The March 2006 Project Coordination Team Meeting was held at the Corps of Engineers Construction Job Site Office located at 100 West Main Street, Suite 101, Bound Brook Borough on March 16, 2006. (Note: It is understood that mail service to this new address may not yet be established.) In the absence of a separate Report by the Federal Engineers of the Project Coordination Team Meeting held on February 9, 2006, the Memo Report prepared by J. B. Wiley, of that meeting, was made available as a record of the activities and decisions of the February 2006 meeting.

The meeting was called to order at approximately 9:42 AM. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:05 AM. The following notes are grouped by those subjects which are of interest to the Green Brook Flood Control Commission. Accordingly, they do not necessarily cover every matter discussed, and do not necessarily follow the order in which matters were dealt with.

Present at this meeting were representatives from the Corps of Engineers, from the NJDEP, from URS Corporation (consultants to the Corps of Engineers), from Somerset County, from Middlesex County, from the Borough of Bound Brook, from Bridgewater Township, from the Borough of Middlesex, and from the Green Brook Flood Control Commission.

Except for the insufficient space for parking, this Corps of Engineers Job Site Office is a very well equipped and adequately large place for these meetings.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers Project Manager, reported that the Commanding Officer of the New York District of the Corps of Engineers, Colonel Polo, has been in Washington, D.C. again in recent days, meeting with the members of the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate concerning the major activities of the Corps of Engineers within the area for which the New York District is responsible.

This, of course, includes the area of the Green Brook Flood Control Project.

Apparently part of the reason for Colonel Polo's trip was to bring back answers to the Members of Congress to questions which they may have posed to the Colonel in his last prior visit.

Mr. O'Connor noted that, as everyone is painfully aware, the recommendation by President Bush in his Proposed Budget for the next Federal Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2006 (referred to as FY 2007) is that there should be no money at all for the Green Brook Flood Control Project next year.

Mr. O'Connor reported that the next steps concerning appropriations for next year will be a review by the appropriate Members of the House of Representatives and those of the U. S. Senate, as to whether the Congress should adopt a budget which includes money for the Green Brook Flood Control Project, or not.

Mr. O'Connor noted that other work of the Corps of Engineers in the northern New Jersey area - projects which have been underway for some time - are being shut down. This includes the Minish Waterfront Park in Newark, and the Pompton Dam (to be shut down as of the end of this March).

Mr. O'Connor commented that based upon the pattern of recent years, it is likely that by the end of this coming June there will be some indication as to whether or not the Congress will consider inclusion of appropriations for the Green Brook Flood Control Project in the Budget which the Congress will adopt, and send to the President.

(As all those associated with the Project are aware, the amount needed from the Federal Government for the next Fiscal Year (FY 2007), in order to keep the Project moving forward, is a minimum of $30 million.

As those who have followed the progress of the Project are aware, the State of New Jersey agreed a number of years ago to pay 25 % of the Project cost, remitting this money to the New York District of the Corps of Engineers.

Similarly, by subsequent agreements, the three affected Counties have agreed to remit to the State of New Jersey one quarter of the State's costs (paid to the Federal Government) which applied to the protective work in their Counties.

Charles Defendorf, P.E., NJDEP, reported that Somerset County has reimbursed the State of New Jersey for its proportionate share.

In answer to a question, Mr. Defendorf responded that Middlesex County has not yet paid its proportionate share to the State.

As a result of that discussion, the representative present from Middlesex County was requested to take up this matter with the appropriate County officials, so that Middlesex County's obligation to the State of New Jersey can be paid.

It was reported that the extensive excavation involved in the creation of the new Wetlands Mitigation Site has been completed. It was further reported that planting of appropriate vegetation in this new Wetlands will begin within the next few weeks.

In that connection, it was brought out that the contract for this newly constructed Wetlands provides that the construction contractor is responsible for the maintenance of these plantings for a period of one year.

Thereafter, the responsibility will be taken over by Somerset County. It was reported that all of the excavation has now been completed.

It was also reported that, under the terms of the contract "value engineering" provisions, a cost saving of approximately $300,000 was achieved by the contracting firm, and under the terms of the contract, such "value engineering" changes, which result in a lowering of costs, are split 50%/50$ between the contractor and the U. S. Government.

In connection with the matter of the maintenance of the new plantings, it was noted that browsing deer may present a problem. Apparently there are deer roaming around in this rather busy and built-up general vicinity.

In answer to a question as to whether $5 million would be enough to carry out the construction of the new and higher Talmage Avenue Bridge, Mr. O'Connor advised that $5 million wouldnot be enough. He indicated that something in the order of $12-14 million is required, including the cost of relocating the necessary utilities, and constructing the associated levees in that vicinity.

