Whippany-Passaic Rivers' Flood Mitigation Project Takes Flight

WHIPPANY, NJ – The inaugural phase of the Whippany-Passaic Rivers’ Flood Mitigation project is set to launch today, May 18, 2023. A low-flying helicopter will perform a comprehensive field investigation over approximately a 12-mile corridor, which includes sections of the Whippany and Passaic Rivers, as well as their tributaries.

The helicopter, manned by a skilled crew, will hover at an altitude of approximately 600 feet above ground level, moving at a steady pace of 35 knots ground speed. Utilizing state-of-the-art camera technology, the objective is to identify areas in need of clearing and de-snagging along the rivers and tributaries. Included in the aerial inspection are the Smith Ditch, Black Brook, and Pinch Brook streams.

Colliers Engineering & Design, the Task Forces’ chosen engineering firm, will process the collected data. The firm will create a topographic base map of the approximately 500-foot wide river corridor, providing a detailed visual representation of existing site features at the time of the survey. This will highlight drainage issues and blockages while also capturing structures like buildings, roadways, driveways, retaining walls, and individual trees in open areas.

Upon completion of the base mapping, Colliers will identify specific locations requiring de-snagging and provide precise site access points. These points will be determined with careful consideration for the environment, aiming to minimize disturbance and impact in each area.

The responsibility of securing permission to use these site access points for clearing and de-snagging work falls to the partnering municipalities: Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Parsippany, Morris Plains, and Morristown.

This crucial initiative aims to alleviate potential flooding problems, a much-needed proactive measure to protect local communities and the environment. Keep your eyes to the skies this afternoon, and stay tuned for updates on this vital project.