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MARITIME MATTERS – April 2017

NEWTOWN CREEK CAG

• A meeting of the Full Newtown Creek Citizen’s Advisory Ctte (CAG) was held in Queens on the evening of 5 April 2017.
• USEPA and DEP reported on their various studies including: Clean Water-Floatables; Long Term Combined Sewer Overflow controls; Human Risk Analyses; Ecological Risk Analyses; Remediation Evaluation Study.
• Riverkeeper advised that they have received a grant to initiate a study to create a Vision for Newtown Creek that will address and include all facets of stakeholder input.
• NYCEDC presented their Secondary Channel study which identified the critical economic importance of maritime-related industry located on NYC secondary channels, and how proper dredging plays an important role in keeping these channels open for commerce, and creating jobs.
• Reviewed options regarding placards that will be positioned on NC to advise of contaminated seafood caught in the area.

ULCV Ready?

• With the de-construction of the Bayonne Bridge proceeding smoothly, preparations to ensure that NY/NJ is ULCV ready continue apace.
• All parties concur that final operating parameters will not be established until all proper considerations are made.
• The last 2 classes at MITAGS are in the final stage after which the HOPs Deep Draft Working Group (DDWG) will review all simulation results/considerations, and make recommendations regarding operational requirements and procedures.
• DDWG will coordinate with the USCG VTS to create initial operating guidelines.
• PANYNJ will discuss with the Vessel Coordination Group including vessel operators and Marine Terminals.
• USCG will initiate a Port Stakeholder meeting to discuss initial operating requirements and get stakeholder input. The meeting will be held May 16, with announcements being circulated to concerned parties.
• Discussions will detail proposed operating guidelines including: # required pilots;# required tugs; definition of ULVCs; anchorage usage; traffic patterns;, impact on non-ULVC port operations; bunkering operations; weather constraints; tidal windows; potential for virtual ATONs due to restricted visibility; and others.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS – April 2017

 

USCG

• Ellis Island proposed rulemaking extended written comment period closed on April 17, 2017. USCG will announce result after tabulation/consideration of all comments.
• Coast Guard City-Staten Island application already in process for consideration. Will await decision.
• PAWSA- (Port And Waterway Safety Assessment) has been reviewed by Sector NY. Currently being finalized at USCG HQ, and expect final report within several weeks.
• The Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study (ACPARS) has been completed, but is not fully responsive to area needs, with only limited proposals regarding setbacks and traffic lanes.
• The NTSB report regarding boating safety that touches upon the recent incident between a ferry and kayakers in NY harbor has attracted some attention. The report will be evaluated/discussed by the HOPs Education Sub-Cttee with recommendations/comments back to the Stg Cttee. LCD Hobson will establish a POC for further discussion.

NYCEDC

• Still evaluating the Hallets Cove, Astoria landing area for City Wide Ferry (CWF).
• CWF held a rec-boater meeting to discuss current plans/options
• Any potential conflicts with established/traditional kayak launch/landing areas will be evaluated and mitigated in the coming months. HOPs will be kept updated on progress.
• There will be a USACE public comment period established before review of any USACE permit being granted.

USACE

• Sandy Hook and Newark Bay area maintenance will be performed this Fall.
• Cheesequake Creek testing/sampling project has not yet received funding.
• Sampling/testing at Ward’s Point Bend will commence with dredging projected to take place in approx 1 year.
• USACE is considering permits filed for CWF at LI City and Roosevelt Island landing areas.
• CHPE-USCG 1^st District now evaluating the submitted Navigation Risk Assessment prior to any further movement by USACE.

NOAA

• Noted that the NOAA National Charting Plan is available for public comment.

PANYNJ

• Confirmed that the Spring soundings are being finalized, and should be available by mid-May.

BAYONNE BRIDGE

• The de-construction phase is proceeding smoothly
• A new PORTS air-gap sensor has been positioned on the upper roadway, and will be activated when navigational clearance has been established.
• Discussions regarding the replacement of necessary current sensors continues among PANYNJ/NJDOT/USACE/NOAA to determine proper requirements/hardware/software.
• Current sensor funding will be obtained through the Bi-State Dredge Fund.

