Project

NJ I-Bank Water Infrastructure News (WIN): Camden County MUA receives $26,600,000 in Water Bank loans saving ratepayers an estimated $4,337,310.

The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (“CCMUA”) recently completed clean water improvements that are being financed with approximately $26.6 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (“I-Bank”). Total savings for this project are estimated to be $4,337,310 over the 30-year term of the loan or 16% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 320 direct construction jobs.

The process of excessive nutrient loading, known as eutrophication, had manifested itself in Newton Creek with algae blooms and algae mats that affected the dissolved oxygen levels in the creek. Dense growth of an aquatic plant known as spatterdock in shallow water areas, causes light reduction and oxygen depletion that can kill fish or other plants and can interfere with boating and other forms of recreation.

The project consisted of dredging the creek to remove excessive nutrients and stabilize the bank to eliminate runoff. This project will implement sound watershed and stormwater practices to ultimately improve the water quality of the creek.

“This project represents a substantial investment in the health of the creek and the continued enjoyment of Camden County’s parks and waterways,” said Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the Parks Department. “The CCMUA has financed this project for the benefit of park users at the strategic prices offered by the Water Bank’s low-cost loan program.”

This project was designed by PS&S Engineering and constructed by Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe, Inc.