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In this edition, we follow Casey Pantaleo, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the Engineering Services team as he performs one of his highly specialized roles: dam inspection. Casey meets the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s criteria for a “qualified engineer,” meaning he is licensed in New Jersey, has more than a decade of relevant experience in dam design, construction, operation, and evaluation, and possesses a deep understanding of the potential causes and consequences of dam failures. He routinely conducts detailed inspections to help ensure the safety and stability of dams across New Jersey and throughout the Northeast. These structures, which play crucial roles in flood control, water supply, and recreation, require routine maintenance and monitoring to protect downstream communities and preserve infrastructure integrity. Spend a day with Casey and you’ll quickly realize that dam safety inspection is anything but routine—it’s equal parts technical expertise, historical context, and regulatory navigation, along with a good pair of waterproof boots. Inspection, Planning & Records Review Before heading into the field, the inspection process begins with reviewing the dam’s existing documentation; the scope of that review depends on the type of inspection being conducted. For a Formal Inspection, the process requires an in-depth review of all available records on the dam. This typically takes place in person at the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety office and should be completed prior to the field visit. For a Regular Inspection, the inspector reviews the most recent inspection report, the dam’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual. This step is essential for understanding the dam’s history, known concerns, and any previous recommendations or repairs. Both inspection types involve a detailed on-site visual examination of the dam. The Bureau of Dam Safety provides a standardized inspection checklist that guides this process. The checklist includes specific criteria for earthen embankments, concrete/masonry dams, and their spillway structures. “For earthen embankment dams, we assess the overall alignment, crest, upstream and downstream slopes, and dam abutments,” explains Casey. “We’re looking for signs of settlement, depressions, slope instability, seepage, and other indicators of distress.” For concrete dams, inspectors evaluate the upstream and downstream faces, crest, foundation, abutments, and any interior galleries. The key concerns here are material condition, cracking, seepage, and structural movement. The spillway, which is often inspected last, requires identification of all structures associated with overflow and release. Depending on the dam’s configuration, this may include primary, secondary, or emergency spillways. Components typically observed include:
Welcome to our “A Day in the Life” blog series, where we explore the diverse expertise and everyday experiences of the professionals who power Princeton Hydro’s mission. In this edition, we follow Casey Pantaleo, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the Engineering Services team as he performs one of his highly specialized roles: dam inspection.
Casey meets the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s criteria for a “qualified engineer,” meaning he is licensed in New Jersey, has more than a decade of relevant experience in dam design, construction, operation, and evaluation, and possesses a deep understanding of the potential causes and consequences of dam failures. He routinely conducts detailed inspections to help ensure the safety and stability of dams across New Jersey and throughout the Northeast.
These structures, which play crucial roles in flood control, water supply, and recreation, require routine maintenance and monitoring to protect downstream communities and preserve infrastructure integrity.
Spend a day with Casey and you’ll quickly realize that dam safety inspection is anything but routine—it’s equal parts technical expertise, historical context, and regulatory navigation, along with a good pair of waterproof boots.
Before heading into the field, the inspection process begins with reviewing the dam’s existing documentation; the scope of that review depends on the type of inspection being conducted.
For a Formal Inspection, the process requires an in-depth review of all available records on the dam. This typically takes place in person at the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety office and should be completed prior to the field visit.
For a Regular Inspection, the inspector reviews the most recent inspection report, the dam’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual. This step is essential for understanding the dam’s history, known concerns, and any previous recommendations or repairs.
Both inspection types involve a detailed on-site visual examination of the dam. The Bureau of Dam Safety provides a standardized inspection checklist that guides this process. The checklist includes specific criteria for earthen embankments, concrete/masonry dams, and their spillway structures.
“For earthen embankment dams, we assess the overall alignment, crest, upstream and downstream slopes, and dam abutments,” explains Casey. “We’re looking for signs of settlement, depressions, slope instability, seepage, and other indicators of distress.”
For concrete dams, inspectors evaluate the upstream and downstream faces, crest, foundation, abutments, and any interior galleries. The key concerns here are material condition, cracking, seepage, and structural movement.
