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The restoration and wetland pocket creation portion of the project is specific to work conducted during the summer of 2017 adjacent to Duck Pond, the second of three interconnected ponds located within the park. The overall purpose of the Duck Pond project was to reduce the non-point source loading of nitrogen and phosphorous. The reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loading is a key element of the satisfying the Metedeconk River TMDL and addressing the causes for the eutrophication of Barnegat Bay. Along 140 feet of shoreline an existing bulkhead running along the entire perimeter of Duck Pond was removed. It was graded back in a way to create two small wetland pockets designed to receive spill over from the pond during moderate to large storm events as well as treat existing runoff from the park during smaller storm events that would otherwise discharge directly into the pond. These wetland pockets were also graded to create non-uniform microtopography for increased ecological benefit. The plant palette chosen strikes a balance between aesthetic design and water quality improvement. Princeton Hydro worked collaboratively with NJDEP to reduce the permitting burden on our project partners. Due to the intent of the project to improve water quality, we presented an alternative permitting strategy agreed upon by NJDEP, which allowed the permitting of the project via the FHA Control Act Rules. This approach removed the need for CAFRA permitting and reduced permit preparation costs, review time, and fees, ultimately resulting in excess funding being directed towards implementation. Following the project, in-stream in-situ and discrete water quality monitoring was conducted for one year in order to assess the effectiveness of the BMPs. The combined green infrastructure and living shoreline elements of this project set the stage for a much needed effort to reduce NPS loading and address waterfowl-related pathogen impacts to Ocean County Park’s lakes and the Metedeconk River. It heightened public awareness of NPS pollution and the benefits of green infrastructure. The project serves as a model for proper stormwater management and living shoreline creation throughout both the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay Watersheds. [post_title] => Ocean County Park Shoreline Restoration and Wetland Pocket Creation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ocean-county-park-shoreline-restoration-and-wetland-pocket-creation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-14 15:52:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-14 15:52:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=17513 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17485 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-03 21:05:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-03 21:05:05 [post_content] => Mercer County’s John A. Roebling Memorial Park offers residents in the surrounding area a freshwater marsh with river fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife-watching. The park contains the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh on the Delaware River, Abbott Marshland. Tidal marshes, like the 3,000-acre Abbott Marshlands, contain valuable habitat for many rare species like River Otter, American Eel, Bald Eagle, and many species of wading birds. Unfortunately, the Abbott Marshland has experienced a significant amount of loss and degradation, partially due to the introduction of the invasive Phragmites australis (Phragmites). [caption id="attachment_3485" align="aligncenter" width="1380"] Second "Capture the Change" view[/caption] For the Mercer County Park Commission (MCPC), Princeton Hydro put together a plan to reduce and control the Phragmites to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, broaden recreational opportunities, and enhance the visitor experience at the park. This stewardship project replaced the Phragmites with native species with a goal to reduce its ability to recolonize the marsh. Once the restoration was completed, these areas gave way to native flora, enhanced tidal function, and incredible viewscapes. Princeton Hydro also conducted a Floristic Quality Assessment to identify invasive areas and an Evaluation of Planned Wetlands to identify key wetland functions/values to be enhanced/restored, as well as performed hydrologic monitoring to understand tidal stage elevations. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="17039,3810"] Phase 1 of the restoration process included multiple herbicide applications in Spring and Fall to eradicate the Phragmites. We led the permit application process, which included securing a Flood Hazard Area (FHA) General Permit #4, Freshwater Wetlands (FWW) General Permit #16, and Coastal (CZM) General Permit #24. Our field operations crew applied the herbicide Imazapyr using our amphibious Marsh Master vehicle and airboat as well as on foot with a backpack sprayer. Following herbicide treatment, the Marsh Master was be equipped with a steel lawn roller with a welded angle iron to roll over and crush/snap the common reed stalks. The stalks would be rolled in opposite directions to break and mulch the stalks and expose the native seedbank. One year later, we documented a dozen “volunteer” native species growing in the marsh. During the project, Princeton Hydro worked alongside MCPC to keep the public informed and engaged through public meetings and outreach. MCPC launched the “Capture the Change” initiative to help document the visual changes seen in the park as the restoration progresses by sharing photos on social media using #BagthePhrag. [post_title] => John A. Roebling Memorial Park Tidal Wetland Restoration [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => john-a-roebling-memorial-park-tidal-wetland-restoration [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-03 21:05:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-03 21:05:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=17485 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 16980 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-01-30 15:01:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-30 15:01:20 [post_content] => Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors in 2018. Princeton Hydro was contracted to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. Historically, the site contained intertidal mudflats and shallow water habitat, which were filled and developed as a railroad yard. Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resiliency for urban communities that are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs. To inform the design development, our team conducted design charrettes with various stakeholders and a myriad of monitoring tasks focused on site characterization including a wetland delineation; bio-benchmarking surveys of the tidal marsh vegetation communities; topographic, bathymetric, and utility surveys; and geotechnical sampling such as SPT borings and test pits. Field data and observations were incorporated into various analyses to support the engineering design including a 2D Hydrologic and Hydraulic model and wave analysis, and a detailed Sea Level Rise Analysis to inform the design of various project elements to accommodate sea level rise projections through 2070. The tidal channel geometry, culvert width, and tidal marsh were designed to address increased flows and water surface elevations. Groundwater levels and flow direction were also characterized through the installation of monitoring wells and continuous measurements of the groundwater level using piezometers. To support the design process, the team developed interim construction cost estimates for various design milestones and coordinated and advanced the local, state, and federal permit process and applications. As part of NJDEP’s public outreach campaign, our team participated in an open house interacting directly with members of the public. We produced a 4-minute video simulating the expected visitor experience using detailed engineering design renderings. When completed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. Click below to watch the video now: [embed]https://youtu.be/XbzQ08o7b5Y[/embed] [post_title] => Liberty State Park Ecosystem Restoration [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => liberty-state-park-ecosystem-restoration [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-30 16:01:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-30 16:01:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=16980 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15996 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-12-02 15:28:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-12-02 15:28:32 [post_content] => The Spring Creek (North) Ecosystem Restoration Project is located in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, New York. In the early 1900’s, the salt marsh community of Spring Creek was part of the extensive coastal wetland community of Jamaica Bay, known for the abundance and diversity of its shellfish as well as its ecological importance as a nursery and feeding ground for countless species of birds and fish. The intertidal salt marsh and uplands have since been degraded by historic placement of dredged spoils and municipal waste, the construction of a sanitary sewer trunk line, ditching of the marsh, and urbanization of the watershed. When completed, the project will restore approximately 43.2 acres of degraded habitat to 0.7 acres of low marsh, 12.9 acres of transitional and high marsh, 5.2 acres of scrub shrub wetland and 24.4 acres of maritime upland in an overall project footprint of 67 acres. Primary construction activities will include excavating and re-contouring uplands to intertidal elevations, thin layer placement of sand on the marsh platform to restore areas of degraded tidal wetland, removing invasive plant species, and replanting with native plant species. The overall project purpose is to improve the environmental quality (water, diversity, and wildlife habitat) of Spring Creek and its associated salt marshes as part of the overall Jamaica Bay Ecosystem. [gallery link="none" ids="15997,15998,16000"] Princeton Hydro was contracted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, New York District to lead the design and engineering. To inform the design development, a variety of site-specific data was collected including topographic, bathymetric, utility and tree surveys. Wetland delineation and vegetation characterization were performed, along with a bio-benchmark survey to establish marsh habitat boundaries; hydrodynamic data; and geotechnical borings. The data collected was analyzed and incorporated into the design, including a sea level change analysis; slope stability analysis; development of a hydrologic model and an unsteady 1-D hydraulic model; stormwater design; and wetland restoration design. A concept design was developed in coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers and New York City Parks, and the design was advanced via the preparation of 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design plans and technical specifications. Additionally, the required local, state, and federal permits were obtained, and a detailed construction cost estimate was developed. [post_title] => Spring Creek North Ecosystem Restoration Project [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => spring-creek-north-ecosystem-restoration-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-12-02 15:29:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-02 15:29:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=15996 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15396 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-06-17 17:46:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-06-17 17:46:11 [post_content] => Evergreen Environmental, LLC retained Princeton Hydro, LLC to provide scientific, engineering, permitting, herbicide treatment, and construction oversight support to deliver compensatory wetland mitigation credits required for the expansion of the Garden State Parkway in southern New Jersey. [gallery link="none" size="medium" columns="2" ids="15395,15392"] Princeton Hydro was responsible for completing hydrologic assessments, conducting wetland delineations and habitat surveys, coordinating regulatory agency involvement for sensitive species occurrence, developing wetland mitigation concept designs, obtaining permits for final design plans, issuing contractor bid specifications, and overseeing project implementation. The project also required regular interactions with members of the New Jersey Wetland Mitigation Unit of the NJDEP. To compensate for wetland disturbances associated with widening of the Garden State Parkway, Princeton Hydro developed a mitigation plan for an 8.4-acre former Christmas tree farm. The mitigation design included a hydrologic study, a water budget, wetland delineation, a swamp pink survey, and a flood hazard permit. The mitigation design included elements of wetland preservation, enhancement, creation, and restoration. After the first growing season, the mitigation site possessed 92% cover and 97% survivorship of woody plant material. The site also possessed a vernal habitat component that supported several frog species. Upon completion, the mitigation site was conveyed