Mr. O'Connor indicated that if there is some partial money available for the Talmage Avenue Bridge replacement, such partial funds might be employed to do at least some of the advance work required for the relocation of the utilities on the present bridge.

It was reported that the Plans and Specifications for the new and higher Talmage Avenue Bridge are now at the stage of "90% Plans and Specifications" accomplished.

It was noted that a number of issues remain to be resolved, mainly having to do with relocation of utilities.

Estimates indicate that the cost of removing the existing utilities, establishing temporary utility connections while the bridge is being replaced, and then locating the utilities on the new bridge, could involve a cost for the Verizon utilities of approximately $1.3 million; for the water lines of New Jersey American Water Company approximately $0.9 million, and although a cost estimate has not yet been received from PSE&G, the information available to the Corps of Engineers suggests that this cost may be in the range of $2-3 million.

The Plans and Specifications continue to progress.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers Project Manager, reported that the Corps of Engineers presently has enough authorized funds to acquire the privately owned properties which must be acquired in connection with this new and higher bridge, and to carry out the demolition of the existing buildings.

It was reported that the owner (of the residential property which must be acquired) is being cooperative, and it appears that the owner will have found another place satisfactory to the owner, which may "close" by approximately mid-April. In any event, the owner will be given the right to remain in that private house until the prospective new residential property is acquired.

The other property to be acquired is a commercial property, which has been appraised, and an offer has been presented to the owners. Ms. Mary Daly, Corps of Engineers Real Estate Team, reported that the owners feel that their property is worth substantially more than the appraised value (appraised by local independent appraisers under contract to the Corps of Engineers). The owner's reasons for considering a much higher worth is that they anticipate that further commercial development would be possible on their property.

In this connection, Mr. Dick Shive (member of the Project Coordination Team from the Borough of Bound Brook, and an official of the Bound Brook Redevelopment activity of that Borough), reported that the Borough of Bound Brook has made it clear to the owners of this commercial property that they cannot carry out additional commercial development (because of the limitations of various State and Local rules and regulations, influenced by its position within the present flood plain).

Mr. Shive added that the owners response is that they "think that they could" succeed in additional development.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, noted that if, as and when these two privately owned properties have been acquired, at their current fair market value, that there are sufficient funds "earmarked" to pay the acquisition costs of these properties, as well as the demolition costs.

In response to a question, John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, advised that the total cost for the demolition of the existing Talmage Avenue Bridge, and its replacement with a new and higher bridge, including the cost of utilities relocations, could be in the range of $12-14 million.

With such funds as the Corps of Engineers presently has available, they may be able to do some of the preliminary work involving the utilities relocations, as well as the property acquisitions. However, construction of the new bridge cannot go forward until there is sufficient new Federal Appropriations (and that, of course, will only happen if Congress succeeds in appropriating sufficient funds in their FY 2007 Budget, and, of course, if the President is willing to sign the Budget with such appropriations).

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that with such funds as may become available for the Project, the present thinking of the Corps of Engineers is to carry out the demolition of the old, disused Conrail bridge over the Raritan River. The reasons for this are that there is a permit in place to carry out this demolition (and the permit has a certain time limit); and because it is essential for the protection of Bound Brook that this bridge be removed; and because the cost of this demolition is expected to be very significantly less than the cost of the Talmage Avenue Bridge replacement.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that preliminary plans for the earthen levee (which will extend protection from the recently completed levee (Rl) along the Middle Brook, and will carry the line of protection down along the lower Middle Brook, and then along the Raritan River), have been furnished to the Borough of Bound Brook for their comments.

Mr. O'Connor indicated that it is their hope to finish "100% complete" Plans and Specifications for this portion of the work by the end of this April.

Michael Cox, P.E., URS (Consultants to the Federal Engineers) noted that the closure gate where the NJ Transit railroad tracks enter Bound Brook Borough along the Middle Brook will involve all four NJ Transit railroad tracks at that location. Fortunately, there were several Bound Brook persons present at this meeting, and there was thus an opportunity for them to understand the situation as it will exist for protection at this location.

Michael Cox, P.E., exhibited various preliminary plans for this closure gate, including a housing for the gate when in its open position, to protect the gate from interference by snow and ice, as well as to conceal the gate for reasons of esthetics.

The Bound Brook Borough representatives had an opportunity to offer suggestions, both as to the esthetics, and as to the protection of the gate, and its ability to function, from vandalism. Several useful suggestions were made, and will be considered.

It will be remembered that the present plans are that this gate, when in its open position, will be housed on the west side of the roadway.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, noted that the Middlesex County Utilities Authority large pipeline which passes through this area must be relocated as part of this portion of the line of protection.

