HARBOR HAPPENINGS – May 2016

admin NEWS

Steering Cttee

 

  1. RARITAN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
  • A presentation was made by NJ Transit to give an overview of the planned Raritan River Bridge replacement project. The NJT team made a powerpoint presentation intended to give a broad overview of the project and solicit comments from HOps members.
  • The bridge under consideration is the Rail bridge spanning between Perth Amboy and South Amboy. The current bridge is over 100 years old, but was damaged in Sandy, and the new bridge would be designed to maximize resiliency. The current bridge is a “swing” bridge spanning a 300’ Federal navigation channel, but due to the center island, the bridge actually offers 2 X 125’ channels. There is an 8’ clearance in the down position, and a max 140’ clearance when up. The bridge is opened 4-5Xdayin most seasons, but an average of 14Xday in peak Summer season.
  • NJT is now considering what type of replacement bridge most suitable (i.e: lift; swing; or bascule). They are soliciting advice to aid determination.
  • Public meetings will be held in late Spring/Summer of 2016, with schedules to be advised. Permit applications will be made in 2017. NJT is about to initiate the required Environmental Assessment.
  • HOps recommended a “lift” design because of the benefits of a single, non-obstructed channel, the opportunity to place lift machinery at a higher level, and the potential to offer faster, partial openings depending on air draft requirements.
  • NJT would plan to construct the new bridge to the west of the existing bridge, and remove the old bridge when the new bridge is opened.
  • HOps will meet with NJT again in order to develop operational procedures during construction/removal work.

 

  1. WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR
  • NYCEDC gave a presentation of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR website product which is designed to guide concerned parties through the complicated process of obtaining the proper requisite permits to do waterfront construction and/or repair.
  • WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR is the product of several years work to identify, and categorize the permitting process in New York State and City. The need for this product was identified several years ago while developing the NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and has required many meetings among waterfront stakeholders, and the several regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over these permit processes.
  • A one page summary sheet is appended hereto for your ready guidance.
  • This product was very well received by the HOps members.
  1. USCG
  • FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.

     The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG.

  • The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
  • USCG expects to receive a request for a marine event permit from the folks who are promoting “Citizen’s Bridge”. This is a floating walkway that would be constructed across Buttermilk Channel between Brooklyn and Governors Island. This project had been “pitched” to HOps several years ago, and failed to win support. HOps will be involved should they actually file a permit. The “target date” is currently set for August 2017.
  • BOEM has leased land off the South Shore of Long Island which may be under consideration for offshore wind development. We will watch for, and participate in any public meetings, and/or permit applications.
  • Noted that there was a potential waterways conflict on the upper Hudson pertaining to protestors attempting to put kayakers in the water to block vessel traffic.
  • Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments.
  • Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1
  • AMERICA’s CUP is proceeding as planned with practice scheduled for May 6, and racing on May 7and 8. Depending on weather conditions the viewing area may have to be shifted. USCG and local authorities will be on hand to regulate and assist as needed.

 

  1. USACE
  • CHPE-noted that the CHPE Navigational Risk Assessment is being studied by USCG. Also noted that the same cable construction firm had experienced an anchor strike/drag and scouring in the San Francisco District. NY District will follow-up for more detail. HOps still strongly opposes the CHPE proposal to site the cable within the length of the navigational channel.
  • The permit for the Carteret Marina has been issued with the stipulated “special requirements”.
  • Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn.
  • The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing.
  • There will be a public notice published pertaining to a proposed floating energy plant that would be located at the Brooklyn Navy yard, in Wallabout Bay.
  • 50 foot channel-plan for late June work in the anchorage area, and Jersey City.
  • USACE has received funding to remove derelict barge in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator.
  • Still no solution in sight for the removal of El Jefe.
  1. NOAA
  • COOPS will be seeking input regarding the need for current forecasting/modeling in the Harbor. HOps will stand up a sub-committee to work with NOAA as needed.

 

  1. PANYNJ
  • PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
  • The water siphon is scheduled for abandonment on May 12. Currently expected that dredging will commence mid-June, finished about 1 month later.
  • PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
  • PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging

 

  1. NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES
  • Giving a grant to study navigational dredged materials
  • MAPONY/NJ reported NYS DEC public hearing attended on May 2 which addresses changes to NYS regulations pertaining to solid waste, navigational dredged materials, and beneficial use disposition.

 

  1. NYSA
  • Advise that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA
  • Cautioned of a computer virus circulating.

 

  1. T&B Cttee
  • Advised that DHS is contacting harbor carriers to determine how to maximize maritime response capability during crisis.

 

  1. MAPONY/NJ
  • Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.