We’re committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
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Yet the performance and longevity of these structures depend just as much on the subsurface conditions beneath them. Geotechnical engineering is the discipline dedicated to investigating, analyzing, and characterizing soil, rock, landscape, and groundwater conditions, and applying that data to the design and construction of safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure and restoration projects. At Princeton Hydro, our geotechnical and soils engineers design and execute customized, cost-effective investigations that provide the parameters needed for successful design. Because geotechnical services touch every stage of a project, our integrated approach of investigation, including soils laboratory testing, analysis, and design, all done in-house, ensures streamlined communication, efficiency, and technical excellence. This blog offers a closer look at what geotechnical engineering entails, the specialized capabilities Princeton Hydro provides, and real-world examples of how our work supports resilient, sustainable design. Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Capabilities Geotechnical Investigations: Our engineers can perform subsurface investigation, identification, and assessment of accumulated sediment, subsurface soils, and rock, as well as slope stability and stabilization modeling. Our work ranges from foundation type and bearing capacity assessments to mitigation strategies for unsuitable materials. We also regularly conduct forensic geotechnical investigations, which focus on investigating soil-interaction-related failures of engineered infrastructure. Laboratory Testing: We operate an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accredited laboratory in Sicklerville, NJ. This allows us to complete 100% of geotechnical investigation planning and oversight, laboratory testing, analysis, design, and reporting in-house. Our geotechnical laboratory performs a full suite of soils and materials testing, including grain size analysis, plasticity index, organic content, moisture content, compaction characteristics of soil (Standard and Modified Proctor), California bearing ratio (CBR), one dimensional consolidation, and flexible and rigid wall permeability testing under constant or falling head conditions. With this capability, we can rapidly deliver high-quality data to inform project design and construction. Our laboratory is also a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Validated Laboratory. Click here to view Princeton Hydro’s complete accreditation listing and certificate. And, click here to learn more about the USACE Materials Testing Laboratories and Validation. Field & Construction Services: Our engineers are experienced in construction requirements, design, and methodology for various structures, as well as field inspections and special testing. We have a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) on staff and ACI-certified concrete field-testing technicians. Our team performs compaction testing of soil and asphalt using a nuclear density gauge, reinforcing steel inspections, and 2006 International Building Code (IBC) special inspections. We help determine foundation type, site improvements, and optimal construction techniques. Dredging & Sediment Investigations: Over our 25-year history, we’ve managed more than 100 dredging projects across freshwater and estuarine systems. We specialize in beneficial reuse of dredged material for ecological restoration, including wetland creation, thin-layer placement, and living shorelines. Our team provides sediment characterization, slope stability modeling, and contaminant analysis in complex, developed watersheds. Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Work in Action To bring this work to life, we’ve chosen a few Princeton Hydro projects that showcase where our geotechnical expertise helped solve unique challenges: Geotechnical Design & Subsurface Investigations for Coastal Wetland Restoration – New York At Spring Creek Park North in Jamaica Bay, New York, decades of urbanization and dredged material placement had degraded more than 40 acres of tidal marsh and uplands. To address this, Princeton Hydro provided subsurface investigations and design services for a large-scale ecosystem restoration led by the USACE New York District, in partnership with NYC Parks. A key design assumption was the reuse of excavated material: soils removed from wetland areas were repurposed to construct upland hills, supporting both ecological function and cost-effective implementation. Our work included geotechnical borings, slope stability analyses, and hydraulic modeling, as well as the collection of topographic and bathymetric survey data, wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, and hydrodynamic measurements. This data informed the development of slope stability and hydraulic models and guided the restoration design. The project advanced through a structured engineering design process — with 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design submissions — along with preparation of technical specifications, permit applications, and a detailed construction cost estimate. When complete, the project will restore more than 43 acres of marsh and upland habitat, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience in one of New York City’s most ecologically significant coastal systems. [gallery size="medium" link="none" columns="2" ids="18187,18188"] Offshore Subsurface Investigation for Jetty Reconstruction – Delaware Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE Philadelphia District to perform offshore subsurface geotechnical investigations in support of reconstructing the Indian River Inlet jetty at Delaware Seashore State Park. Working under challenging marine conditions, our team successfully advanced deep geotechnical borings (to depths of 100 feet) from a lift boat platform, collected soil samples, performed laboratory testing including triaxial strength, consolidation, and direct shear tests; and delivered detailed soil data. Despite difficult sea states, we maintained close communication with USACE to ensure safety and project continuity. The resulting data provided USACE with critical insight into subsurface conditions, helping inform design alternatives for the new jetty structure. [gallery size="medium" columns="2" link="none" ids="18185,18184"] Subsurface Investigations for Dike Raising – New Jersey At the Killcohook Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), Princeton Hydro carried out a large-scale subsurface investigation to support USACE Philadelphia District’s plans for raising the site’s perimeter dikes. The project site, formerly a National Wildlife Refuge, is located in Pennsville, New Jersey, on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, to the north of Fort Mott State Park and adjacent to the Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refuge. Each cell of the CDF receives dredge material from the Delaware River. The subsurface explorations performed by Princeton Hydro were conducted along the existing dike comprising the border of Cell 1 of the CDF. Cell 1 consists of an area of approximately 710 acres with the entire CDF covering 1,200 acres. For this exploration project, Princeton Hydro was tasked with the performance of thirty-one (31) geotechnical borings as well as sixty-five (65) cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurements (CPTu) soundings. Princeton Hydro also provided site safety oversight in accordance with USACE standards. Soil samples were logged and collected by Princeton Hydro and tested at their Sicklerville, New Jersey geotechnical laboratory, which is accredited under the AASHTO Accreditation Program and validated by USACE for soils testing. The data collected is now being used by USACE to design the upgraded dike system, ensuring safe, resilient operation of the facility for future dredged material management. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="18181,18183"] Comprehensive Geotechnical Investigation and Reporting – New Jersey At the 545-acre Pedricktown North Confined Disposal Facility in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, located on the Delaware River west of Route 130 between Porcupine Road and Pennsgrove-Pedricktown Road, Princeton Hydro conducted a comprehensive subsurface investigation in support of a dike raising project led by the USACE Philadelphia District. As part of this field exploration, our team performed eight geotechnical borings, thirty-eight cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurement (CPTu) soundings, and collected five grab samples. These efforts provided critical soil strength and settlement data to inform USACE’s design of the upgraded dike system. In addition to managing subcontractors and ensuring compliance with USACE safety protocols, Princeton Hydro oversaw the field program, coordinated directly with the Project Manager, and delivered the final geotechnical report. This investigation is supplying USACE with essential geotechnical data to guide the design and construction of the improved dike infrastructure. [gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="18190,18193,18192"] This blog only scratches the surface of what geotechnical engineering entails. To dive deeper, we invite you to read “A Day in the Life: Princeton Hydro’s Geotechnical Laboratory,” where you’ll step into our laboratory and shadow Marissa Ciocco, P.E. as she turns soil samples into the data that drives resilient design. [post_title] => Beneath the Surface: Exploring the World of Geotechnical Engineering [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => beneath-the-surface-exploring-the-world-of-geotechnical-engineering [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-10-15 17:39:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-10-15 17:39:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18379 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18294 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-10-13 18:11:03 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-13 18:11:03 [post_content] => Coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising seas, stronger storms, and eroding shorelines. At the same time, these landscapes provide critical habitat and natural defenses that protect people, ecosystems and myriad wildlife. Coastal ecological restoration restores natural systems and strengthens future resilience to climate impacts. Earlier this month, our team joined the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) for its Coastal Ecological Restoration Technical Workshop, a full-day, in-person event held at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. The workshop convened coastal stakeholders, researchers, practitioners, and managers to share knowledge and explore the latest science advancing coastal ecological restoration. Inside the Workshop The day began with a work group session, “Advancing Science-Based Ecological Restoration Across New Jersey’s Coast,” led by a panel of experts and followed by an interactive Q&A. Click here to view the presentation. Participants then chose from a variety of technical sessions covering topics such as, eDNA and Water Quality as Indicators of Coastal Ecological Health; Smart Permitting for Restoration; and Diatoms as Ecological Indicators in Living Shoreline Applications. Dana Patterson Grear, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing & Communications, delivered an engaging presentation titled, "How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action." She provided practical guidance for turning communication into a powerful tool for advancing ecological restoration and climate resilience, including how to develop tailored climate messaging, understand the values of your audience and remove personal bias, and determine your level of engagement and capacity. Dana's presentation broke down complex communication strategies into actional steps that attendees can apply directly to their work. Click here to view her presentation slides. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="18298,18297" orderby="rand"] Beyond the educational workshops, networking breaks, shared meals, and a post-workshop reception created opportunities to connect and collaborate. And, as a fun and fitting bonus, each participant went home with a complimentary native plant courtesy of Pinelands Nursery. More About Coastal Restoration Coastal ecological restoration involves the rehabilitation and creation of coastal ecosystems, like wetlands, reefs, and shorelines, with the goal of restoring the natural processes and functions. These efforts provide long-term protection from erosion, create habitat for fish and wildlife, and build community resilience against flooding and storm surge. At Princeton Hydro, we understand the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, and use tools such as vulnerability assessments to inform our restoration designs. Our team specializes in designing and implementing living shorelines and habitat restoration projects. We combine field data, empirical approaches, ecological and geomorphic understanding, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and state-of-the-art computer programming technology to develop our designs. Our nature-based solutions deliver lasting ecological and community benefits. A prime example of this work is the Spring Creek North Ecosystem Restoration project, located in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Once part of the expansive Jamaica Bay wetland system, Spring Creek's salt marshes were heavily degraded over the last century. Princeton Hydro was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District to lead the design and engineering for this restoration effort. Construction efforts began in early October 2025. Once completed, the project will restore approximately 43 acres of habitat within a 67-acre footprint, including low and high marsh, scrub shrub wetland, and maritime upland. Efforts also aim to improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and strengthen the overall Jamaica Bay ecosystem. Key restoration activities include:
When most people think of engineering, they picture bridges, buildings, and dams rising above the landscape. Yet the performance and longevity of these structures depend just as much on the subsurface conditions beneath them. Geotechnical engineering is the discipline dedicated to investigating, analyzing, and characterizing soil, rock, landscape, and groundwater conditions, and applying that data to the design and construction of safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure and restoration projects.
At Princeton Hydro, our geotechnical and soils engineers design and execute customized, cost-effective investigations that provide the parameters needed for successful design. Because geotechnical services touch every stage of a project, our integrated approach of investigation, including soils laboratory testing, analysis, and design, all done in-house, ensures streamlined communication, efficiency, and technical excellence.
This blog offers a closer look at what geotechnical engineering entails, the specialized capabilities Princeton Hydro provides, and real-world examples of how our work supports resilient, sustainable design.
Geotechnical Investigations: Our engineers can perform subsurface investigation, identification, and assessment of accumulated sediment, subsurface soils, and rock, as well as slope stability and stabilization modeling. Our work ranges from foundation type and bearing capacity assessments to mitigation strategies for unsuitable materials. We also regularly conduct forensic geotechnical investigations, which focus on investigating soil-interaction-related failures of engineered infrastructure.
Laboratory Testing: We operate an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accredited laboratory in Sicklerville, NJ. This allows us to complete 100% of geotechnical investigation planning and oversight, laboratory testing, analysis, design, and reporting in-house. Our geotechnical laboratory performs a full suite of soils and materials testing, including grain size analysis, plasticity index, organic content, moisture content, compaction characteristics of soil (Standard and Modified Proctor), California bearing ratio (CBR), one dimensional consolidation, and flexible and rigid wall permeability testing under constant or falling head conditions. With this capability, we can rapidly deliver high-quality data to inform project design and construction. Our laboratory is also a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Validated Laboratory. Click here to view Princeton Hydro’s complete accreditation listing and certificate. And, click here to learn more about the USACE Materials Testing Laboratories and Validation.
Field & Construction Services: Our engineers are experienced in construction requirements, design, and methodology for various structures, as well as field inspections and special testing. We have a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) on staff and ACI-certified concrete field-testing technicians. Our team performs compaction testing of soil and asphalt using a nuclear density gauge, reinforcing steel inspections, and 2006 International Building Code (IBC) special inspections. We help determine foundation type, site improvements, and optimal construction techniques.
Dredging & Sediment Investigations: Over our 25-year history, we’ve managed more than 100 dredging projects across freshwater and estuarine systems. We specialize in beneficial reuse of dredged material for ecological restoration, including wetland creation, thin-layer placement, and living shorelines. Our team provides sediment characterization, slope stability modeling, and contaminant analysis in complex, developed watersheds.
To bring this work to life, we’ve chosen a few Princeton Hydro projects that showcase where our geotechnical expertise helped solve unique challenges:
At Spring Creek Park North in Jamaica Bay, New York, decades of urbanization and dredged material placement had degraded more than 40 acres of tidal marsh and uplands. To address this, Princeton Hydro provided subsurface investigations and design services for a large-scale ecosystem restoration led by the USACE New York District, in partnership with NYC Parks.
A key design assumption was the reuse of excavated material: soils removed from wetland areas were repurposed to construct upland hills, supporting both ecological function and cost-effective implementation. Our work included geotechnical borings, slope stability analyses, and hydraulic modeling, as well as the collection of topographic and bathymetric survey data, wetland delineations, vegetation assessments, and hydrodynamic measurements. This data informed the development of slope stability and hydraulic models and guided the restoration design.
The project advanced through a structured engineering design process — with 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design submissions — along with preparation of technical specifications, permit applications, and a detailed construction cost estimate. When complete, the project will restore more than 43 acres of marsh and upland habitat, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience in one of New York City’s most ecologically significant coastal systems.
Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE Philadelphia District to perform offshore subsurface geotechnical investigations in support of reconstructing the Indian River Inlet jetty at Delaware Seashore State Park. Working under challenging marine conditions, our team successfully advanced deep geotechnical borings (to depths of 100 feet) from a lift boat platform, collected soil samples, performed laboratory testing including triaxial strength, consolidation, and direct shear tests; and delivered detailed soil data. Despite difficult sea states, we maintained close communication with USACE to ensure safety and project continuity.
The resulting data provided USACE with critical insight into subsurface conditions, helping inform design alternatives for the new jetty structure.
At the Killcohook Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), Princeton Hydro carried out a large-scale subsurface investigation to support USACE Philadelphia District’s plans for raising the site’s perimeter dikes. The project site, formerly a National Wildlife Refuge, is located in Pennsville, New Jersey, on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, to the north of Fort Mott State Park and adjacent to the Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refuge. Each cell of the CDF receives dredge material from the Delaware River. The subsurface explorations performed by Princeton Hydro were conducted along the existing dike comprising the border of Cell 1 of the CDF. Cell 1 consists of an area of approximately 710 acres with the entire CDF covering 1,200 acres.
For this exploration project, Princeton Hydro was tasked with the performance of thirty-one (31) geotechnical borings as well as sixty-five (65) cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurements (CPTu) soundings. Princeton Hydro also provided site safety oversight in accordance with USACE standards. Soil samples were logged and collected by Princeton Hydro and tested at their Sicklerville, New Jersey geotechnical laboratory, which is accredited under the AASHTO Accreditation Program and validated by USACE for soils testing.
The data collected is now being used by USACE to design the upgraded dike system, ensuring safe, resilient operation of the facility for future dredged material management.
At the 545-acre Pedricktown North Confined Disposal Facility in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, located on the Delaware River west of Route 130 between Porcupine Road and Pennsgrove-Pedricktown Road, Princeton Hydro conducted a comprehensive subsurface investigation in support of a dike raising project led by the USACE Philadelphia District.
As part of this field exploration, our team performed eight geotechnical borings, thirty-eight cone penetrometer tests with porewater measurement (CPTu) soundings, and collected five grab samples. These efforts provided critical soil strength and settlement data to inform USACE’s design of the upgraded dike system.
In addition to managing subcontractors and ensuring compliance with USACE safety protocols, Princeton Hydro oversaw the field program, coordinated directly with the Project Manager, and delivered the final geotechnical report. This investigation is supplying USACE with essential geotechnical data to guide the design and construction of the improved dike infrastructure.
Coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising seas, stronger storms, and eroding shorelines. At the same time, these landscapes provide critical habitat and natural defenses that protect people, ecosystems and myriad wildlife. Coastal ecological restoration restores natural systems and strengthens future resilience to climate impacts.
Earlier this month, our team joined the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) for its Coastal Ecological Restoration Technical Workshop, a full-day, in-person event held at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. The workshop convened coastal stakeholders, researchers, practitioners, and managers to share knowledge and explore the latest science advancing coastal ecological restoration.
The day began with a work group session, “Advancing Science-Based Ecological Restoration Across New Jersey’s Coast,” led by a panel of experts and followed by an interactive Q&A. Click here to view the presentation. Participants then chose from a variety of technical sessions covering topics such as, eDNA and Water Quality as Indicators of Coastal Ecological Health; Smart Permitting for Restoration; and Diatoms as Ecological Indicators in Living Shoreline Applications.
Dana Patterson Grear, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing & Communications, delivered an engaging presentation titled, "How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action." She provided practical guidance for turning communication into a powerful tool for advancing ecological restoration and climate resilience, including how to develop tailored climate messaging, understand the values of your audience and remove personal bias, and determine your level of engagement and capacity. Dana's presentation broke down complex communication strategies into actional steps that attendees can apply directly to their work. Click here to view her presentation slides.
Beyond the educational workshops, networking breaks, shared meals, and a post-workshop reception created opportunities to connect and collaborate. And, as a fun and fitting bonus, each participant went home with a complimentary native plant courtesy of Pinelands Nursery.
Coastal ecological restoration involves the rehabilitation and creation of coastal ecosystems, like wetlands, reefs, and shorelines, with the goal of restoring the natural processes and functions. These efforts provide long-term protection from erosion, create habitat for fish and wildlife, and build community resilience against flooding and storm surge.
At Princeton Hydro, we understand the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, and use tools such as vulnerability assessments to inform our restoration designs. Our team specializes in designing and implementing living shorelines and habitat restoration projects. We combine field data, empirical approaches, ecological and geomorphic understanding, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and state-of-the-art computer programming technology to develop our designs. Our nature-based solutions deliver lasting ecological and community benefits.
A prime example of this work is the Spring Creek North Ecosystem Restoration project, located in Brooklyn and Queens, NY. Once part of the expansive Jamaica Bay wetland system, Spring Creek's salt marshes were heavily degraded over the last century. Princeton Hydro was contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District to lead the design and engineering for this restoration effort. Construction efforts began in early October 2025. Once completed, the project will restore approximately 43 acres of habitat within a 67-acre footprint, including low and high marsh, scrub shrub wetland, and maritime upland. Efforts also aim to improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and strengthen the overall Jamaica Bay ecosystem.
The following photos depict the degraded habitat and pre-construction conditions of the site. Stay tuned to our blog for more photos from each of the project phases.
The South Cape May Meadows Preserve, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is a jewel among New Jersey's protected landscapes. Spanning over 200 acres adjacent to Cape May State Park, the preserve is celebrated for its diverse habitats, including beaches, dunes, freshwater wetlands, and fields. As a crucial stopover along the Atlantic Flyway, it offers refuge to rare and endangered shorebirds as well as native and migratory birds, making it a globally renowned paradise for birders. It also supports a wide variety of terrestrial species year-round.
The Preserve also has a variety of features aimed at enhancing visitor experience, promoting sustainability, and supporting its diverse wildlife. These features include a welcome shed with a green roof, a rain garden, purple martin houses, a raised wildlife viewing platform, an osprey platform with a streaming camera, benches, interpretive signs, and an 80-foot bird blind.
With its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty and unique features, the South Cape May Meadows Preserve is a site of high public interest and use, attracting approximately 90,000 visitors each year. To accommodate the high level of public interest and improve accessibility, TNC contracted Princeton Hydro to upgrade the existing path network to make it more physically accessible and to create new pathways that open up previously unreachable areas of the Preserve.
Given that much of the site is composed of freshwater wetlands, creating accessible pathways without disturbing these sensitive areas presented a unique challenge that required innovative solutions. To address this, the centerpiece of the project was the construction of an elevated boardwalk trail in the western area of the preserve. Slated for completion in September 2024, the new boardwalk will add 2,675 linear feet of elevated walking paths throughout the preserve, along with a 480-square-foot elevated viewing platform. The boardwalk will wind through previously inaccessible wetland areas and is designed to comply with ADA standards, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can explore and enjoy the preserve's unique maritime landscape.
