In developed watersheds, stormwater behavior is fundamentally altered by impervious surfaces and aging infrastructure, which can result in erosion, localized flooding, and nutrient pollution in surrounding waterways. These challenges rarely have simple or universal solutions, particularly in communities where natural systems, critical infrastructure, and public safety intersect within constrained landscapes.

How practitioners navigate these challenges and decide when to rely on green, gray, or hybrid stormwater solutions was the focus of a recent educational session at The Watershed Institute’s 9th Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference. The session, led by Princeton Hydro Water Resources Engineer Sean Walsh, PE and Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA, alongside the Mayor of Lambertville (NJ) Andrew Nowick, explored how context‑driven design informs effective stormwater and erosion control strategies in developed environments.

Drawing from three real‑world case studies, the presenters examined how surrounding land use, physical constraints, risk tolerance, and stakeholder priorities shape decision‑making and why the most effective stormwater solutions are rarely one‑size‑fits‑all. This blog summarizes key lessons from that presentation, highlighting how site‑specific conditions ultimately determine whether green infrastructure, gray infrastructure, or a hybrid approach is the most appropriate tool for managing erosion, sediment, and flooding in settings shaped by competing land‑use and infrastructure demands.

Understanding the Tradeoffs: Green vs. Gray Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is designed to manage stormwater by mimicking natural hydrologic and geomorphic processes that are often altered or suppressed by development. Practices such as floodplain reconnection, step pools, riparian buffers, naturalized detention basins, and restored stream channels slow runoff, promote infiltration, and moderate sediment transport, while also improving water quality. When implemented at appropriate scales, these approaches can increase green space within built and urban environments, enhance habitat and biodiversity, and enrich the surrounding landscape by integrating stormwater management with ecological and recreational functions. However, the feasibility and performance of green infrastructure are highly dependent on site‑specific conditions, including available space, slope, and flow regimes, which are frequently constrained in urban environments.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="19522,19523"]

Gray infrastructure, by contrast, is designed to prioritize conveyance, control, and predictability. Systems such as pipes, culverts, and engineered structures are well‑suited to managing high‑capacity flow rates, centralizing stormwater runoff, and conveying water safely through constrained environments. These approaches typically require smaller physical footprints than nature‑based alternatives and often involve lower long‑term maintenance demands. In developed settings, gray infrastructure can also provide critical structural support for roads, utilities, and other built infrastructure, offering a level of reliability and risk management that green infrastructure alone may not be able to achieve.

Determining the appropriate balance between green and gray infrastructure requires a clear understanding of site‑specific constraints, risks, and performance needs, an approach illustrated in the case studies that follow.

Three Case Studies, Three Different Answers

To explore how context drives design decisions, we recently examined three real‑world case studies, each involving active erosion, sediment transport, and downstream impacts, and each arriving at a different solution.

1. Flooding at the Lambertville Fire Department: When Gray Is the Right Choice

In Lambertville, New Jersey, stormwater runoff from Music Mountain, a steep, wooded hillside, was causing repeated flooding at the Fire Department below. What appeared at first to be a small drainage issue turned out to be a much larger challenge. During heavy rain events, uncontrolled runoff carved deep erosion gullies downslope, destabilizing trees and transporting sediment directly into city infrastructure. While green infrastructure options such as step pools were initially considered, feasibility limitations became evident. The steep slope, limited footprint, and extreme peak flows made a fully nature-based solution impractical and risky in this location.

Instead, the selected design centered on gray infrastructure, including a piped stormwater system aligned with the existing flow path to minimize disturbance, along with redesigned and expanded inlet and outlet controls to safely convey peak flows and better capture surface runoff. This approach stabilized the hillside, reduced downstream sediment transport, and eliminated flooding impacts at a critical municipal facility. Given the severe spatial constraints and elevated risk associated with the site, gray infrastructure represented the most responsible and effective solution.

2. Holcombe Park Restoration: A Hybrid Solution

At Holcombe Park, ongoing erosion and a disconnected floodplain were impairing stream function and contributing sediment and debris to downstream infrastructure. Unlike the Lambertville Fire Department site, where steep slopes, limited space, and public safety risks necessitated a primarily gray solution, Holcombe Park offered greater physical flexibility and a different risk profile. The site included more available space for in‑channel and floodplain interventions, while the contributing drainage system extended more than 1,000 feet beneath roadways before releasing flows downstream, adding jurisdictional and infrastructure considerations to the design process.

Given these conditions, the project team pursued a hybrid strategy that leveraged the strengths of both green and gray infrastructure. Green infrastructure measures, including floodplain reconnection, step pools, and naturalized channel features, were incorporated where space allowed to slow flows, reduce erosive forces, and restore ecological function. At the same time, existing gray infrastructure continued to convey stormwater through developed areas where open‑channel solutions were infeasible. By allowing floodwaters to spread out and attenuate within the park, the project reduces peak velocities and limits the transport of debris and sediment to downstream culverts and roadways. This case study illustrates how, when site conditions permit, integrating green and gray infrastructure can address erosion and water quality concerns while protecting downstream assets and enhancing recreational space, achieving outcomes that neither approach could deliver on its own.

3. Pennsylvania Stream Restoration: When Natural Systems Provide the Best Answer

The third case study shifts to a more open, rural setting on a residential and agricultural property in Pennsylvania, where channel incision and bank instability had become a growing safety and land‑use concern. Unlike the urban conditions present in the Lambertville Fire Department and Holcombe Park projects, this site offered sufficient space for stream and floodplain processes to function, making it well‑suited for a predominantly green infrastructure approach.

Initially, the landowner attempted to address the erosion by installing a large‑diameter pipe to rapidly convey water through the affected area. While this strategy appeared to resolve the immediate problem on site, it ultimately transferred impacts downstream. Concentrated discharges from the pipe destabilized channel banks, accelerated erosion, and created new problems beyond the property boundary, while also violating local waterway regulations. This outcome illustrated how applying gray infrastructure to a system experiencing watershed‑scale hydrologic change can unintentionally amplify downstream risks.

The final design focused on restoring natural stream function rather than accelerating conveyance. The project realigned the channel to an appropriate slope and sinuosity, reconnected the stream to its floodplain, incorporated step pools and stabilization features to dissipate energy, and added riparian plantings to strengthen bank stability and ecological resilience. Limited sections of pipe were retained only where necessary to accommodate crossings, ensuring compatibility with existing land uses without compromising system function.

With adequate space, funding, and regulatory drivers in place, natural green infrastructure proved to be the most effective and resilient solution for this site. By treating water as a resource rather than a waste product, the project reduced erosion and sediment transport, improved water quality, and restored stream and floodplain processes that benefit both the landscape and downstream communities. This case study also demonstrates that successful stormwater and erosion control requires solutions that respond to both local conditions and the larger watershed system.

Key Takeaways: Context Is Everything

Across all three projects, the lesson is clear: green or gray decisions must be driven by site context, not preference alone. Surrounding land use, physical constraints, risk tolerance, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder priorities all shape what “success” looks like.

Improperly sized or poorly applied infrastructure, whether it be green or gray, will fail. Effective stormwater management requires looking beyond the immediate problem and designing solutions that reflect the realities of the entire watershed system.

A Longstanding Partnership with Lambertville

Princeton Hydro’s participation alongside Mayor Andrew Nowick in leading the educational session at the 2026 NJ Watershed Conference reflects a long‑standing partnership with the City of Lambertville and the City’s active role in applying context‑driven stormwater solutions in a constrained, developed watershed. Our team has supported Lambertville’s stormwater management initiatives for many years, working collaboratively with City leadership to design projects that mitigate flooding while enhancing the natural environment.

