimately helped the Buzzards Bay Coalition determine that a complete dam removal offered the most favorable ecological and economic outcomes. [caption id="attachment_12821" align="aligncenter" width="789"] The removal of Horseshoe Mill Dam commences on a snowy day in December 2019.[/caption] Princeton Hydro, contracted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, provided site investigation, engineering design, permitting, and construction oversight services for the dam removal. With funding from the Bouchard 120 Natural Resource Damage Trustee Council and collaboration with various agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA, the dam removal commenced in December 2019 and was successfully completed in early 2021. Just months later in April 2021, for the first time in 150+ years, migratory fish were once again spotted swimming unimpeded from Buzzards Bay to lay their eggs in freshwater upstream. Since the completion of the dam removal, Buzzards Bay Coalition Restoration Ecologist Sara da Silva Quintal has been consistently visiting the site and monitoring the positive changes taking place. Her observations include vegetation changes, signs of migratory fish spawning, and the geomorphic evolution of the landscape. She shared a series of Nearmap images that demonstrate how the landscape is positively adjusting to the barrier removal: Celebrating Conservation Success The completion of the Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project marks a significant achievement in the restoration of fish passage and the preservation of ecological function in the Weweantic River. Through the collaborative efforts of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, government agencies, and project partners, migratory fish can now freely swim upstream to their breeding grounds. The restoration effort rejuvenated more than three miles of the Weweantic River and restored migratory fish passage. The dam removal enhanced riverine, wetland, and tidal habitat critical to a diverse group of aquatic, wildlife and plant species. It allowed for the natural extension of upriver habitat for two rare tidal plant species, ensuring their long-term survival. The restoration work also enhanced public access to the area by increasing walking trails and constructing canoe/kayak launches, promoting recreational opportunities, and fostering a deeper connection between people and the river. [caption id="attachment_12824" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Photo taken on November 2022[/caption] In an article written by Kasey Silvia in November 2021, the Vice President for Watershed Protection at Buzzards Bay Coalition, Brendan Annett, was quoted as saying, “Removing this dam has immediately improved the natural functions of the Weweantic, undoing many years of environmental damage and it has already begun to bring the river back to life.” The success of this project serves as a testament to the importance of collaborative conservation efforts in safeguarding and restoring our natural resources. Princeton Hydro is a leader in dam removal in the Northeast, having designed and removed 80 dams. To view additional dam removal projects that we have completed, click here. For more information on our dam removal services, contact us here. [post_title] => Restoring Fish Passage and Ecological Function: The Horseshoe Mill Dam Removal Project [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => horseshoe-mill-dam-removal-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-06-12 17:15:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-06-12 17:15:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12814 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12550 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-05-16 14:22:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-05-16 14:22:25 [post_content] => In the late 1920s, the U.S. government began allocating funds for road construction in U.S. national forests. This led to hundreds of thousands of culverts being built and installed across the country for the purpose of moving water quickly and efficiently underneath the roadways to prevent flooding, minimize erosion, and provide pathways for stormwater. However, culverts have had an unintended and significant consequence: they block the migration routes of some fish and aquatic organisms. Culverts that are undersized, improperly placed, or designed with smooth featureless surfaces can impede or totally block fish and aquatic species from passing. Culverts with extremely high velocity flows make it incredibly difficult for aquatic organisms to navigate upstream, and extremely low velocity flows make it hard for fish to pass in either direction. The high-velocity flows can erode the stream channel immediately downstream of the culvert, which can leave the culvert pipe perched. This elevation above the water channel makes it impossible for organisms to pass through. Debris can also collect in the culvert, not only blocking fish passage, but water as well. In addition to blocking the upstream passage of fish and other aquatic species, some culverts disrupt the normal stream movements of some macroinvertebrates, which are key components of these stream ecosystems, an important food source to countless species, and play a critical role in the cycling of energy and nutrients throughout stream ecosystems. Disruptions to the movement and dispersal of stream macroinvertebrates can reduce available habitat, lead to genetic isolation of some populations, and cause extirpation of critical species. When populations splinter, it causes a reduction in genetic diversity, which can lead to the spread of more invasive species and many other ecological issues. [caption id="attachment_12565" align="aligncenter" width="411"] Diagram created by NOAA Fisheries[/caption] While culverts serve an important function in road construction and flood prevention, their impact on aquatic organisms must be taken into consideration. Finding solutions that both allow for efficient water flow and enable safe aquatic migration is crucial in preserving the health of our waterways and their ecosystems. Addressing outdated, unsafe, and obsolete culverts A shift in the 1980s recognized the importance of redesigning road-stream crossings for several reasons, including restoring aquatic organism passage and maintaining flood resilience. Between 2008 and 2015, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) partnered with more than 200 organizations in the Legacy Roads and Trails Program to replace 1,000+ culverts across the country. The aim of the program was to upgrade culverts to emulate natural streams and to allow fish and wildlife to pass more naturally both upstream and downstream. Replacing culverts with structures that better facilitate the movement of both water and aquatic organisms has benefits beyond restoring critical ecosystems and improving biodiversity. Ecological restoration creates jobs, stimulates outdoor recreation and local economic activity, and generates long-term economic value. Princeton Hydro has a strong history in designing connectivity-friendly road-stream crossings and restoring/replacing outdated culverts. Our team of engineers and scientists has been directly involved with hundreds of stream and ecosystem restoration projects throughout the Northeast. For several years, Princeton Hydro has partnered with NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to plan and design for aquatic connectivity through climate-ready infrastructure. Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) at the request of the governors of New York and New Jersey, HEP develops and implements plans that protect, conserve and restore the estuary, and aquatic connectivity is a key focus area for HEP and its partners. Most recently, HEP partnered with Princeton Hydro to address hydraulic capacity issues at priority road-stream crossings in New Jersey’s South River and Lower Raritan River watersheds. The Princeton Hydro team developed a 30% engineering plan for a priority road-stream crossing – the Birch Street crossing over the Iresick Brook in Old Bridge, NJ. Iresick Brook Culvert Restoration Iresick Brook is upstream from Duhernal Lake, located at the end of the free-flowing South River, which feeds into the Raritan River, and ultimately flows into Raritan Bay. Duhernal Lake is dammed at the outlet so there is little to no connectivity downstream from the Iresick Brook sub-watershed. The watershed is highly dendritic (meaning the drainage pattern follows a tree-like shape) with many small streams running through it, some of them ephemeral. The Iresick Brook 5 (IB5) culvert, located in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, is an undersized double culvert in poor condition with an eroding streambank. This culvert was chosen as a restoration priority primarily due its inadequate sizing (both pipes are only 3-feet in diameter). The outdated infrastructure blocks the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms, and it can only accommodate a 50-year storm event. Once the IB5 culvert was identified as the priority site, Princeton Hydro completed a site investigation, which included a geomorphic assessment, site observations, and simplified site survey of the channel alignment, profile, and cross sections both upstream and downstream of the culvert. At the time of the survey, flow was only a couple inches deep in the channel and incredibly