Dam repairs means removing trees

[news]

Dam repairs means removing trees

By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008 10:32 AM EDT

CRANBURY — “Timber” will be the final word on a number of trees that have lined the Main Street dam for decades.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is requiring that all the trees on the damn overlooking Brainerd Lake be removed by October, said Cathleen Marcelli, Township Engineer.

”It’s because the roots of tree system, as they grow, impact the structural stabilization of the dam,” she said.

Accompanied by structural and hydraulic engineers, Ms. Marcelli inspected the dam in early November.

Ms. Marcelli said the township is unsure how much the project will cost, if it will be contracted out or what government entity will fund it.

”The town owns the spillway,” Ms. Marcelli said. “The county owns the road. It all comes down to who will take the lead.”

To bring the county up to speed, Cranbury has sent officials a copy of the DEP report as well as a blank copy of the compliance statement that outlines an agreement for the tree removal, she said.

Ms. Marcelli said the county has been cooperative and negotiations for funding the removals will be under way in the near future.
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http://www.packetonline.com/articles/2008/03/28/cranbury_press/news/doc47ecffdae888d263604001.prt