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RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY, NEW JERSEY FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION

Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey Draft Reevaluation Report Beach Fill Renourishment (Section 506 of WRDA 1996)

Volume 2: Draft Environmental Assessment and Environmental Appendices

|"C3"1 US Army Corps of Engineers New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection New York District

November 2007 RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Laurence Harbor , Project Area

j NOVEMBER 2007

Prepared by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District 26 Federal Plaza New York, New York 10278-0090 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY

November 2007

Prepared By:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District 26 Federal Plaza New York, NY 10278-0090 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Study Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District (District), is currently evaluating the feasibility to provide beach renourishment to restore a previously authorized and constructed shore and hurricane protection to residential, commercial, and recreational resources in the Borough of Keansburg and the East Keansburg community of Middletown Township, Monmouth County, and the Laurence Harbor area of Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey (Study Area). Hurricanes, northeasters,, and extratropical storms have historically damaged homes, roads, commercial structures, shorefronts, beaches, and dunes throughout the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay (RBSHB) shore area. Erosion of the previously designed and constructed beach (both long-term erosion and periodic storm-induced erosion) and the lack of long-term shore protection measures such as periodic beach renourishments have resulted in the deterioration of the widths of beachfronts in the Study Area. Consequently, there has been a reduction in the capability of Project Area beaches to provide long-term protection to development from hurricanes and severe storms such as northeasters. In addition, the threat of future storms in this area of reduced beach widths poses a danger.to residents.

The District has conducted this Draft Environmental Assessment (EA), according to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in order to evaluate the potential impacts associated with the restoration of the previously constructed beach .berm, and renourishment of the beach area on a periodic basis to reduce the threat of potential damages to private, commercial, and public properties caused by future hurricanes and severe storms. Impacts from utilizing sand from the borrow area have been previously covered in a generic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the borrow.site (USACE 1989; USACE 1995).

The Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Study, was originally authorized for construction as part of the RBSHB Project, New Jersey, in the Flood Control Act of October 23, 1962, in accordance with House Document Number 464, 87th Congress, Second Session. The authorized project provided for construction of shore protection in various sections of the shoreline along RBSHB, including Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor. However, while the project included construction activities for these areas, it did not provide for Federal participation , in follow-up protection activities such as periodic beach renourishments. Federal participation in construction in the Study Area terminated upon the completion of the Keansburg portion in 1973.

Continued erosion of the shoreline has resulted in narrowed beachfront areas and a reduction in the protective capability of the beaches. Accordingly, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) requested a re-evaluation of the need to provide beach erosion and storm damage protection at the Study Area. Consequently, pursuant to the 1976

HiN^Iilll RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY

: . KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ES-i Draft Environmental Assessment Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) Section 156, the 1986 WRDA Section 934, and the 1996 WRDA Section 506, the USACE was reauthorized to evaluate the feasibility and interest of continuing Federal participation/investment in periodic renourishment of the previously designed and constructed beach berms in the Project Area. This involvement would extend for a period of. up to 50 years from the initiation of construction of the original project beaches, or to year 2018 for Keansburg and East Keansburg, and to year 2015 for Laurence Harbor.

The selected plan for the Keansburg and East Keansburg area provides for restored renourishment of the original storm damage reduction features of the authorized project (25-foot minimum dune width at +15.8 ft National Geodetic Vertical Datum [NGVD] elevation and 80 ft berm width at +11.8 ft NGVD elevation) through 2018, which covers two (at five years apart) renourishment operations (2009 and 2014) for the 14,400 feet (ft) of shoreline at Keansburg and East Keansburg. This renourishment plan restores the function of the constructed line of . protection; comprised of levees and a dune section^ and while periodic renourishment is required to protect the dune and prevent tidal inundation, this plan yields the maximum net benefits over cost in accordance with USACE budgetary policy.

Material for construction arid periodic renourishrhent for the project at Keansburg and East Keansburg will be obtained from a previously authorized and permitted offshore source known as the Sea Bright Borrow Area. The first construction quantity is approximately 2,103,000 cubic yards (cy). The second renourishment quantity is approximately 471,000 cy.

For purposes of economic analysis for this report, project economics and cost for consistency were both developed at the October 2006 price levels. The estimated total project cost, which includes the cost to construct the first renourishment operation in 2009 and the second in 2014 at Keansburg and East Keansburg is $39,825,000 ($25,886,000 Federal / $13,939,000 non- Federal). The estimated cost to construct the first renourishment operation is $32,464,000 ($21,102,000 Federal / $11,3,62,000 non-Federal): The estimated cost to construct the second renourishment operations is $7,361,000 ($4,785,000 Federal / $2,576,000 non-Federal). The estimated annual cost including interest, amortization and future renourishment is $3,770,000 with total annual benefits of $8,528,000 (including $4,758,000 in net benefits). The benefit to cost ratio for the Keansburg to East Keansburg area is 2.3 to 1.

The selected plan for the Laurence Harbor area provides for restored renourishment of the western section of the original storm damage reduction features of the authorized project (25- foot minimum dune width at +16.8 ft NGVD elevation) through 2015, which covers the first renourishment operation in 2010 and a second renourishment operation in 2015, for the 3,000 feet of shoreline at Laurence Harbor. This renourishment plan restores the function of the constructed line of protection of a dune section and while periodic renourishment is required to protect the dune and prevent tidal inundation and wave attack, this plan yields the maximum nef benefits over cost in accordance with USACE budgetary policy. The selected plan for Laurence Harbor is not economically justified and any action in Laurence Harbor will be deferred until the future reformulation study. "

RARITXN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG^ EAST KEANSBURG^ AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ES-ii Draft Environmental Assessment For purposes of economic analysis for this report, project economics and cost for consistency were both developed at the October 2006 price levels. The estimated total project cost, which includes the cost to construct the first renourishment operation in 2010 and the second partial renourishment in 2015 at Laurence Harbor is $12,828,000 ($8,338,000 Federal / $4,490,000 non- Federal). The estimated cost to construct the first renourishment operation is $11,669,000 ($7,585,000 Federal / $4,084,000 non-Federal). The estimated cost to construct the second renourishment operation is $1,159,000 ($753,000 Federal/$406,000 non-Federal). The estimated annual cost including interest, amortization and future renourishment is $347,000 with total annual benefits of $261,000. The benefit to cost ratio for the Laurence Harbor area is 0.8 to 1. The project will not be constructed at Laurence Harbor since it is not economically justified.

Guidance outlined in Planning Guidance Letter (PGL) 22 recommends that the renourishment operations cover a period less than the maximum authorized under Section 506. For purposes of economic analysis, it was necessary to develop project benefits and costs for the complete project (2 operations in Keansburg and East Keansburg, and 2 operations in Laurence Harbor). In the spirit of PGL 22, the project will only include one renourishment operation at Keansburg and East Keansburg in 2009. The . total estimated cumulative construction cost of the recommended renourishment plan at Keansburg, East Keansburg is $33,646,000 ($21,870,000 Federal/$ 11,776,000 non-Federal). '

Federally-listed species identified near the Keansburg and Laurence Harbor Study Areas include the federally-listed threatened piping plover {Chdradrius melodus) (known to occur within approximately 5.5 miles) and a federally-listed threatened plant, the seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) (known to occur within 8.0 miles) (Staples 2001). No federal-listed threatened or endangered species are known to occur in the Study Areas, other than occasional transient bald eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The state-listed endangered least tern {Sterna antillarum) has been known to occur in the Laurence Harbor Study Area (Bredeh 2000b). Benefits to piping plovers, least terns, and seabeach amaranth may result from implementation of the selected plan. The construction of a wider beach may create new nesting habitat for the piping plover, least tern, and other shorebirds, as well as habitat for seabeach amaranth. In response to recommendations from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the District will conduct annual surveys for protected shorebirds and plants for the first three years following construction and each renourishment. The District would also coordinate with USFWS regarding listed species. Informal consultations would occur and if necessary formal consultation under the Endangered Species Act.

The selected plan is expected to have a direct, short-term impact oh benthic resources. Beach renourishment is expected to smother benthic organisms causing their mortality. However, this impact is expected to be temporary and limited to the placement area during construction phase. The recovery of benthic resources to pre-construction conditions is expected to begin immediately after the placement of sand, and communities are expected to become reestablished within a 3-6 month period (USACE 1999). A benthic monitoring plan will be conducted to quantify benthic recovery rates and the composition of the recolonized benthic community.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG^ EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ES-iii Draft Environmental Assessment Overall, no significant or cumulative impacts are anticipated as a result of the construction of the selected plan. Due to scheduled renourishment, periodic impact will be on a limited basis.

The selected plan is expected to cause short-term, localized increase in surface water turbidity and push the subtidal and intertidal zones further offshore. Smothered sessile shellfish are expected to colonize the new substrate rapidly from the surrounding areas (Wilber and Clarke 1998). Short-term reduction in shellfish feeding efficiency and localized mortality would be offset by the overall benefit of addition of a high quality benthic substrate material. In addition, implementation of the selected plan can provide benefits to navigation. The burial of wood pilings can be considered a benefit to navigation safety. Once buried, these structures would lose the ability to dislodge and become floating hazards to recreational boats and commercial vessels. The selected plan may benefit horseshoe crabs, which are an important food source for several, species of migratory birds (one of which, the Red Knot, has been proposed for Federal List) along the Atlantic migratory pathway. A wider, sandy beach and improved intertidal habitat conditions may provide more suitable spawning habitat for the horseshoe crab, thus potentially increasing prey resources available for consumption by migratory birds. It is well documented that the timing of the spring migration for many species is linked to the spawning activity of the horseshoe crab (Brady and Schrading 1997). Based oh the variables identified in the USFWS's Habitat Suitability Index Model for the horseshoe crab, the selected.plan will result in increased suitability of the beach area for horseshoe crab spawning (Brady and Schrading 1997).

Furthermore, a much larger and wider sandy beach created by the construction of the selected plan should provide more roosting habitat for wintering waterfowl and may increase the amount of potential nesting habitat for shorebirds, including the Federally and state-listed piping plover and least tern.

The implementation of the selected plan will provide immediate and long-term benefit to the existing dune ecosystem at the Study Area. These dunes, that represent a habitat unique within the RBSHB estuary, are currently experiencing erosion during each high tide and excessive erosion during storm events. ,

The allocation of federal, state, and local funds to this project is considered to provide an environmental justice benefit for the low-income and lower-than-average-income populations living in the Study Area. The construction of the selected plan will have a positive effect on the local population by reducing costs associated with storm and water damage, as well as costs incurred from temporary relocation during and after storm events.