slow-moving, especially in the upstream reach. Despite the low flow at the time of the survey, during storm events, the stream experiences extremely high velocities. The undersized culvert creates hydraulic constriction and subsequently a velocity barrier that prevents passage. Additionally, when the high-flow stream water is forced through the small pipes, it creates a firehose effect, which has led to the formation of a 60-foot-long scour hole at the culvert outlet. Substrate from the scour hole has been washed downstream, forming an island of large sand and small gravel. Approximately 155 feet upstream of the culvert is a channel-spanning v-notch weir comprised of a combination of sheet pile and timber. The weir appears to be a historical stream gauge that is highly degraded and creates an artificially perched channel. The upstream channel also contains woody debris, which gets caught at the culvert, blocking water flow and organism passage. For the design process, Princeton Hydro used the USFS Stream Simulation Design, an gold-standard ecosystem-based approach for designing and constructing road-stream crossings that provide unimpeded fish and other aquatic organism passage through the structure. The Stream Simulation, a required standard on USFS road projects, integrates fluvial geomorphology concepts and methods with engineering principles to design a road-stream crossing that contains a natural and dynamic channel through the structure so that fish and other aquatic organisms will experience no greater difficulty moving through the structure than if the crossing did not exist. The design also incorporated utility constraints (gas line, sewer line, drinking water main, and stormwater outlet), a longitudinal profile assessment, channel capacity and slope analysis, and a simplified hydrologic & hydraulic assessment. Ultimately, Princeton Hydro recommended that HEP replace the existing culvert with a Contech Precast O-321 culvert, or similar alternative. The proposed design increases the culvert opening area and allows for significant increases in flow capacity. This culvert replacement project has the potential to reduce local flood risk and restore aquatic organism passage to the reach of Iresick Brook. To get a more detailed look at the IB5 culvert project and learn more about HEP and its partnership with Princeton Hydro, click below for a full presentation from Isabelle Stinnette of HEP and Jake Dittes, PE of Princeton Hydro: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-qbV9EG9Ss[/embed] Prioritizing Culvert Restoration Aquatic connectivity is crucial for improving healthy aquatic ecosystems and managing severe storms and flooding. Increases in rainfall due to climate change makes investing in these improvements even more of a growing priority. With so many culverts in place, it can be difficult to know which culvert restoration projects to prioritize. We worked with HEP to create a toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings. The easy-to-use matrix helps to prioritize potential projects and identify solutions for problem culverts and relative cost solutions. The toolkit was just recently released to the public with the hope that it will be used as a template to promote the development of more resilient and environmentally-friendly infrastructure. Click here to get more info and download. [post_title] => Restoring Road-Stream Crossings to Support Fish Passage [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => restoring-road-stream-crossings-to-support-fish-passage [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-05-17 16:42:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-05-17 16:42:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12550 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12354 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-02-23 18:07:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-02-23 18:07:27 [post_content] => At Princeton Hydro, we are committed to improving our communities, quality of life, and ecosystems for the better. Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client. Today, we are proud to announce the addition of a new Senior Project Manager for Engineering Services: Sean Walsh, P.E. Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Sean worked on a wide variety of civil and wastewater engineering projects including site improvement projects for multiple public schools to improve pedestrian and traffic safety and ADA compliance, development and maintenance of an asset management of a drinking water utility, several site development projects of existing schools for building additions and site improvements, construction observation and administration of the emergency restoration of a 80M GPD wastewater pump station devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and design and construction installation of recreation facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, synthetic turf fields and running tracks. Sean has a B.S. in Bioresource Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University. His Masters' thesis focused on modeling the impact of sediment accumulation has on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete. Sean has been a licesned Professional Engineer since 2011. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing pick-up basketball. [post_title] => Join us in Welcoming our New Engineering Senior Project Manager [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => join-us-in-welcoming-our-new-engineering-senior-project-manager [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-02-27 14:12:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-02-27 14:12:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12354 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11416 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-12-23 08:43:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-12-23 08:43:44 [post_content] => According to American Rivers, “more than 90,000 dams in the country are no longer serving the purpose that they were built to provide decades or centuries ago.” As these dams age and decay, they can become public safety hazards, presenting a failure risk and flooding danger. Dams can also be environmental hazards, blocking the movement of fish and other aquatic species, inundating river habitat, impairing water quality, and altering the flow necessary to sustain river life. Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams has myriad ecological benefits. Dam removal can improve water quality, restore a river back to its natural flowing state, reconnect river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed. Removing Dams in Lehigh Valley For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Wildlands Conservancy to remove dams in the Lehigh River Valley. Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust in eastern Pennsylvania, works to restore degraded stream and wildlife habitat with a primary focus on Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh River watershed, which is a 1,345 square mile drainage area that eventually flows into the Delaware River. Wildlands Conservancy contracted Princeton Hydro to design and permit the removal of two dams on the Little Lehigh Creek. Although it is referred to as the “Little Lehigh,” the 24-mile creek is the largest tributary of the Lehigh River. The dam removals restored the natural stream system, which hadn’t flowed freely in over a century. Princeton Hydro also worked with Wildlands Conservancy to remove several barriers and three consecutive low-head dams on Jordan Creek, a tributary of the Little Lehigh Creek. Jordan Creek arises from a natural spring on Blue Mountain, and eventually joins the Little Lehigh in Allentown before flowing into the Lehigh River. It drains an area of 75.8 square miles. [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="12050,12053"] As part of the dam and barrier removal projects, Princeton Hydro: - Conducted dam and site investigations; - Oversaw structural, topographic, and bathymetric field surveys and base mapping; - Performed geomorphic assessments and sediment characterization to predict river response to dam removals and develop appropriate sediment management plans; - Performed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to predict changes in river hydraulics; - Evaluated and addressed technical issues unique to each barrier; - Coordinated with regulatory agencies and entities; - Participated in community informational meetings; - Developed engineering design plans, documents, and permit application submissions; - Developed construction cost estimates for implementing the removal of the dams and streambank stabilization; and - Performed construction oversight during implementation. Collectively, these dam and barrier removal projects on the Little Lehigh and Jordan Creek reconnected 15+ miles of river; restored fish passage; improved aquatic connectivity, fisheries, and benthic macroinvertebrate and wildlife habitats; reduced nonpoint source stormwater pollution; improved water quality; addressed vulnerable infrastructure; enhanced climate resiliency; and stabilized and restored the creeks’ channels and banks. [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="12043,12054"] Upcoming Conservation Efforts Building upon the successes of the Little Lehigh and Jordan Creek barrier removals, Princeton Hydro is again partnering with Wildlands Conservancy to remove three consecutive dams on Bushkill Creek in Easton, PA. The dam removal projects, which are slated for 2023, are part of a large-scale effort, involving a significant number of community and municipal partners, focused on restoring Bushkill Creek and the surrounding watershed. The Bushkill Creek is a 22-mile long limestone stream that is designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery.” It supports healthy populations of trout, and is treasured by anglers and the surrounding community as an important resource in an urban environment, spanning several boroughs and townships, eventually flowing into the Delaware River at Easton. Environmental protection and restoration is a key goal of removing the dams. Removing these barriers will allow important migratory fish species to reach their spawning grounds once again, which has numerous and far-reaching ecological benefits. The project work also includes stabilizing the streambank, planting, and expanding riparian buffers, planting native trees and shrubs to filter runoff, and installing in-stream structures to restore fish habitat. Stay tuned for more updates in 2023! Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of over 60 of small and large dams in the Northeast. To learn more about our fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. To learn more about Wildlands Conservancy, click here. [post_title] => Partnering with Wildlands Conservancy to Remove Dams in the Lehigh River Valley [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => partnering-with-wildlands-conservancy-to-remove-dams-in-the-lehigh-river-valley [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-01-04 22:51:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-01-04 22:51:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=11416 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11893 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-11-22 17:32:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-22 17:32:43 [post_content] => This month, we’re celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Hughesville Dam Removal. The removal of the 18-foot-high, 150-foot-long dam not only marked a major milestone in restoring the Musconetcong River, it also led to the speedy return of the American shad (Alosa sapidissima), a species that had been absent from the area for 200+ years. Project Background The Hughesville Dam was constructed by John L. Riegel and the Warren Manufacturing Company in the late-1800s to provide water to power the former paper mill located in Hughesville. The dam, a 12-foot-high timber crib and rock fill dam, spanned the Musconetcong River from Holland Township, Hunterdon County to Pohatcong Township, Warren County. The structure was not in compliance with NJDEP Dam Safety Standards and was creating a blockage to catadromous and local fish passage. Musconetcong Watershed Association hired Princeton Hydro to investigate, design, permit, and oversee the decommissioning of the Hughesville Dam, and conduct related river restoration work within the Musconetcong River. The Hughesville Dam was the fifth dam on the Musconetcong River designed for removal by Princeton Hydro. As part of the dam removal project, Princeton Hydro completed a feasibility study in 2012 and initiated designs in 2014 to decommission the spillway and restore the impoundment. To assess potential sediment impacts, vibracoring was conducted and sediment analysis and quantification of the volume of impounded material was completed. Princeton Hydro worked with the NJDEP to assess the quality of sediment and determine its ultimate disposal. [gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="1046,11896"] As part of the design, the 21,000 cubic yards was proposed to be hydraulically dredged to adjacent existing on-site lagoons at this now defunct paper mill plant. The pre-existing and proposed hydraulics were assessed to understand impacts to an upstream bridge and downstream flood water surfaces following removal. Geomorphic assessments and utilization of nature-based restoration techniques were utilized to design a new river channel within the former impoundment. Following the completion of design, applications were prepared for submission to NJDEP’s Land Use Regulation Program and Dam Safety Section, as well as the Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District (Warren County ceded jurisdiction to Hunterdon County). Princeton Hydro also applied for right-of-way permits to reinforce the foundation of an upstream county bridge as well as construct project access from a county road. Following the receipt of permits, Princeton Hydro assisted in the procurement of a contractor and provided construction administration services. Bringing Down the Dam On Thursday, Sept 8 2016, the project team made the first notches in the Dam. Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior during that time, toured the project site and held a press conference to commemorate the initial dam breach and celebrate the exciting news. Jewell called the project a “model for collaborative conservation.” [caption id="attachment_5512" align="aligncenter" width="536"] Dam removal project partners and community members pose with Sally Jewell at the Hughesville Dam removal event on Sept. 8, 2016. Photo Credit: USFWS.[/caption] In addition to the Honorable Sally Jewell, NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin, and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Colonel Michael Bliss, also participated in the press conference to discuss the importance of the Hughesville Dam removal and dam removal in general. The entire dam removal took nearly three months, but you can watch the sped-up version here: The project was supported by many partners and funded largely by the USFWS through the Department of the Interior (DOI) under the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013. Conservation Success The removal of the obsolete Hughesville Dam marked another major milestone of restoring the Musconetcong River. The removal is part of a larger partner-based effort led by the Musconetcong Watershed Association to restore the 42-mile Musconetcong - a designated “Wild and Scenic River” – to a free-flowing state. [caption id="attachment_11894" align="aligncenter" width="672"] Photos by Musconetcong Watershed Association[/caption] Removing the dam opened nearly six miles of the Musconetcong to migratory fish, such as American shad, that spend much of their lives in the ocean but return to rivers and their tributaries to spawn. The removal was completed in November 2016 and in the Spring of 2017, schools of American shad were observed above the dam, after 200+ years of absence. Shad are a benchmark species indicative of the overall ecological health and diversity of the waterway. Other benefits of the dam removal include eliminating a public hazard due to the deteriorating nature of the dam; restoring the natural of floodplain functions and values of the area; restoring native stream substrate and habitat; and increasing river fishing and recreation opportunities. To read more about the Musconetcong Watershed Association, click here. To read about another dam removal project along the Musconetcong River, click here. [post_title] => Celebrating the 6th Anniversary of Hughesville Dam Removal [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => celebrating-the-6th-anniversary-of-hughesville-dam-removal [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-11-30 23:45:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-11-30 23:45:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=11893 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 10853 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-07-12 07:31:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-07-12 07:31:48 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro Engineering Services Project Manager Brendon Achey earned a Professional Geologist License from the Delaware Board of Geologists. The primary objective of the Delaware Board of Geologists is to maintain the highest standards within the practice of geology. To meet these objectives, the Board develops standards for professional competency; promulgates rules and regulations; adjudicates complaints against professionals and, when necessary, imposes disciplinary sanctions; and issues licenses to geologists. "Becoming a Professional Geologist has been a long-term goal of mine since I started working in the field with Princeton Hydro," said Brendon. "Obtaining the license has given me a huge sense of accomplishment. I'm no longer just the guy who says he knows a ton about soils and geology - now I've got the credentials to prove it!" Brendon has a wealth of experience in geotechnical investigations, in-field soil sampling and testing, laboratory testing, soil classifications, site characterization, and infiltration testing. He has a Bachelor's degree in Geology and a Bachelor's in Marine Science both from Stockton University. In order to be considered for the Delaware Board of Geologists' Professional Geologist License designation, Brendon had to meet a variety of requirements, including:
Exciting changes have unfolded at Kol Emet, a Reconstructionist Congregation in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The campus’ exterior lands have undergone a remarkable transformation, blossoming into an enchanting and peaceful place for community member gatherings, and a wildflower meadow.