to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="15391,15393"] [post_title] => Garden State Parkway Gunning River Freshwater Wetland Mitigation [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => garden-state-parkway-gunning-river [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-11-20 15:49:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-11-20 15:49:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=15396 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14925 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-05-08 14:14:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-05-08 14:14:43 [post_content] => Located in Chester County Pennsylvania, just downstream of the Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC), a small segment of the East Branch White Clay Creek, designated as an Exceptional Value (EV) stream and watershed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was selected as a location for the implementation of a floodplain wetland restoration and reconnection project. The project reach extends downstream from the Spencer Road across properties owned by the SWRC, the Stroud family, and neighboring landowners. This particular stretch of stream had been historically straightened for agricultural purposes, and exhibited signs of geomorphic instability such as re-meandering, incision, and widening due to bank erosion. Additionally, this section is part of a long-term research project in environmental biology conducted by SWRC and funded by the National Science Foundation. The strategic design, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and site evaluations resulted in a design which in addition to grading, utilized the natural topographic controls, such as bedrock and confluences, enabled the filling of the newly constructed floodplain prior to flood peaks. This proactive approach helped to mitigate erosion associated with bank overtopping and the confluence of floodwaters, contributing to the overall reduction of potential risks. All disturbed areas were planted and seeded with native floodplain and upland species to stabilize the site and promote a healthy native plant community. Unique to this project, The material excavated from the floodplain was placed and spread on adjacent actively farmed fields thus utilizing the legacy sediments for future agricultural production. [gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="14930,14931,14928"] The incorporation of naturalized, function-based restoration design principles, a hallmark of Princeton Hydro’s expertise, played a central role in restoring and enhancing floodplain function in this context. The successful implementation of the project relied on a delicate balance of considering the maximization of ecological benefits and potential reduction in localized flooding, all within the constraints of realistic funding availability and regulatory compliance. [post_title] => White Clay Creek Floodplain Restoration and Reconnection [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => white-clay-creek-floodplain-restoration-and-reconnection [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-08 14:14:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-08 14:14:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=14925 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14593 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-03-06 21:27:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-06 21:27:07 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro worked collaboratively with GreenVest to design the 25-acre Lawrence Brook wetland mitigation site. The site is situated at the confluence of the Lawrence Brook and the Raritan River and is an important urban/estuarine mixing zone providing habitat for wading birds, waterfowl, fish, and invertebrates. Its tidally influenced wetlands were extensively ditched for mosquito control and completely dominated by the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis). [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="14594,14596"] This mitigation project provided compensatory mitigation for the former National Lead site redevelopment project. The primary objective was to eliminate Common Reed and replace the site with a more desirable and species-rich plant community. The project also included a wetland creation component. Princeton Hydro prepared the engineering plans in a collaborative effort with GreenVest. The design included clearing and grubbing of invasive species, excavation of accreted sediments within the wetland restoration areas to achieve optimal marsh elevations, placement of excavated material within proposed upload forested areas, re-vegetation of restoration areas with native plant species, and installation of wildlife exclusion systems and fencing to prevent herbivory. Although the plan emphasized the restoration of estuarine wetland, the project also included forested/scrub-shrub freshwater wetlands, maritime upland forest, and riparian buffers. [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="14597,14598"] Princeton Hydro was also retained to manage the invasive species control program for the project site, which targeted the elimination of Common Reed, and allowed a number of desirable tidal wetland species to colonize the site. Subsequent to completion of several treatments, the dead stalks and thatch were removed from the marsh plain to facilitate the establishment of planted material as well as allow for plant species present in the marsh’s seed bank to emerge. The wetland responded extremely well to this restoration project and the site is dominated by a species-rich intertidal plant community that includes several rare species. [post_title] => Lawrence Brook Wetland Mitigation Site [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => lawrence-brook-wetland-mitigation-site [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-06 21:27:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-06 21:27:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=14593 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14440 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-01-17 16:52:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-01-17 16:52:52 [post_content] => The Turkey Foot project is approximately 7.5 acres within the greater 1,200-acre John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) at Tinicum. The NWR is located within the City of Philadelphia and neighboring Tinicum Township in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties. The refuge protects approximately 200 acres of the last remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania and represents an important migratory stopover along the Atlantic Flyway. It also provides protected breeding