Urban Wetland Creation in Bloomfield Township

Along the Third River and Spring Brook, two freshwater tributaries of the Passaic River, a highly disturbed, flood-prone former industrial site, were transformed into a thriving public park allowing for both passive and active recreational activities. By removing a little over four acres of upland historic fill in this densely developed area and converting it into 4.2 acres of a functioning floodplain wetland, the project restored valuable ecological functions, enhances wetland and riparian zone habitat, and increases flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff.

Princeton Hydro served as the ecological engineer to Bloomfield Township. Our scientists and engineers played a crucial role in this important urban wetland creation project by assisting in obtaining grant acquisition, collecting background ecological data through field sampling and surveying, developing a water budget, completing all necessary permitting, designing both the conceptual and final restoration plans, and conducting construction oversight during implementation.
The site includes 1,360 feet along the east bank of the Third River and 3,040 feet along the banks of the Spring Brook. These waterways are freshwater tributaries of the Passaic River and share a history of flooding above the site’s 100-year floodplain. The Third River, like many urban streams, tends to be the victim of excessive volume and is subjected to erosion and chronic, uncontrolled flooding. This green infrastructure project re-established the natural floodplain wetland and riparian plant communities, which led to a species-rich forest community through the removal of invasive species, setting the stage for native plants.

Over 500 trees and shrubs were planted in the new wetland, with additional trees and shrubs planted along Lion Gate Drive and in existing woodlands. The selected native plant species all provide important wildlife value, such as providing fruit for migratory birds. Phase One of the project, which includes the wetland construction and plantings, was completed in April 2020. The sports fields and playground were completed in June 2021 and are now open to the public.

For this project’s design and construction, Bloomfield Township, Strauss and Associates, ARH, and Princeton Hydro secured $1.76 million in funding from the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council and several million more from NJDEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration. Acquisition of part of the property was funded by New Jersey Green Acres.