Mr. O'Connor reported that the MCUA plans to undertake this work during the summer of this year; and he pointed out that the cost of this work is being paid as part of the Super Fund work of the Federal EPA.

The design of the large pumping station, which will function to gather up internal rain water which drains to the low point inside of the R2 levee, was discussed.

Mr. O'Connor explained that the final design for this large pumping station has been "put on hold", on account of the lack of sufficient funds (from the Federal Government).

However, Mr. O'Connor added that, in the meantime, the concept of this large pumping station will be made available for the information of the officials of Bound Brook Borough, as wall as any interested citizens.

It was reported that a meeting is scheduled for later this same day (March 16, 2006) to deal with some of the remaining matters in preparation for the removal of this old, disused bridge.

The schedule of steps to be taken in connection with the removal of this bridge was reviewed; the schedule is approximately as reported at the February meeting (it is still expected that the deconstruction work will be "ready to advertise" in May 2006).

It is understood that the railroad embankment on the east side of the Raritan River is to be removed down to grade level, and that the BayarCrop Sciences will have the option to remove the embankment; and if they chose not to do so, the State of New Jersey will take the responsibility for that removal.

It is understood that this removal will take place within approximately four months.

Ms. Mary Daly, Corps of Engineers Real Estate Specialist, commented that it is her impression that the property on the east side of the Raritan (now understood to be owned by BayerCrop Sciences) was cleaned and capped in accordance with current environmental rules and regulations. Ms. Daly indicated that she will ascertain whether or not this was done, and advise all concerned.

Charles Defendorf, P.E., NJDEP, expressed the preference that the present owners take the necessary steps for the land in that vicinity, other than the embankment.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, reported that all the land south of the embankment has been cleaned to current standards.

Felix Chevere, Federal Engineers, reported that a "six months" test of the large pumping station in Billian Legion Park will be scheduled in the near future, approximately in the period 10 AM to 3 PM, on a date to be established; and those who would like to be notified of the exact date are to notify Mr. Chevere.

Mr. Chevere reported that the sample supply pump at the PARSA metering station (located near the parking lot adjacent to the pumping station) seems to be operating more satisfactorily; however, it apparently cannot be classified as being "fully satisfactory" as yet.

The baseball field at Billian Legion Park is undergoing work; this work involves sifting rocks out of the topsoil, and, after grading is completed, the field will be seeded. Mr. Chevere further advised that they will be meeting with the persons responsible for recreational activities at this location, to consult about how soon the field can be ready for use. Obviously, the growth of the seeding will have to have reached a certain stage of maturity before the field can be used.

Mr. Chevere further reported that electrical service and water service will be installed at the great tall flagpole at Billian Legion Park.

Charles Defendorf, P.E., NJDEP, noted that the ultimate user of the sampling pump at the metering station (located near the flagpole) is PARSA (the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority).

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY TAKING PLACE VERY NEAR THE SEGMENT U LEVEE

Felix Chevere, Federal Engineers, reported that there seems to be the potential for a problem at the upper end of Segment U, near Route 22, where work by private owners is taking place very near the levee. It is understood that the Advance Real Estate Company is involved.

It was brought out that Carl Andreassen, Jr., P.E., Somerset County Engineer, is aware of the situation, and will presumably take whatever action might become necessary.

Felix Chevere, Federal Engineers, reported that the Little League playing field, rebuilt as part of the Project, will be playable soon. The sod is in place, and the area beyond the sodded portion will be seeded in the near future.

John O'Connor, P.E., Federal Engineers, requested that Mr. Chevere determine the additional cost to lay sod in the outfield as well, and report the information to Mr. O'Connor.

FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN - BOUND BROOK BOROUGH

Carl Andreassen, Jr., P.E., Somerset County Engineering, raised the question as to when there will be final approval from the Borough of Bound Brook for the Flood Plain Management Plan for Bound Brook Borough, which has been under discussion for a number of months.

The answer was that it is expected that final approval by the Borough of Bound Brook will occur in the near future.

This project in Pennsylvania was designed and built by the Corps of Engineers, and has been in service for some considerable time.

The Sunbury, PA operating people are interested to see some of the details of what is being done on the Green Brook Project; and the Federal Engineers here (as well as the NJDEP Engineers, and the County Engineers) are interested to hear from the Sunbury people as to their experience with various project elements, and their recommendations for help as to maintaining the Project so that it. will always be ready for instant use.

No date was mentioned for this visit; however, it is understood that it will be in the relatively near future.

NEXT MEETING

It was announced that the next meeting of the Project Coordination Team will taken place on Thursday, April 13, at this same construction job site office (located at 100 West Main Street, Suite 1.01, Bound Brook Borough) beginning at 9:30 AM.