This document discusses strategies for reclaiming flood storage during redevelopment projects. It notes that floodplains have been increasingly developed, removing natural flood protections. To improve sustainability, it advocates for "green infrastructure" approaches like daylighting streams, removing culverts, and de-channelizing streams to restore natural flood storage and mitigation functions. These projects provide environmental and safety benefits but must be implemented gradually over decades through coordinated planning and grant funding.

1. Reclaiming Flood Storage during
Redevelopment
Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E.
Vice President
Princeton Hydro, LLC
www.PrincetonHydro.com

2. Floodplain Environments
Flood Control has been the mantra for NJ for over 250 years
Just like most disasters, flooding can be
devastating………………

3. Disasters
Lambertville, NJ 2004

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.

9. We’re Never Going Back……
National Geographic

10. …..but, we can mitigate the impacts
to ourselves over time….
…..as long as the process starts
now and is steady over time.

11. SUSTAINABILITY
and
Green Infrastructure

12. SUSTAINABILITY
 Does nature look like this?
OR

13. SUSTAINABILITY
 Or this?
De-channelization Run-of-the-river Dam Removal
OR
Milone & McBroom Princeton Hydro

14. SUSTAINABILITY
Culvert Enlargement

15. Stream Day-lighting
and
De-channelization
Depot Park, Englewood, NJ

16. Day-lighting

17. Petty’s Run, Trenton, NJ
Stream Daylighting and Culvert Enlargement

18. Petty’s Run, Trenton, NJ
Stream Daylighting and Culvert Enlargement

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