Princeton Hydro partnered with Congregation Kol Emet to design and implement the synagogue's 10-acre campus transformation. The Princeton Hydro team provided green infrastructure engineering, landscape architecture, and construction services aimed at enhancing the usability and welcoming atmosphere of the synagogue, and creating a sustainable outdoor solution in the event of future pandemics, and a place to connect with the natural environment that surrounds the property. The design provides a net positive impact by reducing flooding in the community and improves water quality by augmenting stormwater management and biodiversity throughout the property.
"Our vision surpassed mere construction of a gathering space," said Geoffrey M. Goll P.E., President of Princeton Hydro, a congregant of Kol Emet, Executive Board Member, and point person for the project. "We wanted to create a harmonious union between the synagogue campus and the surrounding preserved woodlands, cultivating a serene haven where congregants can unite, celebrate, and worship, while also enhancing the ecological functionality and biodiversity of the landscape. This was a realization of the vision of the Founders of Kol Emet and the labor and financial support of many members of the Board, past and present, and a generous donation by a longtime supporter of the community. The outdoor sanctuary was named in honor and memory of a founding member and former President, Geri Shatz, who was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community and advocate for the mission of Kol Emet. She lived the ideals of community and contribution. I am proud of the extraordinary transformation that’s been achieved."
The Kol Emet Reconstructionist Congregation, is a 501(c)3 religious organization, founded in 1984. While a center of worship for its members, it is much more than that. Kol Emet is a community of people who care about improving the world around them through social action and environmental protection.
The sentiment of "Tikkun Olam" is embodied by Kol Emet and the committee that spearheaded the project, working directly with the Princeton Hydro team to bring the project goals to fruition. The modern interpretation of the Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” is “action intended to repair and improve the world.” The campus restoration project brings the concept of “Tikkun Olam” to life.
Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP is the project’s lead designer. The project included landscape design and planting that incorporates native and sustainable trees and shrubs; significant upgrades to the existing stormwater management basin, including the conversion of low-flow channels, impervious surfaces, and turf-covered areas to native grassland and wildflower habitat; and the development of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space."
Cory’s design inspiration for the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space is modeled after the Hebrew term “etz chaim” or “Tree of Life.” In Judaism, the Tree of Life has a number of meanings, both literal and figurative. In the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life represents the connection between heaven and earth, wisdom and knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is visually represented as a diagram that looks much like a tree with 10 nodes and 22 lines. Cory’s design for the community space uses strategically placed trees to mimic the Tree of Life and aims to promote community connection and a connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
The contemplative space consists of a bimah, seating to accommodate at least 80 people, and a beautiful array of native trees and flowering shrubs, including black gum, silver birch, and Virginia sweetspire.
Cory’s design for the land surrounding the contemplative space improves flood resilience; controls stormwater runoff volume and promotes groundwater recharge; boosts safety features of the campus; and enhances habitat for pollinators, native plants, and other important species. The wildflower meadow was seeded with a variety of native plants, including purple love grass, common milkweed, wild bergamot, and blue wild indigo.
“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like the only way to see our loved ones was to be outside, and during these backyard and front porch gatherings many people re-discovered their love for the outdoors,” said Cory. “In talking with the Committee, there was a desire to create an outdoor sanctuary where the congregation could gather and continue that re-discovery. I believe that through the careful consideration of symbolic elements and thoughtful design choices, we’ve created a space that can inspire introspection, connection, and a sense of harmony with both nature and faith.”
Funding for the project came from the Congregation Kol Emet’s “Our Heart. Our Home” capital campaign, a $750,000 campaign focused on upgrading four key aspects of the synagogue: social hall, HVAC upgrades, indoor sanctuary, outside school, and the new outdoor sanctuary. The outdoor sanctuary and ecological uplift to the 10-acre campus is a primary piece of the campaign and was made possible by the generous donations of several Kol Emet members.
Stan Shatz bestowed a bounteous donation in memory of Geri Shatz, which made possible the creation of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space.”
The following families also contributed to the funding of the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space: Laurel & Kevin Bloch, Barbara & Debra Fogel and Family, Jill & David Gordon, Annie & Ryan Kubanoff and Family, and Teddi & Josh Matisoff and Family.
The Princeton Hydro team is honored to have worked with Kol Emet on this important and inspirational project.
Congregation Kol Emet came together on Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the outdoor sanctuary project. Here are a few photos from the joyous event:
Princeton Hydro is an expert in engineering, ecological restoration, and landscape architecture, and we’ve been incorporating green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions into our designs for decades. Click here to read about the landscape restoration and stormwater management project we designed and implemented in Thompson Park, a 675-acre recreation area in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
In a momentous occasion for environmental conservation, a dam removal on Bushkill Creek is underway, building upon a new era for this cherished limestone stream.
This dam removal marks another important milestone in restoring Bushkill Creek back to its natural, free-flowing state; connecting migratory fish species like alewife and American shad with upstream spawning grounds; and helping to revitalize ecologically-beneficial freshwater mussels colonies and populations of trout and other residential fish species.
Bushkill Creek begins at the foot of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township and flows 22 miles before its confluence with the Delaware River. The limestone stream flows through agricultural and suburban areas, as well as Easton, and supports a large wild brown trout population. It is designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery” and treasured by anglers and the surrounding community as an important resource in an urban environment.
In 2022, Wildlands Conservancy contracted Princeton Hydro to design, permit, and oversee construction for the removal of four dams along Bushkill Creek. The Crayola Dam, also called Dam #4, was the first of the four dam removal projects to be completed.
The map below shows the location of the next three Bushkill Creek dams being removed:
The demolition and removal of Dam #1 commenced on July 7, 2023 and is scheduled for completion in August. The site labeled as Dam #3 is scheduled for demolition and removal later this year. And, the site labeled as Dam #2, is scheduled for removal in the summer of 2024.
Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams from the Bushkill and allowing the creek to return to a natural, free-flowing state will have myriad ecological benefits.
Dam #1, the first barrier on the Bushkill, is located directly upstream from the Creek’s confluence with the Delaware River. Previous to this removal process, Dam #1 was the upstream limit for migratory fish like alewife, striped bass, and shad.
