Overpeck Park Area II Project
PROJECT STATUS
Planning
Design
Construction
Completed
PROJECT BACKGROUND
This project involves the capping of eleven (11) waste debris piles illegally placed within Area II of Overpeck Park. Work will involve the installation of designed natural barrier caps, erosion-control measures, and permanent vegetation establishment.The work area involves approximately 7.55 acres of the 75-acre park. As foraging habitats exist on the site, precautions will be undertaken to protect species of concern during the construction project. As most construction activity will be interior of the park, adjoining residents may observe construction vehicles, soil placement, grading, and erosion-control materials (e.g., silt fencing).
PROJECT INFORMATION
| Budget: | $2.2 million |
| Location: | Overpeck County Park, Area II East of Fort Lee Road and South Degraw Avenue in Teaneck |
RESTORATION / REVEGETATION
Temporary impacts will be necessary to gain access to the debris piles, involving the removal of existing vegetation as well as any vegetation currently growing on top of the debris piles. These temporary construction roads will be constructed by the contractor and have been designed to use the best routes to the debris piles while also keeping them to the minimum length.
At the completion of the project, the contractor will restore these temporary access roads, which may be suitable for future hiking trails.
Revegetation is an integral component of the project and includes placement of topsoil, seeding, and installation of specified plantings. A planting plan was developed and approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which specifies the required species, sizes, and quantities of plant material. The approved planting plan includes a total of 202 evergreen trees consisting of White Pine and 163 shade trees, comprised of 37 Hawthorn, 37 Dura Heat River Birch, 42 Tulip Trees, and 47 Pin Oaks.
All disturbed areas will be stabilized using a pollinator meadow seed mix to enhance habitat value and provide long-term ecological benefits.
Vegetative clearing will be coordinated to comply with habitat protection requirements. Environmental rules prohibit vegetation clearing from April 1 through August 31; therefore, clearing activities may only be conducted between September 1 and March 31. These timing restrictions ensure protection of wildlife habitat and sensitive species.
WHAT THIS MEANS
Proper capping of the debris piles will prevent rainwater infiltrating into waste, control erosion, support healthy vegetation, and protect waterways, wetlands, public health, and the surrounding community. While Area II is within the former Overpeck Landfill, it was not used for landfilling operations.
FUTURE PLANNING AND PARK ANALYSIS
The Bergen County Department of Parks will conduct a separate planning and site analysis to evaluate future public uses—focusing on site characteristics, natural resources, ecological appropriateness, and protection of sensitive habitats.
PROJECT TIMELINE
March 4, 2026 – Bergen County Board of County Commissioners awards construction contract.
The project time is anticipated to be up to 300 calendar days. This extended timeline is due to accommodating the required quiet period for sensitive species habitat within the site.
PROFESSIONALS
Civil Engineer / Construction Manager: CME Associates
General Contractor: Simpson Moynihan, LLC.
CONTACT AND COMPLIANCE
For information: Bergen County Department of Parks — 201-336-7275
Project conducted in accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations to ensure environmental protection and public safety.
