Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Page 1 of 255
Easygrants ID: 32789 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NFWF/Legacy Grant Project ID: 1401.12.032789
LI Sound Futures Fund 2012 - Clean Water, Habitat Restoration, and Species Conservation - Submit Final Programmatic
Report (Activities)
Grantee Organization: Village of Old Field
Project Title: Conscience Bay Stormwater Treatment/Wetland Enhancement (NY)
Project Period 11/15/2012 - 11/15/2013
Award Amount $200,000.00
Matching Contributions $274,762.00
Project Location Description (from Proposal) Village of Old Field, NY 40'57'20"N and 73'07'38"W
Project Summary (from Proposal) Install 35 subsurface infiltration units connected to four curbside catch
basins, and four bioswales to treat 194 million gallons of stormwater
runoff.
Summary of Accomplishments At the commencement of 2013, the Village effectively transitioned from
the planning and design phase to the construction phase of the
Conscience Bay Stormwater and Wetland Project. The Village
successfully coordinated with regulating agencies and obtained all
necessary approvals. The Village put the project out to public bid and
awarded it to a qualified general contractor. Gatz Landscaping
completed the initial construction of the project. The following
construction elements were implemented: installation of 4 catch basins
at 4 drainage sites, installation of 35 Stormtech infiltration units with
associated overflow bubblers and rock aprons, removal of invasive plant
species, site clearing, grading, and planting to create 4 bioswales. The
Village continued to effectively engage residents by sharing project
progress at the September Trustees’ Meeting. The project was
positively promoted to the surrounding communities through the Times
Beacon newspaper article dated July 25, 2013. By the close of 2013, the
Village developed a strategy for the 2014 spring monitoring event and
subsequent maintenance activities to achieve vegetative success criteria
set by NYSDEC. In 2014, the Village anticipates to continue working
with NYSDEC, and collaborating with the Town of Brookhaven. In
addition, the Village will continue an active public outreach program to
inform and engage residents on coastal stewardship activities and ways
they can contribute to improving water quality.
Lessons Learned • Inter-municipal coordination and cooperation was key to
gaining project support.
• The project team confirmed that it is essential to involve
regulatory agencies early in the planning and design phase.
• Selecting a general contractor with similar project experience
and positive references who is committed to completing construction
tasks accurately and in a timely manner is essential. Inexperienced
contractor staff will need additional guidance to ensure construction
tasks are completed correctly and efficiently. Effective communication
between the contractor, the Village, and their Consultants is critical for
successful implementation of a project with multidisciplinary tasks.
• Contingency planning and adaptive management are integral
concepts that should be considered pre-construction and be implemented
as needed during construction. For example, uncontrollable factors such
as weather can cause work delays and damage to the project site during
construction. As a result, an additional construction crew may be
needed to stay on schedule and unexpected tasks, such as watering, may
need to be implemented to ensure survival and successful establishment
of delayed wetland plantings.
• The Village has learned that utilizing innovative means for
solving localized flooding and erosion problems can create opportunities
Page 2 of 255
within the Conscience Bay Watershed to improve the water quality,
enhance wildlife habitat, and increase the quality of life for Village
residents.
Conservation Activities Bioswale creation
Progress Measures Square feet of BMP installed
Value at Grant Completion 37,000 square feet
Conservation Activities Install Stormtech infiltration units
Progress Measures # BMPS installed
Value at Grant Completion 35
Conservation Activities Install catch basins with leaching pools
Progress Measures # BMPS installed
Value at Grant Completion 4
Conservation Activities Plant wetland and upland buffer plugs
Progress Measures # Individual plants/trees planted
Value at Grant Completion 15,525
Conservation Activities Plant wetland and upland buffer shrubs and trees
Progress Measures # Individual plants/trees planted
Value at Grant Completion 123
Conservation Activities Village Mayor and Board of Trustees
Progress Measures # public officials involved in activity
Value at Grant Completion 5
Conservation Activities Community volunteers wetland planting
Progress Measures # of volunteers engaged in project
Value at Grant Completion 2
Conservation Activities Water quality sampling by L.I. Water Sentinels
Progress Measures # of volunteers engaged in project
Value at Grant Completion 2
Conservation Activities Village of Old Field, Town of Brookhaven
Progress Measures # of communities engaged in activity
Value at Grant Completion 2
Conservation Activities Project kick-off meeting and post-construction site event
Progress Measures # of workshops, webcasts, webinars, special events, meetings associated with
activity
Value at Grant Completion 2
Conservation Activities Coastal native replacement plantings
Progress Measures Acres of native vegetation planted
Value at Grant Completion 1 acre
Conservation Activities NYSDEC participation in post-construction event
Progress Measures # public officials involved in activity
Value at Grant Completion 3
Conservation Activities Invasive monoculture removed & diverse high value plants installed
Progress Measures % increase and use of habitat by birds
Value at Grant Completion 20
Conservation Activities Removal of invasive plants within project areas
Progress Measures % or acres reduction in invasive species cover
Value at Grant Completion 100% removal within 1 acre
Page 3 of 255
Final Programmatic Report Narrative
Instructions: Save this document on your computer and complete the narrative in the format provided. The final
narrative should not exceed ten (10) pages; do not delete the text provided below. Once complete, upload this document
into the on-line final programmatic report task as instructed.
