Wetland Restoration at Caldwell Trucking Co. NPL Site

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Case Name:

Caldwell Trucking Co. NPL Site

Country:

United States of America

Restoration Types:

Habitat Creation; Habitat Enhancement

State:

New Jersey

Affected DOI Resources:

Migratory Birds

City:

Fairfield

Phase:

Pre-implementation

Project Description

During the remediation of the Caldwell Trucking Co. NPL Site, contaminated soil in the Extended North Lagoon Area (ENLA) was excavated and removed, resulting in the disturbance of approximately 0.62 acres of herbaceous freshwater wetlands. Of this, about 0.09 acres were permanently altered to stabilize the excavated soil. After the remedial activities concluded, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) required that the 0.53 acre wetland area that was temporarily disturbed must be restored. To compensate for the permanently altered area, approximately 2.5 acres of adjacent wetlands were also enhanced through the control and removal of invasive species. The on-site wetlands were dominated by invasive species, including common reed (Phragmites), broadleaf cattail, Russian and autumn olive, and purple loosestrife, limiting wildlife usage. During the summer of 2004, the disturbed area was graded to create wetland topography and 12-inches of topsoil containing 10.3% organic matter was added to establish proper conditions for seed germination. Invasive species were controlled by cutting and herbicide treatments. Native seed mixtures and fertilizer were broadcast throughout the restoration and enhancement areas, and shrubs, herbaceous plugs, and rhizome shoots were later planted. Three distinct vegetative communities were created including a wet meadow, scrub/shrub habitat, and a small, open water area lined with emergent vegetation to function as a vernal pool. To limit the effects of herbivory by white-tailed deer and Canada geese, high visibility fencing was installed around the planting areas with metal flashing hanging from twine until the plants became established. After the restoration and enhancement activities concluded in August 2005, the site was monitored annually for five years. Additional invasive species removal took place in 2010, specifically targeting Russian and autumn olive and common mugwort. Native seed mixtures were broadcast throughout the restoration and enhancement areas, and sweet gum saplings and swamp rose mallow plugs were also planted.