Dam #1 is owned by Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. It spans an impressive length of 90 feet, width of 14 feet, and stands 4-feet high. Having been constructed in 1793, the dam had fallen into a state of disrepair, with crumbling concrete impacting the integrity of the streambank retaining wall. Consequently, the dam and associated impoundment have had detrimental effects on the creek's ecosystem, obstructing fish passage, exacerbating local flooding, and degrading water quality. Professors and students of the College have tried for years to effectuate Bushkill Creek dam removals to improve the aquatic environment.
By removing the dam, the project team aims to improve water quality, restore the creek back to its natural flowing state, reconnect river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed. The project work also includes stabilizing the streambank, expanding riparian buffers, planting native trees and shrubs to filter runoff, and installing in-stream structures to restore fish habitat, which has numerous and far-reaching ecological benefits. It is important to note that the project's scope involves minimal disturbance, impacting less than one acre of land surrounding the dam.
The continued effort to restore Bushkill Creek with the removal of Barrier #1, which has been 10-years in the making, serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication displayed by a diverse array of 20+ stakeholders, including Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro.
According to the Wildlands Conservancy, the initial natural resource damage assessment funding came following a fly ash spill from the Martins Creek Power Plant in 2005. The settlement, which was reached in 2016, totaled $1.3 million, with $902,150 going to the Delaware River Basin Commission for dam removal projects and $50,000 going to the Commission to manage mussel restoration. Additional funding for the overall project came from NFWF's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund ($2,049,200), and Northampton County's Livable Landscapes program ($100,000).
Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of 80+ small and large dams in the Northeast. For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Wildlands Conservancy to remove dams in the Lehigh River Valley. To learn more about our fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. To learn more about Wildlands Conservancy, click here.
Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors. Princeton Hydro was contracted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey.
NJDEP held an open house on May 24, 2023 at Liberty State Park announcing the next steps for the Revitalization Program. During the open house, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and USACE Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto shared details of the multi-phase revitalization program for the park.
The public was presented with a video that showcases detailed engineering design renderings and simulates the expected visitor experience. The video was created using renderings by Princeton Hydro's Landscape Architect Cory Speroff PLA, ASLA, CBLP and produced in-house by our Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with NJDEP ONRR. Watch it now:
Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resilience for urban communities who are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs.
Project partners for the interior restoration design include USACE, NJDEP ONRR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, HDR, and Princeton Hydro.
Over the next year, NJDEP will provide the community with updates on revitalization program activities, which will include multiple points of continued public engagement and opportunities for community input to inform further design work. The initial groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in Fall 2023.
Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates. To read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services, click here.
The Horseshoe Mill Dam, built in 1827, served as the first barrier to fish passage on the Weweantic River in Wareham, Massachusetts. For over 150 years, migratory fish were unable to reach their breeding grounds upstream due to this structure. However, thanks to the efforts of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and its project partners, the dam was successfully removed between December 2019 and February 2021. As early as April 2021, migratory fish were seen swimming unimpeded from Buzzards Bay to lay their eggs in freshwater upstream. A true success story!
This blog explores the Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project and celebrates the significant milestone in the recovery of fish populations and the restoration of ecological processes in the Weweantic River.
The Weweantic River winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of southeastern Massachusetts, spanning a length of 17.0 miles. This land is the traditional territory of the Wampanoag/Wôpanâak tribes. Derived from the Wampanoag language, Weweantic means "crooked" or "wandering stream."
Originating from the wetlands in Carver, the river flows in a southerly direction meandering through swampy birch and maple forests in Middleborough and Rochester. Eventually, it empties into a Buzzards Bay estuary near the mouth of the Sippican River in Wareham. The river's watershed covers approximately 18,000 acres, with numerous cranberry bogs situated in its upper sections.
Although the Weweantic River historically teemed with fish, the presence of the Horseshoe Mill Dam posed an obstacle to fish passage. The dam, spanning the Weweantic River at the head-of-tide, was built in 1827 to support a metal forge mill. Although it was once part of the infrastructure that supported Wareham’s economy, it had been decommissioned and left crumbling for decades. The defunct dam restricted to tidal inundation, hindered the migration of important fish species, and impacted riverine ecological processes.
The Weweantic River is the largest tributary to Buzzards Bay and provides 20 percent of all freshwater flow into Buzzards Bay. The meeting of salinity and nutrients through the tidal flow creates a vibrant ecosystem. It supports diverse communities of wetland species and a variety of non-migratory and migratory fish species, including river herring, white perch, and American eel. It is also home to the southernmost population of rainbow smelt in the United States, marking a significant change from a century ago when rainbow smelt were found as far south as the Chesapeake Bay. In the 1960s, smelt populations were even present in the Hudson River in New York.
Further highlighting the ecological significance of the Weweantic River and its surrounding watershed are the unique tidal freshwater wetland plant communities. The wetland areas surrounding the Horseshoe Mill Dam site contained two rare wetland plants, Parker's Pipewort (Eriocaulon parkeri) and Pygmyweed (Crassula aquatica), both of which are designated as priority habitats for rare species.
Additionally, situated along the shore of Buzzards Bay and the Weweantic River is the Cromeset Neck & Mark's Cove Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. The 47-acre wildlife sanctuary consists of three separate parcels within one mile of each other. Salt marsh comprises most of the wildlife sanctuary, and the property also contains approximately six contiguous acres of coastal woodland.
The Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project involved several phases to achieve its restoration goals.
An inspection of the dam, conducted in 2009, rated its condition as unsatisfactory and noted significant concrete deterioration and erosion. The dam also included a former concrete-walled mill race that was in a state of disrepair, with collapsed walls and obstructed channels. The Buzzards Bay Coalition acquired the 10-acre Horseshoe Mill Dam property in 2012 to preserve it, provide public access, and pursue river restoration.
In 2016, the Buzzards Bay Coalition contracted Princeton Hydro to provide an Alternatives Analysis for the Weweantic River restoration project and a Fish Passage Feasibility Study for the dam. The analysis included a thorough site investigation, historical data review, sediment evaluation, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and ecological assessment. The five options considered in the analysis were:
The analysis ultimately helped the Buzzards Bay Coalition determine that a complete dam removal offered the most favorable ecological and economic outcomes.
Princeton Hydro, contracted by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, provided site investigation, engineering design, permitting, and construction oversight services for the dam removal. With funding from the Bouchard 120 Natural Resource Damage Trustee Council and collaboration with various agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA, the dam removal commenced in December 2019 and was successfully completed in early 2021. Just months later in April 2021, for the first time in 150+ years, migratory fish were once again spotted swimming unimpeded from Buzzards Bay to lay their eggs in freshwater upstream.
