coastal resiliency along neshaminy creek for creating ......removal of invasive species and debris...
TRANSCRIPT
Coastal Resiliency Along Neshaminy Creek for Creating, Enhancing and Preserving Former Wetlands at Abandoned and Degraded Jack’s Marina
Presented by: Sachin Apte, P.E. Louis Berger Co-Authors: Peg McBrien, P.E. Louis Berger Lisa Magee, PRPA
2
Jack’s Marina Compensatory Wetland Mitigation
Aerial View of Site
• Wetland, Open Water and Sensitive Species Mitigation for Southport Marine Terminal Project
• Philadelphia Regional Port Authority is primary client
• Protection and enhancement of Pennsylvania’s coastal resources and fostering sustainable development
• Louis Berger and AP Construction Design-Build Team
• Permits from US Army Corps of Engineers, PADEP, PADCNR, Bucks County Cons. District and PA Fish & Boat Commission
3
Abandoned and Degraded Jack’s Marina Site
• 35 acre site purchased by PRPA for compensatory wetland mitigation
• Much of site formerly dredged/filled for recreational marina
• Existing freshwater tidal wetlands contain invasive species
• Shoreline stabilization required for coastal resiliency
• Unsafe public access
4
Louis Berger Preliminary Field Investigations
Prior to actual construction
• Baseline design studies for habitat restoration
• Detailed soil analyses for material disposal offsite
• Plant and wildlife surveys • Wetland delineation and
bio-benchmark survey • Topographic, bathymetric
surveys verification • Permitting requirements
for state, federal and local agencies for compliance
• Construction plan sets
5
Design/Build Team- Task Force out to work Initial Clearing of Site
• Re-establishment of 11.52 acres of tidal freshwater wetland and mudflat
• Enhancement of 13.65 acres of tidal wetland by removal of invasive species and debris
• Establishment of 3.29 acres of SAV within former boat basins
• Creation of 0.45 acres of red belly turtle nesting habitat (PA threatened species)
• Creation of 4.26 acres of upland buffer.
6
Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Measures Bucks County E&S Permit
• Isolate and protect existing wetlands with super silt fence
• Stabilized construction entrance for material disposal traffic at site
• Silt fence around perimeter of site boundary
• Installation of temporary sheet pile and turbidity barriers for water control during dredging
7
Rescuing Fish & Red Belly Turtles from Basins PAFBC Permit Compliance
• Threatened Species - Red Belly Turtles
• Fish relocated from the work area during dewatering
• Extra care taken for native bird species relocation during construction
• Other wildlife carefully kept away from entering construction site.
LOCATION:
CLIENT:
8
• Excavation and grading of the south basin.
• PADEP site visit to oversee construction progress at project site
• Surveyor for collecting as-built grades information
South Basin Construction
9
Refurbished public access trail Reintroduction of public access
• Former trail to fishing pier refurbished
• Fishing pier completely reconstructed
• Ease of access for nearby residents and fishing enthusiasts
• Walkway provides access for emergency vehicles with turnaround area
• Walkway provides expansive views of restored & enhanced wetlands
10
Rebuilt fishing pier platform
Enhancing the waterfront
• Existing fishing pier structure rebuilt
• Structural analysis performed to develop cost effective pier design
• ADA compliant path and pier access
• Low maintenance metal fence provided around fishing pier
• Provides views of south basin, turtle nesting habitat and wetland
LOCATION:
CLIENT:
11
• Excavation and Grading of the upland slope.
• North basin grading to create more open water
• Minimal dewatering for north basin to excavate perimeter grades
Upland Slope Construction
12
Installation of E&S measures & turtle basking structures Taking care of wildlife
• Enhancing turtle habitat in deepened and widened south basin
• Excavation around south basin slope tor reconnecting restored and existing wetlands
• Wildlife returning to project site during construction
• Upland slope erosion control matting and seeding operation
13
Planting Intertidal wetland & scrub shrub vegetation Creation of new wetlands
• Spatterdock planted from elevation 0 to 2
• Pickerelweed, Sweetflag, Taperleaf water horehound and duck potato from elevation 2.0 to 3.5
• Black willow, smooth alder and buttonbush from elevation 3.5 to 4.0
14
Excavation of waste/disposal Piece of history uncovered
• Newspapers dating as back to 1947
• Debris varying from railroad ties, tires, trash, mattresses, old concrete pipes etc.
• Depth and volume of excavated material required mechanical onsite separation
• Special screening equipment bought onsite to separate material for proper offsite .
15
Permitting Agencies site visit to monitor compliance
Project found to be compliant
• USACOE, PADEP And PRPA site visits to monitor progress
• Recommendations were kindly provided by the permitting agencies to stay within permit compliance
• Agency representatives walked entire site within keen interest in latest updates to schedules
• Coordination meetings to tackle key issues during construction progress
16
State Endangered Species special attention Specially design habitats
• Sand brought in for red belly turtle nesting habitat
• Special attention given for in-water zones for endangered species
• Rip-rap stone protection for nesting mounds
• Osprey nest platform installation
• Submerged aquatic vegetation transplanted from Southport impact site to Jack’s Marina mitigation site
LOCATION:
CLIENT:
17
• Interpretive signage designed by sub consultant to be installed this spring on fishing pier
• Warning sign of shallow obstructions at south basin for boaters
Interpretive & Warning Signs
18
Site status before winter 2014 Site construction complete
• All excavation/disposal and slope stabilization complete
• Erosion control measures in place before winter season
• Keeping fingers crossed for site to withstand harsh winter season
• Remaining planting and slope stabilization to be completed in spring 2015
19
Spring 2015 site visit-Monitoring Site restoration complete
• 3 to 5 years of performance monitoring as per permit compliance requirements
• Adaptive management goals to be met
• Achieve waterfront development goals
• Site will be transferred to Neshaminy Creek State park system
Questions?