The spillway, which is often inspected last, requires identification of all structures associated with overflow and release. Depending on the dam’s configuration, this may include primary, secondary, or emergency spillways.
Components typically observed include:
“Every dam is different,” Casey adds. “Not all structures have every component listed on the checklist, so part of our job is tailoring the inspection to the specific site configuration.”
The Formal Inspections checklist also includes a review and description of previous engineering studies and analyses, which ensures the dam continues to meet regulatory requirements. These formal evaluations are required every six years for Class I (high hazard) dams, and every ten years for Class II (significant hazard) dams.
All findings from both the field inspection and records review are compiled into a detailed inspection report, which includes photographic documentation and a formal condition rating:
The report also outlines a compliance schedule, proposing timelines for maintenance work, additional studies, or other corrective actions. Once complete, the report is signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and submitted to both the client and the Bureau of Dam Safety.
With the planning and records review process complete, Casey prepares for the physical site visit. Dam inspections often require a full day in the field, so preparation is key.
The first step before heading to the site is preparing an Activity Hazards Analysis (AHA). This document outlines the specific activities planned during the inspection, identifies potential hazards associated with each task, and defines the control measures used to eliminate or reduce risk. The AHA also includes the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility in case of injury.
Common hazards associated with dam inspections include slips, trips, and falls, insect nests, poison ivy, working near water, and occasionally, working on or near active roadways. Seasonal risks are also considered, such as the potential for heat illnesses during the summer months or cold-related injuries in the winter.
With safety protocols in place, Casey reviews the inspection schedule, checks the weather forecast, prints site maps, and gathers all the necessary personal protective equipment—waders, hard hat, and high-visibility vest—along with essential tools like a tape measure, measuring wheel, tile probe, field notebook, and camera.
Each tool plays a specific role. The tape measure is used for small-scale assessments, such as measuring cracks or depressions. The measuring wheel helps determine distances between notable features onsite. The tile probe allows Casey to gauge the density and consistency of embankment soils and to investigate for voids in concrete structures. It also comes in handy for checking the depth of animal burrows or the extent of subsurface voids within the dam.
“Having the right measuring tools is absolutely essential,” Casey explains. “We aim to collect the most detailed measurements possible so future inspections can determine whether a condition is getting worse. We also try to anticipate every potential hazard and ensure we have everything we might need before leaving the office. Sometimes we’re hiking through thick brush to reach a spillway or crawling into an outlet conduit—so having a solid plan and the right gear isn’t just helpful, it’s critical.”
Today’s inspection takes place at Assunpink Dam #6, an earth embankment dam located in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Built in 1975, the dam is part of a flood control system designed to reduce risks along Assunpink Creek. The structure stands 31 feet high and stretches 2,500 feet long, with a total storage capacity of 12,653 acre-feet. It features a concrete spillway and an upstream water control structure. Owned by the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, the dam is regulated by the state and classified as a high-hazard structure—meaning its failure could result in significant downstream impacts, making regular inspections essential.
To begin the inspection, Casey walks the full length of the embankment, conducting a detailed visual assessment. He looks for telltale warning signs: animal burrows, seepage, erosion, settlement, slope instability, and woody vegetation that could damage the dam face or block visibility during future inspections. One of the most common and problematic issues he encounters is overgrown vegetation, which can significantly hinder the ability to properly evaluate the structure. Keeping the dam clear is critical for spotting early warning signs and maintaining long-term safety.
“Each dam tells its own story,” Casey explains. “Some may show signs of movement, others are perfectly stable. One site might have seepage issues, while another remains completely dry. It all depends on the structure and how it’s aged.”
He carefully inspects the embankment and associated structures for signs of movement, depressions, sloughing, cracking, and uncontrolled seepage, any of which could indicate an underlying issue that requires remediation.
“We follow a standard checklist during every inspection, but each dam is unique,” he adds. “Part of the job is understanding how these systems were built—some decades or even over a century ago—and how they’ve changed over time.”
After completing the full inspection, including the downstream toe, abutments, and emergency spillway, Casey wraps up his field notes, double-checks measurements, and ensures that all required photos have been captured. Before leaving the site, he often debriefs with the site representative, noting any immediate maintenance needs and outlining the next steps in the reporting process.