Led by TNC, the Princeton Hydro team was responsible for designing, permitting, and overseeing construction for the project, with Renova serving as the primary construction partner. The images below are renderings and a mapped layout of the project site created by Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP of Princeton Hydro, the lead project designer and project manager:
To minimize environmental impact during construction, the boardwalk is being installed using a top-down construction method. This approach required finding a product that could meet all design requirements while supporting the necessary equipment for construction from above. The project team selected GreenWalk™, a proprietary structure system manufactured by IDEAL Foundation Systems. GreenWalk™ is a highly engineered, modular, zero-maintenance boardwalk system that meets all of the project criteria while ensuring minimal disturbance to the wetland.
This video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the boardwalk installation process and the intricate work involved in bringing this accessible pathway to life. Watch now to see how we're making nature more accessible for everyone:
In addition to the boardwalk, the Princeton Hydro team designed and permitted several site improvements to enhance accessibility and visitor experience:
Existing trail surface types were assessed for sturdiness, and cost-effective measures were implemented to enhance accessibility. This included leveling the existing gravel and sandy portions of the Main and East trails and replacing them with a firmer, more stable surface.
Equipped with safety railing, handrails, seated observation areas, and educational signs in both braille and English print, the boardwalk is designed to provide support for people with accessibility considerations.
The existing parking lot was upgraded to include formal ADA spaces. One-third of the original stone parking lot was converted to concrete to improve accessibility.
These efforts ensure that the South Cape May Meadows Preserve remains an inclusive and ecologically sensitive destination, allowing all visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of this unique maritime landscape.
Speroff emphasized that the boardwalk is more than just a pathway through nature; it symbolizes a collective commitment to protecting and celebrating the environment: “It stands as a reminder that we can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, without compromising the health of our planet. By choosing sustainable materials and practices, we have set a standard for future projects in our community and beyond. Moreover, this boardwalk represents our pledge to inclusivity, going above and beyond the minimum standards for ADA compliance. We created a space where everyone, regardless of physical abilities, can enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings—a place where families can come together, individuals can find solitude, and nature can be experienced by all.”
On Sunday, August 4, TNC hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the South Cape May Meadows Preserve to unveil the new boardwalk trail and site enhancements. The event highlighted the significant strides made in increasing the preserve’s accessibility and offered attendees a preview of the new features, including four metal plaques with tactile elements and braille, showcasing nature themes like the life cycle of a butterfly and frog, turtle shells, and dragonflies.
Speeches were given by Barbara Brummer, State Director of The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey; Paulo Rodriguez Heyman, President of Renova; Mark Gallagher, Vice President of Princeton Hydro; and both the father and grandmother of Julian Tao Knipper. The Knipper family generously donated to the project in memory of Julian, who dearly loved Cape May and tragically passed away at the age of three. The project also honored Pat and Clay Sutton, esteemed educators, authors, naturalists, photographers, lecturers, nature tour leaders, and long-time champions for the protection of Cape May’s rich biodiversity. The new trail was officially dedicated to Julian, Pat and Clay.
Speroff expressed deep appreciation for the donors, stating, “The belief in this project and the willingness to invest in this vision made it possible to create a space that is accessible to all and harmonious with our natural surroundings. These contributions are not just financial; they are investments in the future of the Cape May community and our planet.”
It is essential to also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of those who made this project possible, creating a space where people of all abilities can enjoy nature, reflect, and find peace. Special thanks go to The Nature Conservancy, particularly Barbara Brummer, Eric Olsen, Damon Noe, Elliot Nagele, and the TNC project staff. The Renova Team's hard work and dedication were instrumental in bringing the one-of-a-kind boardwalk to life. Additionally, the design team, including IDEAL Foundation Systems, Bedford, L2A, and JBCI, played a crucial role in the project’s success. And, members of the Princeton Hydro team, especially Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP; Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E.; Ryan Eno, EIT; Ivy Babson; and Casey Pantaleo, P.E.
The Nature Conservancy and Princeton Hydro have a storied history of working on impactful projects together, from removing obsolete dams and opening up miles of river for fish passage to eradicating invasive species right here on this property. A few years ago, we designed the removal of Columbia Lake Dam, which reconnected 20 miles of stream, with American Shad returning to their native spawning grounds upstream just months after it was removed. And now, as this South Cape May Meadows Preserve project nears completion, we celebrate a project that offers everyone the chance to experience its natural beauty and biodiversity. This collaboration between Princeton Hydro and TNC underscores the importance of creating inclusive spaces that honor and protect our natural world.
Within the next few weeks, stay tuned for more updates and photos as we near completion on this exciting project, ensuring that the South Cape May Meadows Preserve remains a cherished destination for all who visit.
Princeton Hydro is dedicated to protecting our natural resources and changing our ecosystems, quality of life and communities for the better. Our team members are passionate about continuing to learn new technologies, staying ahead of regulatory changes, and expanding their knowledge.
Today, we are proud to put the spotlight on seven team members who recently achieved new professional certifications.
We are thrilled to announce that six team members earned their Professional Engineer (PE) license in four states:
The PE license is the engineering profession’s highest standard of competence, a significant symbol of achievement and assurance of quality. To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams, and earn a license from their state's licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.
Andrew Simko, who works in our Bowie, Maryland office, has extensive experience in floodplain and stormwater management, and is proficient in hydrologic and hydraulics computer modeling and GIS. Before arriving to Princeton Hydro, Andrew worked as a water resources engineer developing FEMA flood insurance rate maps and helping to design stormwater management projects.
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Jake Dittes is passionate about restoring the habitat and natural functions of aquatic systems. As a Water Resources Engineer, Jake works on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, project design, drafting and construction management on ecological restoration projects. He is based in our New England field office.
Jake Schwartz is a Staff Engineer with a B.S. in Civil Engineering with experience in stormwater design, site layout, construction inspection, environmental regulation, as well as water chemistry and hydraulic principles. Jake uses his knowledge and experience to design sustainable site plans for a variety of projects.
Water Resource Engineer Robert Costello uses his knowledge and experience to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients in every one of his projects. Robert received his degree from the University of Delaware, with a major in Environmental Engineering and a Minor in Civil Engineering. Robert has experience in subsurface geotechnical investigations, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of water conveyance systems, stormwater BMP design, as well as the complete design, modeling, and supervision of Green Infrastructure Systems.
Ryan Wasik is a Water Resource Engineer with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and a minor in Environmental Engineering from Widener University in in Chester, PA. He has professional experience in roadway design, ADA ramp design, site grading and layout, utility design, erosion and sediment control measures, and stormwater design/inspections.
Staff Engineer Stephen Duda is a civil engineer with expertise in grading and stormwater design, drafting, permitting, soil testing and construction inspection. Prior to Princeton Hydro, he worked for a small land development firm in South Jersey, where he worked on multiple aspects of land development projects, construction management and municipal engineering. He holds an Associate degree in General Engineering and Engineering Technologies/CAD, as well as a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rowan University.