habitat for State-listed threatened and endangered species, as well as many neotropical migrants, such as the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), King Rail (Rallus elegans), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea), and Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris). [gallery link="none" ids="11773,11775,11770"] The Turkey Foot project area is an example of one of the historically impacted ecosystems at the Refuge and lends itself to ecological restoration. The approach for this restoration project focused on the creation of approximately four acres of contiguous wetland habitat bordered by a functional riparian buffer. The proposed design produced by Princeton Hydro resulted in the creation of three habitat zones: 1) intertidal marsh, 2) high marsh, and 3) upland grassland. The integration of high marsh into the proposed design satisfies the refuge’s request to establish foraging, breeding, and nesting habitat for black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis), a proposed threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Our approach also included a robust invasive species management plan and adaptive management monitoring program that guided the development of the restored site towards the ultimate goal of establishing a diverse and productive coastal ecosystem within the Turkey Foot project area. [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="14437,14436"] Princeton Hydro conducted wetland delineation, biological benchmarks, and reporting, including a Wetland Delineation Report prepared in compliance with the USACE Nationwide Permit #27 requirements. Additionally, Princeton Hydro’s role included developing engineering plans for the restoration and enhancement of the Turkey Foot project area, mapping topographic and bathymetric existing conditions, assisting with permitting and regulatory approvals, and overseeing construction implementation. Click here to learn more. [post_title] => Turkey Foot Restoration at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => turkey-foot-restoration-at-john-heinz-national-wildlife-refuge [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-01-31 16:53:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-01-31 16:53:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=14440 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13156 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-07-18 19:48:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-18 19:48:35 [post_content] => As one of only a few areas of open space left in Point Pleasant, the 13-acre Slade Dale Sanctuary is an important part of the local ecosystem, and is home to a number of unique animals and plants. This waterfront preserve along the North Branch Beaver Dam Creek is predominantly tidal marsh, which provides habitat for various birds, including osprey, as well as passive recreation opportunities for the community. Unfortunately, the Slade Dale Sanctuary is disappearing. Since 1930, the shoreline of Slade Dale Sanctuary has retreated approximately 300 feet, equal to the length of a football field, and the channels into the marsh have increased in number and size, according to aerial imagery that Princeton Hydro assessed on behalf of American Littoral Society. In order to stabilize the shoreline, restore the marsh, and enhance the ecological function and integrity of the preserve, American Littoral Society contracted Princeton Hydro to develop a conceptual and engineering design using living shoreline features to enhance ecological value and reduce erosion. To develop a final design, Princeton Hydro mapped historic wetland extents, performed a bathymetric survey, as well as an ecological and engineering assessment of the waterfront. The final concept utilized a novel, low-cost technique that had never been done in New Jersey - upcycling donated Christmas trees into a living shoreline. The design used a combination of breakwater fence and tree vane structures to attenuate wave action, foster sediment accretion, and reduce erosion along the shoreline. The tree vane structures are located behind the 1977 Tidelands Line to comply with state regulations. Both types of structures mimic naturally occurring debris structures in tidal systems and enhance habitat opportunity and shelter for aquatic life. To implement this design the trees were transported by volunteers from their staged locations on the marsh to the breakwater sections that were previously installed in the water. The trees were stuffed between the pilings, securely tied down, and staked directly into the creek bottom. [gallery link="none" ids="3600,3598,3606"] [post_title] => Living Shoreline at Slade Dale Sanctuary [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => living-shoreline-at-slade-dale-sanctuary [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-07-18 19:50:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-07-18 19:50:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=13156 [menu_order] => 5 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11867 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-11-16 15:28:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-16 15:28:31 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro was contracted by Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to develop a conceptual restoration design for the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve (CBP). Cold Brook is a small coastal stream, approximately three miles long, that drains to Saquatucket Harbor on the south shore of Cape Cod. The Cold Brook watershed has undergone profound hydrologic and floristic alteration since at least the late 19th century, primarily to accommodate cranberry cultivation. [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="11868,11869"] The CBP site was selected as a Priority Project of DER; as such, this site was eligible for funding and management assistance through partnership with DER. The goals for the CBP site included the restoration of fundamental wetland services and functions with a focus on exposure of native soils, management of the existing sand cap, cultivation of native habitat types and plant communities, and restoration of natural site hydrology. Princeton Hydro provided a restoration concept based on fulfilling a number of requirements expressed by HCT and DER. The requirements included self-sustainability; restoration of wetland function; promotion of natural hydrology; enhancement of fish and wildlife passage; improvement to water quality; resiliency to climate change and sea level rise; and maintenance and enhancement of public accessibility. An important aspect of the restoration of natural hydrology at the CBP site was the