NJDOT

• Now initiating studies to determine movement of area sediments
• Working with NYC to study needs/potential for area mass evacuation plans

SHIPPING 101-Spring 2017

We are pleased to advise that the Spring offering of our popular, and highly acclaimed SHIPPING 101 course will be offered during the week of June 12-16, 2017 at the Port Newark facility of Seamen’s Church Institute.

For full curriculum details, applications, accreditation info, or any other inquiry, please contact us at: themaritimeassoc@erols.com or click here.

MARITIME MATTERS & HARBOR HAPPENINGS

March 2017

NOAA-

• It has been announced that LT David Melhar will assume the duties heretofore performed by LCDR Megan McGovern who will assume a sea-going billet for NOAA. Welcome aboard Dave!

Special Award-

• On 23 MAR 2017, RADM Linda L. Fagan, and Master CPO R. Shane Hooker assumed the Inaugural Gold & Silver Ancient Trident at a ceremony held at the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House in NYC. We applaud both recipients!! Apparently having a posting as Captain of The Port Sector New York can be good for your career!

Newtown Creek CAG-

• The Full Newtown Creek Citizen’s Advisory Group will meet on 5APR 2017, at 1830hr at the Queens Library located on 21^st Street in Long Island City. The CAG will hear updates from the EPA regarding recent study findings, and will see the NYCEDC presentation on Secondary Channels.

Education, eh?-

• On 16 Mar 2017 a group of 75 visiting 11^th and 12^th grade students and staff from the Greater Toronto Area visited our Port so better understand the operation and economical importance of our Maritime Community. The group was comprised of a select number of students, and the trip was organized by EduTravel. A presentation was made by MAPONY/NJ, PANYNJ, and NYSA at the Port Newark Seamen’s Church Institute facility.

USCG-

• The Ellis Island Proposed Rulemaking that would allow passage of small craft to pass behind Ellis Island has been re-opened to allow further comment. MAPONY/NJ has already filed comments in FAVOR of the proposed rule which would increase safety by allowing small craft to avoid transit in the more heavily travelled main channel.
• The Staten Island Wheel Project is moving along on schedule, and an updated presentation of progress/scheduling will be made to HOPs in the near future.
• Staten Island will be submitting a request to be designated a “Coast Guard City” in accordance with USCG HQ standards. If appropriate, after review it is expected that many harbor entities will sign on to support the proposal.
• CAPT Day attended a meeting of the Propeller Club, and was pleased to note that our Harbor Ops Cttee was highly praised.

USACE-

• Maintenance dredging in Port Newark Channel continues as scheduled
• Sandy Hook Channel will become the subject of an environmental study to better understand shoaling in that vicinity.
• Cheesequake Creek will have upland testing done if funding is found.
• The City Wide Ferry permit for the Hallet’s Cove landing is being reviewed in consideration of the nearby kayak launch. Although the initial permit had been issued in JAN, 2017, the new review is necessitated by new information.
• The 2018 City Wide Ferry permits are expected to be published soon.
• The New York State Marine Highway permits in the Hudson, and at Glen Cove remain under consideration.
• USACE is still tracking the CHPE/TDI Navigational Risk Assessment.
• Newtown Creek has been surveyed with the result available on the USACE website.
• It is expected that the joint USACE/PANY/NJ re-evaluation of the 50 ft dredge project should be finalized shortly. USACE/PANYNJ will contact Harbor Ops for input.

PANYNJ-

• The replacement of current buoy(s) at Bergen Point continues to be evaluated as to the actual requirements, project schedule, available partners and funding. It is expected that this issue will be resolved shortly.

NOAA-

• It is expected that NOAA Co-Ops group will make a presentation to the Full HOPs Cttee at the regularly scheduled June meeting

Goethals Bridge De-Construction

• A presentation was made by KWM, and J A Pierson, the Engineering Firms managing the GB deconstruction project.
• Monthly updates will be made available of scheduling/progress
• Notification of any requested channel closures will be made 14 days in advance
• June 2017 will begin prep to lower the 336ft suspended span.
• A cantilevered support system will be used to anchor the posts.
• During the pavement removal/deconstruction phase a 130 ft barge will be working in the edge of the channel, and netting will be in place which will reduce air-gap by approx 2 ft.
• A minimum of 1 hr notice will be necessary to effect Move-On-Demand barge movement
• July 2017 will begin mobilization.
• Currently expect to lower the suspended span on August, 14, 2017. This will require a 36 hr closure of the channel.
• Between Sept. 2017-Feb 2018 cantilevers and remaining structures to be removed.
• During non-work overnight hours, barges will be removed from the channel, and properly lit.
• To avoid any disruption due to barge work, vessels may wish to consider scheduling transits during night hours.

