Please contact the NYS Office of Resilient Homes and Communities for any questions about the implementation of Living Breakwaters: [email protected]
- What Is the Shoreline Restoration Component of The Living Breakwaters Project?
The Shoreline Restoration component of the Living Breakwaters project includes the one-time placement of sand between Loretto St. and Manhattan St. to create a wider beach and increase the distance between the toe of the existing dune and the shoreline (high water line).
- Why Is Shoreline Restoration A Part of Living Breakwaters?
The Tottenville shoreline has dramatically eroded over the years, in some places more than others. Once completed, the breakwaters, by breaking waves, will slow the movement of sediment along the shoreline. This will reduce, and in most places reverse, this pattern of erosion and rebuild the beach slowly over time in certain areas along the shoreline. The beach between Manhattan Street and Loretto Street is currently very narrow—significantly narrower than it was in 1978. Modeling of shoreline change completed as part of the design process, indicates that the breakwaters will reduce further erosion, but would not be able to “grow” the beach in this location due to the existing conditions on the shoreline. Thus, the project includes the one-time placement of sand to widen the beach here. Once in place, while there will be some sand movement.
- Is this a Part of The Tottenville Shoreline Protection Project?
No, the Shoreline Restoration is not part of Tottenville Shoreline Protection Project. This is part of the Living Breakwaters Project being implemented by New York State Resilient Homes and Communities. This Shoreline Restoration includes only the widening of the beach. The existing trap bag dunes will remain for the time being. The Tottenville Shoreline Protection Project is a separate project being implemented by NYC Parks.
- Where is the Shoreline Restoration happening?
The Shoreline Restoration will take place between Loretto St. and Manhattan St.
- When Will the Shoreline Restoration Construction Take Place?
Shoreline restoration activities will begin January, 2024 and be completed by April, 2024. It is anticipated that some touch-ups will be needed in the late summer and fall, but this will take place after horseshoe crab mating season (April 15-July 15 of each year).
- When Does the Contractor Expect Work to Start on the Shoreline Restoration?
Shoreline Restoration activities are currently planned to begin in the winter of 2023 (Early January). Updates on the start date and schedule will be posted on the construction updates section of the project website.
- What Are the Hours of Construction?
Work will typically take place between 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday, except for Holidays, and may extend as late as 6 PM on weekdays to coordinate with the tide schedule.
- Where Is the Sand for the Shoreline Restoration Coming From?
The sand to be used for this restoration has been identified by the contractor and is sand mined from the Ambrose Federal Navigation channel, a naturally replenishing source in the lower New York Bay. Sand samples and tests have been reviewed by the owner’s team and New York City Parks and deemed to be appropriate for use for shoreline restoration at this location. The material is similar in texture and color to sand on the existing beach.
- How Much Sand Is Being Placed?
The Shoreline Restoration will require approximately 22,000 tons of fresh sand is brought to site via trucks along Loretto St.
- How Will Sand Be Delivered to the Site?
Sand will be delivered by standard 22-ton Tri-Axle Dump Trucks. Trucks will pick up the sand from the North American Aggregates facility located in Perth Amboy, NJ, approximately 13 miles from the Shoreline Restoration site. The trucks will take approved NYC trucking roads to and from the facility and the site. To get to the beach, trucks will turn off Hylan Blvd onto Sprague Avenue then Surf Avenue, delivering sand to the beach via the existing beach entrance at the end of Loretto Street. Each truck will arrive, dump their load of sand and leave via Loretto Street. No truck will be idling at any time during delivery.
- How Much Truck Traffic Can I Expect?
There will be approximately 35 deliveries per day during construction.
- What Equipment Can I Expect to See on The Beach?
Equipment you can expect to see on site include: D6 Dozer; 910 Wheel Loader; 320 Excavator.
- Can I Walk on the Beach During Construction?
During construction hours, there will be no beach access between Loretto St. and Manhattan St., but beach access will be restored at the end of each workday.
- Will there be equipment on the beach overnight?
Machines and equipment will be stored overnight and on weekends at the designated staging area located adjacent to the construction entrance at Loretto St. The staging area will be fenced in and secured.
- Will Construction Cause A Noise Disturbance?
The Shoreline Restoration will be constructed with land-based equipment and require the trucking of sand. Noise levels along the shoreline can be expected to be at normal construction levels.
- Who Are the Contractor and Subcontractors?
The primary contractor is Weeks Marine, Inc. Subcontractors include Walker Diving; Yerkes South/H2H JV, LLC; Wetlands, Inc.; and Hirani Engineering and Land Surveying, PC.
- How Will Hazards to Navigation and Construction Areas Be Marked During Construction?
During construction, the work zone on the beach will be marked with fencing. There will be personnel ensuring safety while trucks are delivering sands at Loretto Street Construction Entrance.
- If I See Any Debris or Evidence of a Fuel Spill, Who Do I Contact?
Debris resulting from construction activities or evidence of a fuel spill should be immediately reported to [email protected]
- If I Have Questions or Concerns, Who Do I Talk To?
The Office of Resilient Homes and Communities can be reached by email for any questions at [email protected]
- What is the Living Breakwaters Project?
The Shoreline Restoration is one small part of the Living Breakwaters project. Living Breakwaters is a blue-green infrastructure project designed to reduce erosion and damage from storm waves, improve ecosystem health, and support education and stewardship across Staten Island and Raritan Bay. In addition to the Shoreline Restoration, Living Breakwaters includes eight near-shore, ecologically-enhanced Breakwaters designed to break waves before they reach shore and provide habitat for fish and other species. The breakwaters are currently under construction; check the construction updates section of the project website for monthly construction updates!