Finally, Threatened & Endangered species monitoring program is proposed. The components of this program will include identification of aquatic resource recovery rates, pre-, during and post- construction surveys for either the presence or absence of piping plovers and seabeach amaranth, and success of dune vegetation.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ES-iv Draft Environmental Assessment For further information regarding this Draft Environmental Assessment, please contact:

Ms. Brandi Sloss Project Environmental Manager CENAN-PL-EA - 26 Federal Plaza ' New York, New York 10278-0090 Phone: 917-790-8613. ^ Fax: 212-264-0961 E-mail: [email protected]

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-A"j: , RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY -"'jy11'1- HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . . • . . ' KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ES-v - Draft Environmental Assessment /

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RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY ES-yi Draft Environmental Assessment Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Study Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section ' .. •" Page

List of Abbreviations and ACRONYMS . . .v

1.0 INTRODUCTION... .. : .....v...,...... 1 1.1 STUDY AREA ...... 1 1.2 ORIGINAL PROJECT AND STUDY AUTHORIZATION...... : < 5 1.3 PURPOSE AND NEED ...... *. 6 1.4 PROPOSED ACTION ...... 6

2.0 ALTERNATIVES 1...... 8 2.1 RENOURISHMENT ALTERNATIVES... .8 2.2 No-ACTION ALTERNATIVE..: . ..9

2.3 SELECTED PLAN ...... 4 ...... 9 2.4 MONITORING AND MITIGATION...... 11

3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ..12 3.1 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS...... 12 3.2 BORROW AREAS ..13 3.3 WATER RESOURCES ...... 13 3.3.1 Regional Hydrogeology and Groundwater Resources ....13 3.3.2 Surface Water 14 3.3.3 Tidal Influences . ..15 3.4 COASTAL PROCESSES .. .-. ....16 3.5 VEGETATION 17 3.5.1 Wetlands 17 3.5.2 Uplands ...... 18 3.6 WILDLIFE 19 3.6.1 Finfish and Shellfish. .! ...... 19 3.6.2 Benthic Resources.... 22 3.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 24 3.6.4 Birds 24 3.6.5 Mammals .....28 3.7 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES...... 28 3.7.1 Federal Species of Concern ....28 3.7.2 State Species of Concern 29 3.8 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT 32

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 i Draft Environmental Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Section _ • ' Page

3.9 SOCIOECONOMICS ...... 34 3.9.1 Population ...... 34 3.9.2 Housing . • . . 35 3.9.3 Economy and Incpme ..35 3.9.4 Environmental Justice. ...36 3.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES 37 3.10.1 Native American Prehistory Overview 37 3.10.2 Historic Period Overview 37 3.10.3 Known Cultural Resources...... 39 3.11 LAND USE AND ZONING 40 3.12 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT...... 42 3.13 HAZARDOUS, TOXIC, AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE (HTRW) 43 3.14 NAVIGATION .....43 3.15 AESTHETICS AND SCENIC RESOURCES 43 3.16 RECREATION... 44 3.17 TRANSPORTATION.. '. 45 3.18 AIR QUALITY 45 3.19 NOISE 46

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 47 4.1 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS...... 47

4.2 OFFSHORE BORROW AREAS ...... :.;....t; .. 47 4.3 WATER RESOURCES 48 4.3.1 Regional Hydrogeoldgy and Groundwater Resources .48 4.3.2 Surface Water.. ... 48 4.3.3 Tidal Influences 49 .4.4 COASTAL PROCESSES. . 49 4.5 VEGETATION ..50 4.5.1 Wetlands ...50 4.5.2 Uplands ; .50 4.6 WILDLIFE . 51 4.6.1 Finfish and Shellfish ..51 4.6.2 Benthic Resources 52 4.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians 53 4.6.4 Birds 54 4.6.5 Mammals ..55

miidiiiii RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 ii Draft Environmental Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Section • . . : Page

4.7 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ; 55 4.7.1 Federal Species of Concern ...... 55 4.7.2 State Species of Concern . 56 4.8 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT . 56 4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS ...... 57 4.9.1 Population . , 57 4.9.2 Housing ; 57 4.9.3 Economy and Income 58 4.9.4 Environmental Justice...... 59 4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES .....59 4.10.1 Study Effects on Cultural Resources ...... 59 4.10.2 Further Analysis of Study Effects 60 4.11 LAND USE AND ZONING -....60 4.12 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT 61 4.13 HAZARDOUS, TOXIC, AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE (HTRW)...... 62 4.14 NAVIGATION 62 4.15 AESTHETICS AND SCENIC RESOURCES ....63 4.16 RECREATION 63 4.17 TRANSPORTATION . 64 4.18 AIR QUALITY 64 4.19 NOISE...... 65 4.20 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS...... 65

5.0 COORDINATION L.. 68 6.0 REFERENCES ...... 69

7.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 79

LIST OF EA FIGURES

EA Figure EA Page

EA FIGURE 1. SITE LOCATION MAP 3

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG^ EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 Hi Draft Environmental Assessment LIST OF EA TABLES

EA Table EA Page

EA TABLE 1. FINFISH AND SHELLFISH SPECIES OCCURRING IN THE INTERTIDAL AND NEARSHORE WATERS NEAR KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NJ 21

EATABLE 2. DOMINANT BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SPECIES COLLECTED IN THE INTERTIDAL AND NEARSHORE WATERS NEAR KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NJ...;. . .23

EA TABLE 3. COMMON BIRD SPECIES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE KEANSBURG AND LAURENCE HARBOR BEACH STUDY AREAS...... 26

EA TABLE 4. STATE LISTED RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING IN THE KEANSBURG AND LAURENCE HARBOR STUDY AREAS .30

EA TABLE 5. EFH DESIGNATED SPECIES AND LIFE STAGES IN THE KEANSBURG AND LAURENCE HARBOR STUDY AREAS...... 33

LIST OF EA APPENDICES

EA Appendix:

EA Appendix A Mailing List

EA Appendix B Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Analysis

EA Appendix C USFWS Draft Section 2B Coordination Act Report

EA Appendix D Essential Fish Habitat Assessment - Pre-Final Report

EA Appendix E Coastal Zone Management Consistency Statement .

EA Appendix F Clean Air Act Statement of Conformity

EA Appendix G Cultural Resources

EA Appendix H Unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact

lim^nill RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ==5=EE3 HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY / KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 , iv Draft Environmental Assessment LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

APE Area(s) of Potential Effect B.P. Before Present CAFRA Coastal Area Facility Review Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations cy Cubic Yards dBA "A"-weighted Decibel District New York District

DO Dissolved.Oxygen N . EA , Environmental Assessment . • i EFH Essential Fish Habitat . EIS Environmental Impact Statement ER Engineering Regulation ft Foot or Feet ft/yr Feet per Year FW2-NT/SE1 State of New Jersey Surface Water Quality Classification - Water Suitable for Primary and Secondary Contact Recreation HTRW Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste HwB Hooksan Sand HSI Habitat Suitability Index ' ; ' • - KeB Keyport Sandy Loam KfD Keyport Loam

Ldn Day-Night Noise Level LPIL Lowest Possible Identification Level MCBCF Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders MCPB Monmouth County Planning Board MCPS Monmouth County Parks System mcy million cubic yards Mg/L Milligram/Liter MLW Mean Low Water MSL Mean Sea level ' . . mm millimeter NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NACP Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum NHP Natural Heritage Program NHPA National Historic Preservation Act N.J A.C. New Jersey Administrative Code NJAS New Jersey Audubon Society , NJDEP New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection NJDEPE New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy NJSA New Jersey State Act NJSR New Jersey State Register NMFS National-Marine Fisheries Service

JlLaUJ.I. RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY iiinjiim HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 Draft Environmental Assessment LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONOYMS (continued)

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPvHP National Register of Historic PJaces PAH Polynucleararomatic Hydrocarbon PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls PFO Palustrine Forested Wetland PM10 Respirable Particulate Matter > • PN Psamments PPt Parts Per Thousand Study Proposed Beach Improvement Study Along the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Shorelines at Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey PW Psamments, Waste Substratum RASO Rutgers Archaeological Survey Office i RBSHB Raritan Bay - Sandy Hook Bay SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer ss Sulfaquents and Sulfihemists (in Monmouth County) su Sulfaquents and Sulfihemists (in Middlesex County) UD Udorthents-Urban Land Complex Micro-gram/Liter USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USBC United States Bureau of Census USDA-NRCS United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service USDOI United States Department of Interior - USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Services USGS United States Geological Survey WRDA Water Resource Development Act . YOY Young-of-the-Year

111 «%„.lll „ illljAiim RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY =S§E=3 HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY - KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 W Draft Environmental Assessment 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Hurricanes, northeasters, and extfatropical storms have historically impacted homes, roads, commercial structures, shorefronts, beaches, and dunes located along the shoreline of Raritan and Sandy Hook bays, including the communities of Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey. These recurrent storms cause damage to properties and pose a danger to residents. A primary mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District (District) is to evaluate, and if warranted, provide solutions to reduce damages caused by hurricanes and severe storm events.

This Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's Guidance Regarding NEPA Regulations, and the USACE's Procedures for Implementing NEPA (Engineering Regulation [ERJ-200-2-2). It is intended to evaluate potential beneficial and adverse ecological, cultural, and social impacts that may result from the implementation of the selected plan along the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay (RBSHB) shorelines at Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey (EA Figure 1).

The RBSHB, Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Study, Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor (Study Areas), New Jersey, reevaluates beach erosion control and hurricane protection measures that the USACE, in partnership the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), previously built along the shoreline of Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, New Jersey. This Study focuses on the feasibility of implementing periodic beach renourishment to reestablish and maintain the integrity of the previously designed and constructed beach berm. Specifically, the purpose of this Study is to determine the feasibility of continuing Federal participation in the restoration of the previously constructed beach berm and renourishment of the beach area on a periodic basis, thereby restoring/maintaining the storm protection capabilities the beach provides to adjacent structures and public service infrastructure. The goal is to reduce the threat of potential damages to private, commercial, and public properties caused.by future hurricanes and severe storms.

This section introduces the location of the Study Areas, identifies the Study Authority, describes the purpose and need for the proposed action, and describes the proposed Study.

1.1 STUDY AREA

Two Study Areas are associated with this! Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Study: the Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area and the Laurence Harbor Study Area. Throughout this EA, these two Study Areas are addressed separately within each, section.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND StORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 1 Draft Environmental Assessment [This page intentionally left blank]

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V.

4 Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The Keansburg Study Area includes the shorelines in the communities of Keansburg and East Keansburg, located in the northern part of Monmouth County, New Jersey. East Keansburg is located within Middletown Township, and Keansburg is located in the Borough of Keansburg. As shown in EA Figure 1, this Study Area includes approximately 2.7 miles of coastline between Waackaack Creek to the west and Pews Creek to the east. The communities of Port Monmouth and Union Beach lie immediately east and west of Keansburg and East Keansburg, respectively. Land use in the Study Area is primarily high-density residential, but also includes various commercial and recreational establishments that serve the community.

Laurence Harbor Study Area

The Laurence Harbor Study Area includes the shoreline in Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. As shown in EA Figure 1, this Study Area is located approximately 5 miles west of the Keansburg Study Area. The Laurence Harbor site includes approximately 0.6 mile of the Raritan Bay located between Cheesequake Creek to the west and Margaret Creek (also known as Margaret Creek on some maps) to the east. Land use in the Laurence Harbor Study Area is primarily high-density residential, but also includes various commercial and recreational establishments that serve the community.

1.2 ORIGINAL PROJECT AND STUDY AUTHORIZATION

The Beach Erosion Control and Hurricane Protection Project for the RBSHB, New Jersey, was originally authorized by the Flood Control Act of October 23, 1962, in accordance with House Document Number 464, 87th Congress, Second Session. The authorized Project provided for shore protection in various sections of the shoreline along RBSHB, including Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor. However, while Congress authorized construction activities for these areas, it did not provide for Federal participation in follow-Up protection activities such as periodic beach renourishments. Federal participation in the construction of the Project terminated upon the completion of the Keansburg and East Keansburg portion in 1973.

Continued erosion of the shoreline has resulted in narrowed beachfront areas and a reduction in the protective capability of the beaches. Accordingly, the NJDEP requested a re-evaluation of the need to provide beach erosion and storm damage protection at Laurence Harbor, Keansburg, and East Keansburg. Consequently, pursuant to the 1976 Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) Section. 156, the 1986 WRDA Section 934, and the 1996 WRDA Section 506, the USACE was reauthorized to evaluate the feasibility and interest of continuing Federal participation/investment in periodic renourishment of the previously designed and constructed beach berms in the Project area. This involvement would extend for a period of up to 50 years from the initiation of construction of the original project beaches; to year 2018 for Keansburg and East'Keansburgj and to year 2015 for Laurence Harbor.

HI. ju ; III c RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY iiiHgfflm HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 5 Draft Environmental Assessment 1.3 PURPOSE AND NEED

The purpose of the Study is to evaluate the feasibility to provide beach renourishment to reestablish and maintain the integrity of the shore and hurricane protection capabilities of a previously authorized and constructed beach berm to the communities of Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor. The objective is to reduce the threat of potential damages to private, commercial, and public properties as a result of future hurricanes and severe storms. _

The original construction of the beach berm in the Keansburg Study Area was completed in 1969 (levee, closure gate, and pump station were completed in 1973). The original construction of the beach berm in the Laurence Harbor Study area was completed in the Fall of 1966. No Federal periodic beach renourishment activities were performed from original construction to present.

Continued erosion of the shoreline (both long-term erosion and periodic storm-induced erosion),' and the lack of subsequent shore protection such as periodic beach renourishments, has resulted in the deterioration of the widths of the existing beach berms. Consequently, there has been a reduction in the capability of the beaches to provide adequate protection to the communities from damages caused by hurricanes and severe storms.

