As a result of enforcement actions between 1997 and 2002, approximately one acre of wetlands and open waters were restored and enhanced in Jefferson Township, Morris County

On December 27, 1996, the Department received a complaint about the possible disturbance of wetlands in Jefferson Township, Morris County. Upon inspection on January 2, 1997, the Department observed recently filled wetlands, grading, and a water diversion ditch. A Notice of Violation was issued to the developer who was operating under the erroneous assumption that the project was exempt from the permitting requirements of the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act.

February 1997

In October 1999, a settlement was reached with the developer to restore a functional wetland. This involved the removal of a building and several parking areas and the reconfiguration of a roadway and additional buildings from the original site plan. Excavation and removal of fill began in the Spring of 2000 and was completed in 2001. The majority of the restored wetland is now open water habitat approximately one to two feet in depth. The wetland margins are also well vegetated. Over time through natural succession, much of the wetland will trend away from open water to a marsh and wet meadow habitat.

July 2002

For more information about this project, please contact Coastal and Land Use Enforcement.