April 4 is ‘Ports Day,’ AAPA Announces

By Mark Edward Nero The American Association of Port Authorities says that its entire membership in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean will celebrate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on Tuesday, April 4 in recognition of the industry’s role in supporting job creation and propelling the economies of the nations they serve across the Americas…(Read full article)

NTSB – shared waterway safety

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a Marine Safety Recommendation regarding safety of recreational and commercial vessels in shared waterways of the marine transportation system (MTS). The report recommends, among other things, that the US Coast Guard establish a process whereby, at regular intervals, all harbor safety committees identify the safety risks posed by the interaction of commercial and recreational vessels in their respective geographic areas and, when necessary, develop and implement practices to mitigate those risks.
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MSR1701.pdf

 

MARITIME MATTERS-FEB. 2017

 

PSEG Sewaren Project

• The AKRF engineering firm has updated their initial plan for the barge delivery of various over-sized components which will become a part of the PSEG Power LLC Sewaren Unit 7 Combined Cycle Project.
• The mooring systems for unloading the barges has been largely re-defined so as to be in more in accordance with comments made at their last meeting with HOPs Stg Ctee
• It is now expected that the small pieces may begin delivery in April, and the large piece may be delivered in late June, or early July.
• It was advised that the large piece will be transported on a barge measuring 100X300f, and will have an air-draft of 132 ft.
• There will not be any night work performed, and the barges will be lit to USCG standard.
• The barge operator will be Mamoet.
• The 6 smaller barges will not pose any problem to navigating the channel.
• The large barge will require a 6-8 hr maneuvering/unloading window, during which time no-wake provisions will be requested.

 

BAYONNE BRIDGE

• The Bayonne Bridge upper level roadway was opened to vehicular traffic on Presidents’ Day.
• This will allow the start of lower roadway de-construction to begin

 

Newtown Creek

• The Newtown Creek Citizen Advisory Committee (CAG) Steering Cttee (of which MAPONY/NJ is a member), met to evaluate progress and set the next meeting for the full CAG.
• The Stg Cttee reviewed various issues relating to EPA reports, upland issues, aeration and health studies, ‘no fishing’ signage, dredging options, and the findings of several tech reports evaluating water quality.
• The CAG by-laws will be reviewed with the aim of allowing a faster voting procedure.
• EPA will be present at the next Full CAG meeting to discuss their various studies to date.
• It is hoped that NYC EDC will be able to present their Secondary Channels Study at the next Full CAG meeting.
• Date/location for the next Full CAG meeting will be advised shortly

 

NTSB

• The National Transportation Safety Board has released their study regarding mixed waterway usage.
• This is a key consideration in the Port of NY/NJ.
• The full report will be reviewed at the next HOPs meeting.

 

Brooklyn Maritime Summit

• Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will convene a Brooklyn Waterfront Summit on Feb 22, 2017.
• MAPONY/NJ is an invited party
• We will report any issues/updates shortly

 

MAPONY/NJ Website

• We are in the final stages of updating our NEW MAPONY/NJ website, and expect to go LIVE shortly.
• We will announce our “Opening Day”, and hope that everyone will visit us!

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 62^nd 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.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

• MAPONY/NJ is most pleased to note that on JAN 27, 2017, our very own CAPT Brian A. McAllister, one of the most prominent names in the American maritime industry will receive an honorary doctorate from SUNY Maritime College. CAPT McAllister is the Chairman of the family’s 153 year old company, the firm he first joined in 1959. He received a B.S. degree in Marine Engineering and a USCG Third Assistant Engineer license upon graduation from SUNY Maritime in 1959. So…should we call him “Captain”?…or “Doctor”?. Either way…Congratulations, Brian!!!…Well deserved!

