EROSION STUDY- FIRE ISLAND SUBSTATION

H2M architects + engineers (H2M) was retained to provide an erosion control study to protect a Long Island substation located on the barrier island of Fire Island, New York. Erosion has occurred along the north shore of the island in the vicinity of the substation. This erosion of the shoreline had the potential to endanger the integrity of the land in and around the substation. H2M was retained to assess the geomorphology of the Site specific to the apparent receding back-bay shoreline. Services included a study of historic shoreline erosion rates, the substation’s vulnerability to foundation failure and development of conceptual design alternatives.

The study also identified permit requirements for proposed mitigation measures including a review of Federal requirements in accordance with National Parks Service (NPS). We proactively engaged Fire Island National Seashore (FINS) representatives to ensure their shoreline stabilization requirements were considered when vetting remedial alternatives.

As part of this investigation, the following tasks were completed:

Shoreline Historic Erosion Study; Substation Vulnerability Study; Conceptual Erosion Control Study. The Conceptual Erosion Control Study was utilized to develop remedial alternatives consistent with FINS and NPS environmental goals and objectives, and consistent with permit requirements of other applicable regulatory agencies. Conceptual plans included the following: Base maps of the Site of a sufficient level of detail to accurately depict the existing conditions and proposed option design; Alternative preliminary layouts, perform engineering calculations, and develop conceptual design details; conceptual landscaping and erosion control design, including a native species plant list if applicable; and, Preliminary construction cost estimates for each option.