tidal influence and salinity intrusion into the site. Site monitoring showed the lower third of the site to be tidal, although the head of the tide within the incised channel extends farther into the site. The tidal range and variable salinity were necessary and fundamental concerns in the restoration of the site and dictated plant community selection as well as aquatic habitat zonation. [post_title] => Cold Brook Preserve Restoration Project [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => cold-brook-preserve-restoration-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-11-16 15:30:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-11-16 15:30:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?post_type=project&p=11867 [menu_order] => 34 [post_type] => project [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 10 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17513 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-14 15:51:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-14 15:51:00 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro was contracted by the American Littoral Society to complete design plans, permits and construction services for multiple water quality improvement projects conducted within Ocean County Park. The restoration and wetland pocket creation portion of the project is specific to work conducted during the summer of 2017 adjacent to Duck Pond, the second of three interconnected ponds located within the park. The overall purpose of the Duck Pond project was to reduce the non-point source loading of nitrogen and phosphorous. The reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loading is a key element of the satisfying the Metedeconk River TMDL and addressing the causes for the eutrophication of Barnegat Bay. Along 140 feet of shoreline an existing bulkhead running along the entire perimeter of Duck Pond was removed. It was graded back in a way to create two small wetland pockets designed to receive spill over from the pond during moderate to large storm events as well as treat existing runoff from the park during smaller storm events that would otherwise discharge directly into the pond. These wetland pockets were also graded to create non-uniform microtopography for increased ecological benefit. The plant palette chosen strikes a balance between aesthetic design and water quality improvement. Princeton Hydro worked collaboratively with NJDEP to reduce the permitting burden on our project partners. Due to the intent of the project to improve water quality, we presented an alternative permitting strategy agreed upon by NJDEP, which allowed the permitting of the project via the FHA Control Act Rules. This approach removed the need for CAFRA permitting and reduced permit preparation costs, review time, and fees, ultimately resulting in excess funding being directed towards implementation. Following the project, in-stream in-situ and discrete water quality monitoring was conducted for one year in order to assess the effectiveness of the BMPs. The combined green infrastructure and living shoreline elements of this project set the stage for a much needed effort to reduce NPS loading and address waterfowl-related pathogen impacts to Ocean County Park’s lakes and the Metedeconk River. It heightened public awareness of NPS pollution and the benefits of green infrastructure. The project serves as a model for proper stormwater management and living shoreline creation throughout both the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay Watersheds. 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Princeton Hydro was contracted by the American Littoral Society to complete design plans, permits and construction services for multiple water quality improvement projects conducted within Ocean County Park. The restoration and wetland pocket creation portion of the project is specific to work conducted during the summer of 2017 adjacent to Duck Pond, the second of three interconnected ponds located within the park. The overall purpose of the Duck Pond project was to reduce the non-point source loading of nitrogen and phosphorous. The reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loading is a key element of the satisfying the Metedeconk River TMDL and addressing the causes for the eutrophication of Barnegat Bay.
Along 140 feet of shoreline an existing bulkhead running along the entire perimeter of Duck Pond was removed. It was graded back in a way to create two small wetland pockets designed to receive spill over from the pond during moderate to large storm events as well as treat existing runoff from the park during smaller storm events that would otherwise discharge directly into the pond. These wetland pockets were also graded to create non-uniform microtopography for increased ecological benefit. The plant palette chosen strikes a balance between aesthetic design and water quality improvement. Princeton Hydro worked collaboratively with NJDEP to reduce the permitting burden on our project partners. Due to the intent of the project to improve water quality, we presented an alternative permitting strategy agreed upon by NJDEP, which allowed the permitting of the project via the FHA Control Act Rules. This approach removed the need for CAFRA permitting and reduced permit preparation costs, review time, and fees, ultimately resulting in excess funding being directed towards implementation.
Following the project, in-stream in-situ and discrete water quality monitoring was conducted for one year in order to assess the effectiveness of the BMPs. The combined green infrastructure and living shoreline elements of this project set the stage for a much needed effort to reduce NPS loading and address waterfowl-related pathogen impacts to Ocean County Park’s lakes and the Metedeconk River. It heightened public awareness of NPS pollution and the benefits of green infrastructure. The project serves as a model for proper stormwater management and living shoreline creation throughout both the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay Watersheds.
Mercer County’s John A. Roebling Memorial Park offers residents in the surrounding area a freshwater marsh with river fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife-watching. The park contains the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh on the Delaware River, Abbott Marshland. Tidal marshes, like the 3,000-acre Abbott Marshlands, contain valuable habitat for many rare species like River Otter, American Eel, Bald Eagle, and many species of wading birds. Unfortunately, the Abbott Marshland has experienced a significant amount of loss and degradation, partially due to the introduction of the invasive Phragmites australis (Phragmites).