In September 2024, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette presented the City of Lambertville with the NJDEP “Our Water’s Worth It” award. The award ceremony, held at a stormwater infrastructure improvement project site behind the Lambertville Fire Department, recognized the City’s commitment to improving stormwater management, addressing flooding, protecting local waterbodies, increasing storm resilience, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Click here to learn more.

Nutrient-driven water quality impairments, particularly harmful algal blooms (HABs), continue to challenge lake managers, municipalities, and watershed organizations across the Northeast. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen can rapidly degrade ecological conditions, limit recreational use, impact sources of potable water, and increase management costs, often despite the implementation of conventional best management practices. As a result, there is growing interest in tools that can complement or augment existing approaches and address nutrients in more targeted ways.

Biochar has emerged as one such tool. While it is best known as a soil amendment, its physical, chemical, and biological properties have prompted increasing use in aquatic systems as a means of improving water quality. Over the past five years, Princeton Hydro has applied biochar in a range of lakes, ponds, streams, and stormwater-related settings across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. These field applications, supported by monitoring, have provided important insight into when biochar is most effective, where its limitations lie, and why observed improvements in water quality are not always explained by phosphorus removal alone.

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="9215,19122,9225"]

What Is Biochar and Why Use It in Waterbodies?

Biochar is a carbon-rich, charcoal-like material produced through pyrolysis, a process in which organic biomass is heated in a low-oxygen environment. The resulting material has a highly porous structure and extensive surface area, properties that make it effective at adsorbing nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen (Joseph et al., 2021). Because excess nutrients are a primary driver of eutrophication and HABs, biochar has emerged as a promising amendment for aquatic systems and stormwater best management practices (BMPs).

In aquatic applications, biochar is typically installed in permeable sleeves (aka socks) or incorporated into stormwater treatment practices to intercept nutrient-rich water before it enters lakes or ponds. Used biochar can also be repurposed as a soil amendment, adding to its appeal as a sustainable, circular material.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="19134,9226"]

Aquatic Ecologist Katie Walston-Frederick (right) leads a biochar sleeve filling session. Katie and her team members wear full protective equipment when handling biochar due to the fine, carbon-based nature of the material.

Lessons Learned from Five Years of Field Applications

Through approximately half a dozen monitored projects implemented since 2020, several consistent patterns have emerged.

Standing Waters Show the Strongest Response: Biochar has proven most effective in low-flow or standing water environments such as ponds and stormwater basins. In these systems, Princeton Hydro has documented total phosphorus (TP) removal rates as high as 80%, with soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) reductions approaching 97% in some stormwater ponds (Princeton Hydro, Lake Hopatcong Report, 2022). The extended contact time between water and biochar in these settings appears to be a key driver of performance.

Flow and Contact Time Matter: In streams and fast-moving stormwater infrastructure, nutrient removal rates tend to be lower, with phosphorus reductions typically closer to 50%. While still meaningful, these reduced efficiencies are largely attributable to limited contact time. Simply put, the shorter the interaction between water and biochar, the fewer opportunities there are for adsorption and other removal processes to occur.

Enhancement to Conventional Stormwater BMPs: Biochar can be particularly effective when paired with stormwater BMPs that primarily rely on sedimentation. Traditional practices often excel at removing particulate-bound phosphorus but are less effective at capturing dissolved forms of phosphorus—the fraction most readily utilized by algae. Incorporating biochar into these systems can enhance removal of dissolved phosphorus, improving overall treatment performance.

Streams Present Physical Challenges: Installing biochar in stream environments presents practical challenges. Even with careful anchoring, large storm events, including remnants of hurricanes, can dislodge biochar sleeves, transporting them downstream or onto streambanks. These risks must be considered during design and often limit the suitability of biochar for higher energy systems.

Chemistry Alone Does Not Tell the Whole Story: At very high pH levels, phosphorus adsorption onto biochar can become less predictable, sometimes exhibiting a “decoupling” between measured phosphorus sorption and observed water quality improvements. Monitoring data from multiple projects indicate that reductions in chlorophyll-a, cyanobacteria abundance, and overall bloom severity cannot always be explained by phosphorus removal alone.

Beyond Adsorption: The Role of Biology

The disconnect between measured nutrient sorption and improved water quality suggests that additional mechanisms are at work. Increasingly, evidence points toward biological processes occurring within and around biochar installations.

Biochar is known to favor the growth and proliferation of heterotrophic bacteria (Moore et al., 2023). These microbial communities may contribute to water quality improvements in the following ways:

Assimilating nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus and locking them into microbial biomass, making those nutrients less available to fuel harmful algal blooms
Supporting a natural food web process in which bacteria are eaten by small organisms, gradually moving nutrients up the aquatic food chain rather than leaving them available for algae
Encouraging the growth of bacteria that can help break down cyanobacteria cells and the toxins they produce, such as microcystins. Some types of bacteria are even capable of breaking down microcystins, which are the toxins produced by certain HABs, and using them as a food source (Moore et al., 2023).

This emerging science mirrors what Princeton Hydro has observed in the field: water quality can improve in ways that chemical measurements alone do not fully explain, suggesting that biological processes may be playing an important supporting role.

Biochar in Practice: Case Studies from the Field

Since 2020, Princeton Hydro has applied biochar across a range of aquatic and stormwater settings, tailoring each installation to site-specific conditions and management goals. Together, these projects demonstrate biochar’s versatility and its ability to integrate into holistic watershed and lake management strategies, often working best when paired with other nature-based and engineered solutions.

1. Duke Farms, NJ - Integrating Biochar into Long-term Lake Management

At Duke Farms, a 2,700-acre estate in New Jersey, Princeton Hydro has supported lake and wetland management efforts for more than two decades. Biochar was recently introduced as an additional tool within an established, science-based nutrient management program. By placing biochar in low-flow areas where contact time could be maximized, phosphorus removal was enhanced and improvements in water clarity were observed. This effort highlights how biochar can be layered into long-term management strategies alongside floating wetland islands and other nature-based solutions.

[caption id="attachment_18916" align="aligncenter" width="1227"]

Biochar socks and a floating wetland island installed in Mermaid Pool.[/caption]

2. Harvey’s Lake, PA - Stormwater Nutrient Reduction

Harvey’s Lake, the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, has long faced challenges associated with nutrient loading and recurring HABs. As part of a broader stormwater management effort, Princeton Hydro incorporated biochar into select stormwater BMPs to reduce phosphorus before it entered the lake. Installed within targeted stormwater conveyance and treatment features, the biochar helped achieve measurable reductions in dissolved phosphorus, complementing other watershed-scale measures such as vegetated buffers and wetland enhancements. The spent biochar, having captured phosphorus and nitrogen from runoff, was then repurposed as a soil amendment to enrich a 500-square-foot pollinator garden. This repurposing effort served a dual purpose: demonstrating a closed-loop approach to managing excess nutrients while also creating a community-oriented space that supports local biodiversity.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" ids="17611,17612"]

3. Regional Stormwater Projects - Scaling a Targeted Approach

Across multiple stormwater projects in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, biochar has been installed in detention basins, rain gardens, and other stormwater treatment devices. These applications were designed to target dissolved phosphorus, a nutrient form that conventional BMPs can struggle to remove. In several cases, biochar was paired with other nutrient control measures such as floating wetland islands to further improve nutrient capture. Collectively, these projects illustrate how biochar can be adapted and scaled to address local water quality challenges across diverse settings.

