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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From groundbreaking projects to personal accomplishments, these successes highlight the dedication and innovation of our team and the strength of our partnerships. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our clients, collaborators, and staff. Join us as we celebrate the top 10 successes that made this year extraordinary: 1. Restored Free-Flowing Rivers in the Delaware River Watershed This year marked major milestones in the restoration of three Delaware River tributaries. The removal of the 129-year-old Paulina Lake Dam on the Paulins Kill River reconnected an additional 7.6 miles of river habitat, adding to the 10 miles restored following the removal of Columbia Lake Dam. This project, led by The Nature Conservancy and designed by Princeton Hydro, represents a significant step forward in revitalizing New Jersey’s third-largest tributary to the Delaware River. The removal of Dam #2 on Bushkill Creek completed a five-dam removal effort, making the lower Bushkill Creek free-flowing and reconnecting it to the Delaware River for the first time in over 200 years. This effort enhances water quality, supports the passage of migratory fish, and bolsters freshwater mussel populations, vital to the health of the watershed. In November, work began to remove the Cedar Grove Dam, the first of four dams slated for removal along the Pequest River over the next year. This collaborative effort, led by The Nature Conservancy with training support from Princeton Hydro, will open nearly 10 miles of mainstem river and reconnect 57 miles of tributaries. Collectively, these dam removals celebrate a shared commitment to restoring ecological balance, reconnecting critical habitats, and supporting the biodiversity of the Delaware River Basin. 2. Designed & Implemented Urban Ecological Uplift Initiatives Through engineering and ecological enhancements, we are revitalizing landscapes across the region. In New Jersey, the 279-acre Miry Run Dam Site 21 in Mercer County Park is being transformed into a vibrant public park that balances nature and community. We also collaborated with the Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association on a Community Garden and Park Visioning project, assisting them in securing a grant that led to the planting of 500 native plants, enhancing public spaces and creating critical habitat for monarch butterflies. In Pennsylvania, Warrington Township’s Lion’s Pride Park is being converted into a resilient wetland complex with accessible pathways, demonstrating how ecological uplift fosters healthier communities. And, construction is now complete on the Turkey Foot restoration project within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia. The project revitalized 7.5 acres of critical wetland and upland habitats, preserving Pennsylvania’s last freshwater tidal marsh and supporting migratory and threatened and endangered species. In New York, we broke ground on the Spring Creek (North) Ecosystem Restoration Project in Brooklyn and Queens, which aims to restore 43 acres of degraded habitat within Jamaica Bay into a mosaic of low marsh, high marsh, scrub shrub wetland, and maritime upland within a 67-acre footprint. Meanwhile, the addition of the Marsh Master® 2MX-KC-FH to Princeton Hydro’s fleet elevated the ability to combat invasive species like Phragmites australis with minimal ecological disturbance. 3. Earned 7 Prestigious Awards Princeton Hydro was recognized as one of New Jersey’s “Top Workplaces of 2024,” a prestigious honor that highlights our commitment to fostering an inspiring and supportive work environment. Two of our project achievements received acclaim: the Musconetcong Island Park project earned both the New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award and the American Planning Association of New Jersey’s 2024 Great Places in New Jersey - Great Public Space Award for transforming an abandoned site into a riparian park. The City of Lambertville’s stormwater management initiatives received the NJDEP “Our Water’s Worth It” Award for advancing flood resilience and water quality. Additionally, the restoration of the historic Roebling Wireworks, home to our Trenton headquarters, earned the New Jersey Historic Preservation Project Award, and our President, Geoffrey Goll, PE, was honored with the “Catalyst for Sustainable Change” Award from Hold High the Torch for advancing STEAM education and environmental stewardship. And just this month, Dr. Fred Lubnow was honored with the NJ-AWRA Peter Homack Award for his outstanding contributions to the multi-disciplinary understanding and management of New Jersey’s water resources. These awards reflect the passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence that define Princeton Hydro. 4. Enhanced Accessibility & Transformed Trails at a Vital Nature Preserve [embed]https://youtu.be/wSJeYM8ajPE[/embed] We partnered with The Nature Conservancy to enhance accessibility and visitor experience at the South Cape May Meadows Preserve, a 200-acre haven of biodiversity that welcomes 90,000 visitors annually. The centerpiece of this collaboration is a new 2,675-foot elevated boardwalk and 480-square-foot viewing platform, designed to open access to previously unreachable areas and go beyond ADA standards to ensure visitors of all abilities can explore the preserve’s diverse landscape. Situated largely within freshwater wetlands, the project required innovative solutions to minimize impact on sensitive habitats. This effort highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces that both protect and celebrate our natural world. 5. Secured $1 Million in Grants for our Clients One of Princeton Hydro’s core offerings is grant writing for our nonprofit and government clients. This year alone, we landed nearly $1 million in grants for our clients for harmful algal bloom monitoring, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements, and planting native plants via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and the Xerces Mid-Atlantic Pollinator Habitat Kit Planting Program. 6. Celebrated Numerous Staff Achievements: This year, our talented team reached numerous applaud-worthy milestones, showcasing their dedication to advancing environmental science and sustainability. Amy McNamara became a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), highlighting her expertise in sustainable site design and regulatory compliance. Marissa Ciocco earned a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Connecticut, building on her existing licensure in Delaware. Chris Mikolajczyk CLM was appointed President-Elect of the Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association Board. Jesse Smith organized and implemented Flemington’s first-ever BioBlitz, a community-focused event that fostered a deeper connection to local biodiversity. Erin Bennett became a Notary Public in New Jersey and earned her Green Infrastructure Champions certification. Thomas Hopper achieved the Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP®) certification, further elevating his contributions to geospatial analysis and restoration efforts. And, Matt Kreines earned his FAA Commercial Drone Pilot license. 7. Completed First Project in Colorado: We completed our first project in Colorado—a bathymetric assessment of the Fairplay Beach Reservoir, focused on mapping the reservoir’s underwater landscape to support ongoing conservation efforts. We are excited to bring our expertise in water resource management to new regions like Colorado and look forward to future opportunities to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Colorado’s unique high-altitude aquatic environments. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore new waters and chart new territories. 8. Used Innovative & Integrated Strategies to Safeguard Water Quality: We made significant strides in advancing lake and watershed health through innovative initiatives. At Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake, decades of historical data and cutting-edge research were leveraged to identify the drivers of harmful algal blooms and shape sustainable solutions. In New Jersey, a collaboration with the Mercer County Park Commission resulted in comprehensive lake and watershed management plans to address algal blooms and bolster ecological resilience across the park’s aquatic ecosystems. These projects highlight our unwavering commitment to protecting vital freshwater resources and fostering healthier ecosystems for future generations. 9. Welcomed 5 New Team Members & 4 Interns: This year we welcomed Senior Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, who joined our Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys team, bringing over 20 years of expertise in ecological assessments and wildlife surveys. Alexandra Garnett became a vital part of our Trenton office as an Administrative Assistant. Civil Engineer Ryan Krueger, PE, joined our Engineering Services team this month, and Eric Libis returned to our team as an Aquatics Specialist over the summer/fall. Kaitlyn Jones, who began as an intern, has now joined our Aquatics team permanently as a Staff Scientist! This summer, we also hosted four interns: Francisco Batz (Landscape Architecture), Jade Gallagher (Communications), Daniel Goll (Engineering), and Rachel Trokenheim (Aquatics). 10. Participated in 50+ Conferences, Workshops, Community Gatherings and Sponsored 30+ Events: We connected with industry professionals, communities, and stakeholders through a wide array of events, fostering collaboration, sustainability, and stewardship. In partnership with The Watershed Institute, we delivered impactful workshops, including the inaugural “Watershed Restoration Academy: Healthy Streams 101;” webinar sessions on daylighting streams and the conservation of American shad; and two education sessions at the 7th Annual Watershed Institute Conference. President Geoffrey Goll, PE traveled globally to participate in important river restoration and dam removal conversations, including the “Free Flow 2024 Conference” in The Netherlands, a river connectivity workshop in South Africa, and collaborations with Associação Natureza Portugal, a Portuguese non-profit NGO that works in association with World Wide Fund for Nature in Portugal. We also sponsored and presented at nationally prominent events, including the “NALMS International Symposium” in Lake Tahoe, CA; the “NYSFOLA Conference” in Lake George, NY; the “Harmful Algal Bloom Summit” in Portland, ME; and the “Delaware River Watershed Forum” in Bethlehem, PA, covering topics such as climate change impacts on lake ecology and green infrastructure stormwater management. Locally, we celebrated community and stewardship through events like the “Trenton River Days Fair,” Mercer County’s “Juneteenth Celebration,” and the New Jersey Highlands Council’s 20th anniversary, which highlighted collaborative Lake Hopatcong project successes. We also led two Facebook Live events: “Understanding and Managing Invasive Species in Your Backyard” and “Debunking Myths About Bats, Spiders & Snakes.” Through these efforts we deepened relationships with partners, advanced critical conversations, and inspired meaningful, sustainable change. These are just a few highlights from a truly impactful year! As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we are deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support of our clients, partners, and community. Your belief in our mission fuels our ability to innovate, restore, and protect. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2025 and continuing to make a positive impact together. [post_title] => A Year in Review: Top 10 Successes of 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-year-in-review-top-10-successes-of-2024 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-10-13 15:57:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-10-13 15:57:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16696 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15689 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-10-23 10:03:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-10-23 10:03:42 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro is excited to announce that the Musconetcong Island Park Project received the New Jersey Future 2024 Smart Growth Award. This project, led by the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA), transformed a crumbling, long-abandoned laboratory into a vibrant, accessible riparian park space that provides opportunities for fishing, wading, paddling, and viewing wildlife in Bethlehem Township, NJ. The site, which once housed a two-story concrete block laboratory used by the Asbury Graphite Mill, had become a hazard after decades of disuse. Located on a quarter-acre island in the Musconetcong River, the building was not only structurally unsound but also in the floodway of the River, posing ongoing risks to the surrounding environment. Through a collaborative, multi-year effort, the abandoned building was demolished, the area was restored, and the island was transformed into a welcoming, accessible space for public enjoyment and recreation. The image below shows the old stairway, laboratory building, and island space with a white outline depicting the project area: Taken in 2018 before construction: [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="15697,15702"] Taken in 2023 after project completion (photos by MWA): [gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="15706,15707"] The Musconetcong Island Park Project represents a successful collaboration among numerous partners. Led by MWA, the project involved National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Township of Bethlehem, Harrington Construction, and Princeton Hydro. Princeton Hydro provided engineering and environmental consulting services for the project. Our scientists and engineers completed all necessary permitting, designed both the conceptual and final restoration plans, and oversaw construction throughout the project. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="15695,15696"] Funding for the project was secured through three primary sources: New Jersey Green Acres Program, National Park Foundation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. These grants were instrumental in facilitating the transformation of an industrial relic into a thriving park space, balancing the preservation of the river's natural resources with the creation of an accessible community destination. [caption id="attachment_15690" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] Photo courtesy of the Township of Bethlehem, NJ.[/caption] The two-story concrete block building that once stood on Musconetcong Island was originally the Asbury Graphite Mill laboratory, constructed between 1925 and 1940. It was built on the foundation of a woolen factory that had been destroyed by fire in 1881. The laboratory was used for testing graphite, an inert and non-toxic mineral primarily used for lubrication and other industrial applications. Graphite refining began in Asbury in 1895, when Harry M. Riddle purchased the existing mills and converted them for this specialized purpose. By the early 1980s, the laboratory was abandoned due to frequent flooding and a lack of modern plumbing. Despite its industrial history, the building had become a safety and environmental concern due to its floodway location and deteriorating condition. In 1999, the laboratory building was donated to the Musconetcong Watershed Association, who then initiated efforts to restore the site and transform it into a valuable public resource. Today, the island has been transformed into a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the Musconetcong River. With improved access, new stairways, and interpretive signage sharing the history of the area, Musconetcong Island Park is a prime example of how thoughtful design can blend environmental restoration with community-focused development. [caption id="attachment_15705" align="aligncenter" width="1074"] The Musconetcong Island Park project was completed in Spring 2023. Photo by MWA.[/caption] “We are honored to have contributed to the transformation of Musconetcong Island Park and proud to see this project recognized with a New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award for its role in enhancing the Musconetcong River Watershed. It reflects our commitment to sustainable design and the power of collaboration in creating lasting, positive impacts for both the environment and the community. It’s truly a win-win — removing an obstruction from the floodway while providing public access to the river,” said Geoffrey M. Goll PE, President of Princeton Hydro. Since 2002, the New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards have celebrated the best examples of sustainable planning and development across the state. The Musconetcong Island Park Project exemplifies these values by enhancing public access to nature, improving resilience to flooding, and fostering sustainable recreation opportunities in the heart of Bethlehem Township. The project showcases the importance of balancing environmental restoration with community needs, creating a space where people can connect with nature while preserving and protecting it for future generations. The 2024 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards recognize six outstanding projects that exemplify innovative and sustainable development. This year’s award ceremony and celebration took place yesterday at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" link="none" ids="15906,15907"] Click here to learn more about the awards and to view the full list of 2024 Smart Growth Award recipients. MWA is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the natural and cultural resources of the Musconetcong River and its Watershed. Members of the organization are part of a network of individuals, families, and companies that care about the Musconetcong River and its watershed, and are dedicated to improving the watershed resources through public education and awareness programs, river water quality monitoring, promotion of sustainable land management practices, and community involvement. Click here to learn more. Princeton Hydro has been working with MWA in the areas of river restoration, dam removal, and engineering consulting since 2003. Explore how the partnership between Princeton Hydro and the MWA led to the historic return of American shad to the Musconetcong River for the first time in over 250 years, revitalizing the ecosystem—read the full story here! [post_title] => Musconetcong Island Park Project Wins New Jersey Future 2024 Smart Growth Award [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => musconetcong-island-park-project-wins-new-jersey-future-2024-smart-growth-award [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-07 15:11:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-07 15:11:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=15689 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14669 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-03-28 14:53:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-28 14:53:23 [post_content] => The Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of architectural excellence, spans the East River, connecting the vibrant boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Beyond its iconic presence, the construction of this masterpiece has a surprising connection to our firm. The roots of the Princeton Hydro headquarters building stretch back to the late 1800s; the first occupants of the building played a pivotal role in manufacturing and supplying the sturdy steel cables that formed the bridge's suspension system, an integral part of its enduring strength. Exploring the building's rich past, we discover a remarkable link to a legendary figure, bridging our current aspirations with the legacy of a woman who left an enduring mark on history. [caption id="attachment_13546" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Panorama of Brooklyn Bridge, with the Manhattan Bridge behind it, and the Williamsburg Bridge father back.[/caption] The Roebling Complex The John A. Roebling's Sons Company was a wire rope manufacturing facility in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania founded in 1841. In 1848, the company relocated to Trenton, NJ along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and built a 25-acre complex of industrial buildings and facilities for wire rope manufacturing. This included the Carpenter's Shop (Building 110), the building that is now home to the Princeton Hydro's headquarters office, which manufactured specialty wooden products for the operation. The company quickly established itself as a notable employer in the city. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="7920,14703"] The company gained international recognition for its expertise in wire, wire rope manufacturing, and bridge building. Additionally, their products were extensively utilized in various industries, commercial sectors, and consumer goods. Over 112 years, four generations of the Roebling family successfully managed the business, a remarkable and uncommon accomplishment in the corporate world. John A. Roebling, the company's founder, was renowned for inventing the wire rope, which revolutionized the way we build bridges. The wire rope (or steel cable) was innovative as it replaced the bulkier and weaker hemp fiber rope that was used to haul canal boats. He also developed a technique for spinning cables in place rather than constructing pre-fabricated cables that required maintenance before actually being used. This enabled him to become the world's foremost builder of suspension bridges in the 19th century, and his bridges spanned major rivers despite skeptics who believed such feats were impossible. Building the Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge construction started with an accident when the chief designer, John A. Roebling, had his foot injured by a ferry. He died of tetanus, and his son, Washington A. Roebling, who worked with his father on the Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Cincinnati and on the design of the Brooklyn Bridge, took over the project. Three years into construction of the longest suspension bridge in the world (at that time), Washington was incapacitated by "caisson disease." His wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over and guided the completion of the bridge, which was one of the 19th century's most impressive architectural achievements. In honor of Women's History Month, we are spotlighting Emily Warren Roebling, whose groundbreaking contributions serve as an inspiring testament to the capabilities and achievements of women in history. While Washington is widely credited for completing the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, it's essential to equally acknowledge Emily's significant contributions. Her remarkable leadership, engineering acumen, and tireless dedication were pivotal in navigating the complexities of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction, ensuring its successful completion and solidifying her legacy as an engineering pioneer. In his book "The Great Bridge," historian David McCullough describes Emily's multifaceted role as both a nurse and private secretary to her husband, taking over his correspondence and record-keeping. Additionally, she actively engaged in the bridge's construction, reviewing plans, visiting the site, and interacting with contractors and bridge officials. McCullough aptly summarized her contributions, stating that she served as "his eyes, his legs, his good right arm." However, Emily's dedicated support also led to false rumors that her husband, Washington, had lost his mental faculties. Despite these challenges, Emily successfully fought to prevent Washington's removal as chief engineer nearing the bridge's completion. Washington, in turn, acknowledged his wife's invaluable contributions to the project. He later expressed his gratitude, acknowledging her as a "strong tower" and a wise counselor who supported him during difficult times. Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge Emily Warren Roebling's advocacy extended beyond her work on the Brooklyn Bridge with her husband. A pioneering figure of the early 20th century, Emily championed women's equality in education, ownership rights, legal matters, and philanthropic endeavors. She actively participated in women's clubs, contributed to the World's Columbian Exposition, and was nominated for the presidency of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her written papers addressed crucial topics such as philanthropy, settlement houses, and the importance of legal education for women. Her legacy continues to inspire, as a new generation of professional women, including lawyers and engineers, joined the suffrage movement after her demise in 1903. It is speculated that had she lived longer, she would have been a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement. While her direct contributions remain unknown, the sight of female engineers proudly asserting their rights during rallies in academic attire would likely have brought a smile to her face. Emily's advocacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of equality, as subsequent generations of professional women carried her vision forward. In our dynamic business landscape, we find inspiration in the tale of an extraordinary woman whose vision and tenacity shaped history. Her legacy reminds us that genuine success goes beyond material gains. It lies in the positive influence we leave on the world. Let us all strive to leave a lasting mark that echoes the timeless principles of integrity, resilience, and inclusivity. A blog by Mikhail Velez, Communications Coordinator [post_title] => Women's History Month Spotlight: Legacy of Emily Warren Roebling [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => womens-history-month-spotlight-legacy-of-emily-warren-roebling [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-28 13:53:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-28 13:53:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=14669 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14108 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-12-21 00:22:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-12-21 00:22:23 [post_content] => As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the milestones and successes that have shaped the past twelve months. We're excited to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our incredible clients, partners, and friends. Your support and collaboration have been the driving force behind our achievements. Join us as we revisit and celebrate our top 10 successes of 2023: 1. CELEBRATED 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS. As we joyfully celebrate our 25th anniversary year at Princeton Hydro, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey. Over the past quarter-century, our firm has been dedicated to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better, and it's an honor to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together. Since our inception in 1998, working with 2,000 clients, we have removed 84 dams, restored dozens of miles of rivers, improved water quality in hundreds of ponds and lakes, and enhanced thousands of acres of wetlands in the Northeast. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey! 2. DESIGNED AND OVERSAW THE REMOVAL OF 5 DAMS. Over the past year, we completed five dam removal projects. We worked with Wildlands Conservancy to remove two dams from Bushkill Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, opening up several miles of river to migratory fish and critical species. We partnered with the Musconetcong Watershed Association to remove Beatty's Mill Dam, a critical step in restoring the Musconetcong River and addressing long-standing concerns regarding flood mitigation and the preservation of essential habitats. On Pohatcong Creek, we decommissioned a defunct dam for the Pinelands Regional Board of Education. And, working with The Nature Conservancy, we kicked off the removal of the 128-year-old hazardous Paulina Dam, reconnecting over 7.6 miles of mainstream and tributary habitat along the Paulins Kill. Highlighting our dedication and expertise in this field, our firm's president and founding principal, Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., was recently featured on a Top 20 podcast. His discussion provides insights into the complexities and significance of dam removal. 