Amendment 0001_Environmental Recommendation .pdf

UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON AT WEST POINT

RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION

(32 CFR §651.19)

PROJECT NAME: North Dock Rehabilitation

DATE PREPARED: 27 September 2022

PROJECT LOCATION: North Dock, USMA-West Point

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

For the bulk head wall area, the most economically feasible bulkhead wall systems consist of steel sheeting driven to and keyed into bedrock, and anchored with either one level of walers and grouted anchors or a dead man system. Keying into bedrock would be accomplished through the use of toe pins, periodically drilled and grouted into bedrock and connected to the base of the steel sheeting.

For the Helipad area, the most feasible bulkhead wall system consists of a combination wall system with one level of tie-backs. The combination wall will be comprised of alternating sections of steel pipe piles (known as “King” piles) and intermediate steel sheeting, interlocked together in the same manner as a regular steel sheet pile wall. The sheeting should be driven to the top of bedrock and the pipe piles should be embedded (socketed) into bedrock to a depth such that fixity is achieved.

For the Riprap area, considering the displacement of the existing concrete blocks and continuous scour, two options are recommended. Option 1 is to construct a new cast-in-place toe. The new toe has a minimum embedment of 3.0 to 4.0 ft. deep. Additional rip-rap rocks are required to remediate the missing or displace ones or protect the continuous bank. The advantage of this option is that it can permanently prevent future erosion, but it comes with a considerably higher cost. Option 2 is to place launchable stones or articulated concrete blocks below the existing toe.

These stones are used to temporarily stabilize localized erosion. The advantages are cost effectiveness and fast construction.

ANTICIPATED DATE OF PROPOSED ACTION: Fiscal Year 2023

ASSESSMENT:

Environmental considerations include potential impacts to habitats, threatened or endangered species, recreation, waste disposal, unexploded ordnance (UXO), fuel containment and noise

RATIONALE FOR REC

Tiered under the Target Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Assessment, September 2017, as well as, categorically excluded under the provisions of 32 CFR 651 Appendix B, Section II (c)(1) Construction of an addition to an existing structure or new construction on a previously undisturbed site if the area to be disturbed has no more than 5.0 cumulative acres of new surface disturbance. This does not include construction of facilities for the transportation, distribution, use, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste, medical waste, and hazardous waste (REC required).

(32 CFR §651.19)

CONDITIONS OF REC:

General:

For implementing the proposed recommendations, employ good engineering practices and adhere to the attached documents.

Specific:

During the execution of the proposed undertaking the following provisions shall be adhered to:

• The project must be reviewed by the NYSDEC, through the Joint Application for a water quality certification. The project qualifies for Nationwide Permit # 3; Repair.

• Project will require a Federal Consistency Determination in accordance with Coastal Zone Management Act (15 CFR 930)

• Maintain construction noise to below USEPA recommended short-term recommended noise standard of 80 to 90 dBA at 50 feet and manage any noise related complaints in accordance with the procedure presented in Chapter 3.7.1 of the USAG WP Operational Noise Management Plan (USAPHC 2013)

• The contractor must prepare a Construction & Demolition (C&D) Plan in accordance with the attached specifications describing how C&D for this project will be managed.

Disposal is the last option only after reuse and recycling have been documented in the C&D Plan to be not economically feasible. The contractor shall maintain records to document the quantity of waste generated; quantity diverted through sale, reuse or recycling; and the quantity of waste disposed by landfill or incineration. The records shall be provided to the Contracting Officer at the end of the project.

• If soil is to be reused onsite, sampling is not required unless otherwise directed.

Excavated soil may be reused within the construction site with no testing necessary. Soil may be stockpiled until the end of the project, then reused as much as possible prior to sampling and analysis for residual soil to be disposed. Store in a manner that prevents rain from infiltrating the soil matrix and preventing any runoff into the surrounding soil or pavement (for example, store the soil on top of plastic sheets and covered with plastic sheets or store in lined, covered dumpsters). If the soil is going to be relocated or disposed outside the construction site, sampling and analysis is required.

• The Contractor shall not move excess soil media off-site without written permission from the COR. This requirement is in effect even if the Contractor does not believe the soil is contaminated. At a minimum, excess soil shall be sampled and analyzed in accordance with NYSDEC requirements described in DER 10. The analysis report shall include a description of the soil stockpile, estimated quantity of soil being characterized, and a sketch showing where the samples were collected. The contractor shall submit the analysis report and documentation that the receiving facility is properly permitted and can accept the soil to the COR for written approval to ship the soil to the disposal facility.

• After the soil has been shipped off site, the contractor shall submit documentation such as shipping manifests, weight tickets, and invoices documenting the quantities and locations the excess soil was shipped.

(32 CFR §651.19)

• West Point is a Large Quantity Generator of hazardous waste. All hazardous waste generated during this contract shall be managed in accordance with applicable NYSDEC hazardous waste regulations and USAG Policy 26. Coordinate all Hazardous Waste Manifests with the DPW Environmental Management Division. Only authorized West Point personnel shall sign Hazardous Waste Manifests as the generator.

• New York regulates waste PCB’s as a hazardous waste. Any waste PCB’s generated from this project must be managed in accordance with applicable NYSDEC hazardous waste regulations and USAG Policy 26.

• The work will occur within habitat occupied by the Atlantic and Short-nosed sturgeon.

Both species are federally listed ‘threatened’. Prior to the commencement of work this project will require consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) protected species unit for impact to these species. The primary impacts are likely to be noise, associated with the driving of sheet piles, and the liberation of silt and pollutants from the work site. The project proponent must suggest mitigations for these factors in the design.

• This action will occur approximately 1 mile from an active bald eagle nest, located east of Constitution Marsh. The action is not likely to disturb these eagles because: 1) The activity is not dissimilar to other construction in the area which the eagles have experience with and have shown no ill effects. 2) The Activity is partially blocked by Gees Point. 3) The activity is acceptable in the context of the 2007 USFWS Bald Eagle Management Guide.

• The activity must be briefed to NOAA Fisheries for compliance with the Magnuson Stevenson Act. While the Hudson River at North Dock is documented as being important for the reproduction of commercial fish stocks, the project is unlikely to significantly impact production as the site is small, un-vegetated, and silty.

• IPAC lists potential impacts to Northern Long Ear and Indiana Bat, Small Whorled Pogonia, and Dwarf Wedge Mussel. There is no habitat present for any of these species, and no possibility of impact. No consultation required.

• Provide attached UXO awareness brochure to contractors performing ground disturbing activities on West Point.

• If the disturbed area of the project meets or exceeds 1 acre a Stormwater Construction permit will be needed from NY DEC. The contractor will apply, pay for and provide documentation to DPW Project Manager. Regardless of disturbance a soil erosion and sediment control plan will need to be in place. Due to the location of the work, it is highly recommended that booms be placed around the work area to contain any debris or disturbed product.

(32 CFR §651.19)

Note:

If, after additional information is received concerning implementation of the proposed action, either by the proponent, contractor, or a regulator, a determination is made that further environmental analysis is required, this REC may be modified or supplemented, or upgraded to an

EA.

________________________ 9/27/2022 ________________________ Brett Walker Date Kartik Sahni Chief, Environmental Engineer, DPW Management Division Project Proponent