[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="19127,19128"]

4. Lake Hopatcong, NJ - Biochar at the State's Largest Lake

At Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake, biochar was deployed as part of a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to reduce nutrient concentrations and mitigate HABs. Biochar was installed in permeable flotation bags and placed at targeted shoreline and inlet locations where nutrient loading is most pronounced, including several stormwater inlets and outlets around the lake. Funded through the NJDEP Freshwater HABs Prevention & Management Grant Program and implemented in partnership with the Lake Hopatcong Commission and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, these installations complemented other in-lake management measures such as floating wetland islands.

[gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="9141,9143"]

5. Central Park, NYC - Biochar within a Holistic Urban Lake Management Strategy

In Manhattan's Central Park, Princeton Hydro supported the Central Park Conservancy in developing and implementing a long-term management strategy for the park's network of lakes and ponds, where harmful algal blooms driven by excess nutrients were a persistent concern. As part of a broader, phased approach to improve water quality, biochar was incorporated as a nutrient reduction tool and will be incorporated alongside other measures such as floating wetland islands, aeration and circulation, and stormwater treatment techniques. Used in targeted locations, biochar helped support efforts to reduce nutrient loading and mitigate cyanobacteria blooms within these highly visible urban waterbodies.

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="19132,19131,1122"]

Across these projects, biochar installations have been associated with measurable reductions in total and dissolved phosphorus, decreases in chlorophyll‑a concentrations, and lower cyanobacteria cell counts. While performance has varied by site, the strongest and most consistent results have occurred in enclosed or low‑flow environments where contact time is maximized and physical disturbance is minimized. When thoughtfully designed and integrated with other BMPs, these case studies show how biochar can contribute meaningfully to broader efforts to reduce nutrient loads and improve overall water quality.

Looking Ahead & Learning More

Biochar is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Reviewing site-specific water quality data is essential to determine whether biochar is an appropriate standalone treatment or should be combined with complementary approaches. Ongoing and future research is focused on better quantifying the relative contributions of chemical adsorption and biological activity associated with biochar. Current studies, including collaborative efforts with academic partners, aim to document pollutant removal capacity, characterize microbial communities, and evaluate biochar’s potential role in degrading cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. As these processes continue to be studied and further understood in the water quality context, biochar may become an increasingly valuable component of integrated, science-based watershed management strategies.

Want to learn more? Check out our Youtube tutorial filmed on lake in Hemlock Farms, PA: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHswfXKCCTQ[/embed] [post_title] => Harnessing Biochar to Improve Water Quality: Lessons from the Field [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => harnessing-biochar-to-improve-water-quality-lessons-from-the-field [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-03-13 14:45:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-03-13 14:45:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19087 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 19212 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-02-27 03:19:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-02-27 03:19:41 [post_content] =>

Municipal ordinances, when thoughtfully drafted and effectively implemented, are among the most powerful tools for protecting watersheds, managing stormwater, preserving forests and wetlands, and reducing flood risk. While the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) provides baseline regulatory standards, these requirements function only as minimum thresholds. Under New Jersey’s home rule framework and the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), municipalities have broad authority to shape development patterns and use zoning, environmental ordinances, and master planning to adopt standards aligned with their community’s environmental constraints and development demands.

How municipalities put this authority into practice framed a recent webinar hosted by The Watershed Institute: “Municipal Ordinances: Key to Environmental Protection.”

Moderated by Michael Pisauro, Esq., Policy Director for The Watershed Institute, the webinar brought together three experienced practitioners to explore how municipalities can leverage local ordinances to strengthen environmental protection and community resilience:

Mark Gallagher, Vice President of Princeton Hydro with over 30 years of environmental consulting and habitat restoration experience;
Michele Donato Esq, General Counsel to New Jersey Planning Officials and Past President of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys; and
Michael G. Sinkevich, a shareholder with Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich PC, practicing in environmental and land use law.

Each presenter approached the issue from a different, complementary lens: science, land use law, and regulatory practice.

Protecting Natural Green Infrastructure

Mark began the webinar with an overview of New Jersey’s natural green infrastructure (forests, floodplains, riparian corridors, wetlands, and meadows) and its role in supporting stormwater management. Engineered systems are most effective when the surrounding natural landscapes can absorb, slow, and filter runoff. He stressed that municipalities shape the fate of these natural systems through their zoning and development decisions, making local ordinances essential to watershed health.

Mark examined how decades of land alteration, including stream channelization and straightening, impervious surface expansion, and floodplain encroachment, have dramatically changed stream systems across the state. As runoff volume increases, so does the frequency and duration of bankfull flows, which widen channels, erode banks, and transport sediment. A key indicator of watershed imbalance is floodplain disconnection: in healthy systems, streams access their floodplains during frequent storm events, dissipating energy and reducing downstream impacts. In many developed watersheds, streams remain confined within incised channels except during major storms, worsening erosion and downstream flooding.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="19253,19254"]

Mark directly connected these environmental realities to municipal decision-making. Municipal ordinances play a critical role in maintaining and restoring the natural systems that support stormwater management, water quality, and community resilience. Municipalities can shape new development and use redevelopment projects as opportunities to repair historic environmental damage.

He highlighted municipal tools that strengthen watershed function, including well-crafted stream corridor ordinances, updated Environmental Resource Inventories (ERIs), master plan policies that prioritize open space preservation, and watershed improvement strategies that integrate ecological restoration with engineered BMPs.

Modernizing Zoning to Reflect Environmental Realities

Michele centered her presentation on a key message: the legal tools are already there for municipalities to guide growth responsibly, but they must be applied proactively and with precision.

She addressed a common assumption heard at planning board hearings: “If it’s zoned for it, it must be appropriate.” That assumption, she explained, is not always grounded in environmental analysis. Zoning districts set permitted uses and density ranges, but often without carefully accounting for wetlands, floodplains, sensitive habit, or limited infrastructure capacity.

For years, municipalities operated under the belief that the MLUL’s uniformity clause required identical development yield across parcels within a zone. However, the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in "Rumson Estates, Inc v. Mayor Council of Borough of Fair Haven" (2003) clarified that municipalities may calibrate density based on the physical characteristics of a property. Environmentally constrained parcels don't need to support the same development intensity as unconstrained sites.

Michele also emphasized the importance of updating land-use definitions. Outdated definitions can inadvertently allow impacts far beyond what the original ordinance intended. Warehouse standards are a clear example: many were written decades ago and don't account for today's 24/7 high‑cube logistics operations with heavy truck traffic. She noted that timing of these updates is also critical. Under the MLUL’s “time of application” rule, existing zoning is locked-in once an application is filed, meaning municipalities must revise their ordinances before developers submit proposals.

Master plans also play a critical role. A well-designed plan evaluates full build-out potential, accounts for infrastructure and resource limitations, and directs growth away from sensitive areas. She urged municipalities to anticipate emerging high‑impact uses, such as data centers, and set appropriate standards in advance.

Legal Foundations and Enforcement

Michael G. Sinkevich outlined the legal framework that empowers municipalities to regulate environmental impacts and enforce local standards. He demonstrated how federal law, state regulations, and municipal authority intersect, especially in zoning and stormwater management, to create a strong foundation for local environmental protection.