Since the completion of the dam removal, Buzzards Bay Coalition Restoration Ecologist Sara da Silva Quintal has been consistently visiting the site and monitoring the positive changes taking place. Her observations include vegetation changes, signs of migratory fish spawning, and the geomorphic evolution of the landscape. She shared a series of Nearmap images that demonstrate how the landscape is positively adjusting to the barrier removal:
The completion of the Horseshoe Mill Dam removal project marks a significant achievement in the restoration of fish passage and the preservation of ecological function in the Weweantic River. Through the collaborative efforts of the Buzzards Bay Coalition, government agencies, and project partners, migratory fish can now freely swim upstream to their breeding grounds.
The restoration effort rejuvenated more than three miles of the Weweantic River and restored migratory fish passage. The dam removal enhanced riverine, wetland, and tidal habitat critical to a diverse group of aquatic, wildlife and plant species. It allowed for the natural extension of upriver habitat for two rare tidal plant species, ensuring their long-term survival. The restoration work also enhanced public access to the area by increasing walking trails and constructing canoe/kayak launches, promoting recreational opportunities, and fostering a deeper connection between people and the river.
In an article written by Kasey Silvia in November 2021, the Vice President for Watershed Protection at Buzzards Bay Coalition, Brendan Annett, was quoted as saying, “Removing this dam has immediately improved the natural functions of the Weweantic, undoing many years of environmental damage and it has already begun to bring the river back to life.”
The success of this project serves as a testament to the importance of collaborative conservation efforts in safeguarding and restoring our natural resources.
In the late 1920s, the U.S. government began allocating funds for road construction in U.S. national forests. This led to hundreds of thousands of culverts being built and installed across the country for the purpose of moving water quickly and efficiently underneath the roadways to prevent flooding, minimize erosion, and provide pathways for stormwater.
However, culverts have had an unintended and significant consequence: they block the migration routes of some fish and aquatic organisms.
Culverts that are undersized, improperly placed, or designed with smooth featureless surfaces can impede or totally block fish and aquatic species from passing. Culverts with extremely high velocity flows make it incredibly difficult for aquatic organisms to navigate upstream, and extremely low velocity flows make it hard for fish to pass in either direction. The high-velocity flows can erode the stream channel immediately downstream of the culvert, which can leave the culvert pipe perched. This elevation above the water channel makes it impossible for organisms to pass through. Debris can also collect in the culvert, not only blocking fish passage, but water as well.
In addition to blocking the upstream passage of fish and other aquatic species, some culverts disrupt the normal stream movements of some macroinvertebrates, which are key components of these stream ecosystems, an important food source to countless species, and play a critical role in the cycling of energy and nutrients throughout stream ecosystems. Disruptions to the movement and dispersal of stream macroinvertebrates can reduce available habitat, lead to genetic isolation of some populations, and cause extirpation of critical species. When populations splinter, it causes a reduction in genetic diversity, which can lead to the spread of more invasive species and many other ecological issues.
While culverts serve an important function in road construction and flood prevention, their impact on aquatic organisms must be taken into consideration. Finding solutions that both allow for efficient water flow and enable safe aquatic migration is crucial in preserving the health of our waterways and their ecosystems.
A shift in the 1980s recognized the importance of redesigning road-stream crossings for several reasons, including restoring aquatic organism passage and maintaining flood resilience. Between 2008 and 2015, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) partnered with more than 200 organizations in the Legacy Roads and Trails Program to replace 1,000+ culverts across the country. The aim of the program was to upgrade culverts to emulate natural streams and to allow fish and wildlife to pass more naturally both upstream and downstream.
Replacing culverts with structures that better facilitate the movement of both water and aquatic organisms has benefits beyond restoring critical ecosystems and improving biodiversity. Ecological restoration creates jobs, stimulates outdoor recreation and local economic activity, and generates long-term economic value.
Princeton Hydro has a strong history in designing connectivity-friendly road-stream crossings and restoring/replacing outdated culverts. Our team of engineers and scientists has been directly involved with hundreds of stream and ecosystem restoration projects throughout the Northeast.
For several years, Princeton Hydro has partnered with NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to plan and design for aquatic connectivity through climate-ready infrastructure. Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) at the request of the governors of New York and New Jersey, HEP develops and implements plans that protect, conserve and restore the estuary, and aquatic connectivity is a key focus area for HEP and its partners.
Most recently, HEP partnered with Princeton Hydro to address hydraulic capacity issues at priority road-stream crossings in New Jersey’s South River and Lower Raritan River watersheds. The Princeton Hydro team developed a 30% engineering plan for a priority road-stream crossing – the Birch Street crossing over the Iresick Brook in Old Bridge, NJ.
Iresick Brook is upstream from Duhernal Lake, located at the end of the free-flowing South River, which feeds into the Raritan River, and ultimately flows into Raritan Bay. Duhernal Lake is dammed at the outlet so there is little to no connectivity downstream from the Iresick Brook sub-watershed. The watershed is highly dendritic (meaning the drainage pattern follows a tree-like shape) with many small streams running through it, some of them ephemeral.
The Iresick Brook 5 (IB5) culvert, located in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, is an undersized double culvert in poor condition with an eroding streambank. This culvert was chosen as a restoration priority primarily due its inadequate sizing (both pipes are only 3-feet in diameter). The outdated infrastructure blocks the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms, and it can only accommodate a 50-year storm event.
Once the IB5 culvert was identified as the priority site, Princeton Hydro completed a site investigation, which included a geomorphic assessment, site observations, and simplified site survey of the channel alignment, profile, and cross sections both upstream and downstream of the culvert.
At the time of the survey, flow was only a couple inches deep in the channel and incredibly slow-moving, especially in the upstream reach. Despite the low flow at the time of the survey, during storm events, the stream experiences extremely high velocities. The undersized culvert creates hydraulic constriction and subsequently a velocity barrier that prevents passage. Additionally, when the high-flow stream water is forced through the small pipes, it creates a firehose effect, which has led to the formation of a 60-foot-long scour hole at the culvert outlet. Substrate from the scour hole has been washed downstream, forming an island of large sand and small gravel.
Approximately 155 feet upstream of the culvert is a channel-spanning v-notch weir comprised of a combination of sheet pile and timber. The weir appears to be a historical stream gauge that is highly degraded and creates an artificially perched channel. The upstream channel also contains woody debris, which gets caught at the culvert, blocking water flow and organism passage.