Since completion of the original projects in Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, these areas have continued to be impacted by major storm events. A storm in March of 1984 resulted in 2 feet (ft) of beach berm escarpment, the breach of a 15-ft dune, severe beach and dune erosion, and public and private property damage at the Keansburg Study Area. Severe storms such as Hurricane Gloria in September 1985 and the December 1992 northeaster have inflicted similar erosion to these previously designed and constructed beach berms. The 1992 storm resulted in losses so devastating that the entire shoreline between South Amboy to Highlands, New Jersey, was included in a Federal disaster area declaration. Finally, since the majority, if not all, of the original advance renourishment has eroded, the integrity of the original beach berm's design continues to wear away at every high tide with even minor storms.

The purpose of the Study is to determine the feasibility of continuing Federal participation in the restoration of the previously constructed beach berm,and renourishment of the beach area on a periodic basis to reduce the threat of potential damages to private, commercial, and public properties caused by future hurricanes and severe storms. The purpose of this EA is to evaluate what, if any, impacts to the environment may result from the alternatives under consideration, including the no action alternative. ^

1.4 PROPOSED ACTION

The Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project is intended to reduce the damaging effects of beach erosion and wave attack on, as well as inundation and storm damage to, structures located in the Study area. The first renourishment activity includes the placement of sand to reestablish beach berms and dunes. The proposed action also includes a second beach

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY =r^k~- HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG^ EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 6 Draft Environmental Assessment renourishment that will provide continued preservation of beaches, dunes, and bluffs to ensure that the local communities have protection from damages caused by hurricanes and severe storms.

iim^niVl RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ==efc=s HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 7 Draft Environmental Assessment 2.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

Pursuant to the language in the Study's authorization, the primary purpose of this Study is to evaluate the feasibility and interest of continuing. Federal participation/investment in periodic renourishment of the previously designed and constructed beach berms in the Study area. Consequently, the alternatives analysis was limited to the evaluation of the feasibility to provide beach renourishment to reestablish and maintain the integrity of the shore and hurricane protection capabilities of the previously authorized and constructed beach berms. However, as part of the project's original study, other alternatives such as buy-outs, groins, revetments, seawalls and,offshore breakwaters were analyzed and they were eliminated from further analysis because they were not economically justified. Therefore, the alternatives considered for evaluation, including the No-Action Alternative, focused on the cross-section and profile of the renourishment. Furthermore no other alternatives would fulfill the Study's purpose and adhere to the Study's authorization. For a full evaluation of alternatives considered and those rejected the reader is referred to the Feasibility Report included with this EA.

2.1 RENOURISHMENT ALTERNATIVES

ENTIRE PROJECT AREA VS. A SECTION OF THE PROJECT AREA.

Some portions of the original authorized project for the Laurence Harbor area were formulated to preserve recreational beaches and some undeveloped bluff areas. Current study guidance for storm damage reduction projects would deem protection of those areas to be a low priority for' Federal participation. Because of this, two beach fill renourishment schemes were designed, one for the whole project at Laurence Harbor (Station 8+00 to 110+00) and another for the western section of the project only (Station 8+00 to 38+00), where both structures and infrastructure are concentrated and are subject to coastal storm damages. The eastern areas have low damage potential and require relatively high costs to protect, therefore only renourishment alternatives for the western section of Laurence Harbor (Station 8+00 to 38+00) together with the entire Keansburg / East Keansburg area were considered beyond initial screening.

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN TEMPLATES

In addition to defining the project limits, a refinement to the authorized shofefront design configuration that reduces the cost of the renourishment fill and yet provides the authorized level of protection was included in the study. The refinement, which generally change the foreshore slopes (some sections also utilizing geo-tubes) allows the design fill width or seaward extent to be minimized. This not only reduces the volume of fill, but also minimizes the fill area footprint, which in turn reduces the environmental impacts of the fill placement. The total renourishment volumes for the first operation are estimated at 2,103,000 cy and 569,000 cy for Keansburg/ East Keansburg and Laurence Harbor, respectively.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 8 Draft Environmental Assessment BEACH FILL RENOURISHMENT INTERVAL (CYCLE)

The design of the renourishment fill took into account both long term and storm induced erosion forces and the variation imposed by sea level rise over the remaining life of the project. The optimum.width of the renourishment fill is 35-55 feet at the Keansburg site and 40-60 feet at the Laurence Harbor site. These dimensions are considered the most cost effective because they are appropriate for a 5-year renourishment cycle, which was considered the optimum cycle period. For Laurence Harbor and Keansburg/East Keansburg, renourishment cycles were considered for one to ten years, but were evaluated in greater detail for five to ten years. More frequent renourishment operations were determined to increase the repetitive disturbance to the berm and intertidal community and thus were screened out as not feasible. Conversely, less frequent renourishment operations were screened out due to the footprint impacts of greater berm widths and the heed for extending existing outfall structures.

2.2 No-ACTION ALTERNATIVE 1

The No-Action alternative would avoid all beneficial and adverse impacts associated with implementation of the selected plan. The No-Action alternative would provide neither immediate improvement nor long-term storm protection beyond the existing condition. In addition, the No^Action alternative would permit the continuation of daily erosion to the existing dunes and bluffs further exacerbating erosion. Accordingly, the No-Action alternative does not fulfill the primary purpose of the Study and was eliminated from further evaluation, as the Recommended Plan, yet retained in this EA as a basis to evaluate alternative action plans.

2.3 SELECTED PLAN

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The selected plan for the Keansburg and East Keansburg area provides for restored renourishment of the original storm damage reduction features of the authorized project (25-foot minimum dune width at +15.8ft NGVD elevation and a 80 ft berm width at +11.8 ft NGVD elevation) through 2018, which covers the first and second renourishment operations (at five years apart) for the approximately 14,400 ft of shoreline at Keansburg and East Keansburg. In addition, an advance renourishment fill (+11.8 ft National Geodetic Vertical Datum [NGVD] elevation, varying in width from a minimum of 35 to 55 ft) would be placed on the seaward side of the restored design fill section. This renourishment plan restores the function of the constructed line of protection (berms and dune), and while periodic renourishment is required to protect the dune and prevent tidal inundation, this plan yields the maximum net benefits over cost in accordance with USACE budgetary policy.

Material for construction and periodic renourishment for the project at Keansburg and East Keansburg will be obtained from a previously authorized and permitted offshore source known as the Sea Bright Borrow Area. As this borrow area is active and proposed for use by several ill Jll RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY jiiiiiuiii HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 9 Draft Environmental Assessment other projects as well, a separate NEPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared for this borrow area (USACE 1989; USACE 1995). The first construction quantity is approximately 2,103,000 cubic yards. The quantity of the second renourishment operation for Keansburg is approximately 471,000 cy. < 1

Laurence Harbor Study Area

The selected plan for the Laurence Harbor area provides for restored renourishment of the western section of the original storm damage reduction features of the authorized project (25- foot minimum dune width at +16.8 ft NGVD elevation) through 2015, which covers the first renourishment and second renourishment operation (at five years apart) for the approximately 3,000 ft of shoreline at Laurence Harbor. In addition, an advance renourishment fill (+12.8 ft NGVD elevation in dune area and +10.8 ft NGVD elevation in bluff area) varying in width from a minimum of 40 to 60 ft, would be placed on the seaward side of the restored design fill section. This renourishment plan restores the function of the constructed line of protection of a dune section and while periodic renourishment is required to protect the dune and prevent tidal inundation, this plan yields the maximum net benefits over cost in accordance with USACE budgetary policy. The selected plan for Laurence Harbor is not economically justified and any action in Laurence Harbor will be deferred until the future reformulation study.

Recommended Renourishment Operations 1

Guidance outlined in Planning Guidance Letter (PGL) 22 recommends that the renourishment operations cover a period less than the maximum authorized under Section 506. For purposes of ^ economic analysis, it was necessary to develop project benefits and costs for the complete project (2 operations in Keansburg and East Keansburg, and 2 operations in Laurence Harbor). In the spirit of PGL 22, the project will only include one renourishment operation at Keansburg and East Keansburg in 2009. The total estimated cumulative construction cost of the recommended renourishment plan at Keansburg, East Keansburg is $33,646,000 ($21,870,000 Federal/$11,776,000 non-Federal).

2.4 Monitoring

The district has agreed to undertake an intertidal biological monitoring program. The goal of the - monitoring program is to quantify impacts to biological resources to strike an effective balance between natural resource management and shore protection measures: At this time, the components of this program include benthic resources, finfish, feeding habits of finfish, grain size, water quality, and suspended sediments. Data collection will include one year of pre- construction, one year during construction, and two years post-construction. An extensive intertidal biological monitoring1 program has already been completed for the nearshore zone along Raritan Bay, and this program is modeled after that successful effort and intended to supplement information for bay -side beaches.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 10 Draft Environmental Assessment Based on previous surveys conducted by the District, neither piping plovers nor seabeach amaranth are located within the Study area. However, the District proposes to conduct ^re­ construction monitoring for piping plovers and seabeach amaranth (one year) to ensure that the implementation of the selected plan will not adversely affect these species. Furthermore, the District , proposes to conduct monitoring for these species during construction (one year) and annually for the first five years following construction. The District would also coordinate with USFWS regarding listed species. Informal consultations would occur and if necessary formal consultation under the Endangered Species Act. ^

The District also proposes to conduct dune monitoring to determine the success of vegetation plantings. This component will provide for monitoring annually for the first five years following construction.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 11 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

This section identifies the existing ecological, cultural, and social conditions and resources within the Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor Study Areas.

3.1 BORROW AREAS

The offshore materials used at the placement sites will corheTrom a previously authorized and permitted offshore borrow area known as the Sea Bright Borrow Area. The use of this borrow area and subsequent impacts were evaluated under a separate NEPA document which described existing conditions in detail and assessed impacts to the resources of the bay from its use (USACE 1989; USACE 1995).

3.2 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The Keansburg Study Area is located in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province (Minard 1969). The topography within this province is low flat terrain with a gentle slope that generally does not exceed 5 to 6 ft per mile.

The geology in the Study Area consists of underlying crystalline bedrock composed of Cretaceous sediments. Quaternary deposits are found along the shoreline. . The beach' sand primarily consists of founded quartz with lesser amounts of ironstone, sandstone, and argillite.

Sediments in the Raritan Bay estuary are considefed part of a Wisconsin glacial outwash plain that overlies an earlier continental drainage system. Silt and clay dominate the western section of the bay and spread from the Raritan River through the deeper part of the bay to Sandy Hook. The remaining bay consists of medium sand (diameter >250. microns), and fine sand (diameter >62 microns and <250 microns). Analysis of native beach'sediment collected in the Keansburg Study Area in 1957 revealed that mean diameter grain size was 0.32 millimeter (mm), with a standard deviation of 0.61. However, analysis of beach sediment collected in the Keansburg Study Area in 1993 revealed that the mean, diameter grain size was 0.46' mm with a standard deviation of 1.51. Consequently, the material collected arid analyzed in 1993 exhibited a slightly coarser mean grain size, but exhibited a rhuch wider grain size/distribution than the native material.

Soils in the Study Area primarily consist of the Hooksan Sand (HwB), Udofthents-Urban Land Complex (UD), and, Sulfaquents and Sulfihemists (SS). The HwB soil's occur on 0 to 5% slopes and are excessively drained. The UD soils occur ori 0 to 3%.slopes and exhibit variable drainage capabilities. The SS soils are typical^ associated with frequently flooded low-lying tidal wetlands and are poorly to very poorly drained hydric soils (United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service [USDA-NRCS] 1989, 1990a, 1990b).

Ill SB !'|f ^ . lllltllVt RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY =dfc=3 HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY

: KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 1 2 , Draft Environmental Assessment • • ) . None of the soils in the Keansburg Study Area are listed as soils of significant statewide importance.(USDA-NRCS 1990c). 3.3 WATER RESOURCES This section provides a brief description of the regional hydrology and groundwater resources, surface water, and tidal influences in the Study area. 3.3.1 Regional Hydrogeology and Groundwater Resources Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area The Keansburg Study Area is located directly above the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain (NACP) aquifer system, which is a Nationally-Designated Sole Source Aquifer (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] 1999a). This aquifer system is a complex, multi-layered system underlain by semiconsolidated to unconsolidated sediments that consist of silt; clay, and sand, with some gravel and lignite (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS] 1997).