Jake Dittes also earned the New Jersey Watershed Institute Green Infrastructure (WIGI) certification. WIGI is an adapted version of the Level 1 training to landscape professionals in New Jersey who design, install, and maintain stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and conservation landscapes.
The achievement of the WIGI certification demonstrates an advanced level of professionalism and knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices for healthier watersheds. Certification is voluntary and candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that assesses an individual’s command of sustainable practices in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes. WIGI-certified professionals have in-depth knowledge of sustainable landscape best practices and a focus on maintenance of stormwater best management practices.
Jake recently led a webinar for The Watershed Institute about stream bank stabilization and restoration. Check it out here:
Christiana Pollack, GISP, CFM, Senior Project Manager, Ecologist and Certified Floodplain Manager, is now a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) through the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER).
SER’s CERP program encourages a high professional standard for those who are designing, implementing, overseeing, and monitoring restoration projects. Only senior level practitioners who have achieved the knowledge requirements and have greater than five years of full-time experience with restoration can be certified.
Christiana has 15+ years of expertise in hydrologic modeling and ecological restoration, with a focus on freshwater and tidal habitats, living shorelines using natural and nature-based features, spatial analysis, and environmental mapping. She performs flood mitigation and wetland hydrology modeling in riverine systems, and, as a project manager, she oversees numerous ecological restoration design and geospatial projects, including vulnerability assessments and hazard mitigation planning mapping. Additionally, Christiana manages several wetland restoration projects that provide ecosystem services to mitigate flood risks, improve water quality, and strengthen storm resiliency.
CERP is designed to ensure that certified practitioners are up to date on the new and important developments in the field of ecological restoration – both from the scientific and the practical perspectives. The certification is valid for 5 years after approval, and recertification requires that CERPs earn a minimum of 50 continuing education credits within the five-year period since they were last certified.
As of October 1, the Maryland State Programmatic General Permit (MDSPGP), which is used to authorize all types of work in all waters, including wetlands, has been reissued. In this blog, Princeton Hydro’s Senior Environmental Scientist Duncan Simpson, PWS, provides a breakdown of the newly revised terms and conditions of the permit.
The MDSPGP was developed with the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), which has regulatory authority over all waters throughout the state of Maryland. The MDSPGP helps to ensure a streamlined authorization process for certain work in waterbodies and waterways, and is designed to improve the regulatory process for applicants, reduce unnecessary duplicative project evaluations, and promote more effective and efficient use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) resources while providing equivalent environmental protection for aquatic resources.
Projects approved under the MDSPGP-5 permit that commenced prior to September 30, 2021 have been given 12 months to complete the work under the terms and conditions of the old permit. Projects that started after September 30, 2021 must meet the terms and conditions of MDSPGP-6 and in some cases receive written re-authorization.
The revised permit allows for activities that have minimal adverse environmental effects, and like MDSPGP-5, splits the review of activities into two categories: Category A and Category B. If proposed activities meet the provided Category A conditions and requirements, no USACE review is required.
The most significant change is the eligibility for Category B activities. The eligibility is no longer determined based on total temporary and permanent impacts. Instead, the primary threshold measurement for determining whether a project qualifies for authorization under the MDSPGP-6 is the total acreage of “loss of Waters of the United States.” The loss threshold is generally one-half-acre of total tidal and non-tidal waters, including streams, wetlands, and open waters. And, the loss of streams may not exceed 1,000 linear feet.
Another important revision changes how the USACE assesses permanent wetlands conversion. Under the MDSPGP-5, the permanent conversion of wetland type (e.g., forested to emergent) is considered a temporary impact and counted towards the Category B thresholds. Under MDSPGP-6, however, the conversion is considered a temporary impact but DOES NOT count towards the Category B thresholds, though the USACE may require compensatory mitigation for the loss of function.
Additionally, under the MDSPGP-6, the USACE now allows dredged material to be placed in a beneficial reuse site, under activity A(10) New Minor Dredging in Tidal Waters Category B. The material must be tested and shown to be clean in compliance with Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Discharge in Waters of the United States-Testing Manual: Inland Testing Manual. The applicant must identify the intent to place the dredged material in Water of the U.S. at the proposed placement site and provide exact quantities of those dredged materials. And, the discharge of dredged or fill material must be authorized under activity f(2) Living Shorelines/Beach Nourishment Category B.
Activity f(2) has been renamed from "Tidal Marsh Creation/Beach Nourishment” to “Living Shorelines/Beach Nourishment.” Under f(2) Living Shorelines/Beach Nourishment, the Category A review now allows for vegetated wetlands impacts up to one-square-foot per linear foot of activity along the shoreline. The Category B review of this activity allows for impact to Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) but the applicant must show that the impacts were minimized to the maximum extent practicable.
Category B also now allows up to one-half-acre of tidal wetland loss, but does not allow for any overall net loss of wetlands. In other words, a living shoreline or beach nourishment project can permanently impact up to one-half-acre of tidal wetlands if an equal amount of non-tidal wetlands are created by the activity.
Perhaps the most interesting change is that a new activity has been added to the MDSPGP-6, e(11), Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Establishment Activities Associated with Compensatory Mitigation Requirements for Aquatic Resource Impacts Authorized under the MDSPGP-6.
This new activity allows for mitigation projects to be authorized under a more streamlined process than the Nationwide Permit 27. The projects must still meet the State of Maryland and federal compensatory mitigation requirements. Category A allows activities required to meet the compensatory mitigation requirements to offset permanent impacts from an approved Category A activity. The Category B similarly allows compensatory mitigation activities for offsetting the losses from an approved Category B project.
The MDSPGP-6 also has new general conditions, and a few are worthy of discussion: Temporary fill, structures, and mats used for site access lasting longer than 12 months now require Category B review. Any proposed work in Critical Habitats (i.e., sections of the Potomac River, Nanticoke River, and Marshyhope Creek) or National Estuarine Research Reserves require Category B review.
The permit update also includes new conditions that support aquatic organism passage. Pipes and culverts must now be countersunk below the natural stream invert, while still allowing for ordinary high water to pass through them, which . In cases of bedrock or pipes being placed over existing underground utilities that would prevent countersinking, documentation is required. Also, extensions to existing pipes and culverts are exempt from this requirement. Finally, if countersinking is not practicable, then Category B review is required.
Speaking of fish passage, the conditions for anadromous fish time of year restrictions are now consolidated into a single general condition. To protect migratory pathways and spawning activities, for any project that is located within tidal and non-tidal coastal plain streams or piedmont streams in Harford and Cecil Counties, in-stream work is not allowed to be conducted between February 15 and June 15.
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If you have a project authorized under MDSPGP-5 that needs reauthorization, or if you have questions about the MDSPGP-6, how your projects might be affected by it, or other Maryland permitting questions, please contact us. If you’re interested in learning more about the wide variety of engineering and environmental services Princeton Hydro offers, go here: princetonhydro.com/services.
