The first phase of a dredging program at Brick Township’s Traders Cove Marina and Park is set to commence around November 1, 2024, and is expected to continue through December 31. This project, vital for maintaining safe and accessible waterways, involves removing accumulated sediment from the boat slips within the marina. The dredged material will then be repurposed for marsh restoration and ecological enhancement at the adjacent Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, making this effort both a practical and environmentally beneficial undertaking.
“Dredging Traders Cove has become necessary due to the shallow depths that have developed over time. This project will ensure that Traders Cove remains navigable and safe for residents and visitors that use the marina,” said Mayor Lisa Crate. “The project has the added benefit of restoring and enhancing the ecosystem of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.”
The project’s primary objective is to improve navigation by deepening the boat slips, achieving a dredging depth of approximately 3 feet below the channel surface, or 6 feet below the mean high-water mark. During the dredging process, material will be collected beneath the water’s surface and transferred through a pipeline to the refuge for eco-friendly repurposing.
Given the sensitive nature of the marine environment around Traders Cove, the contractor, Mobile Dredging of Chester, Pennsylvania, will use a turbidity curtain to minimize disruption and control sediment dispersal. These curtains are commonly used in marine construction projects to contain sediment and protect nearby water quality. They play a critical role in mitigating environmental impact by reducing sediment spread, ensuring the surrounding ecosystems are safeguarded.
The dredged materials, approved for use by both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will provide significant ecological benefits. Their placement on the marsh will not only help restore and enhance wetland areas but also improve habitats for threatened and endangered species like the Salt Marsh Sparrow and Black Rail. This habitat restoration will further bolster water quality and contribute to the resilience of the local ecosystem.
The marsh restoration component of the project is being funded through a DEP RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) grant and will have no cost to Brick Township’s taxpayers. The grants are funded by proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cooperative effort among several states to cap and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector.
ACT Engineers has been contracted to oversee this project, ensuring all operations adhere to environmental standards and best practices. This initiative underscores Brick Township’s commitment to both the functionality of its marina and the preservation of its natural surroundings, balancing recreational access with conservation efforts for long-term sustainability.
# # #