For the Mercer County Park Commission (MCPC), Princeton Hydro put together a plan to reduce and control the Phragmites to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, broaden recreational opportunities, and enhance the visitor experience at the park. This stewardship project replaced the Phragmites with native species with a goal to reduce its ability to recolonize the marsh. Once the restoration was completed, these areas gave way to native flora, enhanced tidal function, and incredible viewscapes. Princeton Hydro also conducted a Floristic Quality Assessment to identify invasive areas and an Evaluation of Planned Wetlands to identify key wetland functions/values to be enhanced/restored, as well as performed hydrologic monitoring to understand tidal stage elevations.
Phase 1 of the restoration process included multiple herbicide applications in Spring and Fall to eradicate the Phragmites. We led the permit application process, which included securing a Flood Hazard Area (FHA) General Permit #4, Freshwater Wetlands (FWW) General Permit #16, and Coastal (CZM) General Permit #24. Our field operations crew applied the herbicide Imazapyr using our amphibious Marsh Master vehicle and airboat as well as on foot with a backpack sprayer. Following herbicide treatment, the Marsh Master was be equipped with a steel lawn roller with a welded angle iron to roll over and crush/snap the common reed stalks. The stalks would be rolled in opposite directions to break and mulch the stalks and expose the native seedbank. One year later, we documented a dozen “volunteer” native species growing in the marsh. During the project, Princeton Hydro worked alongside MCPC to keep the public informed and engaged through public meetings and outreach. MCPC launched the “Capture the Change” initiative to help document the visual changes seen in the park as the restoration progresses by sharing photos on social media using #BagthePhrag.
Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors in 2018. Princeton Hydro was contracted to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay.
Historically, the site contained intertidal mudflats and shallow water habitat, which were filled and developed as a railroad yard. Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resiliency for urban communities that are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs.
To inform the design development, our team conducted design charrettes with various stakeholders and a myriad of monitoring tasks focused on site characterization including a wetland delineation; bio-benchmarking surveys of the tidal marsh vegetation communities; topographic, bathymetric, and utility surveys; and geotechnical sampling such as SPT borings and test pits. Field data and observations were incorporated into various analyses to support the engineering design including a 2D Hydrologic and Hydraulic model and wave analysis, and a detailed Sea Level Rise Analysis to inform the design of various project elements to accommodate sea level rise projections through 2070. The tidal channel geometry, culvert width, and tidal marsh were designed to address increased flows and water surface elevations. Groundwater levels and flow direction were also characterized through the installation of monitoring wells and continuous measurements of the groundwater level using piezometers.
To support the design process, the team developed interim construction cost estimates for various design milestones and coordinated and advanced the local, state, and federal permit process and applications. As part of NJDEP’s public outreach campaign, our team participated in an open house interacting directly with members of the public. We produced a 4-minute video simulating the expected visitor experience using detailed engineering design renderings. When completed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. Click below to watch the video now:
The Spring Creek (North) Ecosystem Restoration Project is located in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, New York. In the early 1900’s, the salt marsh community of Spring Creek was part of the extensive coastal wetland community of Jamaica Bay, known for the abundance and diversity of its shellfish as well as its ecological importance as a nursery and feeding ground for countless species of birds and fish. The intertidal salt marsh and uplands have since been degraded by historic placement of dredged spoils and municipal waste, the construction of a sanitary sewer trunk line, ditching of the marsh, and urbanization of the watershed.
When completed, the project will restore approximately 43.2 acres of degraded habitat to 0.7 acres of low marsh, 12.9 acres of transitional and high marsh, 5.2 acres of scrub shrub wetland and 24.4 acres of maritime upland in an overall project footprint of 67 acres. Primary construction activities will include excavating and re-contouring uplands to intertidal elevations, thin layer placement of sand on the marsh platform to restore areas of degraded tidal wetland, removing invasive plant species, and replanting with native plant species. The overall project purpose is to improve the environmental quality (water, diversity, and wildlife habitat) of Spring Creek and its associated salt marshes as part of the overall Jamaica Bay Ecosystem.
Princeton Hydro was contracted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, New York District to lead the design and engineering. To inform the design development, a variety of site-specific data was collected including topographic, bathymetric, utility and tree surveys. Wetland delineation and vegetation characterization were performed, along with a bio-benchmark survey to establish marsh habitat boundaries; hydrodynamic data; and geotechnical borings. The data collected was analyzed and incorporated into the design, including a sea level change analysis; slope stability analysis; development of a hydrologic model and an unsteady 1-D hydraulic model; stormwater design; and wetland restoration design.
