Tappan Zee Bridge
- As a follow-up to the earlier September meeting, the TZ Bridge engineering team returned to the HOPs Steering Cttee meeting held on October 5, 2016.
- It was confirmed that the deconstruction of the caissons will be removed to a minimum of 2 feet below the river bottom, and that the impacted river bottom will be contoured so as to match the natural bottom.
- Noted that during any required main channel closures, the West channel will remain open. The West channel must be properly marked and adequate contingency plans must be developed. It is recommended that NOAA conduct any/all necessary surveys to ensure accuracy of chart data.
- Noted that a well-coordinated communication committee has been very successful in accommodating the TZ Bridge construction work, it was recommended that the same group coordinate all de-construction communications.
- It is currently expected that the de-construction phase will commence on March 17, 2017, and the coordination group (TZ Bridge engineering/Tug&Barge Cttee/ Hudson River Pilots/Interport Pilots) should start their communication/planning process approximately 6 months before that date.
USCG
- Sector NY announced that they will host an Ice Season preparation meeting in the Chaplain on November 17, 2016. Full meeting data will be forthcoming soon, and MAPONY/NJ will distribute to all members for their information.
- Sector NY reported that in anticipation of the 2016/7 Ice Season 1 USCG icebreaker will be immediately available in Sector, while 1 icebreaker will be stationed in Maine (subject to re-positioning as necessary), and 1 icebreaker will be in the yard for repair/refitting.
- Sector NY will undergo a USCG Port And Waterways Safety Assessment (PAWSA) on October 25/26. Key members of the maritime community have been invited to participate in the meeting which will be held at the Sector NY base. MAPONY/NJ will be a participant, and will disseminate the results received from the PAWSA team after their analysis/release.
- The recent tragic collision between a kayaker and a ferry in the lower harbor was noted. USCG advised that it is customary that the incident result findings will not be available for approximately 12-15 months after the time of the incident. It was also noted that NTSB is conducting a study of human powered craft in commercial waterways, but that study was NOT directly linked to our most recent incident.
- Based on experience with the storm MATTHEW, USCG will perform a study to determine whether there was sufficient warning time provided before the declaration of status “X-Ray”.
USACE
- Noted that Newark Bay maintenance dredging should be completed by approximately October 20, 2016
- Noted that the East River/South Brother Island maintenance has commenced and should be completed by approximately Early/Mid-December, 2016
- Noted that with the 50 foot channel now considered “complete” the USACE is currently wrapping-up final sweep surveys to re-confirm conformity.
- Cheesequake Creek was discussed and it was noted that at this time there is no USACE intent to initiate dredging operations in that location for a variety of reasons, including: a lack of commercial activity; partial Superfund area; and a lack of necessary projected commercial activity which would create a satisfactory return on investment to justify USACE “asset management” criteria.
- USACE has a “Channel Management” tool which employs both reports and AIS tracking data.
- In the ongoing effort to complete the Sandy Hook Channel analysis, USACE is currently working with Fish & Wildlife to evaluate any impact on the nesting patterns of the Piping Plover in the impacted area.
- We await the outcome of the final study which will hopefully identify the long-term solution to this recurring rapid re-shoaling problem area.
- Noted that the New York State Mooring application for Jamaica Bay is still under discussion between USACE and the National Park Service (NPS)
- Noted that the NYCEDC permit application for the East River Ferry Service is still pending, but that the amended application currently does NOT include the controversial E 62nd St landing.
- Noted that the New York Energy Power barge/crane permit application is still pending.
NOAA
- Noted that in conjunction with the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project NOAA has been updating all pertinent charts in the impacted area.
- All parties were reminded to file comments in the ongoing NOAA study pertaining to Atlantic Sturgeon habitat. MAPONY/NJ has already filed comments on behalf of membership.
- Noted that a NY/NJ Port “Current Study” was immediately needed in order to ensure that all waterway current data is updated and correct for usage in the currently underway simulation training being done at MITAGS to prepare for the onset of arrivals by 14 and 18K vessels when the Bayonne Bridge project attains navigational clearance status next year.
- It was recommended that NOAA perform a full Current Study after every significant deepening or widening project.
- It was suggested that NOAA perform a survey/study to determine whether the NEW Goethals Bridge should be equipped with an air-gap sensor.