THE OPPORTUNITY

PS&S provided environmental and survey services for a wetland and stream top-of-bank delineation within and along a 13-mile stretch of the Atlantic City Expressway which is owned and operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). The delineation of the wetlands and stream top-of-bank was conducted to support the Concept Development of the proposed third lane widening of the Atlantic City Expressway. The eastern portion of the proposed third lane widening is located within the New Jersey Pinelands Area placing the delineated wetlands in that area under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.

Upon completion of the wetland and stream top-of-bank delineations, PS&S prepared and submitted an application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for a Freshwater Wetlands Letter of Interpretation (LOI)-Line Verification and Flood Hazard Area Control Act Riparian Zone Verification. The LOI Line Verification application for the wetland areas with the New Jersey Pinelands Area was submitted to the Pinelands Commission for review.

THE CHALLENGE

Working under the SJTA health and safety guidelines and traffic controls for working within and along the Atlantic City Expressway, PS&S had to manage the field staff schedules and implement the field work in accordance with a health and safety plan.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S was able to successfully manage the scheduling of the field work with the required SJTA traffic controls and safely conduct the delineations in the field along the westbound and eastbound lanes of the expressway and within the expressway median area. Inclement weather conditions forced the cancellation of many field days; however, PS&S was able to complete the delineations safely and efficiently. Additionally, PS&S reviewed the delineated wetlands with the Pinelands Commission staff and the delineated wetlands and stream.