DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is conducting a study in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to evaluate a potential coastal storm risk management project in and surrounding tidal portions of the Passaic River, New Jersey. A Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) for the study was executed between the USACE and NJDEP on October 28, 2014.
The purpose of the study is to determine if the Passaic Tidal project remains economically justifiable, technically feasible, and environmentally acceptable. A study of water resource problems in the Passaic River watershed was first authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936. Reports recommending plans of action issued in 1939, 1948, 1962, 1969, 1972, and 1973. In October 1976, Congress authorized the Passaic River Basin Study in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1976. A 1987 General Design Memorandum (GDM) and 1995 GDM presented preliminary designs for the project. The GDMs recommended a plan that included tidal levees/floodwalls for the tidally-influenced and surge-prone areas in the lower Passaic and Hackensack Rivers, and Newark Bay, New Jersey in portions of Newark, Kearny and Harrison, New Jersey.
The study area experiences damages from flooding due to storm surge caused by coastal storms such as hurricanes and nor’easters. The USACE has identified an opportunity to manage coastal storm risk to residents, property, and infrastructure in the area. The study team is investigating the feasibility of constructing the authorized project, and needed modifications due to changed conditions in the study area. In the 20 years since the 1995 GDM was drafted, conditions have changed, and engineering standards and criteria have been updated based on lessons learned from major storm events. Changes in study area conditions, post-hurricane resiliency work, updated economic forecasting, and new engineering and analyses will inform the team’s analysis.
A general reevaluation report will be a final response to the study authority. It will present updated project costs, benefits, and NEPA documentation used to determine if the project is still economically justifiable, technically feasible, and environmentally acceptable. It will provide a recommendation for Federal participation in a coastal storm risk management project that will be economically justified and environmentally acceptable.
AUTHORIZATION: The Passaic Tidal area is part of the larger Passaic River Main Stem project, which was authorized for construction by Section 101(a)(18) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1990, as amended by Section 101(a)(18)(ii) of WRDA 1992, Section 102(p) of WRDA 1992, and Section 327(i) of WRDA 2000:
In general. --The project for flood control, Passaic River Main Stem, New Jersey and New York: Report of the Chief of Engineers, dated February 3, 1989, except that the main diversion tunnel shall be extended to include the outlet to Newark Bay, New Jersey, at a total cost of $1,200,000,000, with an estimated first Federal cost of $890,000,000 and an estimated first non–Federal cost of $310,000,000.
Interest in the project was given by the newly-formed New Jersey Station Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission in February 2010. The commission recommended reevaluation of the study in a March 2011 to the USACE. The reevaulation study was underway when Hurricane Sandy severely impacted the study area in October 2012. The storm’s tidal surge inundated the southern portion of the Main Stem project area. The Tidal Protection Area was included in the Second Interim Report to Congress in response to P.L. 113-2, listing it as eligible to be managed as its own separate project. The reevaluation study is funded for completion via P.L. 113-2.
STATUS: The larger Passaic River Main Stem Project, which included the Tidal Protection Area, was authorized in 1990 and design work was underway until 1995. At the request of NJDEP, the District began a reevaluation Passaic River Main Stem Project in June 2012. In June 2013, the Tidal Protection Area was included in Army Corps’ Second Interim Report to Congress in response to the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (the Sandy Relief Bill, or Public Law 113-2), listing it as eligible to be managed as its own separate project and receive funding from Public Law 113-2. The District initiated a limited reevaluation study to update the projects costs, benefits, and NEPA documentation to determine of the project is still economically justifiable and environmentally acceptable.
The local sponsor for the project is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) was executed on 28 October 2014. NJ is currently assessing support on the project elements before issuing the draft report.
CONTACT:
Ms. Florence W. Mak, P.E., P.M.P.
Project Manager, Civil Works Branch
Phone: (917) 790-8579
florence.w.mak@usace.army.mil
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: NJ-08 and NJ-10
Current as of September 2016