Back in the office, Casey begins transcribing his notes into a formal inspection report. He uploads and labels photos, updates GIS data where applicable, and reviews the dam’s historical inspection records to identify long-term trends or recurring issues. These records often help tell a broader story about the structure’s condition over time, highlighting vegetation growth, erosion patterns, or the effectiveness of past repairs.
Safety is always the top priority. If the inspection reveals anything that could pose an immediate risk to people or property downstream, such as uncontrolled seepage, excessive settlement, or slope instability, Casey contacts the dam owner and the NJDEP right away to recommend prompt action. Beyond urgent concerns, the inspection report also includes recommendations for routine maintenance and identifies any outdated analyses or studies that should be updated.
In many cases, the findings involve standard upkeep: clearing overgrown vegetation, reseeding disturbed areas, monitoring minor cracks or depressions, or maintaining access to critical features. One frequently emphasized point is the importance of operating the dam’s low-level outlet, if one is present, on a regular basis. Doing so helps ensure the outlet remains free of sediment or debris and functions properly in an emergency when water levels need to be lowered quickly.
New Jersey is home to more than 1,700 dams, according to data from NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety. These regulated structures range from low-hazard to high-hazard classifications, the latter being dams whose failure could result in significant property damage or loss of life. Regular inspections are not only a regulatory requirement, but a frontline defense against catastrophic failure. They help identify small problems before they become serious, support safe operation, and guide critical maintenance and repair decisions that protect both people and ecosystems.
“Dam inspection doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s essential,” says Casey. “We’re helping communities prevent disasters before they happen by keeping a close eye on structures that quietly serve very big purposes.”
For more information about New Jersey’s dam infrastructure and safety programs, go here!
Casey Pantaleo, PE has over a decade of experience in the Geotechnical Engineering field and expertise in dam inspection, stormwater infrastructure, and regulatory permitting. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New York. He maintains a wide range of professional responsibilities for the firm including subsurface explorations, development of geotechnical laboratory testing programs, shallow and deep foundation analysis and design, settlement evaluation, earth retaining system design, slope stability analyses, and management of geotechnical field operations. He also has extensive experience with stormwater infiltration analysis and testing, as well as performing annual dam inspections in compliance with the NJDEP Division of Dam Safety. He completes regular inspection reports, as well as reviews of O&M Manuals and Emergency Action Plans. He has experience with the design of dams for rehabilitation, preparation of engineering plans, and submission of relevant dam permits.
Casey earned his Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical focus from Rowan University. While at Rowan he performed comprehensive research on the effects of particle morphology in geotechnical testing using discrete element modeling and has several peer reviewed journal and conference publications outlining the results of this research.
Rivers are the lifeblood of ecosystems, weaving through landscapes to connect habitats, sustain biodiversity, and provide vital resources to communities. Yet, rivers around the world are disrupted by outdated dams, weirs, culverts, and other blockages that fragment habitats, block fish migration, and degrade ecological health. The consequences are far-reaching, threatening not only ecosystems but also the communities that depend on healthy rivers.
Research by the European Open Rivers Programme has highlighted both the urgent need for action and the immense potential of dam removal to restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and revive natural river connectivity.
Since 2022, Princeton Hydro President and Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, an expert in water resources engineering, has been collaborating with organizations in Portugal to advance shared goals of river restoration and ecosystem revitalization. In October 2024, Mr. Goll traveled to Portugal, where he met with the organizations driving forward the country’s ecosystem restoration efforts and visited the sites of three key projects he has, or is currently collaborating on.
This blog explores those restoration efforts, highlighting how they address the challenges of river fragmentation while establishing a blueprint for future restoration efforts.
One of the most significant examples of these collaborative restoration efforts is the groundbreaking Galaxes Weir Removal project, which set the stage for future initiatives by addressing river fragmentation on Portugal’s Odeleite River.
Galaxes Weir Removal project in Portugal's Algarve Region marked the country’s first civil removal of an obsolete river barrier to benefit migratory fish species. Associação Natureza Portugal in association with World Wildlife Fund Portugal (ANP/WWF), a non-profit NGO dedicated to the conservation of nature and the protection of the planet, reached out to Mr. Goll and Ms. Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy of American Rivers, to undertake this pioneering effort.
