Full Notification

The Lower Passaic River Study Area Cooperating Parties Group (CPG), under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is about to begin removal of 20,000 cubic yards of contaminated river sediment in the vicinity of River Mile (RM) 10.9 in Lyndhurst.

During the early morning hours of July 30, 2013, mobilization of equipment upriver will take place. The movement of this equipment upriver will require the opening of eleven (11) bridges, ten (10) bridges along the Passaic River and one (1) bridge on the Hackensack River. Following mobilization, it is anticipated that the dredging operation will begin on Friday, August 2, 2013.

On or about Sunday, August 4, 2013, eleven (11) daily bridge openings will occur on average six (6) nights per week. From August 4, 2013 through mid-December 2013, each of the eleven (11) bridges will be opened once each day. The tidal conditions along the Passaic River, coupled with a rock formation at River Mile 8, have a significant impact on the navigation along the river and the bridge opening schedule. The optimal tidal condition for the safe and efficient movement of these barges is within a two (2) hour window of high tide.

The CPG is working in partnership with the bridge owners and operators along the Passaic River to minimize the local traffic impacts, avoid bridge openings during peak travel times and make the bridge openings as efficient as possible. The CPG is also taking every step possible to avoid conflicts with major events scheduled at major venues like the NJPAC, Red Bull Stadium and Prudential Arena.

On a weekly basis, the CPG will be sharing with you a two (2) week look ahead forecasting when they plan to move barges up or down river and when they estimate each of the eleven (11) bridges will need to be opened. This schedule will also be posted on the project website www.rm109.com on a weekly basis. Times are approximate as weather, river conditions, and train crossings may impact the schedule.