4. Encroachment into the Floodplain
2007, NJDEP 1905, USGS Passaic Quadrangle
1930, NJDEP
5. Urban Stream Evolution Model
Floodplain Dam w/
Diversion
Filters Runoff
Culverted
& Sediment
Wildlife Tributaries
Progression of Urbanization
Corridor Source of Organic
Material & Shade Original
Stream
Channel
Fill
Bridge
Piped
Direct Retaining Wall Drainage
Discharges
Channelized
Channel
Concrete
Liner
Culvert
Culvert
6. Passaic River Basin Example of Encroachment
Between 1985 and 1995, nearly 300 acres of forest turned
to urban land—a trend repeated between 1995 and 2002,
and again from 2002 to 2007.1
1. NJDEP, Report to the Governor: Recommendations of the Passaic River Basin
Flood Advisory Commission, January 2011
7. So, what is wrong with our older
flood control systems today?
8. SUSTAINABILITY
“When we are unaware of, ignore, or are wasteful
in our relationship to the interaction of water
with other natural resources, water can become
a waste product and potentially a powerful
source of destruction.”
Patchett and Wilhelm, “Culture and Ecology of Water”, 1999.
19. How do we get there?
This is a marathon, not a race. Need to plan for the next 50
years, but it is essential to start now. Create a plan and set the
example for the next generation….Start a pilot project.
Municipalities need to actively take advantage of grants over
time. Opportunities with Federal and State agencies… USACE ,
FEMA, NOAA, NRCS, NJDEP.
Buyouts (first priority)
Floodplain Restoration
Raising of structures (last priority)
20. Final Words
“ASCE does not support the development or
significant redevelopment of communities below
sea level or in high-risk, flood-prone areas
because such development is inherently
unsustainable and puts the public at unnecessary
risk for loss of life and property.”
ASCE, Adopted by the Board of Direction on April 24, 2007
21. Thank you.
Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E.
Vice President
Princeton Hydro, LLC
www.PrincetonHydro.com
Editor's Notes
Encroachment into flood prone areas throughout the State; Culverting streams Levee Systems in coastal and back bay areas on the Atlantic Ocean and Hudson and Delaware River Estuaries.
Man has used waterways for industry for centuries. Ports Mills Transportation routes (canals, intermodal) As industry grew, so did populations around these industrial centers. Low lying areas were the last to be developed; but were developed to accommodate the masses. Diminishing available uplands and cheap lowlands, pushed other development into the floodplain.
Urban Stream Evolution Model
They are aging and in need of repair. They are not sustainable. They are not working anymore.
They are aging and in need of repair. They are not sustainable. They are not working anymore.
We are not talking about large scale needs. What we are talking about is the reduction of smaller nuisance flooding (1 to10 year events)….and hopefully over time an accumulation of projects to reduce larger scale floods. Keep in mind: development, pre-stormwater management, generally occurred over a 50 year period.
Projects with little maintenance required…. Looking at what happens in the natural environment. Understanding hydrology, hydraulics, AND fluvial geomorphic process. Understanding ecological and riparian functions. Treating streams and floodplains as areas that can be enjoyed, not concreted and shut off from the public.