A concept design was developed in coordination with the US Army Corps of Engineers and New York City Parks, and the design was advanced via the preparation of 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design plans and technical specifications. Additionally, the required local, state, and federal permits were obtained, and a detailed construction cost estimate was developed.
Evergreen Environmental, LLC retained Princeton Hydro, LLC to provide scientific, engineering, permitting, herbicide treatment, and construction oversight support to deliver compensatory wetland mitigation credits required for the expansion of the Garden State Parkway in southern New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro was responsible for completing hydrologic assessments, conducting wetland delineations and habitat surveys, coordinating regulatory agency involvement for sensitive species occurrence, developing wetland mitigation concept designs, obtaining permits for final design plans, issuing contractor bid specifications, and overseeing project implementation. The project also required regular interactions with members of the New Jersey Wetland Mitigation Unit of the NJDEP.
To compensate for wetland disturbances associated with widening of the Garden State Parkway, Princeton Hydro developed a mitigation plan for an 8.4-acre former Christmas tree farm. The mitigation design included a hydrologic study, a water budget, wetland delineation, a swamp pink survey, and a flood hazard permit. The mitigation design included elements of wetland preservation, enhancement, creation, and restoration. After the first growing season, the mitigation site possessed 92% cover and 97% survivorship of woody plant material. The site also possessed a vernal habitat component that supported several frog species.
Upon completion, the mitigation site was conveyed to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
Located in Chester County Pennsylvania, just downstream of the Stroud Water Research Center (SWRC), a small segment of the East Branch White Clay Creek, designated as an Exceptional Value (EV) stream and watershed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was selected as a location for the implementation of a floodplain wetland restoration and reconnection project. The project reach extends downstream from the Spencer Road across properties owned by the SWRC, the Stroud family, and neighboring landowners. This particular stretch of stream had been historically straightened for agricultural purposes, and exhibited signs of geomorphic instability such as re-meandering, incision, and widening due to bank erosion. Additionally, this section is part of a long-term research project in environmental biology conducted by SWRC and funded by the National Science Foundation.
The strategic design, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and site evaluations resulted in a design which in addition to grading, utilized the natural topographic controls, such as bedrock and confluences, enabled the filling of the newly constructed floodplain prior to flood peaks. This proactive approach helped to mitigate erosion associated with bank overtopping and the confluence of floodwaters, contributing to the overall reduction of potential risks. All disturbed areas were planted and seeded with native floodplain and upland species to stabilize the site and promote a healthy native plant community. Unique to this project, The material excavated from the floodplain was placed and spread on adjacent actively farmed fields thus utilizing the legacy sediments for future agricultural production.
The incorporation of naturalized, function-based restoration design principles, a hallmark of Princeton Hydro’s expertise, played a central role in restoring and enhancing floodplain function in this context. The successful implementation of the project relied on a delicate balance of considering the maximization of ecological benefits and potential reduction in localized flooding, all within the constraints of realistic funding availability and regulatory compliance.
Princeton Hydro worked collaboratively with GreenVest to design the 25-acre Lawrence Brook wetland mitigation site. The site is situated at the confluence of the Lawrence Brook and the Raritan River and is an important urban/estuarine mixing zone providing habitat for wading birds, waterfowl, fish, and invertebrates. Its tidally influenced wetlands were extensively ditched for mosquito control and completely dominated by the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
This mitigation project provided compensatory mitigation for the former National Lead site redevelopment project. The primary objective was to eliminate Common Reed and replace the site with a more desirable and species-rich plant community. The project also included a wetland creation component. Princeton Hydro prepared the engineering plans in a collaborative effort with GreenVest. The design included clearing and grubbing of invasive species, excavation of accreted sediments within the wetland restoration areas to achieve optimal marsh elevations, placement of excavated material within proposed upload forested areas, re-vegetation of restoration areas with native plant species, and installation of wildlife exclusion systems and fencing to prevent herbivory. Although the plan emphasized the restoration of estuarine wetland, the project also included forested/scrub-shrub freshwater wetlands, maritime upland forest, and riparian buffers.
Princeton Hydro was also retained to manage the invasive species control program for the project site, which targeted the elimination of Common Reed, and allowed a number of desirable tidal wetland species to colonize the site. Subsequent to completion of several treatments, the dead stalks and thatch were removed from the marsh plain to facilitate the establishment of planted material as well as allow for plant species present in the marsh’s seed bank to emerge. The wetland responded extremely well to this restoration project and the site is dominated by a species-rich intertidal plant community that includes several rare species.