Completed in March 2023, the removal of the 2-meter-high Galaxes Weir restored 7.7 kilometers of river connectivity, aiding in the preservation of critical fish species such as the Spanish minnowcarp (Anaecypris hispanica) and the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). By improving river flow and ecological conditions, the project also bolstered economically vital fisheries, enhanced recreational opportunities, and supported local tourism, establishing a model for future restoration initiatives. Funding for the Galaxes Weir removal was provided by the European Open Rivers Programme (EORP), a grant-giving organization dedicated to restoring European rivers. The international partnership that brought Mr. Goll and Ms. Hollingsworh-Segedy into the fold was facilitated by connections made through the World Fish Migration Foundation. He and Ms. Hollingsworth-Segedy were asked to provide guidance on the de-construction of this concrete structure.
The success of the Galaxes Weir Removal project highlights the importance of both engineering knowledge and techniques, as well as community engagement. By involving local communities throughout the process, the project fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ensured that the ecological and cultural value of the river was preserved. It also underscored the benefits of dam removal as a swift and effective strategy to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable river management.
Building on the success of the Galaxes Weir removal, the ANP/WWF team expanded its efforts to Santarém, Portugal, northeast of Lisbon, on the Perofilho Stream, a tributary of the Tejo River. The Perofilho Weir, a 2-meter-high concrete barrier, fragmented habitats and disrupted the natural flow of the stream. The National Authority for Nature and Forests Conservation (ICNF) identified the Galaxes Weir as one of the obsolete barriers to be removed to improve fish and overall biodiversity in the area and restore fluvial connectivity.
This restoration project, initiated in 2023, was led by ANP/WWF in collaboration with SOS Animal (weir owner) and the Santarém Municipal Council (local government). Mr. Goll was invited to design the removal of the concrete weir, including innovative solutions such as the use of live timber crib walls for stream bank stabilization. He also provided consultation to the onsite construction manager during the removal process and conducted a final site walkthrough following construction, offering recommendations to ensure long-term success.
The Perofilho Weir removal, completed in October 2024, restored 2.2 kilometers of the Perofilho Stream—nearly half its total length—reconnecting it with the Tejo River. This comprehensive restoration project addressed sediment management, habitat rehabilitation, and flood risk reduction, resulting in significant improvements to water quality and ecological health. Key species benefiting from these efforts include the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and the Iberian painted frog (Discoglossus galganoi). Notably, it also enabled the first research into fish species inhabiting the stream.
This milestone project not only revitalized a critical aquatic ecosystem, it also established a blueprint for future river restoration efforts in Portugal and beyond.
During Mr. Goll’s visit to Portugal in October 2024, he toured the Perofilho Weir removal site alongside Maria João Costa, Water Coordinator of ANP/WWF. Together, they participated in a live video event hosted by the World Fish Migration Foundation, celebrating the project’s success. Broadcasted on the Dam Removal Europe YouTube channel, the event highlighted the restoration effort’s impact on biodiversity and river connectivity. If you missed the live broadcast, the recording is available online. Watch now:
The Oeiras River in western Algarve winds through rural landscapes, agricultural zones, and small towns before merging with the Arade River. This intermittent Mediterranean stream supports native and endangered species and serves as a habitat for some of Portugal’s most iconic mammals.
Recognizing the river’s ecological significance, the ICNF identified it as a high-priority conservation area with potential for impactful restoration. In collaboration with the company Somincor, ICNF contracted ANP/WWF to evaluate the removal of nine barriers along the river, beginning with the upstream Horta Fialho Weir.
To complete the proposed work, ANP/WWF is undertaking several activities, including feasibility assessments, local community and stakeholder engagement, and public environmental education. ANP/WWF engaged Princeton Hydro to prepare the design and specifications for the Horta Fialho Weir removal and develop concept designs for the eight (8) additional barriers.
In October 2024, Mr. Goll spent a week in the field alongside ANP/WWF, surveying the Oeiras River and its tributaries, documenting blockages and ecosystem conditions, meeting with local dam owners and community members, and gathering field measurements to inform the designs and specifications.