The primary source of groundwater extraction in the Keansburg Study Area is from the Potomac- Raritan-Magothy aquifer. The source of recharge for this aquifer is through precipitation and infiltration (USGS 1997). Groundwater quality of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer is generally good, with a median chloride concentration of 11.6 milligram/liter (mg/L), soft groundwater (0-60 mg/L as calcium carbonate), iron concentrations routinely exceeding the national drinking-water standard of 300 micro-gram/liter (pg/L), and nitrate plus nitrite levels being consistently 0.11 mg/L or less (USGS 1988). The predominant ions in most New Jersey groundwater are calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate (USGS 1988).

In 1991, water levels in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy, Englishtown, and Wenonah-Mourit Laurel aquifers exceeded their previous record highs during the 1998 water year, as revealed by sampling efforts in eight network observation , wells located in Critical Area 1 in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties (USGS 1999). The rise in groundwater levels is attributed to the reduction in groundwater withdrawals and an increase in surface water withdrawals for public water supply, and a shift in withdrawals from deep, confined aquifers to shallower aquifers (USGS 1999). .

3.3.2 Surface Water

III III HllifSlifi'l'l RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY • -\ HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY • 1 KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 1 3 Draft Environmental Assessment Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The principal waterbodies of the Keansburg Study Area are Pews and Waackaack creeks, both of which are tidally influenced and discharge directly into the RBSHB complex. The surface waters of the entire Raritan Bay drainage basin have been classified by NJDEP as freshwater-2- nontrout/saline estuarine-1 (FW2-NT/SE1) (NJDEP 1996). This classification designates the use of the Study Area's waterbodies, which, includes shellfish harvesting in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 7:12; maintenance, migration and propagation of natural and established biota (i.e., biota indigenous to the. region); primary and secondary contact recreation; and other reasonable uses (USFWS 1992). " ' '

In general, the surface water quality throughout Raritan Bay reflects the close proximity of a highly urbanized and developed population center. The environment of the RBSHB has been impacted by a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals, polynucleararomatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), excessive nutrient and organic carbon loading, and pathogenic bacteria and viruses (NJDEP 1983, Bretler 1985, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy [NJDEPE] 1993a and 1993b). Other problems documented in the RBSHB system near the Study area include diseased fish, turbid and oily waters, noxious odors, beach and shellfish bed closings, and restricted shellfish harvesting (U.S. Department of Interior [USDOI] 1992).

Phytoplankton blooms have been the most visible, and appear to have had the most substantial impact, of all the water quality problems that have been experienced along the shoreline of the Study Area-(USACE 2000a). Green, brown, or red tides are common in the RBSHB during spring and summer seasons creating hypoxic conditions (depletion of dissolved oxygen [DO]) and causing the suffocation of marine fauna (USACE 2000a). The macrobenthic community of the RBSHB has been described as impoverished because of low concentrations of DO (McGrath 1974).

3.3.3 Tidal Influences

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Tides at the Keansburg Study Area are semi-diurnal. In general, waters in Raritan Bay typically circulate in a counter-clockwise direction. However, long shore currents in the Keansburg Study Area transport sediments generally from east to west. Tidal currents along the shore of the Study Area are generally weak except at the entrances to the Raritan and Shrewsbury Rivers, north and south of the Study Area, respectively. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) measurement of tidal currents show that maximum flood and ebb tide velocities are 0.6 and 0.4 knots, respectively, in Raritan Bay (USACE 1996a). The mean tide level, mean tidal , range, and spring tidal range at the Keansburg Study Area are 2.6 ft above mean low water (MLW), 4.9 ft, and 5.9 ft, respectively.

Ni.;asL.ni( iiiniffiii RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 1 4 Draft Environmental Assessment e

The primary factors that contribute to the rate of coastal erosion include long shore currents, wave action, and storms. In addition, rising sea level has been found to be a factor contributing to coastal erosion. Based on NOAA tide gauge readings between. 1933 and 1986 at Sandy Hook, sea level has been increasing at an average of approximately 0.014 ft per year (ft/yr). From 1836 to 1934, the Keansburg and East Keansburg coastline retreated at a rate of 5.0 ft/yr, and between 1969 and 2003, erosion of the beachfront resulted in a net loss of 1,428,000 cy equating to approximately 42,000 cy per year.

3.4 COASTAL PROCESSES

Three primary factors shape coastal zone morphology: 1) ocean factors; 2) beach characteristics; and, 3) other natural physical variables. Ocean factors include waves, tidal variations, storm surges, and sea level. Beach characteristics include,beach sediment volume, composition, and grain size. Other natural variables include rainfall runoff, groundwater flow, pore pressures, arid existing vegetative cover (Komar 1998). All three factors interact in a dynamic process, which defines the coastal zone area.

Anthropogenic influences often supplement the natural forces, and play significant roles in shaping the coastal zone. As shorelines retreat due to long shore currents, wave and tidal action, and storm events, artificial structures are often constructed to slow down or minimize further erosion. These structures typically modify the coastal zone to increase sediment retention within heavily utilized or populated areas (USACE 2000b).

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area '

From 1836 to 1934, the coastline in the Keansburg Study Area retreated at a rate of 5.0 ft/yr. Between 1968 and 2003, erosion of the beachfront resulted in a net loss of 1,428,000 cy equating to approximately 42,000 cy per year. In general, long shore currents in the Keansburg Study Area transport sediments in a west to east fashion. Wave damages due to unbroken, breaking, and broken waves are able to traverse landward of areas not fronted by dunes. However there are no buildings directly exposed to the bay in areas not fronted by dunes. Furthermore, the threat of damage to critical roads in the Keansburg Study Area is due primarily to storm-induced wave action.

3.5 VEGETATION

3.5.1 Wetlands

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Estuarine wetland systerris and open/deepwater habitats constitute the majority of the undeveloped portion of the Keansburg Study Area. These areas are located oUtsjde of the

JLli^imr RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ssii&a HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 15 Draft Environmental Assessment footprint of the selected plan and are associated only with the channels and wetlands of Pews and Waackaack Creeks. Estuarine systems consist of tidal brackish waters and contiguous wetlands regularly or occasionally flushed with salt water (Cowardin et al, 1979, Tiner 1985).

The description below is representative of the bay as a whole and suggests species likely to be encountered in the study area though there is no data to suggest that the waters of the study area offer any special or unique values or concentrations of species.

Estuarine wetlands are divided into low marsh (regularly flooded twice daily by tides) and high marsh (irregularly flooded) areas. The tall form (3 to 8 ft) of salt marsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) dominates low marsh areas (between approximately MSL to the mean high water mark). Other plants commonly found in low marsh areas^ include salt-meadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), spike grass (Distichlis spicata), and black grass (Juncus gerardii) (Tiner 1985). The transition zone into the high marsh area typically supports stands of the short form of salt marsh cordgrass. The high marsh areas are flooded less frequently and contain a higher diversity of plant species than the low marsh areas. Dominant plant species include salt-meadow cordgrass, spike grass, black grass, switch grass (Panicum- virgatum), common reed (Phragmites australis), and marsh elder (Iva frutescens). Common reed has been found to dominate many salt marsh wetlands in northern New Jersey that have been disturbed of degraded (Tiner 1985). The genetic form of common reed in the project area is an opportunistic hybfid species that often forms monospecific stands along the boundaries of Spartina spp. wetland communities. Common reed is a dominant species in many of the estuarine wetlands. All vegetated estuarine wetlands afe considefed by the USEPA to be priority wetlands (USEPA 1994).

Palustrine wetlands in the Study Area include all nontidal and tidally-influenced freshwater (<0.5 parts per thousand [ppt] salinity) wetlands (Cowardin et al. 1979, Tiner 1985). While several small, isolated patches of palustrine forested wetland (PFO) exist near the Keansburg Study Area, they do not occUr within the immediate berm/dune reinforcement and periodic beach renourishment areas (USFWS 1984a, 1984b).

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 16 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.5.2 Uplands

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Upland vegetation within this Study Area is limited to maintained areas associated with residential and commercial buildings, dune areas, narrow beach, and small, undisturbed pockets of forest. The most common vegetated upland areas are typically dominated by shrubs sUch as northern arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflud), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and staghofn sumac (Rhus typhina). The dune habitat, which is unique in the RBSHB, parallels the shoreline in a northwest to southeast direction between the developed uplands and beach. This area is primarily vegetated with American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), sea lavender (Limonium nashii), and seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) (New Jersey Audubon Society [NJAS] 1994). The small pockets of upland forest scattered throughout the Study Area likely consist of sweetgum, black locust (Robina pseudo-acacia), oak (Quercus spp.), maple (Acer spp.), and ash (Fraxinus spp.)! The beach lacks the presence of vegetation. -

3.6 WILDLIFE

The wildlife and habitat resources identified in this section include finfish and shellfish, benthic invertebrate communities, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. Although many of these resources have not been identified or studied in the immediate Study areas, information from adjacent or nearby areas are considered to be representative of the resources likely to exist within the Study Areas, and are presented in the following sections. For further discussions of existing wildlife resources, a Draft Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Section 2(b) Report has been prepared by the USFWS and is provided as EA Appendix D.

3.6.1 Finfish and Shellfish

Like many estuarine systems, the RBSHB supports a diverse assemblage of fish and shellfish. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Fisheries (NOAA - Fisheries, formerly National Marine Fisheries Services [NMFS]), and the NJDEP Bureau of Shellfish, have Collected a wide variety of species throughout the RBSHB system. EA Table 1 provides a list of the fish and shellfish species collected in the intertidal and nearshore waters of the Study Areas.

Finfish

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The RBSHB complex is used as a spawning area, nursery area, and/or part-time residence by many recreational and commercial finfish species of the New York Bight (MacKenzie 1990). Historical data showed a great abundance of finfish in the RBSHB. However, human intervention (i.e., heavy fishing and diminished water quality), reduction of suitable spawning

ii!lAmil RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ddls HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY '__ KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 1 7 Draft Environmental Assessment habitat, and reduction in food supply have contributed to the decline of the diversity and abundance of finfish species in RBSHB (MacKenzie 1990).

The description below is representative of the bay as a whole and suggests species likely to be encountered in the study area though there is no data to suggest that the waters of the study area offer any special or unique values or concentrations of species. 1

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), winter and summer flounders (Pseudopleuronectes americanus and Paralichthys dentatus, respectively), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), and scup (Stenotomus chrysops) are some of the most sought-after fish by recreational anglers (Figley and McCldy 1988). The RBSHB provides recreational opportunities throughout the year (USFWS 1992). During the spring season, winter flounder, windowpane {Scophthalmus aquosus) and anadromous species such as alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), American and hickory shad {A. sapidissima and mediocris, respectively), and blueback herring {A. aestivalis) are abundant throughout the RBSHB complex. During the summer and fall seasons, summer flounder and weakfish are abundant throughout the RBSHB complex (USFWS 1992, Wilk et. al. 1998). Migratory species such as striped bass are found in the RBSHB throughout the year (Woodhead 1991).

Beach seine surveys conducted by the NJDEP, Bureau of Marine Fisheries in 1982 and 1983 documented the relative abundance of fish species in the intertidal and nearshore waters of the Keansburg Study Area. Bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli), Atlantic silverside (Menidid menidid), and Atlantic menhaden (Brevodrtia tyrannus) are the dominant forage fish species collected, and bluefish and weakfish are the dominant recreational fish species collected during the survey (Byrne 1988). : '

Shellfish •

Keansburg Study Area

Shellfish throughout the RBSHB have been historically important and a major shellfishery existed in the RBSHB (USFWS 1992). However, the increase in population around the New York metropolitan area caused an increase in the discharges of sewage effluent, dredging activities, and residential and commercial development thus affecting the shellfish resources of the RBSHB (Figley and McCloy 1988). A^ small commercial fishery for American lobster (Homarus americanus) and blue crab (Calliriectes sapidus) exists in the RBSHB, however, these species primarily utilize the deeper waters of the RBSHB complex as opposed to the nearshore Study Area (Figley and McCloy 1988). At present, there is a small hard clam {Mercenaria mercenaria) fishery in RBSHB, but all clams must be depurated before they can be sold (Hughes 2000).