The Turkey Foot project is approximately 7.5 acres within the greater 1,200-acre John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) at Tinicum. The NWR is located within the City of Philadelphia and neighboring Tinicum Township in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.
The refuge protects approximately 200 acres of the last remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania and represents an important migratory stopover along the Atlantic Flyway. It also provides protected breeding habitat for State-listed threatened and endangered species, as well as many neotropical migrants, such as the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), King Rail (Rallus elegans), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea), and Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris).
The Turkey Foot project area is an example of one of the historically impacted ecosystems at the Refuge and lends itself to ecological restoration. The approach for this restoration project focused on the creation of approximately four acres of contiguous wetland habitat bordered by a functional riparian buffer.
The proposed design produced by Princeton Hydro resulted in the creation of three habitat zones: 1) intertidal marsh, 2) high marsh, and 3) upland grassland. The integration of high marsh into the proposed design satisfies the refuge’s request to establish foraging, breeding, and nesting habitat for black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis), a proposed threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Our approach also included a robust invasive species management plan and adaptive management monitoring program that guided the development of the restored site towards the ultimate goal of establishing a diverse and productive coastal ecosystem within the Turkey Foot project area.
Princeton Hydro conducted wetland delineation, biological benchmarks, and reporting, including a Wetland Delineation Report prepared in compliance with the USACE Nationwide Permit #27 requirements. Additionally, Princeton Hydro’s role included developing engineering plans for the restoration and enhancement of the Turkey Foot project area, mapping topographic and bathymetric existing conditions, assisting with permitting and regulatory approvals, and overseeing construction implementation.
As one of only a few areas of open space left in Point Pleasant, the 13-acre Slade Dale Sanctuary is an important part of the local ecosystem, and is home to a number of unique animals and plants. This waterfront preserve along the North Branch Beaver Dam Creek is predominantly tidal marsh, which provides habitat for various birds, including osprey, as well as passive recreation opportunities for the community.
Unfortunately, the Slade Dale Sanctuary is disappearing. Since 1930, the shoreline of Slade Dale Sanctuary has retreated approximately 300 feet, equal to the length of a football field, and the channels into the marsh have increased in number and size, according to aerial imagery that Princeton Hydro assessed on behalf of American Littoral Society.
In order to stabilize the shoreline, restore the marsh, and enhance the ecological function and integrity of the preserve, American Littoral Society contracted Princeton Hydro to develop a conceptual and engineering design using living shoreline features to enhance ecological value and reduce erosion. To develop a final design, Princeton Hydro mapped historic wetland extents, performed a bathymetric survey, as well as an ecological and engineering assessment of the waterfront.
The final concept utilized a novel, low-cost technique that had never been done in New Jersey - upcycling donated Christmas trees into a living shoreline. The design used a combination of breakwater fence and tree vane structures to attenuate wave action, foster sediment accretion, and reduce erosion along the shoreline. The tree vane structures are located behind the 1977 Tidelands Line to comply with state regulations. Both types of structures mimic naturally occurring debris structures in tidal systems and enhance habitat opportunity and shelter for aquatic life.
To implement this design the trees were transported by volunteers from their staged locations on the marsh to the breakwater sections that were previously installed in the water. The trees were stuffed between the pilings, securely tied down, and staked directly into the creek bottom.
Princeton Hydro was contracted by Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to develop a conceptual restoration design for the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve (CBP). Cold Brook is a small coastal stream, approximately three miles long, that drains to Saquatucket Harbor on the south shore of Cape Cod. The Cold Brook watershed has undergone profound hydrologic and floristic alteration since at least the late 19th century, primarily to accommodate cranberry cultivation.
The CBP site was selected as a Priority Project of DER; as such, this site was eligible for funding and management assistance through partnership with DER. The goals for the CBP site included the restoration of fundamental wetland services and functions with a focus on exposure of native soils, management of the existing sand cap, cultivation of native habitat types and plant communities, and restoration of natural site hydrology.
Princeton Hydro provided a restoration concept based on fulfilling a number of requirements expressed by HCT and DER. The requirements included self-sustainability; restoration of wetland function; promotion of natural hydrology; enhancement of fish and wildlife passage; improvement to water quality; resiliency to climate change and sea level rise; and maintenance and enhancement of public accessibility.
An important aspect of the restoration of natural hydrology at the CBP site was the tidal influence and salinity intrusion into the site. Site monitoring showed the lower third of the site to be tidal, although the head of the tide within the incised channel extends farther into the site. The tidal range and variable salinity were necessary and fundamental concerns in the restoration of the site and dictated plant community selection as well as aquatic habitat zonation.
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