Coastal Storm Risk Management, Interior Drainage Area E

The project area on Staten Island, New York has a long history of storm damage and has experienced major damage from various recent storm events. The Interior Drainage Area E project includes the acquisition and preservation of open space for the construction of large interior drainage ponds, construction of tide gates, and gate chambers and associated stormwater infrastructure. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was required to apply for and obtain wetland permits, and the contractor was required to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to comply with stormwater best management practices.

The planning support was initiated in December 2024. Field oversight of the construction is ongoing and is expected to run through the end of 2027. Roux’s responsibility as the Construction Monitor/Restoration Specialist (CMRS) will be necessary throughout the entire during of the project. Roux is providing a team with specified certifications (Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control or Certificate in Ecology issued by the Ecological Society of America), to satisfy the strict educational, experience, and background requirements specified by the USACE.

Currently, the on-site team is assessing the entire area for trees to tag and flag for protection or removal; completing the Tree Inventory and Valuation Report (TIVR); and surveying of the project site for migratory birds and their nests, due to clearing operations being conducted within the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act’s exclusionary period (April 1-September 30).

As the project progresses, Roux will also be serving as the Qualified Inspector and Qualified Professional for the required Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) inspections, supporting the contractor and agency to apply for necessary permit modifications, and monitoring and reporting on the status of all planting and associated restoration activities until the guarantee period for the plant material has expired.

Roux heavily emphasized how the client would have access to multiple experts, personnel with all the required certifications, and experienced field personnel with varied background, to manage the various responsibilities of the CMRS role. This capability has been extremely valuable, as two out of scope items (TIVR preparation; migratory bird nesting identification) could be satisfied without any interruption to the project.

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