 

USACE

• USACE will undertake a NY/NJ Harbor Navigation Study to study possible anchorage, bend easing, and other navigation channel modifications following completion of the 50 ft project construction, to ensure navigation channels continue to meet Port of NY/NJ current and future requirements. The PANYNJ will be the Non-Federal partner in the 50/50 fed/non-fed cost. Final Feasibility Report scheduled for SEP 2018with Chief’s Report tentatively scheduled for MAR, 2019
• USACE will undertake a NY/NJ Harbor and Tributaries Study to evaluate the potential for coastal storm damage, including storm surge, wave attack, and erosion as well as intense rainfall-stormwater runoff events. The study will encompass more than 2,150 square miles mostly in the Harbor/Hudson River, and nearby tributaries. Study recommendations may include comprehensive solutions in addition to specific structural, non-structural, and natural measures to address impacted areas. The expected initial study funding is expected to be $3 Million and be completed in 2018. More information will be forthcoming regarding stakeholder and public meetings/hearings.

 

Bayonne Bridge

• Work is progressing nicely in the lifting of the Bayonne Bridge roadway.
• Concerned parties are now considering at what point in re-construction will the 14K ULCV be able to safely transit.
• The removal of the lower roadway will require the placement of barges adjacent to the channel for some portion of the work.
• The Deep Draft Working Group DDWG) must determine when navigational height and channel width will be sufficient to begin ULCV transits.
• It is currently estimated that the barges will be removed when removal to posts/sections 6 North and 6 South occurs. That may occur by some time in early/mid June 2017.
• The DDWG will work closely with the PANYNJ to monitor construction progress, and make a final determination regarding ULCV transit availability.
• The next update will be made at the HOPs Steering Cttee scheduled for February 8, 2017.
• Notification to al concerned stakeholders will be made at the earliest possible timing.

 

Hudson River Anchorages

• The extended public comment period closed on DEC 6, 2016, and approximately 10750 comments were filed.
• It remains expected that this proposed rulemaking will move to a public hearing format, possibly with a late Spring announcement
• It is expected that USCG will perform some Environmental Impact Study work, and then refine the proposal.
• In the interim period, Mariners are reminded that the currently applicable Marine Safety Information Bulletin remains in effect, and that it is required to make notice to USCG when anchoring in non-designated areas. USCG has received multiple photos of vessels allegedly anchored in non-designated areas.

 

Need a Pilot?

• We have received notice that two well known industry figures affiliated with the Sandy Hook Pilots will be retiring. Both Jack Olthius and Rick Schoenlank have decided to set a course for retirement. Both gentlemen were key players in making our Port safe, secure and efficient, and both will be missed! We wish them both fair winds and following seas on their new course!

 

Hudson River Tunnel Project

• The project will be designed to keep/repair the existing AMTRAK/NJT North River Tunnel while creating a second redundant tunnel.
• The new and old tunnels will have the same origin/destination points on land
• The old tunnel had been approx 12 ft below the river bottom, while the new tunnel will be deepest on the west side of the river and will gradually rise to approx 10 ft below the river bottom on the East side.
• An enclosed cofferdam will be used to “enrich” the shallow portion of the 550 ft section of impacted river bottom.
• The enrichment will be done via 15 proposed borings that will inject the bottom with a mix of “Soilcrete”. The borings will be made by 2 barge-mounted rigs working concurrently. The proposed start of the borings will be Feb/Mar 2017 and will continue for 11 weeks with the barges moving across the impacted area.
• All tunnel work will be conducted with boring machines.
• A complete safety plan must be submitted to USCG before work can begin.
• Due to the width of the navigable waterway, and the relative small size of the barges, no appreciable negative impact on the river’s navigable area is expected at this time.
• It is suggested that the barges be equipped with AIS while working in the river to enhance safety.

 

Resilient Industry Study

• On Jan 18, 2017, the NYC Dept of City Planning released the preliminary Resilient Industry Study which was formulated by the Technical Advisory Committee.
• The study was intended to find ways to: Reduce Flood hazards; Improve emergency preparedness; Identify cost-effective physical and operational strategies; and Identify financial and insurance challenges to businesses in industrial flood zones.
• The initial report is the culmination of the work done by various NYC Depts and agencies in conjunction with the TAC.
• The study commenced in Winter 2015, and it is now expected that the final report will be issued in Spring 2017, with distribution to interested stakeholders during Spring/Summer 2017. MAPONY/NJ will be a distributing partner.