3. EARNED 6 PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS. This year, we are proud to share that our firm earned the Society for American Military Engineers NJ Post’s 2023 Small Business Award! Our newly restored Trenton office earned two top tier awards: 2023 New Good Neighbor Award and NJ Historic Preservation Award. Two of our projects were spotlighted too: Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Floating Classroom received the very honorable New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and the Readington Digital ERI won an ANJEC 2023 Environmental Achievement Award. And, a big shout out to Duncan Simpson who earned the SAME Mid-Maryland Post President’s Commendation Award. 4. BROKE GROUND ON LIBERTY STATE PARK ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT. Liberty State Park, located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay, is one of the most visited state parks in the nation. Within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting, Princeton Hydro was contracted to design a resilient coastal ecosystem that provides both ecological and social benefits. In a momentous event, the Commissioner of NJDEP, Commander of USACE New York District, and local elected officials broke ground for the Liberty State Park Ecosystem Restoration Project. When constructed, it will have 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and several hundred feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat, making it the largest ecosystem restoration project in New Jersey. 5. CELEBRATED NUMEROUS STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS. Our team members continue to amaze us with their drive to expand knowledge and grow personally. This past year, several staff earned new licenses and certifications: Marissa Ciocco earned her Professional Engineer license in Delaware. Eric Zawatski achieved The Wildlife Society’s “Associate Wildlife Biologist” certification. Michael Allers became a licensed FAA-Certified Commercial Drone Pilot. Mark Gallagher was appointed to two boards: the Outdoor Equity Alliance Advisory Committee and Friends of Abbots Marshland Advisory Board. Dana Patterson was voted in as First Vice President of NJ SAME Post and Duncan Simpson, PWS was voted in as Second Vice President of the Mid-Maryland SAME Post. 6. SECURED $2.43 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR OUR CLIENTS. One of Princeton Hydro’s core offerings is grant writing for our nonprofit and government clients. This year alone, we assisted in securing $2.43 million in grant funding from a variety of programs, including the NJDEP Stormwater Assistance Grants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NJDEP Natural Climate Solutions Grant, Restore America’s Estuaries National Estuaries Program Watersheds Grant Program, and New Jersey Highlands Council Planning Grant Program. The pivotal projects include building green infrastructure, developing watershed management programs, controlling invasive species, and planting hundreds of trees. 7. PARTICIPATED IN 50+ CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, OR LECTURES AND SPONSORED 35+ EVENTS. We traveled around the Northeast and beyond to share our project stories and lessons learned. For the Watershed Institute’s 6th Annual Conference, we led two presentations focused on stormwater management, improving water quality, and reducing flooding. Our Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, led two webinars for the Watershed Institute this year. The first one, "Enhanced Stormwater Management Ordinances," provided guidance on NJDEP’s new stormwater ordinances and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The second webinar, “Stormwater Design: Myths and Misconceptions,” provided guidance on incorporating best practices and submitting design proposals that address New Jersey’s stormwater management goals. For the Resource Institute's 2023 National Stream Restoration Conference, Jake Dittes, PE and Duncan Simpson, PWS presented on Hudson Valley Dam removal and showcased the importance of projects like the Maiden Lane Dam removal in preserving our natural treasures. We led five presentations during this year's North American Lake Management Society International Symposium. The topics included harmful algal bloom mitigation, stormwater management for lake communities, and monitoring. We are honored to have sponsored over $26,000 to nonprofit events and fundraisers, and the Marketing Team is proud to have exhibited at 15 conferences, festivals, and local events. 8. WELCOMED 9 NEW TEAM MEMBERS. This year, we welcomed Controller Barry Shallenberger to our Business Administration team. Four engineers joined: Sean Walsh, PE as a Senior Project Manager; Rebecca Adamo, PE and Lexie Seifert as Water Resource Engineers; and Ryan Eno, EIT as a Staff Engineer. We grew our Landscape Architecture team with the addition of Angelica Diaz, and bolstered our Ecological Engineering group with Restoration Ecologist Michael Allers. We also welcomed two interns this summer, Mikhail Velez (Communications) and Jackson Tilves (Aquatics), who have now joined our staff permanently. And, last but certainly not least, we promoted six of our four-legged team members to Chief Happiness Officers! 9. RELEASED 3 NEW RESOURCES FOR THE PUBLIC. Working with New Jersey Future, we published the NJ Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide, a comprehensive resource and pivotal tool that aids local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. We partnered with New York - New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program and the Hudson River Foundation to create a toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings. The easy-to-use matrix helps to prioritize potential projects and identify solutions. In partnership with Readington Township in New Jersey, we developed New Jersey’s first interactive Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) in digital format, paving the way for a more modernized, easily accessible, and highly functional resource. Readington Township was chosen as the recipient of the ANJEC “2023 Environmental Achievement Award" in the Environmental Commission category for creating the ERI. We've conducted two insightful 'Facebook Live Chat' Q&A sessions featuring four of our experts, which we recorded as informative resources available for ongoing access. The first session shared valuable spring gardening tips from our Landscape Architects. The second event, 'Birding in Your Backyard,' was hosted by two of our scientists who are passionate about birding. 10. GIVING BACK TO THE CITY OF TRENTON. Since opening our Trenton Headquarters office, we have donated the use of our space for a variety of nonprofit organization events. In 2023, we hosted Revolutionary Trenton’s Launch Event, Boys and Girls club of Mercer County, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Outdoor Equity Alliance Board Meeting, and African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County’s African American History Bowl Scholarship Presentation. We held donation drives here too to support local nonprofit organizations working in Trenton. During our Spring 2023 Staff Donation Drive, we collected 208 pounds of shelf-stable food items for Arm In Arm, a Trenton-based nonprofit organization that addresses food and housing insecurity in the city and surrounding areas. For our Holiday Employee Virtual Giving Event, 19 staff donated 72 items valued over $1560 to Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. Inspiring local youth to pursue a pathway in the STEM fields is also a priority for our firm. This year, we volunteered our time to support community programs like NJDEP’s Youth Inclusion Initiative and Hold High the Torch’s Eco Innovators for Youth STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) Leaders Program. Gratitude fills us, knowing these milestones were made possible by your support. Cheers to YOU and the promise of many more successes ahead! [post_title] => A Year in Review: Top 10 Successes of 2023 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => top-10-successes-of-2023 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-07 15:11:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-07 15:11:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=14108 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 2 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12519 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-04-27 00:10:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-04-27 00:10:35 [post_content] => Please join us in welcoming our four newest team members! Rebecca Adamo, PE - Civil Engineer Becca joins Princeton Hydro's engineering team with over five years of experience in water resources engineering. Becca graduated from Rowan University in 2017 with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering. After college, she went on to work as a Water Resources Engineer for a consulting firm where she provided a variety of services from stormwater management and drainage design, erosion and sediment control practices, river hydrology and hydraulics, and dam design. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with a range of experience with clients throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Becca enjoys a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and paddleboarding. She is also a recreational embroiderer and advocate for native gardening. Michael Allers - CAD Designer After compiling four years of experience at a water resource consulting firm, Michael joins Princeton Hydro as a CAD Designer. In his previous position, Michael participated in nearly all phases of river, wetland, and coastal restoration projects. Prior to entering the restoration sphere, Michael was the owner/operator of a residential stormwater management company for 10 years. Michael received a B.S. in Marine & Coastal Science from Rutgers University. Ryan Eno, EIT - Staff Engineer Ryan graduated in 2022, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rowan University. At Rowan, he worked in the CREATE's lab aiding in research to non-invasively characterize soils in permafrost regions. After graduating, he worked in land development designing stormwater management systems before starting at Princeton Hydro. Outside of work, Ryan likes to read and go on hikes. Barry Shellenberger - Controller With over 30 years of diversified finance and operations management experience, Barry brings with him his expertise as a business partner and member of various leadership teams in large and small corporate environments. He has worked in a number of industries including aviation, power plant construction, electrical distribution, and architectural engineering. He has demonstrated successes in developing and implementing financial systems to improve business strategies. He has built teams that focused on collaboration, employee empowerment, resource optimization and accountability. Outside of work, Barry likes to spend time with his wife, son, daughter and their four cats. He enjoys a number of sports including golf and baseball. He likes to travel and vacation with his wife at the shore, the Caribbean or Las Vegas. To learn more about our team, go here! [post_title] => Employee Spotlight: Join Us in Welcoming New Team Members [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => employee-spotlight-join-us-in-welcoming-new-team-members [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-05-05 12:32:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-05-05 12:32:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12519 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12354 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-02-23 18:07:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-02-23 18:07:27 [post_content] => At Princeton Hydro, we are committed to improving our communities, quality of life, and ecosystems for the better. Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client. Today, we are proud to announce the addition of a new Senior Project Manager for Engineering Services: Sean Walsh, P.E. Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Sean worked on a wide variety of civil and wastewater engineering projects including site improvement projects for multiple public schools to improve pedestrian and traffic safety and ADA compliance, development and maintenance of an asset management of a drinking water utility, several site development projects of existing schools for building additions and site improvements, construction observation and administration of the emergency restoration of a 80M GPD wastewater pump station devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and design and construction installation of recreation facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, synthetic turf fields and running tracks. Sean has a B.S. in Bioresource Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University. His Masters' thesis focused on modeling the impact of sediment accumulation has on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete. Sean has been a licesned Professional Engineer since 2011. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing pick-up basketball. [post_title] => Join us in Welcoming our New Engineering Senior Project Manager [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => join-us-in-welcoming-our-new-engineering-senior-project-manager [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-02-27 14:12:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-02-27 14:12:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12354 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12110 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-12-21 07:58:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-12-21 07:58:48 [post_content] => As we reflect on 2022 and set our sights on 2023, we have many successes to celebrate. Here’s a look at our top 10 successes of the year: 1. RELOCATED OUR HEADQUARTERS TO TRENTON’S HISTORIC ROEBLING WIREWORKS CARPENTRY SHOP In May, we officially moved into our new Trenton office in the historic former Roebling Wireworks Carpentry Shop. We kicked off our move with a ribbon cutting event and successful open house, and quickly settled into our new space. We also made a commitment to support the local community, living up to our promise with local sponsorships to the Outdoor Equity Alliance (OEA) for Trenton’s Junteenth celebration and Black Farmer’s Market and Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association’s Summer Splash Bash. We supported OEA’s Careers in Conservation Program with virtual and field sessions on water quality and landscape planning led by Jesse Smith, Dana Patterson, Fred Lubnow, and Mark Gallagher. We’ve donated the use of the space to several local organizations for fundraising events, including Passage Theatre, NJ Environmental Lobby, and Trenton Historical Society. We also jumped right in to assist the City on an emergency basis for water quality monitoring of the Pennington Reservoir. To cap off the year, during our Holiday Virtual Giving Event, 21 staff donated a total of 115 items (87lbs) totaling $1,734 to the Trenton-based Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. 2. CREATED AN INTERACTIVE STORYMAP OF THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER After a year-long water quality and trash monitoring initiative, the Schuylkill River Greenways, in partnership with Berks Nature, Bartram’s Garden, Stroud Water Research Center, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and Princeton Hydro, launched an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap that documents the ecological status and local perceptions of the Schuylkill River. The goal of the project is to connect residents and communities with the river and all it has to offer. 3. LED PROJECTS AIMED AT ENHANCING FISH PASSAGE FOR CRITICAL MIGRATORY SPECIES In New York, we worked with the Seatuck Environmental Association to conduct a study to understand the feasibility of enhancing fish passage to Mill Pond. For the study, we completed a site investigation including topographic survey, sediment probing and sampling, and assessment of structures to identify project opportunities and site constraints. Then, based on our findings, we developed three design options: a nature-like fishway, a technical fishway, or dam removal. In Pennsylvania, we supported Solebury Township in their effort to convert a former lake into a natural area with a free-flowing, cold water stream capable of supporting native brook trout, which had not been present in the area for more than a century. Specifically, we designed the restoration of Aquetong Creek’s main channel and tributary to reduce erosion and improve brook trout habitat; we developed an invasive species control and woodland restoration plan; and we provided stormwater design support for areas adjacent to the creek. 4. EARNED THREE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS We opened the year with the news that Mark Gallagher was selected for the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” from NJ Highlands Coalition and closed with the celebration of the two project awards: The NJ Water Supply Authority’s Delaware & Raritan Canal Hydrilla management project landed an Excellence in Water Resources Award from NJ-AWRA and the Third River Wetland Floodplain Wetland Enhancement Project in Bloomfield, now known as Lion’s Gate Park, won the 2022 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award. 5. IMPLEMENTED INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY & INCREASE BIODIVERSITY We helped the Township of Byram in Sussex County, New Jersey secure grant funding from the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for a regional lake and watershed management program that includes ten of the Township’s waterbodies. We worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -, New York District, to conduct a study that compares the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of management alternatives that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain via the Champlain Canal. We were contracted by the Central Park Conservancy to develop and implement a long-term and holistic management plan for the lakes and ponds in Central Park, New York City with the primary goal of preventing harmful algal blooms. For Lake Latonka in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, we developed a comprehensive lake management plan that includes five primary management measures: phosphorus loading mitigation, biomanipulation, management of submerged aquatic vegetation, waterfowl management, and regular water quality monitoring and testing. 6. DESIGNED THE RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF WETLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITATS Ecological restoration work is underway at USFWS’s John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia! Friends of Heinz Refuge hired our team to enhance and restore the Refuge's Turkey Foot area. The approach for the restoration project focuses on creating intertidal marsh, high marsh, and upland grassland habitat zones as well as four acres of contiguous wetland habitat bordered by a functional riparian buffer. 7. CELEBRATED A VARIETY OF STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS Our team members are always striving for personal growth, expanding their knowledge, and continue to amaze us. Christiana Pollack is now a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) through the Society for Ecological Restoration. Jake Dittes, PE earned the New Jersey Watershed Institute Green Infrastructure (WIGI) certification. Geoffrey Goll was featured on PBS TV Panel Discussion and was appointed to the Rutgers University School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board. Samara McAuliffe was appointed to the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Board of Trustees. And, Christopher Mikolajczyk served his term as President of the North American Lake Management Society. 8. WELCOMED TEN NEW TEAM MEMBERS Dr. Roy Messaros joined our firm as Director of Engineering, coming from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New York District. We expanded our River Restoration team with the addition of a Staff Engineer Cole Pragides, EIT and Project Manager/Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA. To support our Restoration & Resilience and Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Survey teams, Tara Srinivasan and Eric Zawatski joined as Staff Scientists. With our growing geoscience and water resources service areas, we hired Geotechnical Engineer Michael Torino, PE and Staff Engineer James Holyoke, EIT to support our engineering team. For our Field Services operations, we brought on two Aquatic Specialists Ryan Sheehan and Stephen Seely. And to provide office administration and executive support in the new Trenton office, Nicole Petrillo joined our team as an Administrative Assistant. 9. PARTICIPATED IN 50+ CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, OR LECTURES AND SPONSORED 30+ EVENTS Many events returned to in-person this year, yet we still participated in numerous virtually. We traveled around the Northeast and beyond to share our project stories and lessons learned. We sponsored over $22,000 to nonprofit events and fundraisers and the Marketing Team exhibited at a dozen conferences, festivals, and local events. Aquatics team members Dr. Fred Lubnow, Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM, Michael Hartshorne, Pat Rose presented on managing harmful algal blooms and lake management virtually and all across the country -- from the NALMS conference in Minneapolis, MN to the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society Annual Conference in Boalsburg, PA. Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, and Mark Gallagher presented on green infrastructure and stormwater management. Jake Dittes, PE and Geoffrey Goll, PE traveled down to the first National Stream Restoration Conference and presented on river restoration and dam removal. Mike Hartshorne showcased the Schuylkill River Partner Water Quality Project all around the watershed and Pat Rose, Dana Patterson, and Cory Speroff, PLA, CBLP, taught nonprofit organizations data visualization tips and tricks for water quality monitoring. These are just a few highlights! Click here to read about our upcoming events. 10. SECURED OVER $3.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR OUR CLIENTS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND MITIGATE STORMWATER RUNOFF One of Princeton Hydro’s key offerings is grant writing to assist our nonprofit and government clients in writing watershed plans and implement projects to improve water quality from stormwater basin retrofits to wetland restorations. This year, we assisted in landing $3,550,000 million in Lake Restoration Grant funding from NJDEP to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of nonpoint source pollution. We’ve also assisted several clients with other grant applications for NJDEP 319, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and NOAA. Thank you for supporting Princeton Hydro and sharing our stories. We truly appreciate each and every one of our clients, partners, and friends. Cheers to a successful 2023 and beyond! [post_title] => Year in Review: Top 10 Successes of 2022 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => top-10-successes-of-2022 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-11-18 11:53:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-11-18 11:53:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12110 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11039 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-06-28 09:51:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-06-28 09:51:34 [post_content] => Earlier this month, we announced the hiring of our new Director of Engineering Dr. Roy Messaros, PE, PWS, CFM. Today, we are proud to welcome three more engineers to our team. James Holyoke, EIT, Staff Engineer James holds an M.S. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware, from which he graduated with honors and distinction. As both an undergraduate and a graduate student, he participated in a number of research projects, where he developed a ardor for improving the environment. He was most passionate about two projects: one focused on tracking oil after marine spills, and another about the fate of environmental contaminants, specifically those found in buoyant plumes. Outside of work, James enjoys exercising, hiking and running. He is also an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. Cole Pragides, EIT, Staff Engineer Cole received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Applied Ecology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He was part of the Livneh Post-Wildfire Hydrology research group that measured chemical constituents in runoff following simulated burnings and storm events in Colorado’s Front Range. Cole has also had professional experience in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Horticulture. He firmly believes that increasing the crossover between engineering, environmental science, and ecology will promote a more sustainable world. Michael Torino, PE, Geotechnical Engineer Michael is a New York State licensed Professional Engineer with over eight years of experience in geotechnical engineering. He has a M.S. and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Michael worked in New York City inspecting and designing building foundations. Michael is excited to be a part of the Princeton Hydro team and use his knowledge and experience to have a positive impact. To learn more about the Princeton Hydro staff or if you're interested in joining the team, click here. [post_title] => Employee Spotlight: Welcoming New Engineers to Our Team [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => employee-spotlight-welcoming-new-team-members-to-the-engineering-department [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-12-10 22:46:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-10 22:46:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=11039 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 10871 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-05-24 21:15:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-05-24 21:15:57 [post_content] => Rutgers University held a symposium focused on Improving Urban Environments. The one-day event, presented by Rutgers University’s School of Engineering and its School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, brought together government, industry, community and academic thought leaders for a high-level exchange of ideas. The symposium included keynote addresses given by Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the NJ Governor’s Office of Climate Change & the Green Economy, and Kandyce Perry, Director of the NJDEP Office of Environmental Justice, as well as a variety of presentations and panel discussions centered around ensuring healthier and more resilient communities through technological innovation and inclusive partnerships. Presentation topics included, “Furthering Environmental Justice in New Jersey;” “Brownfields in Urban Settings;” and “Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.” Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey Goll, PE was recently appointed to the Rutgers University School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board. As a result of his new role, he was invited to participate as a panelist in the discussion titled, “The Role of Engineering Innovations and Government-Industry-Academe-Community Collaboration in Meeting Urban Environments Challenges.” Photo by Denisa Moss-Heitlager. The panel discussion also included:
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with meaningful achievements and memorable milestones. From groundbreaking projects to personal accomplishments, these successes highlight the dedication and innovation of our team and the strength of our partnerships. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our clients, collaborators, and staff.
