Hudson River Habitat Restoration Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment

As part of the effort to restore the vital river ecosystem of the Hudson River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District contracted Princeton Hydro to study the feasibility of the Hudson River Habitat Restoration. The primary objectives of this project included restoring a mosaic of interconnected, large river habitats and restoring lost connectivity between the Hudson River and adjacent ecosystems.

Princeton Hydro prepared the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment, which reviewed and designed conceptual restoration plans for eight sites in open space/public park areas along the Hudson River:

1. Henry Hudson Park: Living shoreline and tidal wetland creation (3.6 acres)
2. Schodack Island State Park: Side channel and tidal wetlands (11.4 acres) and tidal wetlands restoration (17.5 acres)
3. Binnen Kill: Wetland restoration (~107 acres) and wetland creation (~47 acres)
4. Charles Rider Park: Tidal wetland restoration
5. Rondout Creek: Eddyville Dam removal
6. Moodna Creek (3 sites):
   1. Sewer utility line removal
   2. Firth Cliff Dam removal
   3. Orr’s Mill Dam partial removal

These eight sites were evaluated using topographic surveys, installation and monitoring of tide gauges, evaluation of dam and fish barrier infrastructure, and field data collection and analysis to support Evaluation of Planned Wetlands (EPW) and Habitat Suitability Indices (HSI) functional assessment models. Sea level rise was incorporated into our EPW to ensure the long-term sustainability of future shoreline designs and resilience to a rising sea. Literature reviews were also completed for geotechnical, hazardous toxicity, radioactive waste, and aquatic organism passage measures.

Multiple alternatives for each of the eight sites were created in addition to the preparation of conceptual designs, quantity take-offs, and cost estimates for construction, monitoring, adaptive management, and long-term operation and maintenance activities. For each site, Princeton Hydro prepared an Environmental Assessment in accordance with NEPA standards, which characterized existing conditions, environmental impacts of the preferred Proposed Action and No Action Alternatives, and regional cumulative environmental impacts.

The Princeton Hydro team developed a Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan (MAMP) which includes a description of monitoring activities, the criteria for success, and the estimated costs and duration of monitoring needed. This effective monitoring program was developed to assess the status and trends of ecological health, biota richness, and abundance. The plan also includes assessing status and trends for spatial and temporal variations. Data collected under this monitoring plan will provide insights into the effectiveness of current restoration projects and adaptive management strategies, and indicate where goals have been met, if actions should continue, and/or whether more aggressive management is warranted.