1. Summary of Accomplishments
In four to five sentences, provide a brief summary of the project’s key accomplishments and outcomes that were observed
or measured.
At the commencement of 2013, the Village effectively transitioned from the planning and design phase to the construction
phase of the Conscience Bay Stormwater Treatment and Wetland Enhancement Project. The Village successfully
coordinated with regulatory agencies and obtained all necessary approvals. The Village put the project out to public bid
and awarded it to a qualified general contractor. Gatz Landscaping completed the initial construction of the project. The
following construction elements were implemented: installation of 4 catch basins at 4 drainage sites; installation of 35
Stormtech infiltration units with associated overflow bubblers and rock aprons; removal of invasive plant species; and site
clearing, grading, and native planting to create 4 bioswales. The Village continued to engage residents by sharing project
progress at the September Trustees’ Meeting. The Village will continue an active public outreach program to inform and
engage residents on coastal stewardship activities and ways they can contribute to improving water quality.
2. Project Activities & Outcomes
Activities
Describe and quantify (using the approved metrics referenced in your grant agreement) the primary activities
conducted during this grant. Activities are the actions that you completed with the grant funding. These
activities helped you achieve the overall goals of your project. For example, acres restored, # installed
rainwater harvesting sites, # of communities or volunteers engaged, data collected and analyzed etc.).
Briefly explain the differences between the activities conducted during the grant and the activities agreed
upon in your grant agreement and proposal.
Conservation Activities: Bioswale creation
Progress: Measures Square feet of BMP installed
Original Value at Grant Completion: 43,000 square feet Completed: 37,000 (difference due to contractor cost*)
Conservation Activities: Install Stormtech infiltration units
Progress Measures: # BMPS installed
Original Value at Grant Completion: 35 Completed: 35
Conservation Activities: Install catch basins with leaching pools
Progress Measures: # BMPS installed
Original Value at Grant Completion: 4 Completed: 4
Conservation Activities: Plant wetland and upland buffer plugs
Progress Measures: # Individual plants/trees planted
Original Value at Grant Completion: 17,075 Completed: 12,525 (difference due to contractor cost*)
Conservation Activities: Plant wetland and upland buffer shrubs and trees
Progress Measures: # Individual plants/trees planted
Original Value at Grant Completion: 149 Completed: 123 (difference due to contractor cost*)
Conservation Activities: Village Mayor and Board of Trustees
Progress Measures: # public officials involved in activity
Original Value at Grant Completion: 5 Completed: 5
Conservation Activities: Girl Scouts wetland planting at Drainage Zone 4 Community volunteers wetland planting
Progress Measures: # of volunteers engaged in project
Original Value at Grant Completion: 14 (minimum) Completed: 2 (difference due to scheduling conflicts)
Page 4 of 255
Conservation Activities: Village of Old Field, Town of Brookhaven
Progress Measures: # of communities engaged in activity
Original Value at Grant Completion: 2 Completed: 2
Conservation Activities: Project kick-off meeting and post-construction site event
Progress Measures: # of workshops, webcasts, webinars, special events, meetings associated with activity
Original Value at Grant Completion: 2 Completed: 2
Conservation Activities: Coastal native replacement plantings
Progress Measures: Acres of native vegetation planted
Original Value at Grant Completion: 1 acre Completed: 1 acre
Conservation Activities: Town of Brookhaven review and NYSDEC participation in post-construction event
Progress Measures: # public officials involved in activity
Original Value at Grant Completion: 4 Completed: 3 (difference due to scheduling conflicts)
Conservation Activities: Invasive monoculture removed & diverse high value plants installed
Progress Measures: % increase and use of habitat by birds
Original Value at Grant Completion :20 Completed: 20
Conservation Activities Removal of invasive plants within project areas
Progress Measures: % or acres reduction in invasive species cover
Value at Grant Completion: 100% removal within 1 acre Completed: 100% removal within 1 acre
*Amendment to project scope approved by NFWF April 25, 2013.