This year marked major milestones in the restoration of three Delaware River tributaries. The removal of the 129-year-old Paulina Lake Dam on the Paulins Kill River reconnected an additional 7.6 miles of river habitat, adding to the 10 miles restored following the removal of Columbia Lake Dam. This project, led by The Nature Conservancy and designed by Princeton Hydro, represents a significant step forward in revitalizing New Jersey’s third-largest tributary to the Delaware River. The removal of Dam #2 on Bushkill Creek completed a five-dam removal effort, making the lower Bushkill Creek free-flowing and reconnecting it to the Delaware River for the first time in over 200 years. This effort enhances water quality, supports the passage of migratory fish, and bolsters freshwater mussel populations, vital to the health of the watershed. In November, work began to remove the Cedar Grove Dam, the first of four dams slated for removal along the Pequest River over the next year. This collaborative effort, led by The Nature Conservancy with training support from Princeton Hydro, will open nearly 10 miles of mainstem river and reconnect 57 miles of tributaries. Collectively, these dam removals celebrate a shared commitment to restoring ecological balance, reconnecting critical habitats, and supporting the biodiversity of the Delaware River Basin.
Through engineering and ecological enhancements, we are revitalizing landscapes across the region. In New Jersey, the 279-acre Miry Run Dam Site 21 in Mercer County Park is being transformed into a vibrant public park that balances nature and community. We also collaborated with the Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association on a Community Garden and Park Visioning project, assisting them in securing a grant that led to the planting of 500 native plants, enhancing public spaces and creating critical habitat for monarch butterflies. In Pennsylvania, Warrington Township’s Lion’s Pride Park is being converted into a resilient wetland complex with accessible pathways, demonstrating how ecological uplift fosters healthier communities. And, construction is now complete on the Turkey Foot restoration project within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia. The project revitalized 7.5 acres of critical wetland and upland habitats, preserving Pennsylvania’s last freshwater tidal marsh and supporting migratory and threatened and endangered species. In New York, we broke ground on the Spring Creek (North) Ecosystem Restoration Project in Brooklyn and Queens, which aims to restore 43 acres of degraded habitat within Jamaica Bay into a mosaic of low marsh, high marsh, scrub shrub wetland, and maritime upland within a 67-acre footprint. Meanwhile, the addition of the Marsh Master® 2MX-KC-FH to Princeton Hydro’s fleet elevated the ability to combat invasive species like Phragmites australis with minimal ecological disturbance.
Princeton Hydro was recognized as one of New Jersey’s “Top Workplaces of 2024,” a prestigious honor that highlights our commitment to fostering an inspiring and supportive work environment. Two of our project achievements received acclaim: the Musconetcong Island Park project earned both the New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award and the American Planning Association of New Jersey’s 2024 Great Places in New Jersey - Great Public Space Award for transforming an abandoned site into a riparian park. The City of Lambertville’s stormwater management initiatives received the NJDEP “Our Water’s Worth It” Award for advancing flood resilience and water quality. Additionally, the restoration of the historic Roebling Wireworks, home to our Trenton headquarters, earned the New Jersey Historic Preservation Project Award, and our President, Geoffrey Goll, PE, was honored with the “Catalyst for Sustainable Change” Award from Hold High the Torch for advancing STEAM education and environmental stewardship. And just this month, Dr. Fred Lubnow was honored with the NJ-AWRA Peter Homack Award for his outstanding contributions to the multi-disciplinary understanding and management of New Jersey’s water resources. These awards reflect the passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence that define Princeton Hydro.
We partnered with The Nature Conservancy to enhance accessibility and visitor experience at the South Cape May Meadows Preserve, a 200-acre haven of biodiversity that welcomes 90,000 visitors annually. The centerpiece of this collaboration is a new 2,675-foot elevated boardwalk and 480-square-foot viewing platform, designed to open access to previously unreachable areas and go beyond ADA standards to ensure visitors of all abilities can explore the preserve’s diverse landscape. Situated largely within freshwater wetlands, the project required innovative solutions to minimize impact on sensitive habitats. This effort highlights the importance of creating inclusive spaces that both protect and celebrate our natural world.
One of Princeton Hydro’s core offerings is grant writing for our nonprofit and government clients. This year alone, we landed nearly $1 million in grants for our clients for harmful algal bloom monitoring, habitat enhancement, water quality improvements, and planting native plants via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and the Xerces Mid-Atlantic Pollinator Habitat Kit Planting Program.
This year, our talented team reached numerous applaud-worthy milestones, showcasing their dedication to advancing environmental science and sustainability. Amy McNamara became a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), highlighting her expertise in sustainable site design and regulatory compliance. Marissa Ciocco earned a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Connecticut, building on her existing licensure in Delaware. Chris Mikolajczyk CLM was appointed President-Elect of the Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association Board. Jesse Smith organized and implemented Flemington’s first-ever BioBlitz, a community-focused event that fostered a deeper connection to local biodiversity. Erin Bennett became a Notary Public in New Jersey and earned her Green Infrastructure Champions certification. Thomas Hopper achieved the Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP®) certification, further elevating his contributions to geospatial analysis and restoration efforts. And, Matt Kreines earned his FAA Commercial Drone Pilot license.
We completed our first project in Colorado—a bathymetric assessment of the Fairplay Beach Reservoir, focused on mapping the reservoir’s underwater landscape to support ongoing conservation efforts. We are excited to bring our expertise in water resource management to new regions like Colorado and look forward to future opportunities to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Colorado’s unique high-altitude aquatic environments. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore new waters and chart new territories.
We made significant strides in advancing lake and watershed health through innovative initiatives. At Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake, decades of historical data and cutting-edge research were leveraged to identify the drivers of harmful algal blooms and shape sustainable solutions. In New Jersey, a collaboration with the Mercer County Park Commission resulted in comprehensive lake and watershed management plans to address algal blooms and bolster ecological resilience across the park’s aquatic ecosystems. These projects highlight our unwavering commitment to protecting vital freshwater resources and fostering healthier ecosystems for future generations.
This year we welcomed Senior Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, who joined our Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys team, bringing over 20 years of expertise in ecological assessments and wildlife surveys. Alexandra Garnett became a vital part of our Trenton office as an Administrative Assistant. Civil Engineer Ryan Krueger, PE, joined our Engineering Services team this month, and Eric Libis returned to our team as an Aquatics Specialist over the summer/fall. Kaitlyn Jones, who began as an intern, has now joined our Aquatics team permanently as a Staff Scientist! This summer, we also hosted four interns: Francisco Batz (Landscape Architecture), Jade Gallagher (Communications), Daniel Goll (Engineering), and Rachel Trokenheim (Aquatics).
We connected with industry professionals, communities, and stakeholders through a wide array of events, fostering collaboration, sustainability, and stewardship. In partnership with The Watershed Institute, we delivered impactful workshops, including the inaugural “Watershed Restoration Academy: Healthy Streams 101;” webinar sessions on daylighting streams and the conservation of American shad; and two education sessions at the 7th Annual Watershed Institute Conference. President Geoffrey Goll, PE traveled globally to participate in important river restoration and dam removal conversations, including the “Free Flow 2024 Conference” in The Netherlands, a river connectivity workshop in South Africa, and collaborations with Associação Natureza Portugal, a Portuguese non-profit NGO that works in association with World Wide Fund for Nature in Portugal. We also sponsored and presented at nationally prominent events, including the “NALMS International Symposium” in Lake Tahoe, CA; the “NYSFOLA Conference” in Lake George, NY; the “Harmful Algal Bloom Summit” in Portland, ME; and the “Delaware River Watershed Forum” in Bethlehem, PA, covering topics such as climate change impacts on lake ecology and green infrastructure stormwater management. Locally, we celebrated community and stewardship through events like the “Trenton River Days Fair,” Mercer County’s “Juneteenth Celebration,” and the New Jersey Highlands Council’s 20th anniversary, which highlighted collaborative Lake Hopatcong project successes. We also led two Facebook Live events: “Understanding and Managing Invasive Species in Your Backyard” and “Debunking Myths About Bats, Spiders & Snakes.” Through these efforts we deepened relationships with partners, advanced critical conversations, and inspired meaningful, sustainable change. These are just a few highlights from a truly impactful year!
As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we are deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support of our clients, partners, and community. Your belief in our mission fuels our ability to innovate, restore, and protect. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2025 and continuing to make a positive impact together.
Princeton Hydro is excited to announce that the Musconetcong Island Park Project received the New Jersey Future 2024 Smart Growth Award. This project, led by the Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA), transformed a crumbling, long-abandoned laboratory into a vibrant, accessible riparian park space that provides opportunities for fishing, wading, paddling, and viewing wildlife in Bethlehem Township, NJ.
The site, which once housed a two-story concrete block laboratory used by the Asbury Graphite Mill, had become a hazard after decades of disuse. Located on a quarter-acre island in the Musconetcong River, the building was not only structurally unsound but also in the floodway of the River, posing ongoing risks to the surrounding environment. Through a collaborative, multi-year effort, the abandoned building was demolished, the area was restored, and the island was transformed into a welcoming, accessible space for public enjoyment and recreation.
The image below shows the old stairway, laboratory building, and island space with a white outline depicting the project area:
The Musconetcong Island Park Project represents a successful collaboration among numerous partners. Led by MWA, the project involved National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Township of Bethlehem, Harrington Construction, and Princeton Hydro.
Princeton Hydro provided engineering and environmental consulting services for the project. Our scientists and engineers completed all necessary permitting, designed both the conceptual and final restoration plans, and oversaw construction throughout the project.
Funding for the project was secured through three primary sources: New Jersey Green Acres Program, National Park Foundation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund. These grants were instrumental in facilitating the transformation of an industrial relic into a thriving park space, balancing the preservation of the river's natural resources with the creation of an accessible community destination.
The two-story concrete block building that once stood on Musconetcong Island was originally the Asbury Graphite Mill laboratory, constructed between 1925 and 1940. It was built on the foundation of a woolen factory that had been destroyed by fire in 1881. The laboratory was used for testing graphite, an inert and non-toxic mineral primarily used for lubrication and other industrial applications. Graphite refining began in Asbury in 1895, when Harry M. Riddle purchased the existing mills and converted them for this specialized purpose.
By the early 1980s, the laboratory was abandoned due to frequent flooding and a lack of modern plumbing. Despite its industrial history, the building had become a safety and environmental concern due to its floodway location and deteriorating condition. In 1999, the laboratory building was donated to the Musconetcong Watershed Association, who then initiated efforts to restore the site and transform it into a valuable public resource.