Municipal authority to adopt environmental protections comes from two main sources: First is the zoning power granted under the MLUL, which allows towns to guide development in ways that protect public health, safety, and welfare. The MLUL also outlines what zoning ordinances may regulate, such as building density. The second source is municipal "police power," which permits towns to adopt environmental regulations, as long as they're consistent with state law, when needed to protect people, property, and general welfare. Together, these authorities give municipalities flexibility to craft and enforce environmental safeguards.

He highlighted tree protection ordinances as a clear example of validated municipal authority: In "New Jersey Shore Builders Association v. Township of Jackson" (2009), the New Jersey Supreme Court upheld Jackson Township’s ordinance that required developers to replace removed trees or pay into a dedicated planting fund, formally recognizing the critical role trees play in stormwater management and climate resilience.

Michael also reviewed MS4 permit requirements, which obligate municipalities to manage stormwater across public and private development. Beyond the permit itself, he emphasized that municipal land use boards have an independent responsibility to ensure compliance with state stormwater rules and cannot simply defer to NJDEP. To support municipalities in meeting these obligations, he highlighted several useful resources, including The Watershed Institute, New Jersey Future, Sustainable Jersey, ANJEC, and NJDEP.

Watch the Full Webinar

Whether you serve on a governing body, land use board, or environmental commission, or work as an engineer, planner, or attorney, the full webinar offers practical insight into how local ordinances shape environmental outcomes. Community members and neighborhood advocates will also find the discussion clear, accessible, and directly relevant to how development decisions affect their town.

Watch the full webinar here:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/live/oF6x8awi3cY?si=b1TZpLf0Qj1IExb1[/embed]

The Watershed Institute regularly hosts workshops on stormwater management, watershed protection, and climate resilience. Click here to explore their extensive library of recorded webinars and sign-up for the next one.

[post_title] => The Role of Municipal Ordinances in Protecting Local Watersheds [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-role-of-municipal-ordinances-in-protecting-local-watersheds [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-02-27 20:21:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-02-27 20:21:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19212 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18641 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-12-08 13:22:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-12-08 13:22:27 [post_content] =>

The Lower Darby Creek Area encompasses a unique blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and critical regional infrastructure, including the Philadelphia International Airport, Interstate 95, and portions of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Despite its urban setting, the area supports diverse wetlands, waterways, and wildlife habitats that play an essential role in regional flood protection, resiliency, and ecological connectivity.

Flooding and habitat loss have long challenged the Lower Darby Creek Area, particularly in the communities of Eastwick in southwest Philadelphia and Tinicum Township of Delaware County, PA. Residents in these neighborhoods experience extreme flooding during storm and high tide events, and community groups have been leading local efforts to enhance resilience and reduce flood risk. The increasing effects of climate change, such as more intense storms, sea level rise, and frequent tidal flooding, are compounding challenges.

To help address these challenges, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania (TNC) and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge have commissioned Princeton Hydro to lead a two-year Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience Feasibility Study for the Lower Darby Creek Area. The study aims to identify and evaluate nature-based solutions that would help to convey, store, and infiltrate water to alleviate flooding, improve habitat for local wildlife species, and enhance community resilience.

For this feasibility study, Princeton Hydro is combining field data collection, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and alternatives analysis to determine the most effective nature-based solutions that benefit both nature and people. These may include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits designed to restore natural hydrologic function.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Feasibility Study, ensuring that local voices help shape the region’s path toward long-term resilience. The project work began with a series of community meetings to learn from residents about the impacts of flooding and the changes they want to see in their neighborhoods. The outcome of this project will be a list of 6-10 nature-based solutions that have been prioritized by community members and that have been analyzed for feasibility and potential for flood reduction and ecological benefit. This information will be presented in a Project Roadmap for the co-developed pathway to achieve community and ecological resilience through project implementation. This guidance will empower partners and communities to secure funding, implement pilot projects, and advance long-term resilience goals.

Once the study is complete, Princeton Hydro will create an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap webpage that will allow users to take a deeper dive into the study's findings and interact with the data. Users will be able to visualize flood scenarios and potential restoration opportunities and learn more about specific project activities and the proposed solutions.

Community Engagement in Action: Eastwick Community Day

Earlier this year, project partners joined residents for Eastwick Community Day, a vibrant event celebrating neighborhood connections, local leadership, and climate resilience. Hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the event was supported by representatives from The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and Princeton Hydro, including Director of Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP and Director of Aquatics Mike Hartshorne.

The gathering offered residents an opportunity to meet the organizations involved in the flood study, learn about available climate resilience resources, and share their own experiences and priorities. Alongside informational displays and project updates, attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch, family activities, and hands-on learning about nature-based solutions. It was a day that captured the spirit of collaboration driving this initiative.

Check out some highlights from the day, captured by Kim Hachadoorian, Stream Stewards Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy:

[gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="17637,17638,17631,17635"]

Building on the Eastwick Flood Resilience Study

The Lower Darby Creek initiative builds on Princeton Hydro’s earlier Eastwick Flood Resilience Study, expanding from a neighborhood-focused analysis to a watershed-scale approach. In 2016, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Conservation Trust, Audubon Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation, Princeton Hydro conducted an analysis of Eastwick, the flood impacts created by the Lower Darby Creek, and the viability of several potential flood mitigation strategies. The study sought to answer questions commonly asked by community members related to flooding conditions, with the main question being: What impact does the landfill have on area flooding? Princeton Hydro developed a 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques, including removal of the Clearview Landfill, expansion of the existing tidal freshwater wetland, removal of bridge infrastructure, and rerouting storm flows, would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood.

Findings from that study provided key data and analytical frameworks that now inform the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study. Expanding beyond the boundaries of Eastwick, the comprehensive Lower Darby Creek Area study takes a watershed-scale view, exploring how interconnected systems, including upstream hydrology, tidal influences, and habitat networks, can be managed holistically.

[caption id="attachment_7896" align="aligncenter" width="751"]

Princeton Hydro developed a 2-dimensional hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood.[/caption]

Partnerships for a Resilient Future

Resilience is not achieved in isolation; it thrives through collaboration. The success of the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study and related restoration projects depends on a network of partners committed to shared goals. By aligning expertise, resources, and local knowledge, these partnerships create a foundation for long-term climate adaptation and ecological health. To learn more about the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, click here. To learn more about the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Flood Resilience Strategy for Eastwick, go here. And, click here to learn more about the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum.

Princeton Hydro is also collaborating with the Refuge to restore the Refuge’s Turkey Foot area. Working with Enviroscapes and Merestone Consultants, our team designed and implemented habitat enhancement and hydrologic restoration projects to improve water quality, restore native wetland vegetation, and expand habitat for fish and wildlife. If you’re interested in learning more about this project, check out our blog: Ecological Restoration in John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

[post_title] => Building Resilience: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions in Lower Darby Creek [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => building-resilience-exploring-nature-based-solutions-in-lower-darby-creek [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-12-10 15:03:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-12-10 15:03:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18641 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18724 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-21 18:54:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-21 18:54:17 [post_content] =>

Princeton Hydro was proud to participate in the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition, held this fall in Atlantic City, NJ. Celebrating two decades of collaboration and innovation within the floodplain management community, the conference brought together more than 500 practitioners, researchers, agency staff, and industry leaders from across the Northeast.

As the region’s premier floodplain management event, the NJAFM conference serves as a hub for sharing cutting-edge tools, best practices, and real-world strategies that help communities reduce flood risk, adapt to changing climate conditions, and build long-term resilience. Over the course of two days, participants attended educational sessions, hands-on training, and networking events centered on the theme: “NJAFM at 20 Years: Celebrate the Past, Focus on the Future.”

