By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Shoreham Deep Water Port Project

KC was engaged to perform surveying and engineering services in support of a Governor’s Office initiative to provide a feasibility study for developing a proposed deep water port at the abandoned nuclear power plant site in Shoreham, Suffolk County, NY.

Survey tasks included setting horizontal and vertical control for a photogrammetric survey of the 125 +/- acre plant site area and bathymetric survey of the one-mile channel servicing the original power plant site. Additional tasks included providing primary control azimuth pairs to NYSDOT specs, ROW determination of bounds of Old County Road, topographic mapping of the 800 +/- surrounding project limits, and research/plotting of the LIPA and National Grid parcels defining the project limits and utility corridors serving the plant site.

KC is now involved in the feasibility study associated with the project. This study has been undertaken to determine if a deep-water port could reduce truck trips and traffic congestion on Long Island and Metro-New York roadways. Various components of a deep-water port have been factored into this feasibility study, namely site access requirements and improvements, linkages to existing transportation facilities, nautical configurations, operator interest, capital expenditures, maintenance costs, market forecasts, funding mechanisms, jurisdictional authority, permit requirements, potential environmental impacts, and construction effects.

Four feasible port planning scenario concepts have been formulated; a preferred concept has not been articulated as further analysis and the implementation of a public involvement program in a subsequent study phase would be needed to identify a preferred scenario concept.

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • 0 Comments

What type of equipment do surveyors use?

Land surveying is one of the oldest professions in the world, dating back to ancient times. Surveying illuminates the features of a property, outlines property boundaries, locates underground utility lines, and so much more. So what type of equipment do surveyors usually take out into the field? We decided to ask our survey crew and here is what they had to say:

“What an interesting question because it can be interpreted in different ways. Does it mean the survey equipment we utilize or is it the clothes and features we wear on a daily basis? I guess we can account for both ends of the spectrum because surveying equipment and our own personal equipment go hand in hand.

We’ll start with our basic personal equipment. Unfortunately, as surveyors, we are constantly in the field so our attire isn’t always office appropriate. Whether it’s a ragged shirt with torn jeans or a t-shirt with holes, our field attire is not really ideal to wear in a professional office environment. The same could be said for wearing nice, respectable clothing while performing fieldwork. No one wants to survey in khakis and a button down shirt. That’s why we always keep a spare change of work clothes, just in case we do need to perform fieldwork in an emergency. This means we can dress respectably in the office and still have the option to change into field clothes.

As far as personal gear, safety is always a priority. We constantly keep our orange vests in our packs as well as our hard hats and boots. Using proper footwear while surveying in the field is essential. There’s a lot of standing and walking, so a good pair of boots goes far. Additionally, we may have our own tool belts as well as safety glasses. Again, safety is always a top priority so you’ll always find these either in our backpacks or survey truck.

Shorts are not a recommended item of clothing because half the time we’re walking through tall brush and need to be cognizant of ticks. You’ll also find bug spray, sunblock, and sanitary hand wipes. Some other items you may find are a magnetic compass, a small mini reflector prism, and a 25-foot steel tape.

As far as the typical surveying equipment, there are our surveying instruments:

  • The Nikon Nivo 2C; and
  • The Leica TCRA 1103 Plus robotic instrument.

These are the two instruments used by the field crews on a daily basis for collecting data. However, the instruments are always brought inside at day’s end and are never left in the survey truck. Tripods, prism poles, and various other tools can be found in the bed of the survey truck.

All of these items get used in different ways but are essential to performing the duties of a surveyor."

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Wappingers Falls Conditions and Asbestos Field Survey Project

In October 2015, KC and its subcontractor performed condition and asbestos field survey work and a report in preparation for building demolition at 2694 West Main Street. Asbestos-containing materials were found. The multi-family residential structure with attached garage was demolished, which included necessary asbestos abatement prior to demolition. The vacant parcel was transferred to the Village by the owner upon completion of the demolition.

In January 2017, KC and its subcontractor performed condition and asbestos survey field work and a report in preparation for building demolition at 2696 West Main Street. Asbestos-containing materials were found. The Village owns this parcel and is now pursuing building demolition of the main building, which is a multi-family residential structure and an accessory building that includes additional residential units and a garage. Demolition will involve necessary asbestos abatement.

The demolition work at both 2694 and 2696 West Main Street is in preparation for the future Franny Reese Park site adjacent to Wappinger Lake and the Village of Wappingers Falls Dam, and detailed design for the park is currently underway.

At 2696 West Main Street, there is also a brick building, which will not be demolished as it will be retained as a design feature at the entrance to the new park.

For both sites, KC performed inspections, prepared reports, developed cost estimates, and obtained quotes for the demolition. KC also performed inspection services during the demolition of 2694 West Main Street.