Dredging of the Delaware and Raritan Canal

Frequently Asked Questions about the dredging project:

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) selected Urban Dredging Consultants, Joint Venture  to do the design for dredging of the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R Canal) from Route 27 in Kingston to Amwell Road in Franklin Township. The objective of the project is to remove an estimated 250,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Canal to restore flow capacity.  The Canal serves as a source of drinking water for millions of residents in central New Jersey and provides recreational opportunities for its numerous visitors. The dredging design will address the water supply needs for the area and take into account the surrounding cultural and natural resources.

 The project includes sediment sampling and characterization, identifying staging areas, dredging and dewatering activities, sediment disposal options, and the preparation of an Environmental Information Document (EID).  The anticipated project schedule is as follows:1) Evaluation of dredging methodologies by December 2010, 2) Design work complete by July 2012 and 3) Funding in place by November 2012. Two construction periods are anticipated.

 NJWSA is leading a public outreach effort to provide information regarding the project to interested stakeholders as well as identify local concerns.  Initial meetings with officials from Somerset County, Millstone, South Brunswick, Montgomery, Hillsborough, Rocky Hill, and Franklin were completed in July. Public meetings with stakeholders including area residents, businesses, civic groups, and recreational users will be held in December. In addition, a public hearing will take place in the spring to review the findings of the EID.  Project details and updates will be provided as the project progresses.

If you would like to be included on the stakeholders list, please e-mail dredginginfo@njwsa.org or info@actengineers.com, subject: D&R Canal.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canal Dredging Project

1. Why is this dredging project necessary?
The D&R Canal is fed by numerous streams and overland flow along its 60-mile length. Along with the flow, these streams and overland flows contribute sediment that is deposited in the waterway. Removal of this sediment is needed so that the Canal can continue to provide drinking water for millions of residents in central New Jersey, as well as recreational uses like canoeing and fishing. The dredging will restore the Canal sections to approximately their original depth and flow capacity.
 
2. What are the responsibilities of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park?
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) was created on October 7, 1981 (P.L. 1981, c. 293) to operate, on a self-supporting basis, the existing State water supply facilities and to develop future State water supply projects as recommended in the State Water Supply Master Plan.  The Authority’s Spruce Run/Round Valley Reservoirs System and the Delaware and Raritan Canal Water Transmission Complex (the Raritan Basin System), provides the basic source of water supply to a number of public and private water utilities serving more than 1,500,000 people in central New Jersey.
 
The Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (D&R Canal Commission) legislated in 1974, assists with the development of the park and regulates land use in the park's 400-square-mile watershed.The Canal Commission will review the proposed dredging project for conformance with the State Park Master Plan and compliance with the Commission’s regulations.
 
The Delaware and Raritan State Park is one of central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing, and horseback riding.  The Canal and towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System. The 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests. The NJDEP, Division of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service owns and manages the D&R Canal as a State Park.
 
3. How long will the dredging project last?
Information is currently being collected to evaluate dredging methodologies. Design work will follow, with the actual dredging projected to begin in 2013. At this stage, it is anticipated that dredging may require up to two years to complete.
 
4. How much sediment needs to be removed and where will it go?
An estimated 250,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the Canal to restore its flow capacity. Both Franklin and Hillsborough Townships have soil removal ordinances that will be followed.  Wet and dry dredging alternatives will be evaluated.  The chemical and physical characteristics of the dredged sediments will be determined, and based on the analysis the sediment removed, will be beneficially used in accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) guidelines.  An Environmental Information Document (EID) that reviews environmental issues and impacts will be completed before project design begins.
 
5. Will the towpath be available during the dredging operation?
NJWSA would like to keep the towpath accessible to the public during the project.  However, safety and operational concerns may require sections of the towpath to be closed at times during dredging operations.  Every effort will be made to minimize closures.
 
6. How will this project impact traffic on local roads?
The traffic impact will be evaluated during the planning stages of the project.  Trucks are needed to transport the sediment and any detours/road closures will be coordinated with the appropriate municipal, county and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials before construction begins.
 
7. Will the communities have an opportunity to provide input on the project?
Yes. NJWSA and its consultant team met with officials in Somerset County and the municipalities that border the impacted reach of Canal.  Public meetings will also be held to obtain input from interested individuals.
 
8. Will the dredging project help with flooding issues?
While the dredging project will restore the flow capacity of the Canal to near original design conditions, it will not have a significant impact on alleviating local flooding caused by the Millstone River or its tributaries.
 
9. Will fish and wildlife be protected during the the dredging activity?
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDEP DF&W) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will be consulted during the preparation of the EID. The NJDEP DF&W and the US-FWS will issue guidelines that must be adhered to during the project’s construction to minimize impacts and protect fish and wildlife.
 
10. What is being done to protect the historic character of the canal?
The Canal is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.  The NJWSA has retained the services of a firm specializing in historic resources.  Coordination with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and local historical commissions will take place throughout the duration of the project.  The project design will take into account the cultural resources surrounding the canal.
 
11. What type of noise and air quality issues will be associated with the dredging activity?
All local noise ordinances dealing with decibel levels and hours of allowed activity will be followed. As the project progresses, the Authority will have more information regarding possible odors or particulate matter associated with sediment materials.

Additional FAQ’s will be added as the dredging project moves forward.