Beyond the concrete span, the larger river is partially blocked by debris islands, where large branches have trapped smaller materials and further obstructed the flow. One fallen tree stretches across the entire width of the river, blocking water and debris from moving downstream, while along the bank, storm-driven items like a large plastic wagon have washed ashore.
Debris Chokes Passaic River: Post-Storm Visit Raises Questions for Berkeley Heights Mayor and Council
-Michael Leblond
Last week’s town council meeting brought renewed attention to debris in the Passaic River, with one resident saying an eight-foot section of fencing was swept away in the July 14 flood. The following day, I visited Passaic River Park at the end of Lawrence Drive to document the current conditions.
This is what I found.
Mystery Fence Found?
We will start our journey at Springfield Ave, heading north into the park. The image on the left appears to be a section of fence consistent with what a resident described during the last meeting. On the right, I noticed branches restricting the river flow
More Branches and Debris
More large branches, visible from Springfield Avenue, snarl the river’s flow through the park. Along the path, additional debris comes into view, including hubcaps and a car undercarriage section partially buried in mud — clear signs these objects were carried by floodwaters, not dumped intentionally.
Concrete Concerns
Heading farther north, the creek joins the larger river in the park. The concrete element that spans the river has branches and trees jammed under the span, limiting the flow of the river. The gas can floating in the river is another concern about pollution in the river.
Debris Islands
More Junk
A large folding chair rests along the riverbank. It’s impossible to know whether this debris arrived during the recent storm or had been there before — but the real issue is the growing number of obstructions in the river.
