What is Hydroraking?

Hydroraking is a method of mechanically removing rooted invasive aquatic plants along with the decaying organic material, leaf litter and other debris clinging to the root system from a waterbody.

The hydrorake is essentially an excavator mounted to a floating barge. A rake attachment at the end of the excavator arm is used to scoop up plants along with their roots and deposit them on shore for removal to another location and proper disposal.

Goals for the Project

Removing invasive aquatic plants along with their rhizomes (tubers) to keep the hydroraked areas weed free for multiple years.
Remove organic matter to decrease nutrients that feed future generations of invasive plants and harmful algae (HABS).
Increase water flow to slow down accumulation of nutrients in the creek.
Increase water flow to improve oxygen levels.
Increase the width of the navigable channel in the creek.
Improve aesthetics.

Funding

The project is one of multiple projects funded by a $1 million grant from the State of New Jersey, awarded to the Greenwood Lake Commission, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Supplementing the $1 million NJ grant are additional cash and non-cash contributions from the commission and Township of West Milford.

Grant Identifier: Lakes-2022-GWLC-00054

Grant Title: Stormwater/Non-point Source Pollution Mapping ᴭ Lake – 2022 Greenwood Lake Restoration Program

Public Bidding

The hydroraking contractor for this project was selected from public competitive bid by four contractors and awarded to Solitude Lake Management.

Bidding Schedule

RFP Issued:

Bidders Meeting:

Response Due:

Bids Opened:

Contract Awarded:

02/23/24

03/01/24

03/22/24

03/27/24

04/10/24

Project Documents

Request for Proposal

Scope of Work

Addendum 1

Project Team

Greenwood Lake Commission - Project Administration and Project Management

Solitude Lake Management - Hydroraking and Transportation of Material to Shore

West Milford DPW - Transportation of Material from Shore to RVH Mulch Supply

RVH Mulch Suppply - Drying Material and Processing into organic Mulch

Schedule

Onsite work began on July 30, 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in September 2024.

Current Conditions

In the last 20 years, invasive plant growth in the creek has increased significantly. See the photos below. The photo on the left is from Amendment to Northeast Water Quality Management Plan, published by NJDEP and Approved on September 29, 2004. The photo on the right is from Belcher’s Creek Hydroraking Scope of Work, Version 1, dated February 8 2024. This photo was taken in August 2023.

Both photos show Area G in the Scope of Work, from John Street, looking upstream.