Army Corps, NJDEP to host public meeting for flood risk study

Army Corps, NJDEP to host public meetings for flood risk study

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 3, 2018) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are hosting public meetings regarding the New Jersey Back Bays Flood Risk Management study on Sept. 12, 2018 in Ventnor City, N.J. and on Sept 13 in Toms River Township, N.J.

The Army Corps, in partnership with NJDEP, is conducting a feasibility study for coastal storm risk management problems within the New Jersey Back Bay area, defined as the network of interconnected tidal water bodies located landward of the New Jersey ocean coastline in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington, and Cape May Counties. The study area includes approximately 950 square miles and nearly 3,400 miles of shoreline. The objective of the study is to investigate problems and solutions to reduce damages from coastal flooding that affects population, critical infrastructure, critical facilities, property, and ecosystems.

Some of the measures that will be discussed at the public meetings include structural solutions such as storm surge barriers, tide gates, levees, and floodwalls; non-structural solutions such as elevating homes; and nature-based features such as marsh restoration and the creation of living shorelines. The final plan may also include recommendations of actionable and policy implementable items such as floodplain management and Community Rating System enhancement opportunities.

The general public and other stakeholders are invited to attend the meetings to learn more about the study process and current status. In addition, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the study and interact with project team members.