Outcomes
Describe and quantify progress towards achieving the conservation activities described in your original
proposal. (Quantify using the approved metrics referenced in your grant agreement or by using more relevant
metrics not included in the application.) Outcomes are defined as the longer-term or “big picture”
environmental result(s) that you expect will ultimately occur as a result of a particular activity or activities.
For projects with continuing long-term benefits (such as riparian buffer plantings) you may want to estimate
the environmental benefits after a set period of time (say, five years). For studies you should describe the
usefulness of the data to applied resource management or it role in developing new tools or techniques for
applied resource management.
Briefly explain differences between what actually occurred compared to what was projected to occur.
Provide any further information (such as unexpected outcomes) important for understanding project activities
and outcome results.
Goal: Reduce nonpoint source pollution and shoreline erosion due to stormwater runoff by implementing
BMPs including catch basins, infiltration basins, and bioswales to increase detention, filtration, and
infiltration of road runoff.
o Proposal Metric: surface water sampling
o Water quality data for the project vicinity was compiled as a pre-construction baseline reference.
Surface water data collected prior to the first growing season (2014) can be used in the future to
assess whether there has been a measurable improvement in water quality within the project area.
The selected data parameters are associated with stormwater runoff sources (e.g. nitrogen,
phosphorus, fecal coliform). This project was implemented to improve water quality by reducing
concentrations of these parameters from entering Conscience Bay by installing catch basins,
infiltration basins and bioswales in the adjacent buffer areas. By comparing parameter
concentrations over time, inferences may be made regarding project success, as well as, other
possible contributing factors related to changes in overall habitat health.
There was no direct field collection in this phase of the project. Secondary sources of data were
accessed and reviewed, including NYSDEC Bureau of Marine Resources Shellfish Unit and Long
Island Water Sentinels. These two data sources were evaluated and selected during the project
planning phase (2012) based upon the availability of water quality data within the project area
and type of data collected. The collection and review of existing baseline data of quality allows
for a more accurate depiction of trends and correlations related to the progression of project
establishment in years ahead. Data collected was summarized in the post-construction
monitoring report. Additional data collection would be required following the completion of this
Page 5 of 255
construction phase grant project for comparison analysis. It is anticipated that NYSDEC will
continue sampling in support of their Shellfish Growing Area Classification Unit.
o Difference(s) between projected and actual occurrence – The original LI Sentinel volunteers local
to the project area were not able to assist with the proposed sampling. New volunteers were
trained in February and assisted with intermittent sampling during the 2013 growing season. Due
to scheduling conflicts and expired sampling equipment (e.g. test strips), sampling events were
discontinued in the fall of 2013. Data collection may resume in the future depending on funding
and volunteer availability.
o Long-term benefits (2018) – Project installations for stormwater treatment along Old Field Road
will result in reduced runoff volume and improved runoff water quality entering the Conscience
Bay ecosystem. By raising the road surface elevation, drainage patterns will be directed toward
stormwater treatment structures. The catch basins will remove sediment (total suspended solids)
and floatables pollution. The leaching pools and infiltration basins will reduce the stormwater
volume and resultant wetland erosion. The bioswales will additionally reduce the stormwater
volume as well as remove suspended solids, nutrients, and metals. This project will assist in the
recovery of a healthy and functional aquatic habitat, which is currently considered an “impaired
waterbody” by NYSDEC. Improved water quality will lead to a re-evaluation of shellfish
harvesting designations by NYSDEC.
