AndyS
03-08-2025, 10:38 AM
https://njdams.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI5QxRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUSjZBiy69Rh flPftGu5yi-zKCuMNdwCi6b-kOhmuxxiGAkZ8RsRWG0xkw_aem_1nI1vzeKGtAhbi3s1P9bCw
The Rockafellows Mills Dam, located on the border of Readington and Raritan Townships in NJ, is a 14-foot high concrete and rock-fill dam. The date it was first constructed is unknown, but it was rebuilt in 1919 to power a small mill. Dam failures had been recorded in 1930 and 1978 though all of the damage has since been repaired. The dam is the downstream-most barrier to fish passage on the South Branch Raritan River. It forms a 12.5-acre impoundment that has become shallow due to sediment accumulation. This has also led to an increase in water temperature and decline in overall water quality in the impoundment and downstream of the dam. The proposed restoration activities include removing the Rockafellows Mills Dam, managing the upstream sediments, and restoring the riparian corridor by stabilizing the shoreline and planting native vegetation. In combination with the intended removal of the Headgates Dam and improvements to fish passage at Island Farm Weir, the removal of this dam would improve aquatic connectivity and allow migratory fish, such as American eels, river herring, and striped bass, to access approximately 55 miles of the mainstem and South Branch from Raritan Bay to Clinton, NJ. The improvements to aquatic habitat would benefit trout and other coldwater fish, as well as several species of freshwater mussels. The removal of the Rockafellows Mills Dam will also enhance recreational kayaking and canoeing on the river. In 2023, 16 acres of land including the dam was purchased and preserved in perpetuity, transitioning from private ownership to public open space. The CDE Trustees coordinated with the purchasing parties to initiate the transaction that sets the dam removal process in motion. In all, eight conservation partners were involved in seeing this effort through. The dam removal and restoration project is ongoing and will include a feasibility study, engineering and design, permitting, construction, and restoration monitoring.
The Cole's Mill Dam in Califon, NJ (also known as the Califon Dam) was constructed between 1830 and 1840 to provide power to a small gristmill along the South Branch Raritan River but fell into disuse and was considered obsolete by the end of the century. Most dams in New Jersey are well over 100 years old, no longer used, and at risk of falling into disrepair. This combination often leads to unwanted maintenance costs and potentially unexpected structural failures. The Cole's Mill Dam forms a 7-acre mill pond that has become shallow over the years due to sedimentation. During the summer months, water quality conditions are degraded due to high temperatures, excessive aquatic plant growth, and low dissolved oxygen levels, creating unsuitable habitat for many species of fish and other aquatic organisms. In 2018, ice damage created a 30-foot breach in the dam, altering the river’s watercourse and causing erosion that may eventually undermine a section of Raritan River Road. As a result, the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety issued a notice to the owner that the dam must be repaired or removed. The Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Trustees have proposed a restoration project to remove the Cole's Mill Dam. This project, once complete, will improve fish passage for resident and diadromous species such as American eel, improve water quality and lower water temperatures for eastern brook trout and other coldwater species, and potentially alleviate flooding in the surrounding community. Once removed, aquatic connectivity will be restored for over 16 miles from the Lake Solitude Dam to the Nunn's Mill Dam. A component of the project will include restoration of the natural floodplain and riparian areas, creating additional habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species. This project will also increase recreational fishing opportunities at the site and downstream at the Ken Lockwood Gorge, as the South Branch is a popular destination for trout anglers. The project will include completing a feasibility study, design, permitting, construction, and pre- and post-restoration monitoring.
The Rockafellows Mills Dam, located on the border of Readington and Raritan Townships in NJ, is a 14-foot high concrete and rock-fill dam. The date it was first constructed is unknown, but it was rebuilt in 1919 to power a small mill. Dam failures had been recorded in 1930 and 1978 though all of the damage has since been repaired. The dam is the downstream-most barrier to fish passage on the South Branch Raritan River. It forms a 12.5-acre impoundment that has become shallow due to sediment accumulation. This has also led to an increase in water temperature and decline in overall water quality in the impoundment and downstream of the dam. The proposed restoration activities include removing the Rockafellows Mills Dam, managing the upstream sediments, and restoring the riparian corridor by stabilizing the shoreline and planting native vegetation. In combination with the intended removal of the Headgates Dam and improvements to fish passage at Island Farm Weir, the removal of this dam would improve aquatic connectivity and allow migratory fish, such as American eels, river herring, and striped bass, to access approximately 55 miles of the mainstem and South Branch from Raritan Bay to Clinton, NJ. The improvements to aquatic habitat would benefit trout and other coldwater fish, as well as several species of freshwater mussels. The removal of the Rockafellows Mills Dam will also enhance recreational kayaking and canoeing on the river. In 2023, 16 acres of land including the dam was purchased and preserved in perpetuity, transitioning from private ownership to public open space. The CDE Trustees coordinated with the purchasing parties to initiate the transaction that sets the dam removal process in motion. In all, eight conservation partners were involved in seeing this effort through. The dam removal and restoration project is ongoing and will include a feasibility study, engineering and design, permitting, construction, and restoration monitoring.
The Cole's Mill Dam in Califon, NJ (also known as the Califon Dam) was constructed between 1830 and 1840 to provide power to a small gristmill along the South Branch Raritan River but fell into disuse and was considered obsolete by the end of the century. Most dams in New Jersey are well over 100 years old, no longer used, and at risk of falling into disrepair. This combination often leads to unwanted maintenance costs and potentially unexpected structural failures. The Cole's Mill Dam forms a 7-acre mill pond that has become shallow over the years due to sedimentation. During the summer months, water quality conditions are degraded due to high temperatures, excessive aquatic plant growth, and low dissolved oxygen levels, creating unsuitable habitat for many species of fish and other aquatic organisms. In 2018, ice damage created a 30-foot breach in the dam, altering the river’s watercourse and causing erosion that may eventually undermine a section of Raritan River Road. As a result, the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety issued a notice to the owner that the dam must be repaired or removed. The Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Trustees have proposed a restoration project to remove the Cole's Mill Dam. This project, once complete, will improve fish passage for resident and diadromous species such as American eel, improve water quality and lower water temperatures for eastern brook trout and other coldwater species, and potentially alleviate flooding in the surrounding community. Once removed, aquatic connectivity will be restored for over 16 miles from the Lake Solitude Dam to the Nunn's Mill Dam. A component of the project will include restoration of the natural floodplain and riparian areas, creating additional habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species. This project will also increase recreational fishing opportunities at the site and downstream at the Ken Lockwood Gorge, as the South Branch is a popular destination for trout anglers. The project will include completing a feasibility study, design, permitting, construction, and pre- and post-restoration monitoring.