New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers (NJSME) – Project of the Year Award for Municipal Construction Management Projects

Foote’s Pond, the centerpiece of a 25-acre natural sanctuary, faced severe environmental challenges after three decades of sediment and vegetation accumulation. This buildup had dramatically impacted the pond’s ecosystem, reducing its original four-foot depth to just 12 inches and compromising its ability to sustain wildlife. Traditional dredging operations were deemed impractical, with an estimated cost of $2 million and significant risks to both the local ecosystem and surrounding community.

As project consultant, we proposed an innovative solution: hydro-raking. This alternative approach successfully removed bottom muck, detritus, debris, and rooted aquatic vegetation at less than one-fifth the cost of dredging (under $400,000). The precision of hydro-raking allowed operators to selectively remove materials, promoting improved water quality while minimizing disruption to the pond’s delicate wildlife habitats.

The results were remarkable. The project expanded the pond’s open water surface area from 58,000 to 80,000 square feet, representing a 38% increase. By carefully clearing heavily meadowed areas, we removed approximately 5,400 cubic yards of debris and reclaimed 22,000 square feet of water surface. Most importantly, this minimally invasive approach preserved the park’s natural integrity and ecosystems while enhancing this valuable community asset.