Goal: Enhance the quality of Conscience Bay’s upland buffer and wetland habitat and reduce nutrient loading
through the removal of invasive plants and installation of highly-valued native plantings.
o New Project Metric: plant survivorship and wildlife use
o During project construction approximately 1 acre of buffer habitat between Conscience Bay and
Old Field Road was enhanced by removal of invasive plants and installation of replacement
native plants. Project planting included 123 shrubs and trees, 12,525 wetland plugs, ~15 lbs.
coastal native seed mix, and transplanting of the State-threatened northern gamma grass
(Trypascum dactyloides). Following the initial installation, a post-construction monitoring event
was completed and findings were summarized in a report for agency review. Overall plant
establishment appeared to be progressing well based on visual observation. Fish and dragonflies
were observed in abundance post-construction. A 2014 spring monitoring event is anticipated,
resulting in project area maintenance by the contractor as needed (e.g. inter-planting, invasive
plant re-sprout removal, site cleanup). To meet project permit conditions 85 percent of target
plants must be established within 5 years.
o Difference(s) between projected and actual occurrence – Due to contractor bid costs, the project
scope was amended to eliminate one bioswale (DZ-3). However, the Village did source additional
funding to complete the installation of the infiltration basins, invasive plant removal and native
plant seeding at this location. Plant substitutions were necessary due to lack of nursery stock
availability (likely related to post-Sandy restoration efforts). Comparable plant substitutions were
approved by the Landscape Architect for similar inundation and salt tolerance requirements.
Construction delays due to severe weather conditions resulted in plant installation later than the
optimal spring planting window.
o Long-term benefits (2018) – The bioswale treatment areas will create a natural buffer habitat
between Old Field Road and existing wetland systems of Conscience Bay. These areas will also
serve as wetland migration corridors in the face of rising sea levels. Implementing the invasive
species management plan will significantly improve the existing buffer community incorporating
NYSDOS recommendations for the improvement of habitat for fish, wildlife species and
enhancement of overall wetland values. Transplanting of the existing northern gamma grass
clusters served to protect the existing population and encourage its expansion within the enhanced
buffer community. The Conscience Bay ecosystem hosts a variety of shellfish, fish and avian
species that will benefit from improved water quality and additional wetland and upland habitat.
Goal: Increase landowner appreciation and public stewardship of Conscience Bay as a coastal resource for the
Village of Old Field community through public participation.
o New Project Metric: public meetings and volunteers/stewards
o The Village engaged residents throughout project construction. In the previous planning and
design phase, public presentations during the monthly Trustees meetings informed residents of
Page 6 of 255
the project need and purpose and involved them in the project decision making process. The
Mayor, Trustees, Village staff, and consultants all took part in educating residents throughout
project construction, responding to questions and concerns as needed. Volunteers assisted with
the wetland planting installation. Following the initial construction, a progress presentation was
delivered at the September Trustees Meeting. Continued communication and engagement of
residents will occur throughout the monitoring and maintenance phase.
o Difference(s) between projected and actual occurrence – Due to scheduling conflicts (i.e. weather
construction delays) the Girl Scouts were not available during the week of plant installation;
however, other local volunteers rallied to spend a day assisting with wetland planting. Also, the
post-construction public walkthrough was substituted with a public meeting presentation due to
safety concerns in gathering along the busy Old Field Road while the project areas were still
sensitive to foot traffic during plant establishment.
o Long-term benefits (2018) – Treating runoff is only part of the solution. The second part is
working with Village residents to reduce pollutant sources. The Village will continue to work to
increase public awareness and understanding of the ecological values and functions of
Conscience Bay. Landowner education on environmentally responsible lawn and garden practices
and pet care incorporated into Village meetings will result in reduced nutrient and pathogen
loading in runoff from Old Field Road. Successful implementation of this project will result in a
model for other locally-based projects within the Conscience Bay, Stony Brook and Port
Jefferson Harbor watersheds. As stated by LISS “many small changes will add up to protect the
Sound”.
3. Lessons Learned
Describe the key lessons learned from this project, such as the least and most effective conservation practices or notable
aspects of the project’s methods, monitoring, or results. How could other conservation organizations adapt their projects
to build upon some of these key lessons about what worked best and what did not?
Inter-municipal coordination and cooperation was critical in gaining project support. Opening lines of
communication within the Village and Town was essential.
The project team confirmed that it is essential to involve regulatory agencies early in the planning and design
phase. Presenting concept plans and organizing a site walkthrough with agency representatives resulted in a more
streamlined approval process of the final design plans.
Selecting a general contractor with similar project experience and positive references who is committed to
completing construction tasks accurately and in a timely manner is essential. Inexperienced contractor staff will
need additional guidance to ensure construction tasks are completed correctly and efficiently. Effective
communication between the contractor, the Village, and their consultants is critical for successful implementation
of a project with multidisciplinary tasks.
Contingency planning and adaptive management are integral concepts that should be considered pre-construction
and be implemented as needed during construction. For example, uncontrollable factors such as weather can
cause work delays and damage to the project site during construction. As a result, an additional construction crew
may need to be considered to stay on schedule and unexpected tasks, such as watering, may need to be
implemented to ensure survival and successful establishment of delayed wetland plantings.