Today, the island has been transformed into a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the Musconetcong River. With improved access, new stairways, and interpretive signage sharing the history of the area, Musconetcong Island Park is a prime example of how thoughtful design can blend environmental restoration with community-focused development.
“We are honored to have contributed to the transformation of Musconetcong Island Park and proud to see this project recognized with a New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award for its role in enhancing the Musconetcong River Watershed. It reflects our commitment to sustainable design and the power of collaboration in creating lasting, positive impacts for both the environment and the community. It’s truly a win-win — removing an obstruction from the floodway while providing public access to the river,” said Geoffrey M. Goll PE, President of Princeton Hydro.
Since 2002, the New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards have celebrated the best examples of sustainable planning and development across the state. The Musconetcong Island Park Project exemplifies these values by enhancing public access to nature, improving resilience to flooding, and fostering sustainable recreation opportunities in the heart of Bethlehem Township. The project showcases the importance of balancing environmental restoration with community needs, creating a space where people can connect with nature while preserving and protecting it for future generations.
The 2024 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Awards recognize six outstanding projects that exemplify innovative and sustainable development. This year’s award ceremony and celebration took place yesterday at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Click here to learn more about the awards and to view the full list of 2024 Smart Growth Award recipients.
MWA is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the natural and cultural resources of the Musconetcong River and its Watershed. Members of the organization are part of a network of individuals, families, and companies that care about the Musconetcong River and its watershed, and are dedicated to improving the watershed resources through public education and awareness programs, river water quality monitoring, promotion of sustainable land management practices, and community involvement. Click here to learn more.
Princeton Hydro has been working with MWA in the areas of river restoration, dam removal, and engineering consulting since 2003. Explore how the partnership between Princeton Hydro and the MWA led to the historic return of American shad to the Musconetcong River for the first time in over 250 years, revitalizing the ecosystem—read the full story here!
The Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of architectural excellence, spans the East River, connecting the vibrant boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Beyond its iconic presence, the construction of this masterpiece has a surprising connection to our firm. The roots of the Princeton Hydro headquarters building stretch back to the late 1800s; the first occupants of the building played a pivotal role in manufacturing and supplying the sturdy steel cables that formed the bridge's suspension system, an integral part of its enduring strength. Exploring the building's rich past, we discover a remarkable link to a legendary figure, bridging our current aspirations with the legacy of a woman who left an enduring mark on history.
The John A. Roebling's Sons Company was a wire rope manufacturing facility in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania founded in 1841. In 1848, the company relocated to Trenton, NJ along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and built a 25-acre complex of industrial buildings and facilities for wire rope manufacturing. This included the Carpenter's Shop (Building 110), the building that is now home to the Princeton Hydro's headquarters office, which manufactured specialty wooden products for the operation. The company quickly established itself as a notable employer in the city.
The company gained international recognition for its expertise in wire, wire rope manufacturing, and bridge building. Additionally, their products were extensively utilized in various industries, commercial sectors, and consumer goods. Over 112 years, four generations of the Roebling family successfully managed the business, a remarkable and uncommon accomplishment in the corporate world.
John A. Roebling, the company's founder, was renowned for inventing the wire rope, which revolutionized the way we build bridges. The wire rope (or steel cable) was innovative as it replaced the bulkier and weaker hemp fiber rope that was used to haul canal boats. He also developed a technique for spinning cables in place rather than constructing pre-fabricated cables that required maintenance before actually being used. This enabled him to become the world's foremost builder of suspension bridges in the 19th century, and his bridges spanned major rivers despite skeptics who believed such feats were impossible.
The Brooklyn Bridge construction started with an accident when the chief designer, John A. Roebling, had his foot injured by a ferry. He died of tetanus, and his son, Washington A. Roebling, who worked with his father on the Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Cincinnati and on the design of the Brooklyn Bridge, took over the project. Three years into construction of the longest suspension bridge in the world (at that time), Washington was incapacitated by "caisson disease." His wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over and guided the completion of the bridge, which was one of the 19th century's most impressive architectural achievements. In honor of Women's History Month, we are spotlighting Emily Warren Roebling, whose groundbreaking contributions serve as an inspiring testament to the capabilities and achievements of women in history.
While Washington is widely credited for completing the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, it's essential to equally acknowledge Emily's significant contributions. Her remarkable leadership, engineering acumen, and tireless dedication were pivotal in navigating the complexities of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction, ensuring its successful completion and solidifying her legacy as an engineering pioneer.
In his book "The Great Bridge," historian David McCullough describes Emily's multifaceted role as both a nurse and private secretary to her husband, taking over his correspondence and record-keeping. Additionally, she actively engaged in the bridge's construction, reviewing plans, visiting the site, and interacting with contractors and bridge officials. McCullough aptly summarized her contributions, stating that she served as "his eyes, his legs, his good right arm."
However, Emily's dedicated support also led to false rumors that her husband, Washington, had lost his mental faculties. Despite these challenges, Emily successfully fought to prevent Washington's removal as chief engineer nearing the bridge's completion. Washington, in turn, acknowledged his wife's invaluable contributions to the project. He later expressed his gratitude, acknowledging her as a "strong tower" and a wise counselor who supported him during difficult times.
Emily Warren Roebling's advocacy extended beyond her work on the Brooklyn Bridge with her husband. A pioneering figure of the early 20th century, Emily championed women's equality in education, ownership rights, legal matters, and philanthropic endeavors. She actively participated in women's clubs, contributed to the World's Columbian Exposition, and was nominated for the presidency of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Her written papers addressed crucial topics such as philanthropy, settlement houses, and the importance of legal education for women. Her legacy continues to inspire, as a new generation of professional women, including lawyers and engineers, joined the suffrage movement after her demise in 1903. It is speculated that had she lived longer, she would have been a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement. While her direct contributions remain unknown, the sight of female engineers proudly asserting their rights during rallies in academic attire would likely have brought a smile to her face. Emily's advocacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of equality, as subsequent generations of professional women carried her vision forward.
In our dynamic business landscape, we find inspiration in the tale of an extraordinary woman whose vision and tenacity shaped history. Her legacy reminds us that genuine success goes beyond material gains. It lies in the positive influence we leave on the world. Let us all strive to leave a lasting mark that echoes the timeless principles of integrity, resilience, and inclusivity.
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the milestones and successes that have shaped the past twelve months. We're excited to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our incredible clients, partners, and friends. Your support and collaboration have been the driving force behind our achievements. Join us as we revisit and celebrate our top 10 successes of 2023:
As we joyfully celebrate our 25th anniversary year at Princeton Hydro, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey. Over the past quarter-century, our firm has been dedicated to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better, and it's an honor to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together. Since our inception in 1998, working with 2,000 clients, we have removed 84 dams, restored dozens of miles of rivers, improved water quality in hundreds of ponds and lakes, and enhanced thousands of acres of wetlands in the Northeast. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!
Over the past year, we completed five dam removal projects. We worked with Wildlands Conservancy to remove two dams from Bushkill Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, opening up several miles of river to migratory fish and critical species. We partnered with the Musconetcong Watershed Association to remove Beatty's Mill Dam, a critical step in restoring the Musconetcong River and addressing long-standing concerns regarding flood mitigation and the preservation of essential habitats. On Pohatcong Creek, we decommissioned a defunct dam for the Pinelands Regional Board of Education. And, working with The Nature Conservancy, we kicked off the removal of the 128-year-old hazardous Paulina Dam, reconnecting over 7.6 miles of mainstream and tributary habitat along the Paulins Kill. Highlighting our dedication and expertise in this field, our firm's president and founding principal, Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., was recently featured on a Top 20 podcast. His discussion provides insights into the complexities and significance of dam removal.
This year, we are proud to share that our firm earned the Society for American Military Engineers NJ Post’s 2023 Small Business Award! Our newly restored Trenton office earned two top tier awards: 2023 New Good Neighbor Award and NJ Historic Preservation Award. Two of our projects were spotlighted too: Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Floating Classroom received the very honorable New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and the Readington Digital ERI won an ANJEC 2023 Environmental Achievement Award. And, a big shout out to Duncan Simpson who earned the SAME Mid-Maryland Post President’s Commendation Award.
Liberty State Park, located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay, is one of the most visited state parks in the nation. Within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting, Princeton Hydro was contracted to design a resilient coastal ecosystem that provides both ecological and social benefits. In a momentous event, the Commissioner of NJDEP, Commander of USACE New York District, and local elected officials broke ground for the Liberty State Park Ecosystem Restoration Project. When constructed, it will have 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and several hundred feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat, making it the largest ecosystem restoration project in New Jersey.
Our team members continue to amaze us with their drive to expand knowledge and grow personally. This past year, several staff earned new licenses and certifications: Marissa Ciocco earned her Professional Engineer license in Delaware. Eric Zawatski achieved The Wildlife Society’s “Associate Wildlife Biologist” certification. Michael Allers became a licensed FAA-Certified Commercial Drone Pilot. Mark Gallagher was appointed to two boards: the Outdoor Equity Alliance Advisory Committee and Friends of Abbots Marshland Advisory Board. Dana Patterson was voted in as First Vice President of NJ SAME Post and Duncan Simpson, PWS was voted in as Second Vice President of the Mid-Maryland SAME Post.
One of Princeton Hydro’s core offerings is grant writing for our nonprofit and government clients. This year alone, we assisted in securing $2.43 million in grant funding from a variety of programs, including the NJDEP Stormwater Assistance Grants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NJDEP Natural Climate Solutions Grant, Restore America’s Estuaries National Estuaries Program Watersheds Grant Program, and New Jersey Highlands Council Planning Grant Program. The pivotal projects include building green infrastructure, developing watershed management programs, controlling invasive species, and planting hundreds of trees.
