Wayne Wants DEP Approval To Clean Rivers For Flood Remediation

WAYNE, NJ – Wayne officials hope to get permission from the state to clean and clear sections of the Passaic, Pompton and Ramapo rivers that pass through the township to help alleviate flooding issues.

The council recently approved the hiring of Mott MacDonald, LLC, an engineering consulting firm, to prepare the township’s application to receive the required permit to de-snag and remove river debris, repair any retaining walls and remove shoals.

The firm will receive $25,635 for the job, according to the resolution passed Aug. 21.

Mayor Chris Vergano said, “Anything that we can do to improve the flow of water down the river can only help us diminish the effects of flooding during minor events.”

Vergano said an estimate will be determined once Wayne receives approval from the state and officials have a “greater understanding of what the township will be permitted to remove.”

It’s been about seven years since the township has last cleaned and cleared the Passaic River Basin waterways in Wayne.

A 2011 report by the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Committee recommended regular de-snagging and cleaning of the three rivers.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, several residents affected by the floods complained that it has been years since local rivers, especially the Pompton, had been de-snagged or dredged.