The removal of the Horta Fialho Weir will reconnect 2.34 kilometers of the river and set the stage for removing the eight additional barriers, which would ultimately restore 143.4 kilometers of river connectivity. This ambitious initiative is expected to significantly enhance the river’s ecological health and improve habitats for native and endangered species, including freshwater mussels (Unio tumidiformis, Anodonta anatina, Unio delphinus), and their host fish (Squalius spp.), the migratory European eel (Anguilla anguilla), the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).
Beyond ecological benefits, the project offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the advantages of dam removal and the critical importance of biodiversity conservation across Portugal. The European Open Rivers Programme is funding this landmark restoration effort.
Portugal’s ecosystem restoration projects illustrate the impact of international collaboration and knowledge exchange. By removing barriers, reconnecting habitats, and revitalizing ecosystems, these efforts are paving the way for a healthier future for rivers and the communities that depend on them. Through continued partnerships and mutual support, the journey toward sustainable environmental stewardship remains hopeful and promising.
Building on the success of these initiatives, Mr. Goll and the Princeton Hydro team look forward to continuing their work in Portugal and beyond, offering technical expertise in ecosystem restoration and barrier removal to support similar efforts around the world.
This work would not be possible without the dedication of ANP/WWF, the European Open Rivers Programme, the Dam Removal Europe team, The National Authority for Nature and Forests Conservation, Herman Wanningen, and all the local landowners who were committed to the restoration of the Oeiras River. Their commitment to river restoration and biodiversity conservation serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration and shared vision. We encourage you to click the links provided to learn more about these vital organizations.
Princeton Hydro has successfully designed, permitted, and overseen the removal of over 84 dams to date. Mr. Goll holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University and a Master of Engineering Management from UW–Madison. His knowledge encompasses water resources and geotechnical engineering, including sediment management, stream and river restoration, stormwater management, green infrastructure, freshwater wetland and coastal marsh design, dam design, and dam removal. He is recognized as a distinguished leader in advancing innovative and effective solutions for river restoration.
The removal of Beatty's Mill Dam stands as a pivotal moment in the conservation efforts along the Musconetcong River. This critical initiative, spearheaded by the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA), Washington Township, and the Town of Hackettstown in collaboration with Princeton Hydro and RiverLogic Solutions, marks a significant stride towards rejuvenating the river's natural ecosystem and addressing long-standing concerns regarding flood mitigation and habitat preservation.
Beatty's Mill Dam straddles the border between Warren and Morris Counties in Hackettstown and Washington Township, New Jersey. It is a 6-foot-high stone masonry, concrete, and earth embankment dam that was built in the 18th century and has been non-functional for decades.
Beatty’s Mill Dam is a low-head dam, which means it was not built to protect communities from flooding and can make flooding worse in some cases. Hackettstown and Washington Township are also more susceptible to flooding and erosion due to the high percentage of impervious surfaces, like roads and parking lots, which cause higher flows of stormwater runoff.
A dam safety report from 1981 shows that the dam had been breached on the eastern end. The breach caused a hairpin turn where the river is diverted sharply to the east then back to the west before flowing under the East Avenue bridge. Over time, this created erosive conditions at the upstream side of the bridge and roadbed, threatening the integrity of the infrastructure. Additionally, extensive alteration of the floodplain occurred upstream of the dam, including an elevated earthen berm along the left bank, and general land disturbance in both upland and wetlands.
The removal of the dam not only addresses the structural concerns but also holds the promise of extensive environmental improvements. By eradicating barriers to the Musconetcong River's natural flow, restoring the floodplain, and implementing strategies to curb stormwater runoff, this initiative aims to mitigate flooding, promote water quality, and foster a thriving habitat for aquatic organisms including indigenous species like the Eastern Brook Trout and American Eel.
With funding from the Highlands Council, Princeton Hydro was contracted in 2019 by Washington Township to complete a water quality assessment, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and functional value stream assessment of reaches of the Musconetcong River that encompassed the Beatty’s Mill site (and the downstream Newburgh Dam site). Following the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council guidance, Princeton Hydro assessed and rated the river reaches on five functional values: channel integrity, habitat, water quality, temperature moderation, and public use. The Beatty’s Mill Dam, floodplain encroachment, narrow riparian buffers, and non-native riparian vegetation were the primary sources of impact to the functional values.