Princeton Hydro was excited to return as a conference sponsor, exhibitor, and session presenter.

Understanding the Role of Floodplain Management

Floodplain management is a multidisciplinary practice that integrates planning, engineering, ecological science, and public policy to reduce flood risk while preserving the natural functions of riverine and coastal systems. At its core, it involves understanding how water moves across a landscape, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, and implementing measures that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

Floodplains provide a range of essential functions. Hydrologically, they convey, store, and infiltrate water during storm events, supporting natural flood attenuation, erosion control, and groundwater recharge. Ecologically, they contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat, migration corridors, and spawning areas for fish and wildlife. From a community perspective, well-managed floodplains can offer recreational value, improve water quality, and enhance the aesthetic and economic vitality of local neighborhoods.

Modern floodplain management relies on both structural and non-structural approaches. Structural measures may include engineered solutions such as levees, floodwalls, culvert improvements, or stormwater system upgrades. Non-structural tools often involve land-use planning, flood-resilient building standards, conservation of open space, and community engagement programs that help residents understand risk and adopt best practices.

Princeton Hydro works with municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and watershed groups to develop and implement comprehensive floodplain management strategies across the region, emphasizing strategies that balance flood risk reduction with ecological enhancement, ensuring that floodplain management supports both resilient communities and healthy, functioning watersheds.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" ids="18742,18741"]

Pictured above: before and after photos from the Floodplain Restoration and Urban Wetland Creation project in Bloomfield Township, New Jersey. By removing a little over four acres of upland historic fill in this densely developed area and converting it into 4.2 acres of a functioning floodplain wetland, the project restored valuable ecological functions, enhances wetland and riparian zone habitat, and increases flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff.

Technical Sessions Led by Princeton Hydro

Our team led two workshops at the NJAFM 20th Annual Conference:

Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience in the Lower Darby Creek Watershed

Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, Princeton Hydro’s Director of Restoration and Resilience, presented on strategies to address chronic flooding and climate-driven impacts in Eastwick and Tinicum Township, Philadelphia. Her talk highlighted a two-year technical assessment commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and led by Princeton Hydro. The project combines integrated field data collection, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and rigorous alternatives analysis to evaluate nature-based solutions. These include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits, with the ultimate goal of restoring natural hydrologic function, reducing flood risk, and strengthening habitat and community resilience. Read more about the project here.

Are You Hesitant to Pursue a Stormwater Utility?

Elizabeth Treadway of WSP USA and Dr. Clay Emerson, PhD, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering at Princeton Hydro, led a session on the practical, legal, and financial considerations of establishing a stormwater utility, an increasingly vital tool for sustainable infrastructure funding. Participants learned:

The purpose and function of a stormwater utility
How to determine if it’s the right fit for a community
Steps municipalities can take to implement one

The session also addressed common challenges such as aging infrastructure, rapid development, and the growing frequency of severe storm events driven by climate change. Stormwater feasibility studies were highlighted as a key resource for evaluating costs and benefits before moving forward.

Managing stormwater effectively is essential for resilient infrastructure and community safety. Click here to learn about a Stormwater Utility Investigation & Feasibility Study we conducted for the Town of Hammonton, New Jersey.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="18732,18731"]

Throughout the conference, our team was able to connect with planners, municipal officials, engineers, and local leaders at our exhibitor booth. These conversations offered valuable opportunities to discuss project experiences, share resources, and learn from others working to advance resilience across New Jersey.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="18728,18727"]

Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of this community and remains committed to advancing science-based, equitable, and sustainable approaches to reducing flood risk. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NJAFM and supporting clients and communities in building a safer, more resilient future.

[post_title] => Celebrating 20 Years of NJAFM: Highlights from the Annual Conference [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => celebrating-20-years-of-njafm-highlights-from-the-annual-conference [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-12-10 13:24:40 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-12-10 13:24:40 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18724 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18636 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_content] =>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by the Lake Hopatcong Commission[/caption]

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

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

[post_title] => Lake Hopatcong Commission Awarded $367,000 NJDEP Grant for Water Quality Improvements in Roxbury Township [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => lake-hopatcong-commission-awarded-367000-njdep-grant-for-water-quality-improvements-in-roxbury-township [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-10 17:09:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18636 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18685 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-07 17:08:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-07 17:08:03 [post_content] =>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo from the Borough of Mountain Lakes. [post_title] => Borough of Mountain Lakes Launches Lake and Watershed Management Program with Funding from NJ Highlands Council [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => borough-of-mountain-lakes-launches-lake-and-watershed-management-program-with-funding-from-the-new-jersey-highlands-council [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-11 17:38:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-11 17:38:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18685 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18586 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-06 00:15:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-06 00:15:54 [post_content] =>

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

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

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

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

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

2. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Watershed-Based Stormwater BMPs

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

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

3. Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township – Addressing Emerging Contaminants

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

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

4. Rockaway Township – Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure

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

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

5. Green Trust Alliance – Green Infrastructure and Community Engagement

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

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

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

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

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

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

[post_title] => NJDEP Awards $8M for Water Quality Restoration Projects [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => njdep-319h-grants-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-07 01:20:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-07 01:20:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18586 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18009 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-08-07 19:26:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-08-07 19:26:22 [post_content] =>

We're pleased to announce the release of the "New Jersey Nature-Based Solutions: Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring Reference Guide," a free resource that provides a comprehensive roadmap to incorporating nature-based solutions (NBS) into infrastructure, construction, restoration, and resilience projects across the state.

Created by the Rutgers University New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center with support from The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, the guide compiles current research, case studies, best practices, practical tools, science-based strategies, and funding resources to "inform and empower readers to implement and seek funding for NBS."

Click here to view and download the guide now.

Inside the Guide

As the guide states, "nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature." (IUCN 2024)

Whether you're a municipal planner, community leader, contractor, public- or private-sector professional, or an academic, new to NBS or experienced in large-scale restoration projects, the guide offers value at every level with practical instruction that spans the full project lifecycle, from planning and permitting to funding and long-term monitoring. While the content is tailored to New Jersey's diverse landscapes, the guide's insights and approaches are broadly applicable to regions with similar ecosystems, from Massachusetts to Virginia.

The guide equips readers with:

A foundational understanding of how to plan and apply NBS in a variety of settings, from urban spaces to coastal habitats to inland farmland.
An introduction to cost-benefit analysis, including the basics of benefit transfer methodology and its role in justifying funding proposals.
A comprehensive toolbox, including policy and permitting guidance, project examples, datasets, and funding and monitoring resources.
In-depth profiles of five NBS categories: Bioretention Systems, Coastal Habitats, Regenerative Land Management, Stream Restoration, and Urban Forestry. Each category includes specific techniques like dam removal, living shorelines, and rain gardens.

The guide also includes insights on how to address equity considerations and foster meaningful community engagement, helping users implement NBS that are both impactful and inclusive.

