Piles Creek facts for kids
Piles Creek is a small stream located in Union County, New Jersey. It flows into the Arthur Kill, which is a narrow body of water that separates New Jersey from Staten Island, New York. Piles Creek is found in the town of Linden, an area sometimes called the "Chemical Coast." It is situated between the mouths of two other streams, Morses Creek and the Rahway River, and is close to the Linden Generating Station, a large power plant.
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Where Piles Creek Flows
Piles Creek is one of several smaller rivers and streams that flow into the Arthur Kill. Think of these as branches of a tree, all leading to the main trunk. Other important streams that join the Arthur Kill include the Elizabeth River, the Rahway River, Morses Creek, and Fresh Kills. Even larger rivers like the Passaic River and the Hackensack River eventually connect to the Arthur Kill through Newark Bay. This network of waterways is very important for the local environment.
Protecting Local Wildlife
Scientists from Rutgers University have studied the marine life in Piles Creek. They have observed some unusual changes in the animals living there. These changes are due to pollution and harmful substances in the water. It's a reminder of how important it is to keep our waterways clean for all living things.
Changes to the Creek's Path
Piles Creek has seen some changes over the years. Part of the creek was actually made longer as part of a special project. This project was designed to help replace wetlands that were affected by the expansion of the New Jersey Turnpike. Wetlands are like natural sponges that help filter water and provide homes for many animals.
New Uses for Old Land
In the past, a company called GAF Materials Corporation was located along Piles Creek. More recently, in 2014, a company called Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G) opened a solar farm right on the creek's shore. This solar farm was built on what is called a "brownfield site." A brownfield site is land that was once used for industry and might have had some pollution, but it has been cleaned up and is now being used for something new and helpful, like generating clean energy from the sun. This shows how old industrial areas can be transformed for a better future.