Subsequently, Princeton Hydro was contracted by MWA to complete a site investigation, wetland delineation, topographic survey, and preliminary (60%) engineering design for dam removal. Preliminary plans were reviewed by Washington Township and the Town of Hackettstown. In 2023, Princeton Hydro completed the final engineering design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and permitting for the removal of Beatty’s Mill Dam and restoration of the floodplain and provided engineering oversight during construction.
The removal of Beatty’s Mill Dam was officially completed the week of November 13, 2023!
Princeton Hydro assisted in the removal and restoration, providing engineering plans and project management support. With the dam removed, 2.5 acres of flood plain have been restored; 0.15 mile of stream bank have been stabilized; 0.15 mile of stream bed has been rehabilitated; and total suspended solids in the water have been reduced by 20%.
Michael Allers, Princeton Hydro Restoration Ecologist and licensed FAA-Certified Commercial Drone Pilot, captured these aerial images of the completed project site:
It is projected that there will be significant improvement to the five aforementioned functional values, increased fish passage, enhanced hydraulic conditions at the East Avenue bridge as well as improvements to the river’s pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels.
Removing the dam also supports conformance with the Highlands Regional Master Plan, which is intended to protect, preserve, and enhance precious water resources within the Highlands Region. The project work also includes the restoration of the damaged floodplain, stream banks, and stream bed by planting trees, building up the banks with rocks, and allowing the river to return to its natural flowing channel.
This project’s significance extends beyond the immediate environmental impact. Funding from sources like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation under the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and New Jersey’s Highlands Council, along with corporate contributions, underscores its potential to serve as a model for similar restoration projects across the Delaware River Watershed. Such initiatives not only enhance aquatic habitats but also bolster community resilience against flooding and elevate public awareness regarding watershed conservation.
The vision for this restoration effort reflects a collective commitment to revitalize river ecosystems, not just for the immediate region but as part of a broader strategy for conservation. The Beatty's Mill Dam marks the MWA's sixth dam removed on the Musconetcong River since 2008, but it is far from the last. This project aims to set a precedent for sustainable river management and ecosystem preservation.
The removal of Beatty's Mill Dam represents a milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore the Musconetcong River's ecological balance and underscores the collaborative spirit between MWA, local municipalities, various stakeholders, and Princeton Hydro. It serves as a testament to the potential of concerted conservation endeavors to restore the vitality of our waterways and safeguard the natural heritage for generations to come.
The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its watershed, including its natural and cultural resources. Members of the organization are part of a network of individuals, families, and companies that care about the Musconetcong River and its watershed, and are dedicated to improving the watershed resources through public education and awareness programs, river water quality monitoring, promotion of sustainable land management practices, and community involvement. Click here to learn more.
Princeton Hydro has been working with MWA in the areas of river restoration, dam removal, and engineering consulting since 2003. Click here to read our Client Spotlight blog featuring MWA’s Executive Director Cindy Joerger and Communications Coordinator Karen Doerfer.
[caption id="attachment_2936" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Ursino Dam on the Elizabeth River in Union County, New Jersey is one of the sites Princeton Hydro inspected for flood control, ensuring the system is providing the level of protection it was designed to deliver.[/caption]
Located 20 miles southwest of New York City, the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is situated along the Elizabeth River. For the city's 125,000 residents, living along the river has many benefits, but the benefits are not without flood risk. In order to manage the risk associated with potential flooding, a series of levees and floodwalls were installed along the banks of the Elizabeth River. A levee is an embankment that is constructed to prevent overflow from a river. They are a crucial element for protecting cities from disastrous flooding, and as such they require periodic inspections to ensure that all components are functioning properly.
Princeton Hydro was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District (USACE NYD) to perform rigorous flood control project inspections (i.e., “Periodic Inspections”) for the four levee systems located along the Elizabeth River. For this project, our team inspected over 17,000 linear feet of levee embankment and 2,500 linear feet of floodwall.