For the design process, Princeton Hydro used the USFS Stream Simulation Design, an gold-standard ecosystem-based approach for designing and constructing road-stream crossings that provide unimpeded fish and other aquatic organism passage through the structure. The Stream Simulation, a required standard on USFS road projects, integrates fluvial geomorphology concepts and methods with engineering principles to design a road-stream crossing that contains a natural and dynamic channel through the structure so that fish and other aquatic organisms will experience no greater difficulty moving through the structure than if the crossing did not exist.
The design also incorporated utility constraints (gas line, sewer line, drinking water main, and stormwater outlet), a longitudinal profile assessment, channel capacity and slope analysis, and a simplified hydrologic & hydraulic assessment.
Ultimately, Princeton Hydro recommended that HEP replace the existing culvert with a Contech Precast O-321 culvert, or similar alternative. The proposed design increases the culvert opening area and allows for significant increases in flow capacity. This culvert replacement project has the potential to reduce local flood risk and restore aquatic organism passage to the reach of Iresick Brook.
Aquatic connectivity is crucial for improving healthy aquatic ecosystems and managing severe storms and flooding. Increases in rainfall due to climate change makes investing in these improvements even more of a growing priority. With so many culverts in place, it can be difficult to know which culvert restoration projects to prioritize.
We worked with HEP to create a toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings. The easy-to-use matrix helps to prioritize potential projects and identify solutions for problem culverts and relative cost solutions.
The toolkit was just recently released to the public with the hope that it will be used as a template to promote the development of more resilient and environmentally-friendly infrastructure.
Click here to get more info and download.
At Princeton Hydro, we are committed to improving our communities, quality of life, and ecosystems for the better. Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
Today, we are proud to announce the addition of a new Senior Project Manager for Engineering Services:
Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Sean worked on a wide variety of civil and wastewater engineering projects including site improvement projects for multiple public schools to improve pedestrian and traffic safety and ADA compliance, development and maintenance of an asset management of a drinking water utility, several site development projects of existing schools for building additions and site improvements, construction observation and administration of the emergency restoration of a 80M GPD wastewater pump station devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and design and construction installation of recreation facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, synthetic turf fields and running tracks.
Sean has a B.S. in Bioresource Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University. His Masters' thesis focused on modeling the impact of sediment accumulation has on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete. Sean has been a licesned Professional Engineer since 2011.
In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing pick-up basketball.
According to American Rivers, “more than 90,000 dams in the country are no longer serving the purpose that they were built to provide decades or centuries ago.” As these dams age and decay, they can become public safety hazards, presenting a failure risk and flooding danger. Dams can also be environmental hazards, blocking the movement of fish and other aquatic species, inundating river habitat, impairing water quality, and altering the flow necessary to sustain river life.
Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams has myriad ecological benefits. Dam removal can improve water quality, restore a river back to its natural flowing state, reconnect river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed.
For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Wildlands Conservancy to remove dams in the Lehigh River Valley. Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust in eastern Pennsylvania, works to restore degraded stream and wildlife habitat with a primary focus on Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh River watershed, which is a 1,345 square mile drainage area that eventually flows into the Delaware River.
Wildlands Conservancy contracted Princeton Hydro to design and permit the removal of two dams on the Little Lehigh Creek. Although it is referred to as the “Little Lehigh,” the 24-mile creek is the largest tributary of the Lehigh River. The dam removals restored the natural stream system, which hadn’t flowed freely in over a century.
Princeton Hydro also worked with Wildlands Conservancy to remove several barriers and three consecutive low-head dams on Jordan Creek, a tributary of the Little Lehigh Creek. Jordan Creek arises from a natural spring on Blue Mountain, and eventually joins the Little Lehigh in Allentown before flowing into the Lehigh River. It drains an area of 75.8 square miles.
Collectively, these dam and barrier removal projects on the Little Lehigh and Jordan Creek reconnected 15+ miles of river; restored fish passage; improved aquatic connectivity, fisheries, and benthic macroinvertebrate and wildlife habitats; reduced nonpoint source stormwater pollution; improved water quality; addressed vulnerable infrastructure; enhanced climate resiliency; and stabilized and restored the creeks’ channels and banks.
Building upon the successes of the Little Lehigh and Jordan Creek barrier removals, Princeton Hydro is again partnering with Wildlands Conservancy to remove three consecutive dams on Bushkill Creek in Easton, PA. The dam removal projects, which are slated for 2023, are part of a large-scale effort, involving a significant number of community and municipal partners, focused on restoring Bushkill Creek and the surrounding watershed.
The Bushkill Creek is a 22-mile long limestone stream that is designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery.” It supports healthy populations of trout, and is treasured by anglers and the surrounding community as an important resource in an urban environment, spanning several boroughs and townships, eventually flowing into the Delaware River at Easton.
Environmental protection and restoration is a key goal of removing the dams. Removing these barriers will allow important migratory fish species to reach their spawning grounds once again, which has numerous and far-reaching ecological benefits. The project work also includes stabilizing the streambank, planting, and expanding riparian buffers, planting native trees and shrubs to filter runoff, and installing in-stream structures to restore fish habitat.
Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of over 60 of small and large dams in the Northeast. To learn more about our fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. To learn more about Wildlands Conservancy, click here.
This month, we’re celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Hughesville Dam Removal. The removal of the 18-foot-high, 150-foot-long dam not only marked a major milestone in restoring the Musconetcong River, it also led to the speedy return of the American shad (Alosa sapidissima), a species that had been absent from the area for 200+ years.
The Hughesville Dam was constructed by John L. Riegel and the Warren Manufacturing Company in the late-1800s to provide water to power the former paper mill located in Hughesville. The dam, a 12-foot-high timber crib and rock fill dam, spanned the Musconetcong River from Holland Township, Hunterdon County to Pohatcong Township, Warren County. The structure was not in compliance with NJDEP Dam Safety Standards and was creating a blockage to catadromous and local fish passage.
Musconetcong Watershed Association hired Princeton Hydro to investigate, design, permit, and oversee the decommissioning of the Hughesville Dam, and conduct related river restoration work within the Musconetcong River. The Hughesville Dam was the fifth dam on the Musconetcong River designed for removal by Princeton Hydro.
As part of the dam removal project, Princeton Hydro completed a feasibility study in 2012 and initiated designs in 2014 to decommission the spillway and restore the impoundment. To assess potential sediment impacts, vibracoring was conducted and sediment analysis and quantification of the volume of impounded material was completed. Princeton Hydro worked with the NJDEP to assess the quality of sediment and determine its ultimate disposal.