We traveled around the Northeast and beyond to share our project stories and lessons learned. For the Watershed Institute’s 6th Annual Conference, we led two presentations focused on stormwater management, improving water quality, and reducing flooding. Our Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, led two webinars for the Watershed Institute this year. The first one, "Enhanced Stormwater Management Ordinances," provided guidance on NJDEP’s new stormwater ordinances and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The second webinar, “Stormwater Design: Myths and Misconceptions,” provided guidance on incorporating best practices and submitting design proposals that address New Jersey’s stormwater management goals. For the Resource Institute's 2023 National Stream Restoration Conference, Jake Dittes, PE and Duncan Simpson, PWS presented on Hudson Valley Dam removal and showcased the importance of projects like the Maiden Lane Dam removal in preserving our natural treasures. We led five presentations during this year's North American Lake Management Society International Symposium. The topics included harmful algal bloom mitigation, stormwater management for lake communities, and monitoring. We are honored to have sponsored over $26,000 to nonprofit events and fundraisers, and the Marketing Team is proud to have exhibited at 15 conferences, festivals, and local events.
This year, we welcomed Controller Barry Shallenberger to our Business Administration team. Four engineers joined: Sean Walsh, PE as a Senior Project Manager; Rebecca Adamo, PE and Lexie Seifert as Water Resource Engineers; and Ryan Eno, EIT as a Staff Engineer. We grew our Landscape Architecture team with the addition of Angelica Diaz, and bolstered our Ecological Engineering group with Restoration Ecologist Michael Allers. We also welcomed two interns this summer, Mikhail Velez (Communications) and Jackson Tilves (Aquatics), who have now joined our staff permanently. And, last but certainly not least, we promoted six of our four-legged team members to Chief Happiness Officers!
Working with New Jersey Future, we published the NJ Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide, a comprehensive resource and pivotal tool that aids local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. We partnered with New York - New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program and the Hudson River Foundation to create a toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings. The easy-to-use matrix helps to prioritize potential projects and identify solutions. In partnership with Readington Township in New Jersey, we developed New Jersey’s first interactive Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) in digital format, paving the way for a more modernized, easily accessible, and highly functional resource. Readington Township was chosen as the recipient of the ANJEC “2023 Environmental Achievement Award" in the Environmental Commission category for creating the ERI. We've conducted two insightful 'Facebook Live Chat' Q&A sessions featuring four of our experts, which we recorded as informative resources available for ongoing access. The first session shared valuable spring gardening tips from our Landscape Architects. The second event, 'Birding in Your Backyard,' was hosted by two of our scientists who are passionate about birding.
Since opening our Trenton Headquarters office, we have donated the use of our space for a variety of nonprofit organization events. In 2023, we hosted Revolutionary Trenton’s Launch Event, Boys and Girls club of Mercer County, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Outdoor Equity Alliance Board Meeting, and African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County’s African American History Bowl Scholarship Presentation. We held donation drives here too to support local nonprofit organizations working in Trenton. During our Spring 2023 Staff Donation Drive, we collected 208 pounds of shelf-stable food items for Arm In Arm, a Trenton-based nonprofit organization that addresses food and housing insecurity in the city and surrounding areas. For our Holiday Employee Virtual Giving Event, 19 staff donated 72 items valued over $1560 to Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. Inspiring local youth to pursue a pathway in the STEM fields is also a priority for our firm. This year, we volunteered our time to support community programs like NJDEP’s Youth Inclusion Initiative and Hold High the Torch’s Eco Innovators for Youth STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) Leaders Program.
Becca joins Princeton Hydro's engineering team with over five years of experience in water resources engineering. Becca graduated from Rowan University in 2017 with a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering. After college, she went on to work as a Water Resources Engineer for a consulting firm where she provided a variety of services from stormwater management and drainage design, erosion and sediment control practices, river hydrology and hydraulics, and dam design. She is a licensed Professional Engineer with a range of experience with clients throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Outside of work, Becca enjoys a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and paddleboarding. She is also a recreational embroiderer and advocate for native gardening.
After compiling four years of experience at a water resource consulting firm, Michael joins Princeton Hydro as a CAD Designer. In his previous position, Michael participated in nearly all phases of river, wetland, and coastal restoration projects. Prior to entering the restoration sphere, Michael was the owner/operator of a residential stormwater management company for 10 years. Michael received a B.S. in Marine & Coastal Science from Rutgers University.
Ryan graduated in 2022, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rowan University. At Rowan, he worked in the CREATE's lab aiding in research to non-invasively characterize soils in permafrost regions. After graduating, he worked in land development designing stormwater management systems before starting at Princeton Hydro. Outside of work, Ryan likes to read and go on hikes.
With over 30 years of diversified finance and operations management experience, Barry brings with him his expertise as a business partner and member of various leadership teams in large and small corporate environments. He has worked in a number of industries including aviation, power plant construction, electrical distribution, and architectural engineering. He has demonstrated successes in developing and implementing financial systems to improve business strategies. He has built teams that focused on collaboration, employee empowerment, resource optimization and accountability.
Outside of work, Barry likes to spend time with his wife, son, daughter and their four cats. He enjoys a number of sports including golf and baseball. He likes to travel and vacation with his wife at the shore, the Caribbean or Las Vegas.
At Princeton Hydro, we are committed to improving our communities, quality of life, and ecosystems for the better. Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
Today, we are proud to announce the addition of a new Senior Project Manager for Engineering Services:
Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Sean worked on a wide variety of civil and wastewater engineering projects including site improvement projects for multiple public schools to improve pedestrian and traffic safety and ADA compliance, development and maintenance of an asset management of a drinking water utility, several site development projects of existing schools for building additions and site improvements, construction observation and administration of the emergency restoration of a 80M GPD wastewater pump station devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and design and construction installation of recreation facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, synthetic turf fields and running tracks.
Sean has a B.S. in Bioresource Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University. His Masters' thesis focused on modeling the impact of sediment accumulation has on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete. Sean has been a licesned Professional Engineer since 2011.
In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family and friends and playing pick-up basketball.
In May, we officially moved into our new Trenton office in the historic former Roebling Wireworks Carpentry Shop. We kicked off our move with a ribbon cutting event and successful open house, and quickly settled into our new space. We also made a commitment to support the local community, living up to our promise with local sponsorships to the Outdoor Equity Alliance (OEA) for Trenton’s Junteenth celebration and Black Farmer’s Market and Trenton South Ward Neighborhood Association’s Summer Splash Bash. We supported OEA’s Careers in Conservation Program with virtual and field sessions on water quality and landscape planning led by Jesse Smith, Dana Patterson, Fred Lubnow, and Mark Gallagher. We’ve donated the use of the space to several local organizations for fundraising events, including Passage Theatre, NJ Environmental Lobby, and Trenton Historical Society. We also jumped right in to assist the City on an emergency basis for water quality monitoring of the Pennington Reservoir. To cap off the year, during our Holiday Virtual Giving Event, 21 staff donated a total of 115 items (87lbs) totaling $1,734 to the Trenton-based Children’s Home Society of New Jersey.
After a year-long water quality and trash monitoring initiative, the Schuylkill River Greenways, in partnership with Berks Nature, Bartram’s Garden, Stroud Water Research Center, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and Princeton Hydro, launched an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap that documents the ecological status and local perceptions of the Schuylkill River. The goal of the project is to connect residents and communities with the river and all it has to offer.
In New York, we worked with the Seatuck Environmental Association to conduct a study to understand the feasibility of enhancing fish passage to Mill Pond. For the study, we completed a site investigation including topographic survey, sediment probing and sampling, and assessment of structures to identify project opportunities and site constraints. Then, based on our findings, we developed three design options: a nature-like fishway, a technical fishway, or dam removal. In Pennsylvania, we supported Solebury Township in their effort to convert a former lake into a natural area with a free-flowing, cold water stream capable of supporting native brook trout, which had not been present in the area for more than a century. Specifically, we designed the restoration of Aquetong Creek’s main channel and tributary to reduce erosion and improve brook trout habitat; we developed an invasive species control and woodland restoration plan; and we provided stormwater design support for areas adjacent to the creek.
We opened the year with the news that Mark Gallagher was selected for the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” from NJ Highlands Coalition and closed with the celebration of the two project awards: The NJ Water Supply Authority’s Delaware & Raritan Canal Hydrilla management project landed an Excellence in Water Resources Award from NJ-AWRA and the Third River Wetland Floodplain Wetland Enhancement Project in Bloomfield, now known as Lion’s Gate Park, won the 2022 New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award.
We helped the Township of Byram in Sussex County, New Jersey secure grant funding from the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for a regional lake and watershed management program that includes ten of the Township’s waterbodies. We worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -, New York District, to conduct a study that compares the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of management alternatives that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain via the Champlain Canal. We were contracted by the Central Park Conservancy to develop and implement a long-term and holistic management plan for the lakes and ponds in Central Park, New York City with the primary goal of preventing harmful algal blooms. For Lake Latonka in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, we developed a comprehensive lake management plan that includes five primary management measures: phosphorus loading mitigation, biomanipulation, management of submerged aquatic vegetation, waterfowl management, and regular water quality monitoring and testing.
Ecological restoration work is underway at USFWS’s John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia! Friends of Heinz Refuge hired our team to enhance and restore the Refuge's Turkey Foot area. The approach for the restoration project focuses on creating intertidal marsh, high marsh, and upland grassland habitat zones as well as four acres of contiguous wetland habitat bordered by a functional riparian buffer.
Our team members are always striving for personal growth, expanding their knowledge, and continue to amaze us. Christiana Pollack is now a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) through the Society for Ecological Restoration. Jake Dittes, PE earned the New Jersey Watershed Institute Green Infrastructure (WIGI) certification. Geoffrey Goll was featured on PBS TV Panel Discussion and was appointed to the Rutgers University School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board. Samara McAuliffe was appointed to the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Board of Trustees. And, Christopher Mikolajczyk served his term as President of the North American Lake Management Society.
Dr. Roy Messaros joined our firm as Director of Engineering, coming from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New York District. We expanded our River Restoration team with the addition of a Staff Engineer Cole Pragides, EIT and Project Manager/Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA. To support our Restoration & Resilience and Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Survey teams, Tara Srinivasan and Eric Zawatski joined as Staff Scientists. With our growing geoscience and water resources service areas, we hired Geotechnical Engineer Michael Torino, PE and Staff Engineer James Holyoke, EIT to support our engineering team. For our Field Services operations, we brought on two Aquatic Specialists Ryan Sheehan and Stephen Seely. And to provide office administration and executive support in the new Trenton office, Nicole Petrillo joined our team as an Administrative Assistant.