Levee systems are comprised of components which collectively provide flood risk management to a defined area. These components can include levees, structural floodwalls, closure gates, pumping stations, culverts, and interior drainage works. These components are interconnected and collectively ensure the protection of development and/or infrastructure that is situated within a floodplain. Failure of just one critical component within a system could constitute an overall system failure. During Hurricane Katrina, for example, dozens of levees were destroyed, leaving the Louisiana coast with billions of dollars in damage and over one thousand lives lost.
Periodic inspections are necessary in order to ensure a levee system will perform as expected. They are also needed to identify deficiencies in the levee, or areas that need monitoring or immediate repair. Critically important maintenance activities include continuously assessing the integrity of the levee system to identify changes over time, collecting information to help inform decisions about future actions, and providing the public with information about the levees on which they rely.
Periodic inspections are extremely comprehensive and include three key steps: data collection, field inspection, and development of a final report.
Prior to conducting field inspections, Princeton Hydro’s engineers evaluated the Elizabeth River levee system's documented design criteria. This evaluation was conducted to assess the ability of each feature and the overall system to function as authorized, and also to identify any potential need to update the system design. Princeton Hydro teamed with HDR to carry out the inspections. A comprehensive review of existing data on operation and maintenance, previous inspections, emergency action plans, and flood fighting records was also performed.
The Princeton Hydro field inspection team consisted of geotechnical, water resource, mechanical, structural, and electrical engineers. Detailed inspections were performed on each segment of each levee system. This included the detailed inspection and documentation of over 17,000 linear feet of levee embankment, over 2,500 linear feet of floodwall, four pumping stations, 29 interior drainage structures, five closure gates, and various other encroachments and facilities. Princeton Hydro identified, evaluated, and rated the state of each of these system elements. As part of this field inspection task, Princeton Hydro utilized a state-of-the-art tablet and GIS technology in order to field-locate inspection points and record item ratings. This digital collection of data helps expedite data processing and ensures higher levels of accuracy.
Princeton Hydro prepared a Periodic Inspection Report for each of the four levee systems inspected, which included the results of the design document review, methods and results of the field inspection, a summary of areas/items of concern, a preliminary engineering assessment of causes of distress or abnormal conditions, and recommendations for remedial actions to address identified concerns. Final report development included briefing the USACE Levee Safety Officer (LSO) on our inspection findings, assigned ratings, and recommendations.
Levee inspections are vital to the longevity of levee systems and the safety of the communities they protect. By providing the municipalities with detailed inspection reports, effective repair and management programs can be designed and implemented efficiently. This helps to ensure the levee systems are providing the level of protection that they were designed to deliver.
Princeton Hydro’s Geoscience and Water Resource Engineering teams perform levee and dam inspections throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England Regions. For more info, click here.
Brendon Achey provides a wide range of technical skills and services for Princeton Hydro. His responsibilities include: project management, preparation and quality control of technical deliverables, geotechnical investigations and analysis, groundwater hydrology, soil sampling plan design and implementation, and site characterization. He is responsible for managing the daily operations of the AASHTO-accredited and USACE-validated soil testing laboratory. In addition to laboratory testing and analysis, Brendon is responsible for analyzing results in support of geotechnical and stormwater management design evaluations. This may include bearing capacity and settlement analysis of both shallow and deep foundations, retaining wall design, and recommendations for stormwater management practices.
As dams age and decay, they can become public safety hazards, presenting a failure risk and flooding danger. According to American Rivers, “more than 90,000 dams in the country are no longer serving the purpose that they were built to provide decades or centuries ago.” Dam removal has increasingly become the best option for property owners who can no longer afford the rising cost of maintenance and repair work required to maintain these complex structures.
Dams can also cause environmental issues such as blocking the movement of fish and other aquatic species, inundating river habitat, impairing water quality, and altering the flow necessary to sustain river life. Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams can bring a river back to its natural state and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed.
Currently, work is underway in Watertown, Connecticut to remove the Heminway Pond Dam, which restricts fish passage in Steele Brook, creates a pond with increased water temperatures and high bacterial levels due to high geese populations, and encourages deposition of iron precipitate in the stream channel just downstream of the dam.