The Village has learned that utilizing innovative means for solving localized flooding and erosion problems can
create opportunities within the Conscience Bay Watershed to improve the water quality, enhance wildlife habitat,
and increase the quality of life for Village residents. This multi-faceted approach to water quality improvements
provides grant opportunities that can relieve some of the financial burden on local towns and villages for
implementing these enhancements.
4. Dissemination
Briefly identify any dissemination of lessons learned or other project results to external audiences, such as the public,
governmental agencies, educational entities, scientific, community-based and conservation organizations.
GEI, the Village’s environmental consultant, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Long Island Sound Study’s
Non-point Source and Watersheds work group on February 13, 2013. The presentation highlighted the early
Page 7 of 255
project accomplishments and planning points for future work. The PowerPoint presentation was posted on the
Village website for public access.
The newspaper article “Stormwater project underway at Conscience Bay” was published by the Times Beacon
Record on July 25th 2013, giving an overview of the project purpose and anticipated achievements.
Due to onsite safety concerns and scheduling logistics, a public presentation was organized following substantial
construction completion. GEI presented the post-construction conditions at the September 10, 2013 Trustee’s
Meeting. Assemblyman Steve Englebright and members from the Three Village Historical Society were in
attendance.
An agency walkthrough with NYSDEC and the Town was scheduled for October 17, 2013. Unfortunately the
Town representatives had last minute conflicts. However, NYSDEC representatives Stephanie Larkin, Tidal
Wetland Biologist, and Sarah Deonarine, LISS Stormwater Coordinator, were able to attend. A second agency
walkthrough occurred on October 30, 2013 with Victoria O’Neil, LISS Habitat Restoration Coordinator.
A Post-construction Monitoring Report was distributed in February 2014 to regulating agencies including
NYSDEC and the Town of Brookhaven.
The Village webpage was updated to share project construction progress through a photograph log.
5. Maintenance and Management
Describe specific provisions for long-term maintenance, management and protection, as appropriate, associated with
project (i.e., maintenance of debris-catching devices, LWD jams, or removing blockages etc.)?
Based on the findings of the spring 2014 monitoring event, the general contractor will inter-plant within bioswale areas,
re-seed adjacent areas, and remove invasive re-sprouts within the entire project area as necessary. It is anticipated that
contractor maintenance of the project areas and removal of goose exclusion and erosion control measures will be
completed in 2014.
The bioswales have been designed to be a low-maintenance treatment measure. The plants selected are all natives that are
associated with shoreline restoration and/or stormwater treatment. An Invasive Species Management Plan has been
prepared for Old Field Road. Implementation of the plan involves removal of invasive plant re-sprouts within the
bioswale areas which will assure the long term functionality of the bioswale areas. The Village will assume the task of
invasive plant management within the project areas. Volunteer stewards may also perform invasive plant removal and
debris cleanup, with prior authorization from the Village.
The Village will perform annual inspections and clean out of all catch basin units. Catch basin maintenance will assure
that the systems are working at full capacity. The infiltration units are designed as no-maintenance structures.
6. Partners:
Describe the contribution of any partnering organization to the project or new partnerships that were developed as a result
of the project?
The Town of Brookhaven partnered with the Village of Old Field in allowing project construction on two (2) of the
Town’s shoreline properties. The Town Board approved a Resolution (No. 2012-107) in support of this project on January
19, 2012.
The Village still anticipates partnering with Girl Scout Troop #91 in future project maintenance efforts, including inter-
planting and invasive plant removal.
7. Project Documents
Include in your final programmatic report, via the Uploads section of this task, the following:
2-5 representative photos from the project. Photos need to have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi;
report publications, GIS data, brochures, videos, outreach tools, press releases, media coverage;
any other project deliverables per the terms of your grant agreement and in your original proposal.
Page 8 of 255
POSTING OF FINAL REPORT: This report and attached project documents may be shared by the Foundation and any
Funding Source for the Project via their respective websites. In the event that the Recipient intends to claim that its final
report or project documents contains material that does not have to be posted on such websites because it is protected
from disclosure by statutory or regulatory provisions, the Recipient shall clearly mark all such potentially protected
materials as “PROTECTED” and provide an explanation and complete citation to the statutory or regulatory source for
such protection.