Many events returned to in-person this year, yet we still participated in numerous virtually. We traveled around the Northeast and beyond to share our project stories and lessons learned. We sponsored over $22,000 to nonprofit events and fundraisers and the Marketing Team exhibited at a dozen conferences, festivals, and local events. Aquatics team members Dr. Fred Lubnow, Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM, Michael Hartshorne, Pat Rose presented on managing harmful algal blooms and lake management virtually and all across the country -- from the NALMS conference in Minneapolis, MN to the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society Annual Conference in Boalsburg, PA. Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, and Mark Gallagher presented on green infrastructure and stormwater management. Jake Dittes, PE and Geoffrey Goll, PE traveled down to the first National Stream Restoration Conference and presented on river restoration and dam removal. Mike Hartshorne showcased the Schuylkill River Partner Water Quality Project all around the watershed and Pat Rose, Dana Patterson, and Cory Speroff, PLA, CBLP, taught nonprofit organizations data visualization tips and tricks for water quality monitoring. These are just a few highlights! Click here to read about our upcoming events.
One of Princeton Hydro’s key offerings is grant writing to assist our nonprofit and government clients in writing watershed plans and implement projects to improve water quality from stormwater basin retrofits to wetland restorations. This year, we assisted in landing $3,550,000 million in Lake Restoration Grant funding from NJDEP to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of nonpoint source pollution. We’ve also assisted several clients with other grant applications for NJDEP 319, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and NOAA.
Thank you for supporting Princeton Hydro and sharing our stories. We truly appreciate each and every one of our clients, partners, and friends. Cheers to a successful 2023 and beyond!
James holds an M.S. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware, from which he graduated with honors and distinction.
As both an undergraduate and a graduate student, he participated in a number of research projects, where he developed a ardor for improving the environment. He was most passionate about two projects: one focused on tracking oil after marine spills, and another about the fate of environmental contaminants, specifically those found in buoyant plumes.
Outside of work, James enjoys exercising, hiking and running. He is also an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast.
Cole received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Applied Ecology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He was part of the Livneh Post-Wildfire Hydrology research group that measured chemical constituents in runoff following simulated burnings and storm events in Colorado’s Front Range.
Cole has also had professional experience in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Horticulture. He firmly believes that increasing the crossover between engineering, environmental science, and ecology will promote a more sustainable world.
Michael is a New York State licensed Professional Engineer with over eight years of experience in geotechnical engineering. He has a M.S. and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. Prior to joining Princeton Hydro, Michael worked in New York City inspecting and designing building foundations.
To learn more about the Princeton Hydro staff or if you're interested in joining the team, click here.
Rutgers University held a symposium focused on Improving Urban Environments. The one-day event, presented by Rutgers University’s School of Engineering and its School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, brought together government, industry, community and academic thought leaders for a high-level exchange of ideas.
The symposium included keynote addresses given by Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the NJ Governor’s Office of Climate Change & the Green Economy, and Kandyce Perry, Director of the NJDEP Office of Environmental Justice, as well as a variety of presentations and panel discussions centered around ensuring healthier and more resilient communities through technological innovation and inclusive partnerships. Presentation topics included, “Furthering Environmental Justice in New Jersey;” “Brownfields in Urban Settings;” and “Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.”
The panel discussion also included:
Geoff has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University (Class of 1990) and a Master of Engineering Management degree from UW–Madison. With his primary expertise being in water resources engineering and his background in geotechnical engineering, he works in many areas of water resources, including sediment management, stream and river restoration, stormwater management and green infrastructure, freshwater wetland/coastal marsh design, dam design, and dam removal.
We stabilized and restored over 41,000 linear feet of Tinkers Creek, a highly urbanized watershed in Prince George’s County. This is the largest stream restoration project ever completed in Maryland. The project, which we designed for GV-Petro, a partnership between GreenVest and Petro Design Build Group, used bioengineering and nature-based design techniques to prevent erosion and restore wildlife habitat, including the planting of 10,985 native trees and shrubs in the riparian area and 10,910 live stakes along the streambank.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters honored us with its inaugural “Sustainability Award,” which recognizes our commitment to a sustainable future in New Jersey, integrating sustainability in everyday life, and making sustainability more accessible to the public. The Miry Run Ponds Master Plan received The New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects 2021 Chapter Award. We worked with the Mercer County Park Commission and Simone Collins Landscape Architecture to create the Master Plan, which is an ambitious, yet environmentally sensitive design and engineering plan for the restoration of a 279-acre County in Mercer County. The North American Lake Management Society honored Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the Lake Hopatcong Commission with a joint “Lake Management Success Stories Award,” praising the work we led to protect Lake Hopatcong and prevent harmful algal blooms.
We developed a conceptual design for an 165-acre tidal marsh and transitional forest “eco-park” along the South River in Central New Jersey. The design incorporates habitat enhancement and restoration and flood mitigation measures while maximizing public access. The project aims to stabilize approximately 2.5 miles of shoreline, reduce flood risk for smaller coastal storms, and enhance breeding and foraging habitat for 10 state-listed threatened and endangered avian species. We also served as the ecological engineer to Bloomfield Township for an important urban wetland creation project, which transformed a once densely developed, flood-prone, former industrial site into a thriving public active recreation park and 4.2 acres of wetlands. The completed project restored valuable ecological functions and natural floodplain connection, enhanced aquatic and wildlife habitat, and increased flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff.
We are proud to have completed five important dam removal projects in three states. In New York, we worked with the Riverkeeper to remove two defunct dams located on tributaries of the Hudson River. The removal of the Strooks Felt Dam and Furnace Brook Barrier #1 will help to restore fish passage between the Hudson and the Atlantic Ocean and revitalize migratory fish populations. In New Jersey, we removed two dams: one in Rockaway Township and one in Mount Laurel Township. And in Pennsylvania, we worked with the Wildlands Conservancy to remove one dam: the Bushkill Creek Dam #4 (also called Crayola Dam). Removing these nonfunctional, outdated dams will bring these rivers back to their natural state and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watersheds.
We installed biochar flotation bags in four waterbodies throughout Hemlock Farms, in the Thompson Park Zoo pond, and in various locations throughout Lake Hopatcong. Biochar improves water quality by removing nutrients from waterbodies. We created a video outlining the biochar installation process. Working with the Lake Hopatcong Commission and Lake Hopatcong Foundation, we installed three innovative aeration systems in different areas of the lake: one Air Curtain Aeration System, one Nanobubble Aeration System, and one Nanobubble Aeration System with Ozone. We also worked with the NJ Highlands Council to help lake communities prevent HABs and protect water quality by taking a proactive and regional approach to lake management.
Our team members are always striving for personal growth, expanding their knowledge, and continue to amaze us. Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP, Landscape Architect, became a Licensed Professional Landscape Architect in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, enabling our firm to now offer professional landscape architect services in those states. Three team members achieved new professional certifications from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Environmental Scientist Duncan Simpson PWS, Staff Scientists Ivy Babson and Jesse Smith. Dr. Jack Szczepanski, Senior Project Manager and Aquatic Ecologist, achieved the New Jersey Watershed Institute Green Infrastructure certification, which focuses on sustainable landscape best practices, green infrastructure techniques, and the maintenance of stormwater best management practices. Our Aquatics Director Dr. Fred Lubnow was appointed to the New Jersey HAB Expert Team, which provides guidance to the NJDEP on HAB prevention, treatment, and management. And, four team members achieved their Professional Engineer license: A big congratulations to Ryan Wasik, Rob Costello, Jake Schwartz, and Stephen Duda!
Over the past year, we’ve designed and completed a variety of stormwater management projects designed to reduce the volume of runoff, decrease phosphorus loading, and improve water quality. We designed and constructed a stormwater treatment train at Thompson Park Zoo, which also included the installation of thousands of native plants. Working with the Deal Lake Commission, we installed twelve floating wetland islands - six in Sunset Lake and six in Wesley Lake; designed and installed three MTDs throughout Asbury Park; and completed a major renovation to an existing rain garden located in front of the Asbury Park bus terminal and municipal building. Our President Geoffrey Goll, P.E. installed a rain garden at his home and documented the entire process with step-by-step instructions so you can build one too!
We welcomed four new team members with expertise and qualifications in a variety of fields. We hired a new Director of Operations, Megan Hunter Ruf and added Aquatic Specialist Patrick Wilson to the team. And, the Marketing and Communications Department welcomed Proposal Manager Erin Bennett and Communications Intern Andrea Rojas. If you’re interested in joining our team, we’re current hiring for a few full-time positions. Learn more and apply here.
It was time for a fresh new look! Our new site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and includes vivid photos and fun transitions. Browse our multidisciplinary project portfolio. Explore our resources page where you can download presentations and watch webinars. And, visit our blog for project updates, helpful tips, client spotlights, and more. A big shout out and thank you to our web designer FZCreative.
This year, we were proud to have sponsored 20+ events, including the Choose Clean Water Coalition Conference, Living Shoreline Workshop, and SAME MEGA Maryland Conference. We partnered with NJ-AWRA to host a tour of the Award-Winning Linden Blue Acres Green Infrastructure & Floodplain Restoration Project. During the Colorado Lake & Reservoir Management Association Conference, which was held over Halloween weekend, Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM, gave a felicitous presentation titled, “In Celebration of All Hallows Eve: Reflections of a Study on One of the Spookiest Lakes in the US.” At the Delaware Estuary’s Science and Environmental Summit, our team members lead four workshops, including one about “Stream, Floodplain & Multi-Functional Riparian Buffer Restoration” presented by Michael Hartshorne, Emily Bjorhus, and Cory Speroff. We hosted a “Facebook Live” conversation during which participants were able to ask experts Dr. Fred Lubnow and Mike Hartshorne all about harmful algal blooms. During the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting 2021, Geoff Goll presented on “Dam Removal in History, Current State of Removal, and Future Needs.” And, Dana Patterson and Dr. Clay Emerson lead a webinar titled “Stormwater Utility: Is it Right for Your Community & How Might One Work?.” To read about some of the events we have coming up next year, click here!
Thank you for supporting Princeton Hydro and sharing our stories. We truly appreciate each and every one of our clients, partners, and friends. Cheers to a successful 2022 and beyond!
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