Princeton Hydro designed the engineering plans, managed permitting and is now overseeing construction for the removal project. The removal of the Heminway Pond Dam is identified as an integral component in addressing water quality impairment between the dam and Echo Lake Road.
REMOVAL OF HEMINWAY POND DAM ON STEELE BROOK IN WATERTOWN UNDERWAY After almost 15 years of discussion and planning with the Town of Watertown and other partners, removal of Heminway Pond Dam on Steele Brook in Watertown finally got underway in early July. Though no longer functional, the dam and pond were originally constructed to supply water for a former thread/string mill. The Town acquired the dam and pond from the Siemon Company, the most recent owner, in 2007 with an eye towards removing the dam, restoring the river and converting the dewatered impoundment area into a passive recreation area, including an extension of the Steele Brook Greenway. With these goals in mind, the Town approached CT DEEP for help with removal of the dam. As it turns out, CT DEEP, has also had a strong interest in seeing this dam removed. It is anticipated that dam removal will improve the hydrology in this section of Steele Brook and eliminate a water quality impairment which manifests itself during hot weather and low flow conditions, as an orange-colored plume of water (due to iron precipitate) immediately downstream of the dam that impacts aquatic life. Dam removal would also benefit fisheries by restoring stream connectivity and habitat. Working towards these mutual goals, CT DEEP was able to provide federal CWA 319 nonpoint source grant funding to USDA NRCS to develop a watershed-based plan for Steele Brook to address nonpoint source impairments that includes a dam removal feasibility analysis for Heminway Pond Dam. Based on the recommendations in this plan, CT DEEP subsequently provided additional 319 grant funds to the Town of Watertown to hire a consultant to develop a dam removal design package, and assist with permitting and preparation. With the Town of Watertown as a strong and vested partner, CT DEEP is now helping this project over the finish line by providing a combination of 319 and SEP funds to accomplish the actual dam removal and restoration of Steele Brook. Dayton Construction Company is performing the construction and Princeton Hydro is the consultant overseeing the project on behalf of the Town. The Northwest Conservation District is also assisting with the project. It is anticipated that the majority of the work will be completed by this Fall. U.S. EPA, ACOE and CT DEEP have all played active roles with regard to permitting the project.
After almost 15 years of discussion and planning with the Town of Watertown and other partners, removal of Heminway Pond Dam on Steele Brook in Watertown finally got underway in early July. Though no longer functional, the dam and pond were originally constructed to supply water for a former thread/string mill. The Town acquired the dam and pond from the Siemon Company, the most recent owner, in 2007 with an eye towards removing the dam, restoring the river and converting the dewatered impoundment area into a passive recreation area, including an extension of the Steele Brook Greenway. With these goals in mind, the Town approached CT DEEP for help with removal of the dam.
As it turns out, CT DEEP, has also had a strong interest in seeing this dam removed. It is anticipated that dam removal will improve the hydrology in this section of Steele Brook and eliminate a water quality impairment which manifests itself during hot weather and low flow conditions, as an orange-colored plume of water (due to iron precipitate) immediately downstream of the dam that impacts aquatic life. Dam removal would also benefit fisheries by restoring stream connectivity and habitat.
Working towards these mutual goals, CT DEEP was able to provide federal CWA 319 nonpoint source grant funding to USDA NRCS to develop a watershed-based plan for Steele Brook to address nonpoint source impairments that includes a dam removal feasibility analysis for Heminway Pond Dam. Based on the recommendations in this plan, CT DEEP subsequently provided additional 319 grant funds to the Town of Watertown to hire a consultant to develop a dam removal design package, and assist with permitting and preparation.
With the Town of Watertown as a strong and vested partner, CT DEEP is now helping this project over the finish line by providing a combination of 319 and SEP funds to accomplish the actual dam removal and restoration of Steele Brook. Dayton Construction Company is performing the construction and Princeton Hydro is the consultant overseeing the project on behalf of the Town. The Northwest Conservation District is also assisting with the project. It is anticipated that the majority of the work will be completed by this Fall. U.S. EPA, ACOE and CT DEEP have all played active roles with regard to permitting the project.
Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of dozens of small and large dams in the Northeast. Click here to read about a recent dam removal project the firm completed on the Moosup River.
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