McCloy (1988) found soft-shelled clam (Mya arenaia) beds and occurrence of hard-shell clam in the intertidal and nearshore waters of the Keansburg Study Area. No known blue mussel

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 18 Draft Environmental Assessment 1

(Mytilus edulis) or oyster (Crassostrea virginicd) beds are found in vicinity of the Keansburg Study Area, and surf clams (Sapisula solidissimd) are confined to the deep waters of the RBSHB (McCloy 1988). Beach seine surveys conducted by the NJDEP, Bureau of Marine Fisheries in 1982 and 1983 found that grass shrimp {Palaemonetes pugio), sand shrimp (Crangon septemspinosd), and lady crab (Ovalipes ocellatus) were the most abundant shellfish in the intertidal and nearshore waters of the Keansburg Study Area (Byrne 1988).

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 19 Draft Environmental Assessment EA Table 1. Finfish and Shellfish Species Occurring in the Intertidal and Nearshore Waters Near Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, NJ.

Common Name t Scientific Name . Finfish Bay Anchovy. Anchoa milchilli Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia Bluefish - Pomatomus saltatrix " • Weakfish Cyndscion regalis Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus Blueback Herring Aldsa aestivalis Northern Pipefish Syngnathus fuscus Striped Anchovy- Anchoa hepsetus Northern Puffer '. Sphoefoides maculatus Northern Kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis American Sand Lance Ammodytes americanus Northern Stargazer Astroscopus guttatus Windowpane Scophthalmus aquosus American Shad Alosa sapidissima Striped Killifish Fundulus majdlis . . Winter Flounder Pseudopleurohectes americanus Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus Grubby Myoxdcephalus deneus ' > American Eel Anguilla rostrata Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanus 3-Spine Stickleback . Gasterosteus aculeatus Striped Bass . , Morone saxatilis Crevalle Jack Caranx hippos Spot . Leiostomus xanthurus Striped Mullet . Mugil cephalus Atlantic Needlefish Strongylura marina Halfbeak Hyporhamphus unifasciatus Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum , Goldfish Cardssius auratus Inland Silverside Menidia beryllina Shellfish Soft-shelled Clam Mya arenaia Hard-shell Clam Mercenaria mercenaria Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Grass Shrimp Palaemonetes pugid Sand Shrimp Crangon septemspinosa Grass Shrimp Palaemonetes vulgaris Lady Crab Oyalipes dcellatus Atlantic Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus Rock Crab Cancer irroratus Green Crab Carcihus maenas Black-fingered Mud,Crab Pandpeus herbstii Mud Crab Neopandpe texana White-fingered Mud Crab Rhithropandpeus harrisii Source: Byrne 1988 and USACE 1996b. IIU- •: III • I'llHfSrtilVl* " ' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ssistES HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . . . KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 20 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.6.2 Benthic Resources

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Benthic infauna (e.g., crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes) are a major component of estuarine productivity, serving as prey for demersal fishes, epibenthic invertebrates, and shorebirds and consumers of plankton (NOAA 1987). The changes jn benthic diversity and . abundance can often be used to assess habitat quality and condition of the estuarine system (NOAA 1987).

Sediment types are the main factor in determining the character and distribution of benthic communities (Diaz and Boesch 1982). In general, sediments at the Keansburg and East Keansburg intertidal and nearshore waters are predominantly coarse-grained, sahdy-:silt.

In 1994 and 1995, the USACE conducted sediment and benthic macroinvertebrate sampling of the Keansburg Study Area and found the typical species of polychaeta, Crustacea, and bivalvia to be the dominant.taxa in the intertidal and nearshore waters (USACE 1996c). The composition of the dominant taxa collected appeared to change from 1994 to 1995. Soft-shell clam, polychaete worm {Heteromastus filiformis), and gastropod mollusk {Ilyanassa obsolete) were the dominant species collected in 1994, whereas the bivalve {Gemma gemma), oligochaete worms of the family Enchytraeidae, amphipod (Gammarus lawerncianus), and polychaete worm (Protodriloides spp.) were the dominant species collected in 1995 (EA Table 2) (USACE 1996c). A possible explanation for this difference is that powerful storms and other weather factors have the ability to shift sediments, thereby causing distributional changes in communities dependent on a specific sediment type (McGrath 1974). In addition, localized benthic communities can also exhibit large fluctuations between seasons.

The soft-shell clam has commercial and recreational importance in the region. The great majority of the soft-shell clams collected during 1994 were young-of-the-year (YOY) {i.e., individuals in their first year of life), although a number of them were from the last recruitment class (USACE 1996c). In 1995, no YOY soft-shell clams were collected at the Keansburg Study Area and relatively few of the older clams were present (USACE 1996c)..

EA Table 2. Dominant Benthic Macroinvertebrate Species Collected in the Intertidal and Nearshore Waters Near Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, NJ.

1994 1995 Taxa Keansburg1 Keansburg' Laurence Harbor Mollusca Bivalvia Mya drenaria 62.0% ' 0.8% Gemma gemma 58.2% 65.0% M.mM RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY iHiiaffiii HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 21 Draft Environmental Assessment Gastropoda Ilyanassa obsoleta 5.1% 0.2% Annelida Polychaeta Heteromastus filiformis 10.8% 1.6% - - ' Protodriloides sp. (LPIL) .5.3% Tharyx acutus 11.3% Oligochaeta Enchytraeidae (LPIL) . 15.4% Arthropoda Amphipoda Gammarus lawerncianus 0.1% ' .. 11-7% . • Source: USACE 1996c.

Note: No data were collected for Laurence Harbor during 1994. Data represents the percent of total number collected during the survey year.

Key: LPIL = Lowest Possible Identification Level. ' Keansburg data includes Keansburg and East Keansburg data.

3.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Site-specific studies and/or surveys describing the diversity and abundance of amphibians and reptiles within the Keansburg Study Area are not available. With the exception of terrestrial woodland salamanders (Plethodon spp.) and various toads (Bufo spp.), amphibians would be limited to small, isolated freshwater habitats. The southern leopard frog (Rana utricularid) and spring peeper (Hyla crucifef) are possible exceptions because they can tolerate slightly brackish waters (Conant and Collins 1991). No amphibians are expected to inhabit the beach or shoreline because of the high salinity resulting from sea spray.

Although several species of marine turtles may be present in Raritan Bay during various times of the year, they are more likely to occur in the ocean rather than within the bay (USFWS 1993). For example, the several species of marine turtles commonly utilize shallow waters, and may occur in the Study Area. However, marine turtle nesting is unlikely to occur in the Study Area, because their breeding grounds are located further south (USACE 1996b). See Section 3.6 for more information on threatened and endangered marine turtles.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 22 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.6.4 Birds

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

No site-specific bird surveys have been conducted in the Keansburg Study Area, however a diversity of bird species is likely to be present due to the variety of habitats in the RBSHB area. The most abundant species are likely to be habitat generalists that are tolerant of development and that can utilize the wetland and deepwater habitats. EA Table 3 provides a list of bird species likely to overwinter, breed/utilize the area for rest and feeding during migrations, and/or reside in the Study Area on a year-round basis. In addition, the study area is located within the Atlantic Flyway, which includes a large number of migratory bird species (including endangered or threatened species) and may be observed within the corridor during spring and fall migrations.

I'll- asuii llipfil'l'l' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ^Sss HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR^ NEW JERSEY November 2007 23 Draft Environmental Assessment EA Table 3. Common Bird Species Likely to Occur in the Keansburg and . Laurence Harbor Beach Study Areas. ' Common Name Scientific Name American Black Duck , •Anas rubripes • American Crow Corvusbrachyrhynchos Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus American Robin Turdus migratorius Belted Kingfisher .Ceryle alcyon Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus Blue Jay Cydnocitta cristata Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Brant Branta bernicla Brown Headed Cowbird Molothrusater Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Canada Goose Branta canadensis Canvasback Aythya valisineria Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus .Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Common Merganser Mergiis merganser Wilson's Snipe Gallinago gallinago Double Crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus-. Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe Gadwall Aythya strepera Great Black Backed Gull Ldrus marinus < Greater Scaup Aythya marila Greater Yellowlegs Totanus melanoleuca Green Heron Butorides striatus Golden Crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus . Herring Gull Larus argentatus Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Horned Grebe, Podiceps auritus House Sparrow Passer domesticus Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Marsh Wren Cisiothorus palustris Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Longtailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Northern Pintail Aythya acuta. . Common Name Scientific Name

III III llin^jim RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY =3fe3 HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . . ' -__ KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 24 Draft Environmental Assessment Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Red-wingedBlackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Ring Billed Gull Larus delawarensis Rock Pigeon Columba livia Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Spotted Sandpiper Actitus macularia Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana Tufted Titmouse Parus bicolor Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus White Breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata

Source: National Geographic Society, 1987. New Jersey Audubon Society, 1994; Compiled by Northern Ecological Associates, Inc., 2000.

A shoreline survey conducted by Burger (1983) concluded that RBSHB is an important stopover area for shorebirds during migration. Severity percent of the total shorebirds known to occur in RBSHB were present during the months of June and August. Many shorebird species utilize the intertidal flats between Pews and Waackaack creeks to feed on invertebrates.

Although RBSHB is considered an important"migration.stopover area, only limited numbers of shorebirds breed or overwinter in the area (USACE 1996b). The purple sandpiper (Calidris maritima), dunlin (Calidris alpina), and sanderling (Calidris alba) prefer outer beaches and rock jetties for overwintering habitat and are not expected to occur in the Study Area (USACE 1996b). Burger et al. (1984) reported that greater scaup (Aythya marila), canvasback (A. valisineria), American black duck (Anas rubripes), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), gadwall (A. strepera), pintail (A. acuta), surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis), ^bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), and common goldeneye (B. clangula) are common wintering waterfowl in the Raritan Bay region.

3.6.5 Mammals

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Site specific studies and/or surveys describing the diversity and abundance of mammals within the Keansburg Study Area are not available. The USFWS (1993) reported that several species of whales and dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), gray dolphin (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and Atlantic dolphin (Delphinus delphis) may occasionally spend time in RBSHB. Juveriiles of several species of whales may also enter the bay, but are

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 25 Draft Environmental Assessment I

generally.limited to the deeper portions (USFWS 1993). The harbor seal {Phoca vitulina) is the most likely marine mammal to be found in nearshore habitats (USACE 1996b).

The Study Area is also year-round habitat for the muskrat {Ondatra zibethicus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk {Mephitis mephitis), red fox {Vulpes vulpes), gray squirrel {Sciurus carolinensis), and opossum {Didelphis virginiaha) (NJAS 1994).

3.7 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

All appropriate Federal and state agencies were consulted regarding the potential for species of special concern within the. Study Areas. The USFWS and NMFS were contacted regarding Federally-listed threatened or endangered species and the NJDEP Natural Heritage Program (NHP) was contacted regarding state-listed species. Correspondence received from these agencies is presented in EA Appendix B. .

3.7.1 Federal Species of Concern

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Two Federally-listed species are known to occur within the general vicinity of the Study Area. The Atlantic Coast population of piping plover {Charadrius melodus) are threatened and are located within approximately 5.5 miles of the project (Staples 2001). Additionally, the Federally-listed threatened plant seabeach amaranth.{Amaranthuspumilus) is located within 8.0 miles of the project (Staples 2001). No other Federally-listed or proposed species .of concern are known to occur in the Keansburg Study Area other than occasional transient bald eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

The USFWS expects that, prior to berm arid dune construction, nesting piping plovers and seabeach amaranth are unlikely to occur within the project because of the lack of sandy beach habitat in a low-energy bayshore environment (Staples 2001).

Several species of threatened or endangered marine turtles and one endangered fish may be present in Raritan Bay during various times of the year. The Federally-listed endangered

Atlantic Kemp's(Ridley turtle {Lepidochelys kempi), Atlantic leatherback turtle {Dermochelys coriacea), and shortnose sturgeon {Acipenser brevirbstrum), as well as the threatened Atlantic loggerhead {Caretta caretta) and Atlantic green {Chelonia mydas) turtles may utilize bay resources (USFWS 1993, Greene 2000), but are more commonly found offshore. In particular, the loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles are primarily pelagic, whereas the Atlantic Kemp's Ridley commonly utilize shallow waters and may occur in the Study Area. However, sea turtle nesting has never been documented to occur in the Study Area because their breeding grounds are located further south (USACE 1996b).