Princeton Hydro was proud to contribute technical expertise to this important effort. Our Director of Restoration & Resilience, Christiana L. Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, participated on the guide's steering committee, and our team provided informational resources, including content and case studies on invasive species management, wetland and floodplain enhancement, and dam and culvert removal to restore rivers and improve fish passage. These contributions along with those from many other participants, reflect the collaborative nature of the guide and the collective commitment to advancing NBS across the state.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" ids="18015,18014"]

Sections at a Glance

The guide's easy-to-follow format includes four key sections:

Section 1: Setting the Stage - Introduces the purpose of the guide, its intended users, and how to easily navigate its contents.
Section 2: Planning for Nature-Based Solutions - Covers essential planning considerations, including selecting a planning horizon, aligning with local land use plans, permitting, funding, community engagement, equity, adaptive management, benefit-cost analysis, and climate change resilience.
Section 3: Nature-Based Solutions Profiles - Provides a detailed look at NBS strategies, including their intended uses, implementation techniques, primary benefits and co-benefits, and the specific environmental hazards they help address (i.e., sea level rise, wildfire, inland flooding, etc.)
Section 4: Appendix - Includes a project planning checklist, case studies, a glossary, references, and links to helpful resources, tools, and data.

Whether you're just beginning to conceptualize a project or deep into project implementation, this guide is an invaluable addition to your toolbox. We encourage you to explore, download, and share it widely! Click here to access the guide now.

Webinars and outreach events are currently being planned as part of a broader effort to build awareness and support the guide's use. Stay tuned for future announcements. To learn more about the Rutgers University New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, click here. [post_title] => New Resource: A Comprehensive Guide to Nature-Based Solutions in New Jersey [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => guide-to-nature-based-solutions-in-new-jersey [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-08-07 19:28:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-08-07 19:28:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18009 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17931 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-07-22 21:39:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-22 21:39:22 [post_content] =>

The Steven R. Rothman Overlook and Preserve, a new five-acre public open space in the heart of the Meadowlands, is now open to the public.

Situated within the 587-acre Richard P. Kane Natural Area, the preserve offers an ADA-accessible gateway into one of New Jersey's most ecologically significant landscapes. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Meadowlands and the New York City skyline while immersing themselves in a protected wetland ecosystem that lies along the Atlantic Flyway, a vital route for migratory birds. Owned by the Meadowlands Conservation Trust (MCT) and managed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), the site supports a wide range of native and rare wildlife and plant species.

On July 10, local and state leaders gathered to officially dedicate the new preserve and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of former U.S. Congressman Steven R. Rothman, whose leadership was instrumental in preserving the region's critical wetlands. The ceremony brought together Governor Phil Murphy, Congressman Rothman, officials from Bergen County, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Hackensack Riverkeeper, MCT, NJSEA, project partners and community members. The event featured remarks, reflections and a ceremonial tree planting.

[gallery link="none" ids="17871,17868,17870"]

Addressing Congressman Rothman, "We are so proud and happy that this is named after you. You stood up when a lot of others would not. You took a bold stance. You believed in preserving the Meadowlands. We thank you and congratulate you," expressed Greg Remaud, CEO of NY/NJ Baykeeper, at the event.

A century ago, the New Jersey Meadowlands spanned over 21,000 acres of open space. Today, only 8,400 acres remain largely undeveloped. Speakers at the event reflected on the decades-long fight to protect this land, which was once targeted for commercial development, including plans for what would become the American Dream Mall. That 15-year preservation effort ultimately secured the future of this critical habitat.

Governor Murphy emphasized Rothman's role in that success: "Congressman Steven R. Rothman played an oversized role in protecting this incredible expanse of treasured, public open space, and he has been an ardent supporter of the Meadowlands in Congress and as a private citizen. I commend Congressman Rothman’s steadfast determination and that of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust in saving our natural resources."

Congressman Rothman also addressed the crowd, sharing his hope for the future of the site: "This overlook and preserve will now help assure that future generations of New Jerseyans and others will learn about this area's rich natural life and a history of how this space was saved from development.”

About Congressman Rothman

Congressman Rothman represented New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District from 1997 to 2013, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for 16 years.

For nearly a decade, Congressman Rothman played a pivotal role in the fight to protect what remained of the Hackensack Meadowlands' undeveloped wetlands. At a time when large-scale development threatened the ecological integrity of the region, he brought national attention to the cause, becoming the first U.S. congressional candidate, and later Congressman, to publicly oppose projects like the proposed American Dream Mall. His advocacy helped relocate the development to a more suitable location and catalyzed a broader conservation movement.

Recognizing the ecological significance of the Meadowlands, Congressman Rothman secured $10 million in federal funding, along with additional state and local contributions, to support land acquisition, environmental remediation, and permanent protection of the remaining open space. He brought together key stakeholders, took a firm public stance on what must be preserved, and was instrumental in the formal rezoning of 8,400 acres as undevelopable. Widely acknowledged as the catalyst behind one of New Jersey’s most consequential land preservation efforts, Rothman received multiple regional and national honors for his leadership. The dedication of this new preserve in his name serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Designing a Sustainable, Inclusive Public Space

The project was a design-build collaboration led by SumCo Eco-Contracting, with design services provided by Princeton Hydro, including environmental, civil, and geotechnical engineering; landscape architecture; and construction oversight.

The team approached the project with a deep sense of care and responsibility. “It’s been a privilege to support the vision for this park,” said Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP, Landscape Architect and Project Manager at Princeton Hydro. “From the beginning, we approached the design with a sense of responsibility and sensitivity, knowing how many people have worked tirelessly over the years to protect and preserve the surrounding wetlands. Our goal was to create a space that honors that legacy — a place where people can come to connect with the Meadowlands.”

The newly constructed preserve includes a range of low-impact park features that balance ecological protection with meaningful public access:

Permeable parking lot with 10 spaces, including one van-accessible ADA parking spot
10-foot-wide recreational trail that connects key features throughout the site
A small gathering space along the trail
2500-square-foot elevated stone overlook, with seating

[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="17880,17941,17878,17963"]

All elements were designed to be fully ADA-compliant, ensuring inclusive access for visitors of all abilities. The trail and parking surfaces were constructed using a geocellular confinement system, which promotes stormwater infiltration and supports long-term structural integrity. A timber guardrail was added along the drive and parking area to enhance safety and define boundaries.

The photos below show the geoweb material being installed along the trail: [gallery link="none" ids="17958,17957,17956"]

In consideration of the site’s role as critical habitat, particularly for nocturnal and migratory species, artificial lighting was not included in the design.

Ecological restoration was a central focus of the project. The team planted 40 native trees and shrubs, installed a pollinator garden, and seeded the site with native, drought-tolerant grasses to improve habitat value and resilience. These nature-based enhancements not only support biodiversity but also help filter stormwater, stabilize soils, and prepare the landscape for a changing climate.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="17961,17877,17874,17935"]

Plan Your Visit

The preserve, located at the end of Jomike Court in Carlstadt, NJ, is now open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors are encouraged to explore the trail, take in the sweeping New York City skyline views from the overlook, and appreciate the beauty and ecological richness of the Meadowlands.

Looking for more examples of how design and ecology can come together to benefit both people and nature? Check out our work at South Cape May Meadows Preserve in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey. This beloved 200-acre coastal habitat, an international hotspot for birdwatching, draws more than 90,000 visitors annually. Princeton Hydro is helping to restore the preserve’s ecological integrity while improving public access, including recent efforts to remove invasive Phragmites and promote the return of native vegetation. Read more about the project here.

[post_title] => A New Gateway to the Meadowlands: Steven R. Rothman Overlook and Preserve [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-new-gateway-to-the-meadowlands-steven-r-rothman-overlook-and-preserve [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-22 21:39:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-22 21:39:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17931 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17748 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-07-08 09:52:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-08 09:52:44 [post_content] =>

Invasive species can quickly establish themselves in habitats ranging from freshwater wetlands and riparian corridors to stormwater basins and tidal marshes, disrupting ecological balance and biodiversity, altering hydrology, and displacing native species.

