Introduction
Brick Township marked a major infrastructure milestone this week by officially closing out a large-scale dredging and marshland restoration initiative that spanned across 2024 and into the early months of this year. Focused on enhancing the Traders Cove Marina and restoring vital wetland ecosystems, the project not only met its environmental and navigational goals but also came in significantly under budget. This achievement highlights the township’s proactive approach to maintaining its coastal infrastructure while advancing environmental stewardship.
Background on the Traders Cove Dredging Project
The dredging of Traders Cove Marina was one of Brick Township’s key infrastructure projects of 2024. Designed to improve waterway access and enhance local environmental conditions, the project was developed in close coordination with state environmental authorities. The plan included not only dredging for navigational improvement but also the beneficial reuse of removed sediment for ecological restoration.
The project was partially funded by the state, which recognized its dual benefits to both marine transportation and coastal habitat renewal. This collaboration between local and state stakeholders allowed the township to stretch its budget while accomplishing its ambitious environmental objectives.
Hydraulic Dredging and Sediment Removal
At the core of the project was the hydraulic dredging of Traders Cove Marina. Hydraulic dredging, a method that involves the suction and pumping of underwater sediment, allowed for the efficient removal of 9,683 cubic yards of material. This figure came just shy of the permitted 12,200 cubic yards outlined in the project scope.
The technique minimized environmental disruption and was completed in accordance with regulatory guidelines. The sediment collected during this phase was carefully evaluated and prepared for use in marshland restoration, exemplifying a sustainable, closed-loop approach to dredging operations.
Marshland Restoration Efforts
The sediment extracted from the marina was not simply discarded—it was put to work in the service of nature. The township used the clean sand to restore marshlands in and around Brick Township, with a primary focus on the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
This refuge, a vital habitat for numerous migratory bird species and aquatic life, benefited greatly from the infusion of new sediment. Restoration efforts help counteract coastal erosion, improve water quality, and bolster flood resilience in vulnerable shoreline areas.
This component of the project underscores Brick Township’s commitment to using infrastructure upgrades as a vehicle for broader environmental restoration.
Fiscal Efficiency and Project Cost Reduction
A standout feature of the Traders Cove dredging project was its fiscal discipline. Initially projected to cost more, the final expense totaled $2,495,604. At the Brick Township Council meeting, officials announced the closure of project contracts and confirmed the savings of $348,906 from a previously approved change order.
Council President Derrick Ambrosino noted that this cost reduction was achieved without compromising project quality or scope. In an era when municipal projects frequently face overruns, this outcome reflects strong planning, effective contractor performance, and responsive oversight.
Bulkhead Replacement Initiative
In addition to concluding the dredging project, Brick Township also advanced its waterfront protection strategy by initiating a new round of bulkhead replacement work. Bulkheading is crucial for stabilizing shoreline areas and preventing erosion, particularly in street ends that face open water.
The council approved a contract to replace bulkheads at the end of Cartagena Drive, Clubhouse Plaza, and Scheiber Drive. The work includes the removal and disposal of outdated bulkheading, installation of new bulkheads, securing structural components, backfilling, and restoring the surrounding area.
These upgrades will reinforce coastal defenses in vulnerable residential zones and are part of the township’s annual maintenance and improvement cycle for waterfront infrastructure.
Community and Environmental Impact
The dual benefit of this project—improved navigation and restored marshland—delivers tangible value to the Brick Township community. Traders Cove Marina is now more accessible for boaters, contributing to local recreation and tourism, while the restored wetlands strengthen the region’s resilience against flooding and storm surge.
Moreover, the environmental enhancements made through the project contribute to a healthier ecosystem in the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, which supports biodiversity and improves overall water quality in the area.
Residents can take pride in a project that successfully balances infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and environmental protection.
Conclusion
The closure of the Traders Cove dredging and marshland restoration project is a significant success story for Brick Township. Completing the project under budget while restoring a critical coastal habitat illustrates the township’s capacity for efficient project management and sustainable planning.
With the simultaneous launch of the bulkhead replacement initiative, Brick continues to invest in long-term resilience along its waterfront. These efforts underscore a broader commitment to maintaining vital public infrastructure while protecting and enhancing the local environment for generations to come.