III.;«: III iiiliiifiM RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 26 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.7.2 State Species of Concern

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The NHP, managed by the NJDEP, reports occurrences of rare species and natural communities throughout the state. In response to a request for information regarding the presence of threatened and endangered species in the Study Area, the NHP indicated that they have no records for rare plants, animals, oFnatural communities within the Study Area (Breden 2000). However, the NHP indicated that a migratory shorebird concentration site and two vascular plants, the beaked sedge (Carex rostrata) and seaside arrow-grass (Triglochin maritinum) have been documented within approximately two miles of the Study Area (Breden 2000). In addition, several state-listed bird species, as indicated in EA Table 4, may occasionally pass through the Study Area (NJDEP 2000a, b). . v In addition to state-listed birds, several state-listed threatened and endangered marine turtles and one endangered fish may be present in Raritan Bay/Sandy Hook Bay during various times of the year, however are not found in unusual population concentrations or utilized for special uses. As listed in EA Table 4, these include the endangered Atlantic loggerhead and Atlantic Kemp's Ridley sea turtles and the shortnose sturgeon, as well as the threatened green turtle.

Based on review of the NHP database for~Monmouth County, several species of vascular plant ' potentially occur within the near shore habitats of the Study Area. These plants are identified in EA Table 4.

Several rare ecosystems, including coastal dune woodland, floodplaih forest, and maritime forest are located in Monmouth County, New Jersey (NJDEP 2000a). Although correspondence received from the NHP indicated that none of these ecosystems are present in the Study Area, field investigations conducted by the District have identified small areas of coastal dune woodland near Pews Creek.

EA Table 4. State Listed Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring in the Keansburg and Laurence Harbor Stud y Areas State Common Name Scientific Name Status General Habitat Vertebrates American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Endangered* marshes Atlantic Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Threatened coastal waters Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea Endangered coastal waters Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta Endangered coastal waters Atlantic Kemp's Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys kempi Endangered coastal waters Bald Eagle1 Haliaeetus leucocephalus Endangered seacoasts Black Skimmer1 Rynchops niger Endangered coastal waters niiiiiiiii RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 27 Draft Environmental Assessment State Common Name Scientific Name Status General Habitat Cooper's Hawk1 Accipitercooperii Endangered deciduous woodland Great Blue Heron Ardea hefodias Threatened brackish marshes Least Tern1 Sterna antillarum Endangered seacoasts and estuaries „ Northern Harrier Circus cydneus Endangered marshes Osprey1 Paridion hdliaetus Threatened seacoasts Pied-billed Grebe1,2 Podilymbus podiceps Endangered estuaries Piping Plover1 Charadrius melodus Endangered sandy beaches. Savannah Sparrow1,2 Passerculus sahdwichensis Threatened salt marshes Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum Endangered coastal waters Vesper Sparrow1 Pooecetes gramineus Endangered marshes and grasslands Yellow-crowned Night-heron1,2 Nyctanassa violacea Threatened marshes Invertebrates Northeastern Beach Tiger Cicindela dorsdlis dorsalis Endangered sandy beaches Beetle1 Vascular Plants Coast Flatsedge Cyperus polystachyos Endangered damp sands, peats,- shores and clearings Mudweed1 Limosella subulata Endangered brackish sand and mud Salt Marsh Bulrush1,2 Scirpus maritimus Endangered salt marsh Sea-beach Knotweed1,2 Polygonum glaucum Endangered beaches and.salt marsh margins Sea-beach Milkwort1 Glaux mdritima Endangered irregularly flooded salt marshes, pannes, and beaches Sea-side Arrow-grass1,2 Triglochin maritimum Endangered salt, brackish, or fresh marshes Sea-side Crowfoot' Ranunculus cymbal aria Endangered saline or brackish shores Source: NJDEP 2000a,b * Only breeding populations are considered endangered. 1 Potentially occurs in the Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area, Monmouth County, New Jersey. 2 Potentially occurs in the Laurence Harbor Study Area, Middlesex County, New Jersey.

3.8 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT

The 1996 amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act set forth a number of new mandates for NOAA Fisheries, regional fishery management councils, and other Federal agencies to identify and protect important marine and anadromous fish habitat. The Councils, with assistance from NOAA Fisheries, are required to delineate "essential fish habitat" (EFH) for all managed species. Federal action agencies that fund, permit, or carry out activities which may adversely impact EFH are required to consult with NOAA Fisheries regarding the potential effects of their actions on EFH, and respond in writing to the fisheries

RARITAN BAV AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY ' November 2007 28 Draft Environmental Assessment service's recommendations. In addition, NMFS is required to comment on any state agency activities that would impact EFH (NMFS 1998, Appendix D).

Based on the amendment to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act, the New England Fishery Management Council, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and NOAA Fisheries have compiled and assigned EFH designations for species and life stages of fish, shellfish, and mollusks in Raritan Bay.

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Based on NOAA Fisheries EFH designations, 15 fish and shark species have been designated in the Keansburg Study Area (NOAA 1999, Appendix D). EA Table 5 lists the designated species and the specified life stages of importance. Bluefish, windowpane, and winter flounder have been collected in the intertidal and nearshore waters of the Keansburg Study Area (Byrne 1988).

/

Ml — ill . ili'jfAjf|||' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY ' _^ KEANSBURG/EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 29 Draft Environmental Assessment EA Table 5. EFH Designated Species arid Life Stages in the Keansburg arid Laurence Harbor Study Areas.

Keahsburg/E ast Laurence Harbor Keansburg Fish Species E L J A E L J A Atlantic Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus) X X X X X X Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) X X "- X X Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). X X X X Cobia (Rdchycentron canadum) X • X X X X X X X Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) X X X X X X King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalld) X X X X X .X X X Atlantic Mackerel {Scomber scombrus) X X X X Red Hake (Urophycis chuss) X X X X X X Scup (Sternotomies chrysops) X X X X X. X Spanish Mackerel (Scombermorus maculatus) X X X X X X X X Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) X X X X X X Windowpane (Scopthalmits aquosus) X X X X X X X X Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) X X X X X X X X- Keansburg/East Laurence £ arbor Keansburg Shark Species EJ LJ A • EJ LJ A Dusky Shark (Charcharinus obcurus) X Sandbar Shark (Charcharinus plumbeus) X X X X X Source: NOAA 1999.

Key: E = eggs L = larvae J = juveniles A = Adults EJ = early juveniles LJ = late juveniles/subadults

3.9 SOCIOECONOMICS

This section discusses aspects of the social and economic setting in the Study Areas, including population, housing, economy and income, and environmental justice.

3.9.1 Population

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

IILasJII , ^ lllf^illl'l' RARITAN BAY AND SANDV HOOK BAY sstes HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . _. KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR^ NEW JERSEY November 2007 30 Draft Environmental Assessment The Study Area is located in the Borough of Keansburg and the community of East Keansburg, which is part of the Township of Middletown in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Land area in the Borough Of Keansburg consists of 0.95 square mile located along the shoreline of Raritan Bay (Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholds [MCBCF] 1999). ;

Approximately 7% of New Jersey's population of 8.4 million resides in Monmouth County (U.S. Bureau of Census [USBC] 2000). Of the 615,301 who live in Monmouth County, approximately 10,732 (1.7%) live in the Borough of Keansburg (USBC 2000). Population growth in Monmouth County increased up to 48% per decade during the 1950s and 1960s, but leveled off to approximately 9% per decade from the 1970s to the 1990s. From 1990 to 2000 the population of Monmouth County increased about 11% (USBC 2000). Population growth in Monmouth County is predicted to remain at nearly 11% per decade until 2010 (USBC 1992, MCPB 2000). The population in the Borough of Keansburg during the past decade (1990-2000) decreased by 3%, and a similar rate of growth is projected for the next decade (from 11,069 to 10,732) (Mount 2000, USBC 1992). The Borough's average population density is 11,297 residents per square mile, which is nearly 9 times the county average of 1,304 residents per square mile (USBC 2000).

3.9.2 Housing

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

During the 1980s, housing prices in Monmouth County experienced a high degree of appreciation. Then in the latter part of the decade, there was a substantial increase in the construction of new residential housing units. This increased development was attributed to the increase in demand caused by the population growth, when migration of residents from other areas of the state and country to Monmouth County was responsible for 70% of the county's population increase from 1980 to 1988 (MCPB 2000).

In 1990 there were approximately 218,408 housing units in Monmouth County, including the 23,495 units located in the Township of Middletown. Of these, 4,189 residences were located in the Keansburg and East Keansburg communities. Most of the homes at Keansburg-were built between 1940 and 1979, and the median year of construction was 1952 (USBC 1992).

3.9.3 Economy and Income

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area " .

The economy in the Study Area is closely linked to Monmouth County, which has undergone extensive growth and development over the past several decades, particularly concentrated along the major transportation routes. However, the local economy has been burdened to an extent by property damage resulting from frequent, storm-induced erosion, wave attacks, and flooding in the coastal areas. tlLsdijf RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY niiiOiini HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 31 Draft Environmental Assessment In 1999, per capita income in the Township of Middletown was $34,196, which is slightly higher than the Monmouth County average of $31,149. Per capita income in the Borough of Keansburg and the community of East Keansburg was $17,417 in 1999, substantially lower than the county and township averages and also lower than the statewide per capita income of $27,006 (USBC 2000, MCPB 2000).

3.9.4 Environmental Justice

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The selected plan will have a positive benefit to lowest income population of the area by reducing costs resulting from hurricane and storm damage as well as costs incurred from temporary relocation during and after hurricane and storm events. The 2000 Census reports that in Keansburg, nearly 16% of the population consists of families that are living at or below the poverty level. Female heads-df-household comprise of 42% living at or below poverty level, which is 26% higher than in Monmouth County as a whole. Of this group, 68% includes, low- income female heads-of-household with related children less than five years of age; this is about 33% higher than the Monmouth County poverty figures. Data for East Keansburg was not available.

3.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES

The goal of cultural resources activities undertaken by the USACE has been to ensure the Study plans are in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), as amended through 1992. Documentary research and agency consultation have been undertaken by the USACE cultural resources staff as specified by Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regulations for implementing the NHPA (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800).

Investigative efforts have focused upon terrain that may be affected as a result of the USACE's Study, or Areas of Potential Effect (APEs); Research' efforts have sought to identify , aboveground and potential for buried cultural resources within APEs, based on documentary research and site visits to each of the Study areas (Brighton 1995).

3.10.1 Native American Prehistory OverView

Cultural resources within the vicinity of the Study Areas may include archaeological sites containing cultural material associated with Native American occupations. These occupations are divided into three cultural periods based upon differences in their technologies and in their responses to regional environmental and social changes through time. These periods are: Paleo- Indian (circa 12,000 - 8,500 years Before Present [B.P.]), Archaic (8,500 B.P. - 5,000 B.P.), and Woodland (5,000 B.P. - 400 B.P.). The Archaic and Woodland Periods are further divided into Early, Middle, and Late sub-periods. in. • •- - • • . . II iijAjim RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ==3sfes HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY ' ? KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 32 Draft Environmental Assessment Thorough overviews of New Jersey prehistory with special emphasis on the Study vicinities and Middlesex and Monmouth counties appear in a number of previous reports including Porter and Cavallo (1992), Kraft (1986), and Rutgers Archaeological Survey Office (RASO) (1978). The Paleo-Indian and Archaic Periods are represented in archaeological sites located along the county's Raritan Bay and Atlantic Ocean shorelines and associated drainages. Evidence of Paleo-Indian occupation includes Clovis-like points discovered at the Earle Naval Weapon Station and at several locations within the Manasquan drainage. Evidence of Archaic Period occupation includes a variety of lithic, faunal, and floral artifacts from the Red Valley Site in Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, and the Cream Ridge Site. Evidence of Woodland Period occupation, marked by the presence of ceramics, includes cultural material from the Turkey Swamp Site near Freehold. Occupation during the Contact Period was represented, by the Lenape, or "Delaware", a group of local Native American inhabitants of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties at the beginning of the 17th century, when Henry Hudson and the crew of the Half Moon arrived in the area (RASO 1978, Kraft 1986, Porter and Cavallo 1992).

