Hugh Force Canal Park Restoration and Signage

Challenge

During repairs to the park’s canal lock, wetlands and wetland transition areas were impacted by placement of unconsolidated fill. GZA’s ecological services and environmental engineering were required to bring the site into compliance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Bureau of Coastal & Land Use Compliance/Enforcement. GZA was also tasked with further enhancing the park by adding interpretive signage about the importance of wetlands.

Solution

GZA’s engineering and ecological teams inspected the site, determining best ingress and egress truck routes, final grades and buffer zones, and estimated volume of materials to establish ideal grades. Because more than 5,000 square feet of area was disturbed, GZA prepared a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) plan which was approved by the Morris County Soil Conservation District. GZA conducted an ecological inventory of sub-habitats existing within 0.3 miles of the site to provide a bio-ecological basis for native plant selection; GZA specified plant materials and oversaw planting activities conducted by township personnel. 

At the NJDEP’s directive, GZA also developed an educational sign to communicate the importance of wetlands to ecosystem functioning. 

Benefit

GZA’s multi-disciplinary ecological services/environmental engineering team helped the borough rectify an unintended environmental violation, and the wetlands restoration and educational signage enhance the park’s existing attractions.