HARBOR HAPPENINGS – February 2017

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HARBOR HAPPENINGS-FEB. 2017

 

USCG

  • The initial pieces of the Staten Island Wheel project have begun to move from Brooklyn to the Staten Island staging area by barge, as planned.
  • The Tappan Zee Bridge will have closures on FEB 14/15, and 18/19. There will be two 2 hour openings each day. Scheduling details can be found on the USCG HOMEPORT web site.
  • There is no update to report on the CHPE project application. USCG continues to review the submitted RNA.
  • USCG intends to publish an extension of time to file comments regarding the proposed rulemaking to allow small vessels to pass behind Ellis Island. MAPONY/NJ has already filed comments IN FAVOR of the proposal, as it is expected that by allowing small vessels to pass BEHIND Ellis Island, they will NOT be required to make passage in the more busy main navigation areas. We will re-advise upon receiving the notice of extension.
  • There has been no update regarding any waterway impact pertaining to POTUS transport in the harbor.

 

USACE

  • USACE is seeking funding to perform an expedited environmental testing for the Ward’s Point Bend shoaling area. Any such study may take several months to perform/analyze
  • The shoaling in the East Rockaway channel has been cleared.
  • It is expected that the next maintenance dredging project in Newark bay will take place in Fall (Sept?) of this year.
  • USACE has determined that they will NOT engage in dredging in Cheesequake Creek. NJDOT will further study whether they will take any action. The status may be updated based on the current Superfund status.
  • 5 of the currently pending CityWide Ferry permits have been approved for 2017
  • USACE continues to review the USCG comments regarding the CHPE project RNA submission.
  • New York State Marine Highway (aggregate by barge from upstate NY) has filed for 2 new permits on the Hudson River and 2 new permits for the North Shore of Long Island. Upon review, MAPONY/NJ will file comments.

 

PANYNJ

  • Testing has begun prior to initiating maintenance dredging in Port Elizabeth at the APM/Maher facilities.
  • The PANYNJ and USACE are working together to define the scope of the 50Ft channel follow-up project which will address anchorages, bends, etc. the joint study phase will begin in the second half of February.
  • Bayonne Bridge vehicular traffic was moved to the new upper-level roadway on President’s day. This will allow commencement of de-constructing the lower roadway as soon as 20 Feb, 2017.
  • All container terminal facilities were closed on Thursday, 9 Feb due to snow conditions.
  • Training of the Pilots continues at MITAGS, with 2 groups left to complete training. Studies/testing are being done to evaluate/model 25 kt harbor windage conditions. Terminal operators should re-evaluate safe operating procedures regarding bollard strength, and placement of mooring lines

 

NOAA

  • NOAA has made a proposal to the PANY/NJ for the replacement/establishment of the current meter(s) which will be required at the Bergen Point area.
  • Stevens Institute has made a proposal to study the requirements to evaluate the needs. The study will be submitted to the pilot groups to solicit their comments and evaluation of needs.

 

Passenger Vessels

  • It has been confirmed that at this time, NYC EDC has withdrawn their intention to operate a Citywide ferry landing at the initially proposed 62nd St location.
  • It is understood that the USCG investigation into the recent Ferry/Kayak incident has been concluded, and findings should be released shortly.
  • There will be a need to further educate human powered boaters about the need to always wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
  • All passenger vessels are encouraged to be sure to report accurate passenger count reports to FTA/FHWA/USACE in order to have accurate data which will be able to be used for funding requests.
  • Drone activity has been reported in the area of passenger vessels. Any such activity should immediately be reported to the USCG and either NYPD or NJDOT.

 

Oil Terminal Roundtable

  • Under the auspices of the USCG Captain of the Port, and USCG Waterway Management, there was an oil terminal roundtable meeting/discussion held on 18 Jan 2017. Topics discussed included:
  1. The safety of gangways at terminals
  2. Challenges associated with several concurrent large scale infrastructure projects, i.e., 3 major bridge construction/deconstruction projects, recent completion of the 50 ft channel project, and the anticipated increase in container vessel size, and transit complexity
  3. The need for proper security Zone signage per 33 CFR part165.169
  4. Certificates of Adequacy and terminal responsibilities under 33 CFR Par 158
  5. The need for exercising oil spill response resources.
  6. Next Roundtable to be held on April 12, 2017.