3.10.2 Historic Period Overview

Details of the history of the general Study vicinities can be found in a number of previous texts and reports, including those prepared by Kardas and Larrabee (1979), RASO (1978), Mounier and'Kalb (1976), MCBCF (1929), Leonard (1923), Ellis (1885), Harris and Reyes (1991), MacKenzie (1992), Clayton (1882), and Huntoh and McCabe (1984).

The European settlement of the Raritan Bay region began in 1609 with the landing of Hudson's Half Moon at Atlantic Highlands, to the east of the Study areas. Hudson claimed the land for Holland, but by 1664, it was relinquished to the English. The Raritan Bay area was attractive for settlement because of its profitable farming potential. Fishing and harvesting of shellfish were also major industries along the Raritan Bay shore. It was not until the late 17th and early' 18th centuries, however, that the area between Sandy Hook and the Raritan River began to be gradually settled. Portions of the bayshore, particularly, to the northeast of Cheesequake Creek and the Study areas, from South Amboy to Morgan, contained beds of clay that formed the basis for several ceramic manufacturing centers which flourished during the 19th century. After the Civil War numerous towns along the Raritan Bay shoreline functioned as resorts and summer colonies for the New York metropolitan area.

Keansburg/EastKeansburg Study Area r Keansburg, originally known as Granville, was first inhabited in 1699 when a tavern was constructed in the area. Later, a pier built near Point Comfort was the earliest principal port and landing, in Monmouth County (Keansburg Bureau of Publicity h.d., Leonard 1923). By the mid to late 19th century Keansburg had grown to a small center, with a number of local industries, including the Preston fertilizer factory and the Uniontown Tile and Brick Company. In the 1920s Keansburg became a popular resort and amusement center.

HI a.;JII „ • niii^fflll' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY sis HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 33 Draft Environmental Assessment The Keansburg area also had two Coast Guard Beacons located within the town. The Bay Side or Point Comfort Beacon was built on the shore on the east side of Keansburg and the Waackaack or .Waycake Beacon was built along the creek of the same name, a few miles offshore on the west side of Keansburg (Leonard 1923). The beacons were built in the mid 19th century and served to guide shipping past the Sandy Hook channel to the Amboys and New York. Each beacon was eventually decommissioned and replaced with automated systems.

3.10.3 Known Cultural Resources

Consultation with state, county, and local agencies was initiated for information on cultural resources in the Study Areas. These agencies included the Monmouth County Historical Association, the Office of New Jersey Heritage, the New Jersey State Museum, the New Jersey State Library, the New York Public Library, and the New Jersey Bureau of Natural History.

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Prehistoric Cultural Resources: A review of the site files of the New Jersey State Museum and the Office of New Jersey Heritage, Historic Preservation Office, indicate the presence of a number of prehistoric sites along the south shore of Raritan Bay. The majority of the sites were located during the first half of the 20th century and no longer exist, or have been compromised by subsequent development. A number of archaeological investigations for various state and local projects at Laurence Harbor, Matawan Creek, Keyport, Pews Creek, Cliffwood Beach, Hazlet, East Keansburg, and Keansburg did not recover any prehistoric remains in the respective Study areas. Consistently, the lack of artifacts or intact cultural deposits in all cases were attributed to prior ground disturbance (Grossman and O'Connor 1976, Heritage Studies 1976, Mounier and Kalb 1976, Cultural Resource Management Services 1978, RASO 1978, Kardas arid Larrabee 1979, Chittick and Sypko 1980, Liggett and Brown 1989, The Cultural Resource Consulting Group 1992, Brown and Tull 1994).

Historic Cultural Resources: There are no structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) located within the Keansburg Study Area (Brighton 1995). The Whitlock/Seabrook/Wilson House, a NRHP property, is located to the east of the Study Area. The Keansburg Beachway Streetscape near Point Comfort is listed on the New Jersey State Register (NJSR). The streetscape includes the Keansburg boardwalk immediately to the east of Point Cornfort and adjacent buildings on Beachway and Bay Avenues spanning 20th century architectural styles that presently hoUse entertainment centers.

3.11 LAND USE AND ZONING C/''''' Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

iiiHiii RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 34 Draft Environmental Assessment The current land use in the Keansburg Study Area consists primarily of undeveloped beach, developed residential areas, and a waterfront amusement park with boardwalk areas near Point Comfort. Commercial areas are located-further southeast of the Study Area, approaching State Highway 36. Residential areas cover the majority of the Study Area, including the areas abutting the beach. The Keansburg and East Keansburg residential Community is generally characterized by older, single-family homes on small lots approximately 5,000 square ft in size. Many of these lots and homes were originally developed as summer homes near Raritan Bay (Township of Middletown 1994). .

The Township of Middletown Zoning Map indicates that this Study Area consists of Single- family residential (R-l) and Two-family, Garden, Midrise (R-2); in the areas adjacent to the beach; Business (B-l) and Business: Amusement (B-2) zones in the area of the beach, and boardwalk and further to the northwest and northeast along State Highway 36 (Township of Middletown 1994).

3.12 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and the Coastal-Zone Reauthorization Act Amendments of 1990, New Jersey has defined its coastal zone boundaries and developed policies to evaluate and issue permits for projects located within the designated coastal zone. These policies are set forth in New Jersey's Rules on Coastal Zone Management (N.J.A.C. 7:7, 7:7E, dated July 18, 1996 and addenda to 7:7E-5 and 7:7E-8.7, dated August 19, 1996) (NJDEP LURP 1997).

The NJDEP administers the coastal permit program through the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) (New Jersey State Act fN.J.S.A.] 13:19-1 et seq.), the Wetlands Act of 1970 (N.J.S.A. 13:9A-1 et seq.), and the Waterfront Development Law (N.J.S.A. 12:5-3). Each of these acts provides a slightly different definition of the coastal zone; therefore, the designated coastal zone consists of the cumulative total of these three definitions.

The New Jersey Coastal Zone Management Rules contain substantive standards for determining development acceptability and environmental impact of projects for which coastal permits are sought. These policies generally seek to: 1) protect and enhance the coastal ecosystem; 2) encourage the preservation of open space and suitable areas for water dependent activities; 3) protect the health, safety, and welfare of people who reside in, work in, and visit the coastal zone; 4) promote public access to the waterfront; 5) maintain active port and industrial facilities; and, 6) encourage mixed-use development including residential, commercial, and recreational uses within developed waterfront areas (NJDEP LURP 1997).

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 35 Draft Environmental Assessment Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area '

In the Keansburg Study Area, the coastal zone boundary defined by CAFRA. extends from the ocean shore to the Garden State Parkway. The Wetlands Act of 1970 defines the coastal zone as all tidally influenced wetlands. The Waterfront Development Law designates the coastal zone as any tidal waterway within the coastal area defined by CAFRA, up to and including the high water line. Based on these definitions, the entire Study Area is located within the designated coastal zone.

3.13 HAZARDOUS, TOXIC, AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE (HTRW)

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area '

No sites have been identified within the Keansburg Study Area (NJDEP 1997a).

3.14 NAVIGATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The Keansburg Study Area is located within Raritan Bay and in the immediate vicinity of several navigation channels, harbors, and creeks. Specifically, it is situated between Waackaack Creek to the west and Pews Creek to the east. These creeks are navigable waterways and are primarily used by recreational boats and less frequently by small commercial vessels. -

3.15 AESTHETICS AND SCENIC RESOURCES ,

The visual features in both Study Areas include a narrow beach. On the landward side, bluffs, dunes, and shrub vegetation border the narrow beaches. The visual setting of the area is typical of the beachfront environment of RBSHB, and is characterized by a narrow beach, shallow water, and low sandy coastline. Overall, the area presents an appearance of a well-maintained seaside residential suburban community.

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

There are no designated scenic resources or historic aboveground structures eligible for listing on the NRHP in the vicinity of the Study Area. However, the Keansburg Dunes and Pier are listed in the Bayshore Waterfront Access Plan as a viewpoint affording scenic views of RBSHB and Staten Island (MCPB 1987). The beach and tidal wetlands in the Study vicinity are components of the proposed Bayshore Waterfront Park and Bayshore Trail system. Management objectives for this system include preserving unobstructed view corridors as new development occurs.

_ RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 36 Draft Environmental Assessment 3.16 RECREATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The main commercial recreational attraction in the Keansburg Study Area is the amusement park on Beachway Road near Point Comfort, which features a new Water Park. From the amusement park, visitors have access to the beachfront boardwalk. Lifeguards are on the beaches throughout the summer season and water sport equipment rentals and restroorn facilities are also available.. In the Study Area, the Bayshore Trail and Baywalk Park Trail provides access to the shorefront's natural habitats with minimal impact. The Henry Hudson Trail traverses the area along the former Central Railroad train track corridor and currently links neighborhoods from the Township of Aberdeen to Atlantic Highlands (Dowd 2000).

Current shoreline uses include recreational activities commonly associated with beaches, such as swimming, walking, biking, fishing, and boating.

3.17 TRANSPORTATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Transportation resources in the Keansburg Study Area consist of land-based and water-based transportation resources.

Land-based transportation resources include publicly owned roads and beaches. The existing roads are generally two-lane residential roads, with some one-way streets near the beach area. Parking is permitted on the streets, narrowing the roadway travel width. New Jersey State Highway 35 serves as the southern boundary of the Study Area. In addition, the Henry Hudson Trail, a non-motorized, recreation trail located on the abandoned New Jersey Central railroad, traverses the southern portion of the Study Area (Monmouth County Parks System [MCPS] 1999). In addition, there is an existing boardwalk along the beach that will be incorporated into the proposed Bayshore Trail system (MCPB 1987).

Water-based transportation includes the navigable waterways associated with Waackaack Creek to the west and Pews Creek to the east of the Study Area.

/ - • 3.18 AIRQUALITY

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Monmouth County is located in the New York-New Jersey-Long Island Air Quality Control Region. Similar to most urban industrial areas, emissions from automobiles, manufacturing processes, utility plants, and refineries have impacted air quality in the Study Area. Based on the

Hin^f I'll RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY .==^F=t HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 37 Draft Environmental Assessment s

National Ambient Air Quality Standards' (NAAQS) six primary pollutants, Monmouth County is designated as a moderate non-attainment area for ozone, non-attainment for PM2.5, and ah attainment area for carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, respirable particulate matter (PM10), lead,

and nitrogen dioxide (USEPA 1997)%

3.19 NOISE

Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. The day-night noise level (Ldn) is widely used to

describe noise levels in any given community (USEPA 1978). The unit of measurement for Ldn is the "A"-weighted decibel (dBA), which closely approximates the frequency responses of human hearing.

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The primary source of noise in the Keansburg Study Area is vehicular traffic on local roadways and local construction projects that may be underway. Although noise level measurements have not been obtained in the Study Area, they can be approximated based on existing land uses. The

typical Ldn in residential areas ranges from 39 to 59 dBA (USEPA 1978). It can be assumed that the existing sound levels in the Study Area are roughly within this range.

IlinMliii' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY =A=B HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 38 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

4.1 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

No significant impacts to topography or geology will result from the implementation of the selected plan. The existing topography at the beaches would increase to +15.8 ft NGVD. The design specification of the fronting slope (1-ft on 15-ft) for the beach berm renourishment component is designed to match the previously constructed foreshore slope and is intended to approximate equilibrium. However, the dynamic coastal processes that presently influence the beach will continue, such that the beach elevations and width will continue to fluctuate as it has in the past.

No significant or long-term impacts would occur to native soil grain size, structure, nutrient status, or organic matter content because only suitable, clean sand material of similar grain size will be used for berm replenishment. The selected plan would hot halt the erosion of sand from the beach. However, the protective berm and reinforced beach would contribute to the long-term preservation and stability, of the existing beach and dune. Berm restoration and periodic beach renourishment would offset the calculated long-term baseline beach retreat rate.

4.2 OFFSHORE BORROW AREAS

Recovery rates of biomass, abundance, and diversity of benthic resources, finfish, and finfish feeding habits in the borrow area have been quantified as part of the District's biological monitoring program conducted along the New Jersey Atlantic coast. The results of this "program have concluded that the recovery rates as described above to pre-constfuction conditions in the borrow area will occur within 2-3 years (USACE 1999); Accordingly, analysis of impacts in Atlantic waters in New Jersey from dredging in offshore borrow areas has been thoroughly documented and the.need to conduct additional analysis is not necessary.. Similar recovery rates are anticipated for the Keansburg area post project.