[gallery link="none" columns="4" size="medium" ids="17787,17788,7339,17789"]

Addressing these impacts requires a thoughtful, site-specific approach. Our team at Princeton Hydro works to design and implement targeted strategies that promote long-term ecological function. These integrated efforts aid in native habitat recovery, enhance water quality, and support compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Let’s take a closer look at how invasive species disrupt our ecosystems, why managing them is so important, and the cutting-edge tools and innovative techniques helping to eradicate invasives and restore balance to delicate ecosystems.

Understanding the Impacts of Invasive Species

Invasive species are organisms introduced outside their native range that proliferate in new environments, often to the detriment of local ecosystems and biodiversity. Although some introductions happen naturally, most are caused by human activity—through commercial shipping and transport, travel and outdoor recreation, or sometimes deliberate introduction. Once established, invasive species often outcompete native species by growing more aggressively, reproducing more rapidly, and exploiting resources more efficiently. These advantages are amplified by the absence of natural predators and environmental controls that would normally regulate their populations.

This can lead to a cascade of ecological consequences:

Competition for Resources: Invasives often outcompete native species for food, light, and habitat.
Direct Harm: Some invasives prey on or parasitize native species.
Disease Transmission: Non-native organisms can introduce new diseases or parasites to ecosystems.
Loss of Biodiversity: Invasives frequently crowd out or eliminate native species, resulting in monocultures—ecosystems dominated by a single species.

Take common reed (Phragmites australis), for example. This fast-growing plant has overtaken many wetlands, meadows, and shorelines, forming dense stands that outcompete native vegetation. These monocultures reduce food sources that native species rely on and block the movement of wildlife between critical habitats. According to the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC), Phragmites was most likely introduced during the 1800s in ballast material used on ships. It was initially established along the Atlantic coast and quickly spread across the continent.

Another example of an aggressive invasive species is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), a submerged perennial aquatic plant that grows in lakes and ponds. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it was discovered in the eastern U.S. in the early 1900s, likely introduced and spread through the movement of watercraft. It establishes itself very quickly, grows rapidly, and spreads easily, forming dense mats at the water’s surface.

Why Control Matters: Ecological, Economic, and Regulatory Incentives

Left unmanaged, aggressive invasives like Phragmites and Eurasian watermilfoil can severely impact the stability of critical environmental systems. Effective control strategies help restore balance, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard the services ecosystems provide to humans and wildlife alike.

Control efforts are also driven by:

Ecological Benefits: Removing invasive species makes space for native vegetation to regenerate and flourish.
Economic Considerations: Invasives can harm agriculture, tourism, and recreation. Control measures help minimize these financial impacts.
Regulatory Compliance and State-Level Incentives: Wetland managers, landowners, and developers are increasingly required to control invasives to comply with state/federal environmental regulations aimed at tracking, managing, and reducing the spread of harmful invasives across ecosystems.
Land Use Goals: In restoration projects, removing invasives is often the first step in reestablishing natural hydrology, enhancing habitat, and increasing accessibility.

From early detection and rapid response to long-term monitoring and management, invasive species control requires collaboration, planning, and the right set of tools.

Invasive Species Control Methods

At Princeton Hydro, we use a multifaceted approach to invasive species control, employing mechanical, herbicidal, and biological strategies depending on the specific site conditions and project goals. One of our most effective tools is the Marsh Master® 2MX-KC-FH, a fully amphibious machine built to operate with minimal environmental disruption.

Equipped with hydraulic rotary cutting blades, a rear mounted roller/chopper attachment, and a front vegetation plow, the Marsh Master® cuts through dense vegetation like Phragmites, then chops and rolls the stalks, effectively preparing the soil for native seed germination or plug installation, making it ideal for nature preserves, canal banks, and restoration sites. Its light footprint (less than one pound per square inch) means it can traverse sensitive areas without damaging the soil or root layer.

[gallery size="large" link="none" ids="17780,17779,17805"]

By using the Marsh Master®, we’re able to:

Control invasive and non-native vegetation efficiently and effectively
Minimize impact on ecosystems
Prepare sites for seeding and planting native species
Access hard-to-reach wetland, bog, marshland and other delicate habitats

Take a look at the Marsh Master® in the field, tackling Phragmites in tough terrain:

[embed]https://youtu.be/lMkkD-WFz3E[/embed]

When paired with herbicide treatments and long-term monitoring, this approach has proven very effective in eradicating invasives, restoring wetland biodiversity, improving water quality, and creating wildlife habitat. Each site is carefully analyzed and, when required for optimal non-native plant management, a site-specific USEPA and state-registered herbicide is chosen to control the target plants while preserving the desirable, native vegetation currently populating the site. Application techniques, which are also specific to each site, include machine broadcast spraying, backpack foliar spraying, hand-wiping, basal applications, herbicide injection lances, along with various other techniques.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="13019,13022"]

Case Studies: Invasive Species Mitigation in Action

GreenVest Baltimore: Phragmites Control & Tidal Marsh Restoration

In partnership with GreenVest and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, Princeton Hydro contributed to a tidal marsh restoration project along the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland. This initiative is part of the broader “Reimagine Middle Branch” plan, a community-driven revitalization effort to restore natural habitat and improve public access along 11 miles of Patapsco River shoreline.

At the project site near Reed Bird Island, roughly five acres of marsh had been overtaken by dense stands of Phragmites. The goal was to restore hydrologic connections to the Patapsco River and convert the monoculture into a thriving mosaic of native marsh vegetation. Our team used the Marsh Master® to mow and manage the Phragmites, followed by mechanical grading and sediment redistribution to create high and low marsh zones. The restoration plan included planting 5+ acres with a combination of native species and incorporating habitat features like woody debris and unplanted cobblestone patches to facilitate fish passage.

This project demonstrates how targeted invasive species control can support large-scale ecosystem restoration, community-led initiatives, and watershed-wide environmental goals.

[embed]https://youtu.be/R3x7vb0EHKk[/embed]

Mercer County: Long-Term Invasive Species Management

Princeton Hydro has worked alongside New Jersey’s Mercer County Park Commission for over a decade to restore and protect some of the region’s most ecologically valuable landscapes. From comprehensive planning to boots-on-the-ground restoration, our efforts have focused on mitigating the spread of invasive species and promoting long-term ecological resilience.

John A. Roebling Memorial Park, part of the Abbott Marshlands, an ecologically rich freshwater tidal ecosystem that contains valuable habitat for many rare species, experienced a significant amount of loss and degradation, partially due to the introduction of Phragmites. In areas where Phragmites had overtaken native wetland communities, our team developed and executed an invasive species management plan tailored to the park’s unique hydrology and habitat types. Seasonal mowing in the winter and early spring with the Marsh Master® and targeted herbicide applications helped suppress invasive growth and enabled the rebound of native species, including Wild rice (Zizania aquatica), a culturally and ecologically significant plant.

[gallery columns="1" link="none" size="medium" ids="17756,17755"]

Building on that success, we contributed to the development and implementation of the Master Plan for the Miry Run Dam Site 21, a comprehensive roadmap for ecological restoration and public access. We are advancing that vision through mitigating invasive species (primarily Phragmites), leading lake dredging, and executing a variety of habitat uplift efforts. Click here to learn more about this award-winning restoration initiative.

In 2024, Mercer County retained Princeton Hydro under an on-call contract for invasive species management across its park system, enabling our team to respond rapidly to emerging threats and support the county’s ongoing commitment to long-term ecosystem health.

