SWAINTON – The Cape May County Zoo is undergoing a facelift and will close through Friday, Nov. 21, however, the County Park will remain open.
The work being completed is part of a more than $1.1-million utility construction project that provides for the installation of sanitary sewer lines, sewer force mains, a sanitary sewer pump station, “wastewater reuse” mains, and conduits for data communication lines and electricity at both the County Park and 4-H Fairgrounds,. according to a release.
Due to limited construction space and the impact on pedestrian traffic, the Zoo is being closed to ensure the safety of the public. Also, closing will allow construction to occur at an accelerated pace and will result in less overall inconvenience to zoo visitors.
This phase of construction includes the placing of sewer lines, wastewater reuse lines, data and electrical lines from the tiger exhibit along pedestrian pathways extending past the World of Birds and Bear Exhibits. Additionally, another set of utility lines will be installed between the tiger exhibit and the reptile house.
This $1,182,102 utility construction project was awarded by freeholders in February 2008 to Elk Pipeline, Inc. of Franklinville. The utilities are being installed “dry” and will be energized when other phases of construction are complete.
When operational, the sewage collection system will alleviate the toll on existing septic systems within the County Park/Zoo and allow for expansion of facilities such as restrooms and zoo exhibits within the County Park/Zoo.
Similarly, the installation of electric and data conduit will permit upgrades and expansion of the existing power system and allow the county to interconnect the Park/Zoo to the county’s network system through a fiber optic link.
The “wastewater reuse” line being installed at the County Park/Zoo is being done in conjunction with the MUA to provide “gray water” for cleaning and irrigation purposes. Subsequent phases of construction will involve extending “gray water” mains to the Atlantic Cape Community College and the Goshen Sports Complex.
The “gray water” reuse project is partially funded by a $960,000 state Department of Environmental Protection Water Supply Demonstration Grant.
Construction of this first phase began in early April and continued until June 20, 2008, at which time the work was suspended during the peak tourist season to ensure safety and reduce user inconvenience. Work resumed on Monday, Sept. 8 and is scheduled to be completely finished as of Monday, Dec. 1.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
