EXCLUSIVE: Superstorm Sandy Debris Removal Begins At National Wildlife Refuge
By Cleve Bryan
BRICK Twp., N.J.(CBS) - Removal of debris left by Superstorm Sandy started this week at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
CBS 3's Cleve Bryan has an exclusive look at the cleanup.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is overseeing the cleanup project after securing $4 million in Sandy Relief through the Department of the Interior.
"It's pretty amazing how much stuff came over here. It's mostly docks, household debris and garage stuff," says Michael Durfee who is overseeing the project for US Fish and Wildlife.
Durfee says removing the debris not only makes the refuge more attractive, it helps return the natural flow of nutrients through the marsh.
"It's real important to get the debris out of the marsh because it does tend to degrade the habitat significantly," says Durfee.
The cleanup is expected to cover about 50 miles of coastline starting from Brick Township and continuing to Galloway Township.
It will take up to six months to complete.
