MORRIS COUNTY — The first step in launching the Whippany-Passaic Rivers’ Flood Mitigation project will occur on Thursday afternoon, May 18.
A low-flying helicopter will investigate approximately a 12-mile Whippany and Passaic Rivers corridor and its tributaries. The purpose is to identify areas in need of clearing and de-snagging. Data will be collected from a manned helicopter approximately 600 feet above ground level, traveling at 35 knots ground speed. The helicopter will utilize a high-tech camera to gather imagery. The survey will include tributaries such as the Smith Ditch, Black Brook, and Pinch Brook streams.
Once the aerial inspection survey is completed, Colliers Engineering & Design, the Task Forces’ designated engineering firm, will prepare a topographic base map of the approximately 500’ wide river corridor. The base map will represent existing site features observed during the field survey to identify drainage issues and blockages. It will also include other site features such as buildings, roadways, driveways, retaining walls, and individual trees in open areas.
Following completion of the base mapping, Colliers Engineering & Design will identify the locations needed de-snagging and pinpoint site access to those areas, considering the need to minimize disturbance and environmental impact in each area. The partnering municipalities, Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Parsippany, Morris Plains, and Morristown, will secure permission in their respective towns to use the site access points for the clearing and de-snagging work.
