New TZ Bridge Gets Environmental Approvals

Nearly every week seems to mark a set of milestones bringing us that much closer to the reality of a new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo's office announced that the state had reached agreement with leading environmental groups Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson on the protective measures and mitigations to be put in place during construction of the multi-billion dollar replacement bridge.

An environmental permit issued last week by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation aims to specifically protect the endangered Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon living locally in our waters and includes $10M for research and ecological improvements in the river.

The sturgeon, and their annual rituals, have figured heavily into planning a tight timeline for dredging work, as Tarrytown's liaision to the project David Aukland has said.

“The permit that was issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides the type of protection and guidance needed for ecologically and environmentally responsible construction,” said Ross J. Pepe, president of BuildTheBridgeNowNY.org in an announcement he shared on Patch. “Our members look forward to helping build the bridge in a way that is win-win for all -- the river, the local infrastructure, the economy of our region, and the thousands of construction workers who will be involved the project.” 

Governor Cuomo described "making record progress on building a new bridge for the Hudson Valley while ensuring the comprehensive protection the environment and natural beauty of this region."

Specific environmental improvements the Governor outlined include:

• Restoring a former river channel at Gay’s Point to provide fish spawning habitat
• Replacing 13 acres of oyster beds disturbed during construction
• Eradicating 200 acres of invasive species and restoring the natural flow of Crumkill Creek in Piermont Marsh
• Reducing storm water pollution and improving water quality in Sparkill Creek through a green infrastructure project
• Studying the restoration of historic wetlands in Piermont Marsh
• Designing and implementing a series of additional habitat enhancement and rehabilitation projects, to be determined in consultation with Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson

Both Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper leaders described their organizations as pleased with the outcome.

“Scenic Hudson is proud to have achieved, through this permit and agreement, stronger protections for the river and communities that could be impacted by the project,” said Scenic Hudson President, Ned Sullivan.

“Riverkeeper is pleased to join Governor Cuomo and Scenic Hudson in finalizing this key permit that will protect the Hudson River and enable the new Tappan Zee Bridge project to move forward,” said Paul Gallay, President of Riverkeeper. “The significant reduction in dredging and the use of smaller pilings, coupled with a strong DEC permit, increased mitigation funding and the state’s agreement to give us a seat at the table in monitoring the construction all add up to a project we can work with. Together with our partner Scenic Hudson, we will continue to ensure that the new Tappan Zee Bridge is built in a way that safeguards our river while providing local communities with the modern infrastructure they need.”

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So far so good. With preliminary work already underway last week, and two small red barges planting themselves at bridge base, there seem to have been no complaints. 

Tappan Zee Constructors are currently conducting preliminary geotechnical surveys using small drilling rigs to determine soil conditions in and near the Hudson River. This follows the "Smart Early Work" conducted in 2012 on river conditions. Data collected from the analysis will be used to determine the size of piers and supporting foundations.

The tests are expected to take eight weeks. Additional rigs will arrive in the upcoming weeks. 

The "land-based work" is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to Spokesperson Brian Conybeare. However, he clarified some of the "in-water" work "can go overnight."

"There is no noise and it's not going to bother anybody," he added.

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At its height, the construction project could attract 100 barges. By summer, expect soil dredging of the river bottom to begin. By fall, the dramatic arrival of the world's largest floating crane...