For over a decade, Duncan has served as an Environmental Scientist/Planner in the Mid-Atlantic Region. His experience includes a wide range of natural resource studies, documentation, and permitting at both the project and program level. He has special expertise in wetlands; Waters of the US delineations; and permitting for stormwater management facilities, stream restoration, and TMDL program projects. Duncan is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, a member of the Society of Wetland Scientists, and earned his Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) Fish Crew Leader certification. He is the only person to have earned this prestigious certification in 2020. He also successfully completed the MBSS Physical Habitat Assessment.
As part of the multi-faceted effort to restore the vital Hudson River ecosystem, the USACE New York District launched the Hudson River Habitat Restoration. Princeton Hydro led the Hudson River Habitat Restoration Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment for USACE. For this project, we established and evaluated baseline conditions through data collection and analysis; developed restoration objectives and opportunities; prepared an Environmental Assessment; and designed conceptual restoration plans for eight sites.
This week, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, USACE Commanding General and 55th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, signed the Hudson River Habitat Restoration Ecosystem Restoration Chief’s Report, which represents the completion of the study and makes it eligible for congressional authorization.
As stated in the USACE-issued news release, “The Chief’s Report recommends three individual ecosystem restoration projects including Henry Hudson Park, Schodack Island Park, and Moodna Creek within the 125-mile study area from the Federal Lock and Dam at Troy, NY to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. These projects would restore a total of approximately 22.8 acres of tidal wetlands, 8.5 acres of side-channel and wetland complex, and 1,760 linear feet of living shoreline with 0.6 acres of tidal wetlands. The plan would also reconnect 7.8 miles of tributary habitat to the Hudson River through the removal of 3 barriers along Moodna Creek.”
“The signing of this Chief’s Report is a significant milestone for the HRHR Project,” said Col. Matthew Luzzatto, USACE New York District Commander. “This has truly been a team effort and I want to thank our non-federal sponsors, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Department of State, and all of our engineers, scientists, and partners at the local, state and federal level for their unwavering support.”
Read the full press release here. And, for more background information on the Feasibility Study and proposed restoration work, check out our original blog post:
Way up in Northern New York, the St. Lawrence River splits the state’s North Country region and Canada, historically acting as an incredibly important resource for navigation, trade, and recreation. Along the St. Lawrence River is the St. Lawrence Seaway, a system of locks, canals, and channels in both Canada and the U.S. that allows oceangoing vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Great Lakes.
Recently, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) contracted Princeton Hydro to conduct analytical and geotechnical sampling on material they plan to dredge out of the Wiley-Dondero Canal. Before dredging, sediment and soils have to be tested to ensure their content is suitable for beneficial reuse of dredged material. In August, our Geologist, Marshall Thomas and Environmental Scientist, Pat Rose, took a trip up north to conduct soil sampling and testing at two different sites within the canal near Massena and the Eisenhower Lock, which were designated by the SLSDC. The first site was at the SLSDC Marine Base, which is a tug/mooring area directly southwest of Snell Lock. The second location was directly northeast of the Eisenhower Lock, which is also used as a mooring area. Both of these sites require dredging in order to maintain mooring access for boat traffic navigating the channel.
During this two-day sampling event, our team, which also included two licensed drillers from Atlantic Testing Laboratories, used a variety of equipment to extract the necessary samples from the riverbed. Some of the sampling equipment included:
Vibracoring equipment: this sampling apparatus was assembled on Atlantic Testing’s pontoon boat. To set up the vibracore, a long metal casing tube was mounted on the boat more than 10 feet in the air. The steel casing was lowered through the water approximately 17-20 feet down to the mudline. From there, the vibracore was then vibrated through the sediment for an additional 4-6 feet. For this project, vibracore samples were taken at 4 feet in 10 different locations, and at 6 feet in 3 different locations.
A track mounted drill rig: this rig was positioned along the shoreline to allow advancement of a standard geotechnical test boring close to existing sheet piling. Advancement of the boring was done by way of a 6-inch hollow stem auger. As the auger was advanced, it resembled a giant screw getting twisted into the ground. This drilling method allows the drilling crew to collect soil samples using a split spoon sampler, which is a 2-foot long tubular sample collection device that is split down the middle. The samplers were collected by driving the split spoon into the soil using a 140 lb drop hammer.
For our team, conducting sampling work on the St. Lawrence Seaway was a new experience, given most of our projects occur further east in the Mid-Atlantic region. The most notable difference was the hardness of the sediment. Because the St. Lawrence River sediments contain poorly sorted, dense glacial till, augering into it took a little more elbow grease than typical sediments further south do. The St. Lawrence River is situated within a geological depression that was once occupied by glaciers. As the glaciers retreated, they were eventually replaced by the Champlain Sea, which flooded the area between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago. Later on, the continent underwent a slight uplift, ultimately creating a riverlike watercourse that we now deem the St. Lawrence River. Because it was once occupied by a glacier, this region is full of glacial deposits.
For this project, our team was tasked with collecting both geotechnical and analytical samples for physical and analytical testing. Physical testing included grain size analysis, moisture content, and Atterberg limit testing. Grain size analysis helps determine the distribution of particle sizes of the sample in order to classify the material, moisture content testing determines exactly that -- how moist the sediment is, and Atterberg limits help to classify the fines content of the materials as either silt or clay. Analytical testing included heavy metals, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and dioxins.
Our scientists were responsible for logging, testing, and providing a thorough analysis of fourteen sampling locations. The samples collected from the vibracore tubes filled with sediment were logged and spilt on-shore. In order to maintain a high level of safety due to the possible presence of contaminants, all of the sampling equipment was decontaminated. This process involves washing everything with a soapy water mixture, a methanol solution, and 10% nitric acid solution.
The samples collected at each vibrocore location were split into multiple jars for both analytical and physical testing. The physical test samples were placed into air and moisture tight glass sample jars and brought to our AASHTO accredited soils laboratory in Sicklerville, New Jersey for testing. The analytical samples were placed into airtight glass sample jars with Teflon-lined caps. These samples were then placed into an ice-filled cooler and sent to Alpha Analytical Laboratories for the necessary analytical testing.
Once all the laboratory testing was completed, a summary report was developed and presented to the client. This report was made to inform the SLSDC of the physical properties of each sediment sample tested and whether contaminants exceeded threshold concentrations as outlined in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Technical & Operation Guidance Series (TOGS) 5.1.9. This data will ultimately be used by the SLSDC to determine the proper method for dredging of the material and how to properly dispose of the material.
Princeton Hydro provides soil, geologic, and construction materials testing to both complement its water resources and ecological restoration projects and as a stand-alone service to clients. Our geotechnical laboratory, accredited under the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP), provides a full suite of soil, rock, and construction material testing for all types of projects. Click here for an inside look inside the lab and walk through “a day in the life” of our Soils Testing Lab expert Marissa Ciocco, PE
Have you ever wondered what it actually means to conduct construction oversight on a project? Our engineers regularly do so to ensure design plans are being implemented correctly. But, construction oversight requires a lot more than just the ability to oversee. Our engineers have to understand the ins and outs of the plans, be adaptable, fast-thinking, and incredibly capable of communicating with and coordinating various parties.
