CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: NJ-1, NJ-2, NJ-3, NJ-4
APPROPRIATION / PHASE: Investigations
AUTHORITY: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was authorized to conduct the Delaware River, PA, NJ and DE Dredged Material Utilization Study (Utilization Study) reconnaissance phase and any ensuing feasibility phase investigations by a resolution of the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate on October 26, 2005. The resolution directs the USACE to conduct an investigation of beneficial uses of dredged material within the Delaware River and Estuary area.
DESCRIPTION: Approximately 3,000,000 cubic yards of sediment are dredged annually from the ‘Delaware River, Philadelphia to the Sea’ and ‘Delaware River, Philadelphia to Trenton’ projects. Essentially all of the sediment is removed from the estuary system and placed in upland Confined Disposal Facilities. This study will explore innovative methods for management and reuse of dredged material in order to improve flood risk management. A Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) was signed with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on February 27, 2014. In April 2020, Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, USACE Commanding General and the 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, signed a Chief's Report and the project was subsequently authorized by Congress in WRDA 2020. The next step is to move forward through pre-construction engineering, design, and eventual construction. The final report had favorable recommendations for the following sites: Gandys Beach; Fortescue; Villas (South)
PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES: The beneficial use opportunities are best facilitated utilizing maintenance dredged material from Federal and non-Federal navigation projects including: the Delaware River, Philadelphia to the Sea NJ, PA & DE project; the Delaware River, Philadelphia to Trenton, NJ & PA project; and the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening, NJ, PA & DE project; and several active Federal navigation projects at major tributaries of the Delaware River. This dredged material will be considered for projects that will reduce flood damage from coastal storms, promote coastal resilience and sustainability and create opportunities for restoration of the estuaries functions.
SPONSOR: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
PROJECT MANAGER: Scott Sanderson