Stafford Township Popular Point

Location:
- Stafford Township, New Jersey
ACT’s Role:
- Project Identification
- Planning
- Background Research
- Writing and Plan Development
- Submission

ACT Engineers has coordinated with Stafford Township over several years and multiple projects leading up to the marsh restoration at Popular Point. Key contributing aspects of project success include development of a bay management plan, city-wide bathymetric survey, obtaining a city-wide dredge permit, and preparing grant applications for funding through NCS RGGI; the awards totaling $10M for project implementation.

Popular Point is essential for protecting the Beach Haven West community during large storm events and providing critical habitat for endangered species; however, it has been eroding rapidly in recent years. The restoration of Popular Point is being completed in two phases. First, a sill is being installed at the toe of Popular Point to reduce wave energy and retain material placed at the marsh edge. ACT designed the toe and fill slopes to dissipate wave energy, reduce erosion, and promote deposition of fresh sediment. The second phase is marsh enhancement to raise the elevation of the marsh to promote long-term health and improve resilience during storms. The marsh enhancement includes installing habitat mounds to create a mosaic of high and low marsh needed for endangered nesting birds.