Let’s walk through a day in the life of one of our construction oversight engineers, Casey Schrading, PE, and outline the key components of his job:
SAFETY. When it comes to construction sites, safety always comes first. It is important to have the proper health and safety training before entering an active construction zone. On an active construction site, there could be many different hazards that workers encounter. Before heading to the site, Casey makes sure he has all his necessary safety equipment and protection gear. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) usually includes a neon safety vest (visibility), hard hat (head protection), long pants (protective clothing), safety glasses (eye protection), and steel-toed boots (foot protection). In some cases, on construction sites with more risk factors, higher levels of PPE may be required including hearing protection, gloves, respiratory masks, fall protection equipment, and disposable Tyvek coveralls.
COORDINATION. For most construction projects, the day starts early. Upon arrival, Casey checks the site out to see if anything has changed from the day before and takes pictures of the site. He then checks in with the contractor to discuss the plan for the day and any outstanding items from the day prior.
Most of the day consists of a back and forth process between watching the construction workers implement the design and then monitoring and checking the design plans. In order for the contractor to properly implement the design, the oversight engineer must direct the workers during the installation process; for many designs, there are critical angles, locations, heights, and widths that features must be installed at. It is imperative for the oversight engineer to direct and work hand-in-hand with the contractor so those features are installed correctly for effective design implementation.
ON-SITE MONITORING. For certain projects, the day-to-day construction oversight tasks may get a little more involved. For instance, when conducting construction oversight for our Columbia Dam Removal project, Casey was tasked with taking turbidity samples every three hours at two locations along the Paulins Kill — one upstream of the site to collect baseline data and one downstream of the site to quantify the site’s effect on turbidity. If the turbidity readings downstream of the site came out too high, Casey would then have to determine how those high levels were affecting the turbidity in the Delaware River, which the Paulins Kill discharges into less than a quarter mile downstream of the site. If flooding in the Delaware River wasn’t enough to pose safety concerns, Casey would then take readings at two additional locations upstream and downstream of the Delaware River-Paulins Kill confluence. Again, the upstream reading served as a baseline reading for turbidity while the downstream reading showed the effects of the Paulins Kill on the Delaware River.
These turbidity samples were necessary because this project involved passive sediment transport, meaning the sediment that had built up behind the dam for over a century was going to slowly work its way downstream as the dam was notched out piece by piece, as opposed to it being dredged out before the barrier removal. It’s important to monitor turbidity in a case like this to make sure levels remain stable. The need for monitoring at construction sites further emphasizes the need for construction oversight engineers to be multifaceted.
ADAPTATION. In all construction projects, the goal is to have everything installed or constructed according to plan, but, with so many environmental factors at play, that rarely happens. Because of the ever-changing nature of most of our projects, it is essential that our construction oversight engineers have the keen ability to adapt and to do so quickly. Casey has experienced a range of changes in plan while conducting construction oversight. He says the skills he relies on most is communication. When something changes, it’s imperative that the onsite engineer knows exactly who to contact to work out a solution. Sometimes that might be Princeton Hydro’s internal project manager, or sometimes it might be a regulatory official from NJDEP.
WEEKLY MEETINGS. Another critical part of construction oversight is facilitating weekly coordination meetings. The weekly meeting is usually attended by the contractor, the engineering firm, and the client. The parties will discuss what has happened thus far at the site and what still needs to happen, allowing them to establish action items. Occasionally, other entities like organizations that provided funding for a project or regulatory agencies, will also be involved in those conversations. The weekly meetings are designed to keep everybody on task and help to ensure every party’s goals and needs are being met.
DOCUMENTATION. Anytime field work is being conducted, it is essential to document the happenings and the progress made. This documentation usually comes in the form of a Daily Field Report (DFR). A DFR includes information about the work performed on a given day, such as measurements, quantities of structures installed, and how that installation process went. Also included in the DFRs are clear and descriptive photographs.
COMMUNICATION. Working on any project, it’s important to make sure all involved parties understand the reason behind each installation. It is often easier for a construction team to implement plans correctly if they know and understand why each part of it is important and included in the project. Explaining why a task needs to be completed also helps relieve tension that could potentially arise between the engineer and the contractor. It is essential to make sure every person on the project team is on the same page.
PUBLIC OUTREACH. Another critical aspect of construction oversight is having the ability to successfully communicate with the public. Members of the community surrounding a site need to be kept apprised of the goings on so they can remain safe during the construction period and understand the goals of the project. When citizens understand the purpose and goals of a project, they are more likely to support and respect it.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. Understanding the permitting surrounding a project is also essential to success as a construction oversight engineer. The engineer has to understand the ins and outs of the permitting and regulations in order to be able to make decisions about changes in the plan and to be able to successfully point the contractor in the correct and compliant direction.
"Construction oversight is a tedious and incredibly important job, yet I really enjoy it because it gives me a new and better understanding of the engineering design process," explains Casey. He feels it gives him a much more practical understanding of engineering design, as he has seen what kinds of plans are actually implementable and what that process looks like. "Watching a design plan get implemented brings the project full circle and allows me to take that knowledge and experience back to the office and back into the design process."
Princeton Hydro provides construction oversight services to private, public, and nonprofit clients for a variety of ecosystem restoration, water resource, and geotechnical projects across the Northeast. Learn more.
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Casey graduated from Virginia Tech in 2018 with a degree in Biological Systems Engineering and now works as a staff engineer for the firm with a focus in water resources engineering. He has experience in ecological restoration, flood management, water quality analysis, and best management practices. His experience also includes construction oversight for dam removal and restoration projects as well as design, technical writing, and drafting for a wide variety of water resources engineering projects. In his free time Casey very much enjoys travelling, hiking, skiing, and camping.
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Walking through a park isn’t always a walk in the park when it comes to conducting stormwater inspections. Our team routinely spots issues in need of attention when inspecting stormwater infrastructure; that’s why inspections are so important.
Princeton Hydro has been conducting stormwater infrastructure inspections for a variety of municipalities in the Mid-Atlantic region for a decade, including the City of Philadelphia. We are in our seventh year of inspections and assessments of stormwater management practices (SMPs) for the Philadelphia Water Department. These SMPs are constructed on both public and private properties throughout the city and our inspections focus on areas served by combined sewers.
Our water resource engineers are responsible for construction oversight, erosion and sediment control, stormwater facilities maintenance inspections, and overall inspection of various types of stormwater infrastructure installation (also known as “Best Management Practices” or BMPs).
Our knowledgeable team members inspect various sites regularly, and for some municipalities, we perform inspections on a weekly basis. Here’s a glimpse into what a day of stormwater inspection looks like:
The inspector starts by making sure they have all their necessary safety equipment and protection. For the purposes of a simple stormwater inspection the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) required includes a neon safety vest, hard hat, eye protection, long pants, and boots. Depending on the type of inspection, our team may also have to add additional safety gear such as work gloves or ear plugs. It is recommended that inspectors hold CPR/First Aid and OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety training certificates.