Page 24 of 255
Post-Construction Monitoring Report
Conscience Bay Stormwater Improvement & Wetland Enhancement Project Village of Old Field, New York
Submitted to: Village of Old Field Old Field Road Old Field, NY 11733
Submitted by: GEI Consultants, Inc., P. C. 110 Walt Whitman Road Huntington Station, NY 11746 631-760-9300
January 2014 Project 1321480 Erin Brosnan Restoration Ecologist
Geotechnical Environmental
Water Resources Ecological
Page 25 of 255
Post-Construction Monitoring Report Conscience Bay Stormwater Improvement & Wetland Enhancement Project Village of Old Field, New York January 2014
GEI Consultants, Inc., P. C. i
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ii
1. Introduction 1 1.1 Background / Project Need 1 1.2 Project Goals & Objectives 2
2. Pre-Construction Activities 4 2.1 Site Assessment & Design 4 2.2 Planning 4
3. Construction Activities 6
4. Post-Construction Activities 8 4.1 Site Monitoring 8 4.2 Site Maintenance 9 4.3 Public & Agency Outreach 10
5. Water Quality Data Review 12 5.1 Data Collection 12 5.2 Dataset Summary 13
6. Conclusion 14 6.1 Accomplishments 14 6.2 Lessons Learned 14
Figure 1. Project Location Map
Appendices A. Photo Log B. Permits & Town Resolution C. Public Outreach – Meeting Agenda, Newspaper Article D. Water Quality Data
EB:gd H:\WPROC\Project\Village of Old Field\VOF Report 1-22-14.docx
Page 26 of 255
Post-Construction Monitoring Report Conscience Bay Stormwater Improvement & Wetland Enhancement Project Village of Old Field, New York January 2014
GEI Consultants, Inc., P. C. ii
Executive Summary
Conscience Bay is a vital ecological and heritage location on Long Island’s north shore, lying partially within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Village of Old Field. However, over the years the ecological quality of the Bay has been impacted partly due to increased development around the Bay and input from associated stormwater runoff. The Village of Old Field’s Conscience Bay Stormwater Treatment and Wetland Enhancement Project focuses on four major drainage areas along Old Field Road that discharge directly into the Bay. The Village of Old Field was awarded two grants under the 2010 and 2012 Long Island Futures Fund for project planning and design phase and the project construction phase, respectfully. The project scope included the installation of 35 subsurface infiltration units connecting to 4 curbside catch basins, and the creation of 4 bioswales to receive and treat the overflow during severe storm events. This project aims to reduce stormwater velocity and volume through detention and infiltration, and improve water quality through filtration of floatables, sediments, nutrients, metals, and oils. Removal of invasive plants and replacement with coastal natives has provided an improved buffer habitat between the road and Bay, to increase the wetland mitigation corridor.
Final project design was completed by Hayduk Engineering LLC (HE) and GEI Consultants, Inc., P. C. (GEI) in February 2013. All permit approvals were obtained by March 2013. The Construction contract was awarded to Gatz Landscaping Inc. and the initial construction phase commenced in May 2013. Construction activities included site clearing, invasive plant removal, excavation, re-grading, infiltration unit installation with rock lined overflow outlets, wetland plug and shrub planting, seeding, and installation of goose exclusion and sediment control barriers. Delays during the construction phase encountered weather related impacts with near record-breaking rainfall in June and a heat wave in July. The post-construction monitoring event was conducted following completion of the plant installation phase. On August 14, 2013, GEI Ecologists assessed the project areas and observed positive signs of plant establishment overall, noting specific plants that appeared stressed, and saw no evidence of significant erosion or invasive plant re-sprouting. A second monitoring event is planned for spring 2014 to determine plant survival and quantify replacement plant needs, as well as, re-seeding or other site maintenance requirements to be performed by the Contractor.
The Village hosted a public presentation of project status at the September 2013 Trustee’s Meeting, including a resident question and answer (Q&A) session. In October 2013, GEI and HE led a project site walkthrough for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) representatives. The Village is planning a follow-up presentation for residents, as well as a walkthrough with the Town of Brookhaven in 2014. Additionally, water quality data collected by NYSDEC and Long Island Water Sentinels was obtained and
Page 27 of 255
Post-Construction Monitoring Report Conscience Bay Stormwater Improvement & Wetland Enhancement Project Village of Old Field, New York January 2014
GEI Consultants, Inc., P. C. iii
compiled in 2013 as pre-construction baseline reference data for future use as a project evaluation tool.