As part of the design, the 21,000 cubic yards was proposed to be hydraulically dredged to adjacent existing on-site lagoons at this now defunct paper mill plant. The pre-existing and proposed hydraulics were assessed to understand impacts to an upstream bridge and downstream flood water surfaces following removal. Geomorphic assessments and utilization of nature-based restoration techniques were utilized to design a new river channel within the former impoundment.
Following the completion of design, applications were prepared for submission to NJDEP’s Land Use Regulation Program and Dam Safety Section, as well as the Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District (Warren County ceded jurisdiction to Hunterdon County). Princeton Hydro also applied for right-of-way permits to reinforce the foundation of an upstream county bridge as well as construct project access from a county road. Following the receipt of permits, Princeton Hydro assisted in the procurement of a contractor and provided construction administration services.
On Thursday, Sept 8 2016, the project team made the first notches in the Dam. Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior during that time, toured the project site and held a press conference to commemorate the initial dam breach and celebrate the exciting news. Jewell called the project a “model for collaborative conservation.”
In addition to the Honorable Sally Jewell, NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin, and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Colonel Michael Bliss, also participated in the press conference to discuss the importance of the Hughesville Dam removal and dam removal in general.
The entire dam removal took nearly three months, but you can watch the sped-up version here:
The project was supported by many partners and funded largely by the USFWS through the Department of the Interior (DOI) under the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013.
The removal of the obsolete Hughesville Dam marked another major milestone of restoring the Musconetcong River. The removal is part of a larger partner-based effort led by the Musconetcong Watershed Association to restore the 42-mile Musconetcong - a designated “Wild and Scenic River” – to a free-flowing state.
Removing the dam opened nearly six miles of the Musconetcong to migratory fish, such as American shad, that spend much of their lives in the ocean but return to rivers and their tributaries to spawn. The removal was completed in November 2016 and in the Spring of 2017, schools of American shad were observed above the dam, after 200+ years of absence. Shad are a benchmark species indicative of the overall ecological health and diversity of the waterway.
Other benefits of the dam removal include eliminating a public hazard due to the deteriorating nature of the dam; restoring the natural of floodplain functions and values of the area; restoring native stream substrate and habitat; and increasing river fishing and recreation opportunities.
Princeton Hydro Engineering Services Project Manager Brendon Achey earned a Professional Geologist License from the Delaware Board of Geologists.
The primary objective of the Delaware Board of Geologists is to maintain the highest standards within the practice of geology. To meet these objectives, the Board develops standards for professional competency; promulgates rules and regulations; adjudicates complaints against professionals and, when necessary, imposes disciplinary sanctions; and issues licenses to geologists.
Brendon has a wealth of experience in geotechnical investigations, in-field soil sampling and testing, laboratory testing, soil classifications, site characterization, and infiltration testing. He has a Bachelor's degree in Geology and a Bachelor's in Marine Science both from Stockton University.
Receiving a degree from an accredited college or university with a major in geology; and/or completing 30 credit hours of geology or its subdisciplines, of which 24 credits are third- or fourth-year courses or graduate courses;
Acquiring 5 years of experience in geologic work satisfactory to the Board and as defined in its rules and regulations; and
Achieving the passing score on all parts of the written, standardized examination administered by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG), or its successor.
Having joined the Princeton Hydro team in 2011, Brendon's responsibilities include: project management, preparation and quality control of technical deliverables, geotechnical investigations and analysis, groundwater hydrology, soil sampling plan design, and site characterization. He also manages the Princeton Hydro Geosciences & Soils Lab, which is a full-service AASHTO-accredited and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-validated laboratory in the Sicklerville, NJ office.
The geotechnical soils and rock testing lab allows our team to complete 100% of geotechnical investigation planning and oversight, laboratory testing, analysis, design, and reporting in-house. In addition to managing the daily lab operations, Brendon is responsible for maintaining the lab's accreditation according to the most recent AASHTO quality standards, scheduling and performing/overseeing lab testing with the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory, technician training and evaluation, internal audits, records retention, calibrating and maintaining all laboratory equipment, and providing detailed results and reports to clients.
In addition to his new Professional Geologist License, Brendon holds a number of certifications, including: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Soil Density and Moisture Content Gauge Operator and OSHA 40-Hour Health and Safety Training for Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER).
To read about one of the projects Brendon worked on in his role as Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Project Manager, click below:
James holds an M.S. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware, from which he graduated with honors and distinction.
As both an undergraduate and a graduate student, he participated in a number of research projects, where he developed a ardor for improving the environment. He was most passionate about two projects: one focused on tracking oil after marine spills, and another about the fate of environmental contaminants, specifically those found in buoyant plumes.
Outside of work, James enjoys exercising, hiking and running. He is also an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast.
Cole received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Applied Ecology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He was part of the Livneh Post-Wildfire Hydrology research group that measured chemical constituents in runoff following simulated burnings and storm events in Colorado’s Front Range.
Cole has also had professional experience in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Horticulture. He firmly believes that increasing the crossover between engineering, environmental science, and ecology will promote a more sustainable world.
Michael is a New York State licensed Professional Engineer with over eight years of experience in geotechnical engineering. He has a M.S. and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Michael worked in New York City inspecting and designing building foundations.
To learn more about the Princeton Hydro staff or if you're interested in joining the team, click here.
Rutgers University held a symposium focused on Improving Urban Environments. The one-day event, presented by Rutgers University’s School of Engineering and its School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, brought together government, industry, community and academic thought leaders for a high-level exchange of ideas.
The symposium included keynote addresses given by Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the NJ Governor’s Office of Climate Change & the Green Economy, and Kandyce Perry, Director of the NJDEP Office of Environmental Justice, as well as a variety of presentations and panel discussions centered around ensuring healthier and more resilient communities through technological innovation and inclusive partnerships. Presentation topics included, “Furthering Environmental Justice in New Jersey;” “Brownfields in Urban Settings;” and “Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.”
The panel discussion also included:
Geoff has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University (Class of 1990) and a Master of Engineering Management degree from UW–Madison. With his primary expertise being in water resources engineering and his background in geotechnical engineering, he works in many areas of water resources, including sediment management, stream and river restoration, stormwater management and green infrastructure, freshwater wetland/coastal marsh design, dam design, and dam removal.
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2016 [month] => 7 [posts] => 1 ) [87] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2016 [month] => 5 [posts] => 2 ) [88] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2016 [month] => 4 [posts] => 2 ) [89] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2016 [month] => 3 [posts] => 3 ) [90] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2016 [month] => 2 [posts] => 2 ) [91] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2015 [month] => 11 [posts] => 2 ) [92] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2013 [month] => 8 [posts] => 1 ) [93] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2013 [month] => 7 [posts] => 2 ) [94] => stdClass Object ( [year] => 2013 [month] => 6 [posts] => 8 ) )
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