Once they have their gear, our inspection team heads to the site and makes contact with the site superintendent. It’s important to let the superintendent know they’re there so that 1) they aren’t wondering why a random person is perusing their construction site, and 2) in case of an emergency, the superintendent needs to be aware of every person present on the site.
Once they arrive, our team starts by walking the perimeter of the inspection site, making sure that no sediment is leaving the project area. The team is well-versed in the standards of agencies such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and local County Soil Conservation Districts, among others. These standards and regulations dictate which practices are and are not compliant on the construction site.
After walking the perimeter, the inspection team moves inward, taking notes and photos throughout the walk. They take a detailed look at the infrastructure that has been installed since the last time they inspected, making sure it was correctly installed according to the engineering plans (also called site plans or drainage and utility plans). They also check to see how many inlets were built, how many feet of stormwater pipe were installed, etc.
If something doesn’t look quite right or needs amending, our staff makes recommendations to the municipality regarding BMPs/SMPs and provides suggestions for implementation.
One example of an issue spotted at one of the sites was a stormwater inlet consistently being inundated by sediment. The inlet is directly connected o the subsurface infiltration basin. When sediment falls through the inlet, it goes into the subsurface infiltration bed, which percolates directly into the groundwater. This sediment is extremely difficult to clean out of the subsurface bed, and once it is in the bed, it breaks down and becomes silt, hindering the function of the stormwater basin.
To remedy this issue, our inspection team suggested they install stone around the perimeter of the inlet on three sides. Although this wasn’t in the original plan, the stones will help to catch sediment before entering the inlet, greatly reducing the threat of basin failure.
Once they’ve thoroughly inspected the site, our team debriefs the site superintendent with their findings. They inform the municipality of any issues they found, any inconsistencies with the construction plans, and recommendations on how to alleviate problems. The inspector will also prepare a Daily Field Report, summarizing the findings of the day, supplemented with photos.
In order to conduct these inspections, one must have a keen eye and extensive stormwater background knowledge. Not only do they need to know and understand the engineering behind these infrastructure implementations, they need to also be intimately familiar with the laws and regulations governing them. Without these routine inspections, mistakes in the construction and maintenance of essential stormwater infrastructure would go unnoticed. Even the smallest overlook can have dangerous effects, which is why our inspections team works diligently to make sure that will not happen.
Our team conducts inspections for municipalities and private entities throughout the Northeast. Click here to read about a stormwater utility investigation and feasibility study we completed in the Town of Hammonton, New Jersey.
Wreck Pond is a tidal pond located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in southern Monmouth County, New Jersey. The 73-acre pond, which was originally connected to the sea by a small and shifting inlet, got its name in the 1800s due to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred at the mouth of the inlet. The Sea Girt Lighthouse was built to prevent such accidents. In the 1930s, the inlet was filled in and an outfall pipe was installed, thus creating Wreck Pond. The outfall pipe allowed limited tidal exchange between Wreck Pond and the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 1960s, Wreck Pond flourished with wildlife and was a popular destination for recreational activities with tourists coming to the area mainly from New York City and western New Jersey. In the early spring, hundreds of river herring would migrate into Wreck Pond, travelling up its tributaries — Wreck Pond Brook, Hurleys Pond Brook and Hannabrand Brook — to spawn. During the summer, the pond was bustling with recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and sailing.
Over time, however, the combination of restricted tidal flow and pollution, attributable to increased development of the watershed, led to a number of environmental issues within the watershed, including impaired water quality, reduced fish populations, and flooding.
Throughout the Wreck Pond watershed, high stream velocities during flood conditions have caused the destabilization and erosion of stream banks, which has resulted in the loss of riparian vegetation and filling of wetlands. Discharge from Wreck Pond during heavy rains conveys nonpoint source pollutants that negatively impact nearby Spring Lake and Sea Girt beaches resulting in beach closings due to elevated bacteria counts. Watershed erosion and sediment transported with stormwater runoff has also contributed to excessive amounts of sedimentation and accumulations of settled sediment, not only within Wreck Pond, but at the outfall pipe as well. This sediment further impeded tidal flushing and the passage of anadromous fish into and out of Wreck Pond.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused wide-spread destruction throughout New Jersey and the entire eastern seaboard. The storm event also caused a major breach of the Wreck Pond watershed’s dune beach system and failure of the outfall pipe. The breach formed a natural inlet next to the outfall pipe, recreating the connection to the Atlantic Ocean that once existed. This was the first time the inlet had been open since the 1930s, and the reopening cast a new light on the benefits of additional flow between the pond and the ocean.
Hurricane Sandy sparked a renewed interest in reducing flooding impacts throughout the watershed, including efforts to restore the water quality and ecology of Wreck Pond. The breach caused by Hurricane Sandy was not stable, and the inlet began to rapidly close due to the deposition of beach sand and the discharge of sediment from Wreck Pond and its watershed.
Princeton Hydro and HDR generated the data used to support the goals of the feasibility study through a USACE-approved model of Wreck Pond that examined the dynamics of Wreck Pond along with the water bodies directly upland, the watershed, and the offshore waters in the immediate vicinity of the ocean outfall. The model was calibrated and verified using available “normalized” tide data. Neighboring Deal Lake, which is also tidally connected to the ocean by a similar outfall pipe, was used as the "reference" waterbody. The Wreck Pond System model evaluated the hydraulic characteristics of Wreck Pond with and without the modified outfall pipe, computed pollutant inputs from the surrounding watershed, and predicted Wreck Pond's water quality and ecological response. The calibrated model was also used to investigate the effects and longevity of dredging and other waterway feature modifications.
As part of the study, Princeton Hydro and HDR completed hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste (HTRW) and geotechnical investigations of Wreck Pond's sediment to assess potential flood damage reduction and ecological restoration efforts of the waterbody. The investigation included the progression of 10 sediment borings conducted within the main body of Wreck Pond, as well as primary tributaries to the pond. The borings, conducted under the supervision of our geotechnical staff, were progressed through the surgical accumulated sediment, not the underlying parent material. Samples were collected for analysis by Princeton Hydro’s AMRL-accredited (AASHTO Materials Reference Library) and USACE-certified laboratory. In accordance with NJDEP requirements, sediment samples were also forwarded to a subcontracted analytical laboratory for analysis of potential nonpoint source pollutants.
In the geotechnical laboratory, the samples were subjected to geotechnical indexing tests, including grain size, organic content, moisture content, and plasticity/liquid limits. For soil strength parameters, the in-field Standard Penetration Test (SPT), as well as laboratory unconfined compression tests, were performed on a clay sample to provide parameters for slope stability modeling.
The culvert construction and sediment dredging were completed at the end of 2016. Continued restoration efforts, informed and directed by the data developed through Princeton Hydro's feasibility study, are helping to reduce the risk of flooding to surrounding Wreck Pond communities, increase connectivity between the pond and ocean, and improve water quality. The overall result is a healthier, more diverse, and more resilient Wreck Pond ecosystem.
To learn more about our geotechnical engineering services, click here.
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