Trees and other forest vegetation help absorb and muffle sound. The huge loss of tree cover will likely aggravate this situation. This paper points out the serious sedimentation and non-point source pollution problems being faced by the Swimming River Reservoir. Holmdel Township's Resource Management Regulations require a 150-foot buffer around the flood plains and steep slopes surrounding Ramanessin Brook and all of its tributaries. A vegetated buffer can slow down, spread out, and filter run-off on relatively level ground before it has the opportunity to surge down the steep slopes leading to the stream.
Buffers improve stream water quality and wider buffers provide significantly greater benefit.
For every project that the Holmdel Township Planning Board reviews, the following are among the requirements that developers must follow. Other development regulations restrict construction on steep slopes and clearing of large forested areas. These were also ignored. Stop all construction immediately - before more damage is done. All construction activities associated with this and the other parking lots currently being built or expanded should be suspended immediately.