See SLIDE SHOW. Click this link.

Rutgers Aids Perth Amboy with Green Construction to Reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and Flooding

Press Release 10/17/18

PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz is pleased to announce the efforts that have been placed by the City of Perth Amboy and partnering organizations to reach milestones related to green infrastructure at a ribbon cutting being held 10/17/18 at 4:00 p.m. at Washington Park.  

As part of a city-wide initiative, the Office of Economic Development formed a resident action committee, Perth Amboy SWIM (Stormwater Infrastructure Management) to investigate potential sites based on their impact on flood reduction and viability as learning tools. They have dedicated their time to addressing stormwater pollution and flooding throughout the city, by working with the City to build gardens and pavement systems that will help manage floodwater during rain storms. These systems are designed to capture the water during rain events to help reduce the amount of water flooding the streets.

The objective of the grant is to mitigate the nonpoint pollution problems caused by the City’s Combined Sewer Overflows.

“We are bringing a proactive approach to our environment and our urban infrastructure, as we’re working with Rutgers and NJDEP to implement green initiatives to help maintain and aid our community with, while educating our residents on how to protect and normalize green initiatives for use at home,” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.

Washington Park is now the home of the City’s first rain garden on public property, designed to capture stormwater. Rain gardens are designed to keep stormwater from overflowing the sewers, making the community healthier while reducing flooding.

Additionally, biowales and 6,000 square feet of porous pavement were installed in the parking lot area of Washington Park, one the City’s our more populated and utilized parks. A near $150K has been invested in installation of this project.

Porous pavement is designed to allow rain water to pass through the surface and into the stone layer underneath. The stone holds the water during the storm and allows it to slowly seep into the ground. Porous pavements keep stormwater from overflowing the sewers. This helps reduce flooding in the local neighborhoods.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Management Program alongside the City of Perth Amboy had administered a 319H grant totaling $500K from NJDEP to implement green infrastructure projects throughout the City.

The objective of the grant is to mitigate the nonpoint pollution problems caused by the City’s Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). In 2016, the first demonstration projects were installed at the following locations:

• Brighton Avenue Community Center – 2x rain harvesting cistern (1x 550 gallons, 1x 250 gallons)

• Shull School – parking lot de-pavement

• Alameda Center – rain garden

• Middlesex County Vocational and Technical High School – rain harvesting cistern (550 gallon)

Implementation projects completed in 2017 include:

• Rain gardens and a pervious pavement parking lot at Washington Park.

• The repaving of the Jefferson Street and Madison Avenue municipal parking lots in porous pavement.

The City plans to use the remaining 319(h) funds on future pervious surfacing and other green initiatives. The SWIM Team meets every third Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. If you are interested in learning more about this initiative or to join call: 732-826-0290 ext. 4863 or email atmvazquez@perthamboynj.org. For additional information on green initiative projects by Rutgers, visit: http://water.rutgers.edu/