Lower Raritan Mitigation Site: Multi-Year, Multi-Faceted Wetland Restoration

At the Lower Raritan Mitigation Site in central New Jersey, Princeton Hydro has led a multi-year invasive species control effort as part of a larger wetland and stream restoration initiative. Dominated by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Phragmites, the site had lost most (if not all) of its native biodiversity and ecological function.

Our team used a phased approach—mechanical mowing, herbicide treatment, and active planting of native species—to gradually suppress invasives and restore a healthy plant community. Monitoring data over several growing seasons has shown a significant decrease in invasive cover and a measurable increase in native diversity. Ongoing eradication of aggressive species and the promotion of native plant diversity are steadily guiding the site toward a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem.

South Cape May Meadows Nature Preserve: Restoring Balance & Enhancing Access

Owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, the South Cape May Meadows Preserve is a 200-acre freshwater wetland and coastal habitat in southern New Jersey that serves as a critical refuge for migratory birds and other native wildlife. The preserve attracts over 90,000 visitors each year and is internationally recognized as a prime birdwatching destination.

Princeton Hydro is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy on a multi-faceted effort to both improve public access and restore the site’s ecological integrity. In 2023 and 2024, our team initiated the mechanical removal of dense stands of Phragmites using the Marsh Master® to suppress monocultures and promote native plant regeneration. Future phases may include targeted herbicide treatments and additional mechanical work.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="17772,17771"]

In addition to the invasive species management component, this project collaboration has led to the construction of 2,675 feet of new elevated boardwalks, a 480-square-foot viewing platform, and enhancements to existing trails. Designing and installing these features across sensitive wetland terrain required a thoughtful, low-impact approach. The result is a more welcoming, species-rich, and resilient landscape that invites people into nature while actively protecting it.

Stormwater Basin Maintenance & MS4 Compliance: Managing Invasives & Non-Natives

Invasive vegetation doesn’t just affect wild landscapes, it also poses challenges for stormwater infrastructure. Many municipalities struggle with invasives overtaking stormwater basins, reducing their capacity and function, which can lead to violations of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits and municipality stormwater management regulatory requirements.

Princeton Hydro designs and implements comprehensive stormwater basin maintenance programs that include invasive species management. Removing Phragmites, broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), and other aggressive species from stormwater infrastructure helps to restore hydrologic flow and ensures the basins perform as designed. These maintenance programs also help maintain MS4 compliance, protect downstream water quality, and reduce flooding risks—while enhancing habitat value where possible.

Protecting the Future of Our Wetlands and Wildlife

The fight against invasive and aggressive non-native species is ongoing, and success requires a combination of science, strategy, and stewardship. Each effort implemented and every acre reclaimed is a step toward protecting the ecosystems we all depend on.

[post_title] => Invasive Species in Focus: Impacts, Solutions, and Restoration Successes [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => invasive-species-in-focus-impacts-solutions-and-restoration-successes [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-07 19:48:23 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-07 19:48:23 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17748 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 11 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 19515 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-04-06 19:40:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-04-06 19:40:48 [post_content] =>

Understanding the Tradeoffs: Green vs. Gray Infrastructure

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="full" ids="19522,19523"]

Three Case Studies, Three Different Answers

1. Flooding at the Lambertville Fire Department: When Gray Is the Right Choice

2. Holcombe Park Restoration: A Hybrid Solution

3. Pennsylvania Stream Restoration: When Natural Systems Provide the Best Answer

Key Takeaways: Context Is Everything

A Longstanding Partnership with Lambertville

[post_title] => Green or Gray? Stormwater Solutions in Constrained Watersheds [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => green-or-gray-stormwater-solutions-in-constrained-watersheds [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-04-06 19:40:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-04-06 19:40:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19515 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 97 [max_num_pages] => 9 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => 1 [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 6b977d52b009ae9a47e40159560ea821 [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => 1 [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:e1502d5e6da96a917e5749c5a6266349 )

Home

Blog

Posted on April 06, 2026 by Princeton Hydro

Understanding the Tradeoffs: Green vs. Gray Infrastructure

Three Case Studies, Three Different Answers

1. Flooding at the Lambertville Fire Department: When Gray Is the Right Choice

2. Holcombe Park Restoration: A Hybrid Solution

3. Pennsylvania Stream Restoration: When Natural Systems Provide the Best Answer

Key Takeaways: Context Is Everything

A Longstanding Partnership with Lambertville

What Is Biochar and Why Use It in Waterbodies?

Aquatic Ecologist Katie Walston-Frederick (right) leads a biochar sleeve filling session. Katie and her team members wear full protective equipment when handling biochar due to the fine, carbon-based nature of the material.

Lessons Learned from Five Years of Field Applications

Beyond Adsorption: The Role of Biology

Biochar in Practice: Case Studies from the Field

1. Duke Farms, NJ - Integrating Biochar into Long-term Lake Management

3. Regional Stormwater Projects - Scaling a Targeted Approach

4. Lake Hopatcong, NJ - Biochar at the State's Largest Lake

5. Central Park, NYC - Biochar within a Holistic Urban Lake Management Strategy

Looking Ahead & Learning More

Protecting Natural Green Infrastructure

Modernizing Zoning to Reflect Environmental Realities

Legal Foundations and Enforcement

Watch the Full Webinar

Community Engagement in Action: Eastwick Community Day

Building on the Eastwick Flood Resilience Study

Partnerships for a Resilient Future

Understanding the Role of Floodplain Management

Technical Sessions Led by Princeton Hydro

Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience in the Lower Darby Creek Watershed

Are You Hesitant to Pursue a Stormwater Utility?

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

2. Lake Hopatcong Commission – Watershed-Based Stormwater BMPs

3. Cozy Lake, Jefferson Township – Addressing Emerging Contaminants

4. Rockaway Township – Watershed-Based Green Infrastructure

5. Green Trust Alliance – Green Infrastructure and Community Engagement

Inside the Guide

Sections at a Glance

About Congressman Rothman

Designing a Sustainable, Inclusive Public Space

Plan Your Visit

Understanding the Impacts of Invasive Species

Why Control Matters: Ecological, Economic, and Regulatory Incentives

Invasive Species Control Methods

Case Studies: Invasive Species Mitigation in Action

GreenVest Baltimore: Phragmites Control & Tidal Marsh Restoration

Mercer County: Long-Term Invasive Species Management

Lower Raritan Mitigation Site: Multi-Year, Multi-Faceted Wetland Restoration

South Cape May Meadows Nature Preserve: Restoring Balance & Enhancing Access

Stormwater Basin Maintenance & MS4 Compliance: Managing Invasives & Non-Natives

Protecting the Future of Our Wetlands and Wildlife

Understanding the Tradeoffs: Green vs. Gray Infrastructure

Three Case Studies, Three Different Answers

1. Flooding at the Lambertville Fire Department: When Gray Is the Right Choice

2. Holcombe Park Restoration: A Hybrid Solution

3. Pennsylvania Stream Restoration: When Natural Systems Provide the Best Answer

Key Takeaways: Context Is Everything

A Longstanding Partnership with Lambertville

Blog

Popular Topics

Company News

Engineering

Environmental Action

Environmental Services

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Management

Lake and Pond Management

Natural Resource Management

Stormwater Management

Stream Restoration

get in touch

How would you like to be contacted?

Careers

Wrapper title

Wrapper title

Wrapper title

Wrapper title