4.3 WATER RESOURCES

4.3.1 Regional Hydrogeology and Groundwater Resources

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The initial and periodic renourishment and maintenance of the beach berm would have no significant impact on, the existing regional hydrogeology and groundwater resources.

4.3.2 Surface Water

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 39 Draft Environmental Assessment Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area During construction to reestablish the beach berm and subsequent renourishments, a temporary increase in turbidity of nearby surface water is expected and should be limited to only the discharge area. The renourishment material is expected to settle out of the water column upon the completion of construction, thereby returning the water quality to pre-construction conditions. The construction and maintenance of the beach berm and periodic renourishment of the selected plan would have ho significant long-term impact on surface water quality. As part of the intertidal biological monitoring plan, measurements of suspended sediments will be conducted to quantify the difference between suspended sediment levels during construction and, ambient and storm induced conditions. A Draft Section 404(b) (1) Guidelines Evaluation has been completed and is provided as Appendix C in this EA.

4.3.3 Tidal Influences

Keansburg/East. Keansburg Study Area

• The construction and maintenance of the selected plan will not alter the existing tidal patterns but would reduce the influence of these ongoing tidal patterns on the beachfronts, natural resources, and communities. The selected plan will implement a 5-year beach renourishment cycle until the year 2018, thereby retarding beachfront erosion.

The proposed 80 ft wide (top width) beach berm up,to +11.8 NGVD in elevation, a slope of 1 on 15 on the bay side, would be sufficient to shelter existing contours from direct mean tidal influences. . In addition, the wider beach will maintain the effectiveness of the long-term storm protection it provides to the adjacent unique dune ecosystem, residences, roads, and other structures and properties.

4.4 COASTAL PROCESSES

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The construction and maintenance of the beach berm and periodic beach renourishment would not change the nature of, or the rate of, existing coastal processes. However, the selected plan will reduce the influence of the existing coastal processes on the land-based structures. In particular, the beach berm and wider beach area will provide long-term protection to adjacent unique dune ecosystem, residences, roads, and other structures and properties.

4.5 VEGETATION

This section presents impacts on vegetation that would occur in wetlands and uplands within the two Study Areas. -

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 40 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.5.1 Wetlands

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Implementation of the selected plan will not impact wetlands. No wetlands are located within the footprint of the selected plan. Sediment transport analysis has concluded that at worst case, there will only be minimal transport of eroded material into adjacent tidal creeks.

4.5.2 Uplands

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Existing beach and dune habitat would be temporarily disturbed during construction activities. Restoration of the existing narrow beach berm to a broadened beach berm and unique dune ecosystem will result in immediate and long-term benefits. Currently, these habitats erode at each high tide and severe erosion occurs during every storm event. Construction of the selected plan will protect and enhance the existing beach berm and unique dune ecosystem. Periodic renourishment of the beach berm will ensure long-term preservation of these habitats. Implementation of the selected plan will advance recommendations by the USFWS to establish and enhance native dune habitat along the Study Area and make suitable provisions for the long- term success of dune habitat (USFWS 1994). Upland forested and scrub-shrub pockets located adjacent to the Study Area will not be disturbed. <

4.6 WILDLIFE

This section identifies the impacts on wildlife present in the Study Areas, including fish and shellfish, benthos, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals. In addition, a Draft Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Section 2(b) Report has been prepared by the USFWS (2001), and is provided as EA Appendix D.

4.6,1 Finfish and Shellfish

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The selected plan is expected to have an indirect, short-term impact on fish species in the immediate placement area. Motile species would likely avoid burial during beach renourishment by relocating outside of the placement area. However, the potential for some fish mortality does exist. Demersal fishes that may,reside just off-shore of the placement footprint (e.g., winter flounder, windowpane, summer flounder, etc..) would be temporarily displaced until appropriate' invertebrate species return to the area. Resident fish are expected to feed in surrounding areas, and therefore be relatively unaffected by temporary, localized, reductions in available benthic food sources (USACE 2000a). Holland et al. (1980) examined the effects of beach renourishment on nearshore species in Florida and found a temporary increase in fish abundance

ill ^: III „ iilii^ilili RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ^fe HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY

. : KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR^ NEW JERSEY November 2007 41 Draft Environmental Assessment along the newly created beach. The increase in fish abundance may be caused by the increased availability of food source from the sudden, large-scale release of organisms into the water column as a result of beach renourishment. To verify that long-term impacts to the low energy estuarine ecosystem are not significant and gain still more valuable insight into how to better plan and manage nourishment actions a proposed intertidal biological monitoring plan consisting of measurements of finfish abundance, diversity size and wet weight, and their feeding habits will be conducted. Data collection will include one year of pre-construction, one year during construction, and two years post-construction

In addition, the selected plan is expected to have a direct, short-term, impact on shellfish.. Sessile benthic shellfish in the immediate placement area would be buried during the first and second beach renourishment activities. Due to the proximity of soft-shell clam beds in the nearshore waters, a potential short-term impact is expected. However, due to the abundance of adjacent soft-shell clams and the similarity in grain size of the renourishment material with and existing sediments, recruitment arid full recovery is expected (Naqvi and Pullen 1982). Motile shellfish would avoid the Study Area during construction and therefore would not be impacted. The proposed intertidal biological monitoring plan, would also measure benthic resource abundance, biomass, and diversity to quantify the difference between pre-, during- and post-construction conditions. .

Implementation of the selected plan is expected to provide short and lbng-terrri benefits to horseshoe crabs. The USFWS's horseshoe crab Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Model, developed for the Delaware Bay area, ideritifies four habitat variables necessary for horseshoe crab spawning: depth of sand over peat, sediment moisture, beach slope, arid grain size (Brady and Schrading 1997). Construction of the selected plan is expected to maintain or improve the value of each variable for the horseshoe crab arid will therefore increase suitability of the area for horseshoe crab spawnirig. Periodic beach renourishment would ensure the long-term preservation of horseshoe crab spawning habitat. To minimize impacts to horseshoe crab mating construction activities will be conducted outside this tifneframe.

The selected plan is expected to cause short-term, localized increase in turbidity and push the subtidal and intertidal zones further offshore to their 1973 position . Smothered sessile shellfish are expected to colonize the new substrate rapidly from the surrounding areas (Wilber and Clarke 1998). Short-term reduction in shellfish feeding efficiency and localized mortality would be offset by the overall benefit of a high quality benthic substrate material.

No long-term adverse effects on fish and shellfish are anticipated.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 42 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.6.2 Benthic Resources

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The implementation of the selected plan is expected to have a direct, short-term impact on benthic resources. Beach renourishment and subsequent renourishments are expected to smother benthic organisms and cause some mortality. However, once buried, some mobile shellfish, species and polychaete worms have the ability to burrow upwards arid survive. Benthic resources would also begin to recolonize along the placement area immediately following the completion of each construction reach, and populations are expected to revert to pre-construction levels (Wilber and Clarke, 1998) in about 18 months. Infaunal organisms are likely to recolonize the area from nearby communities and should reestablish to. a similar pre-construction community. In addition to the short-term impact at the placement area, benthic community down current of the renourishment sites may also be affected by the reduction of water quality and possible siltation. However, no adverse long-term impacts are expected as sand settles quickly out of the water column.

Due to the sensitivity of the infaunal organisms to the change in sand grain-size, distribution and substrate porosity, it is possible that the benthic community species composition might be slightly different than the pre-construction composition. Smith and Brumsickle (1989) conducted a sediment plug experiment in. Barnstable Harbor, Massachusetts to measure colonization rate and determined that ambient abundance and,numbers of taxa were reached within 41 days. The precise recovery period cannot be estimated at this time, however it is assumed that recovery after renourishment and each renourishment will be relatively rapid. At present, lo'rig-term information on the effects of beaCh renourishment ori1 benthic resources in a low.energy estuarine ecosystem is ,lacking. To ensure that long-term impacts to the low energy estuarine ecosystem are not significant, the proposed intertidal biological monitoring plan consisting of: measurements of finfish abundance, diversity size and wet weight, and their feeding habits will be conducted.

4.6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

As stated in Section 3.6.3, the majority of amphibians on or near the Study Area would be limited to freshwater habitats. No freshwater habitats are present in the footprint of the selected plan; therefore, no direct or indirect adverse affects to amphibians are expected.

Several species of marine turtles potentially utilize habitat adjacent to the Study Area, and increased levels of disturbance during construction may displace these mobile reptiles to nearby, undisturbed sites. Additionally, as stated in Section 3.6.3, marine turtle nesting is unlikely to occur in the Study Area because their breeding grounds are located further south (USACE

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 43 Draft Environmental Assessment 1996b). Accordingly, no long-term adverse direct or indirect adverse affects to marine turtles are expected from placement activities.

4.6.4 Birds

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Birds may temporarily be affected by construction activities. During construction, heavy machinery activity, increased noise levels, and deposition of sand may cause displacement of individuals and nesting failure/disruptions near construction activities. However, avian species are highly mobile and are expected to avoid direct mortality. Accordingly, no significant impacts to birds are anticipated.

Beneficial impacts would result from the expansion of the existing dune by increasing potential habitat for species that require dense, low.growing shrubs. In addition, beach renourishment will create a much wider beach that is likely to attract a variety of shorebirds that require a more expansive area of sand to nest, forage and loaf. A potential indirect benefit to migratory birds may occur. If the wider beach and enhanced intertidal habitat improves horseshoe crab •spawning, ari increase in prey abundance and its subsequent availability to migratory birds may result. A much larger and wider sandy beach should provide more roosting space for wintering waterfowl and increase the amount of potential nesting habitat for shorebirds, such as the Federally-listed piping plover and the state-listed least tern.

Long-term benefits as described above are expected because periodic beach renourishments will ensure continual maintenance and preservation of the wide beach berm and unique dune habitat.

4.6.5 Mammals

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Mammals in the Keansburg Study Area may be temporarily affected by construction activities. During construction, heavy machinery activity and increased noise levels may cause mortality of some individuals of less mobile species of small mammals (e.g., mice and voles), or indirectly cause displacement of individuals near construction activities. However, mammals are mobile and will avoid direct mortality.

Most mammals inhabiting the Study Area are accustomed to human activities and would likely recolonize the Study Area from adjacent areas shortly after completion of construction. Although harbor seals generally do not stay long in areas with high levels of human activity, the expanded beach area may be more attractive to the seals and observations , of this species may increase as a result of the construction of the selected plan. No significant impacts to mammals are anticipated.

111.:: M l" initeiii'ii RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 44 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.7 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

4.7.1 Federal Species of Concern

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

As stated in Section 3.6.1, no Federally-listed threatened or endangered species are known to occur in the Keansburg Study Area except for occasional transient individuals (USFWS 1994). Accordingly, no Federally-listed endangered or threatened species are likely to be impacted by the construction of the selected plan. The expansion of the existing narrow beach berm will result in a wider, sandy beach that can provide suitable nesting and growing habitat for piping plovers and seabeach amaranth, respectively.

Based on previous surveys, neither piping plovers nor seabeach amaranth were identified within the project area. However, the District proposes to conduct pre-construction monitoring for piping plovers and seabeach amaranth for one year prior to construction to ensure that the implementation of the selected plan will not adversely affect these species. Furthermore, monitoring for these species is proposed during construction and annually for the first five years following construction. Pending the results of these survey efforts, the District and USFWS will determine the need to reinitiate consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the ESA and either continue or discontinue the post-construction monitoring effort.

4.7.2 State Species of Concern

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area .

Based upon coordination with the NJDEP, the state-listed endangered ieast tern has been known to occur in the Study Area. Potential benefits to least terns are anticipated to be similar to piping plover benefits as discussed in Section 4.7.1. Furthermore, monitoring efforts for least terns will be similar to those conducted for piping plovers as described in Section 4.7.1.

No adverse impacts to other state-listed threatened and endangered species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, vegetation, or unique natural communities are expected to occur as result, of the construction of the selected plan. Construction of the selected plan will restore and protect the existing unique dune ecosystem. In addition, periodic renourishment of the beach berm will ensure continued preservation of this habitat.

4.8 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The selected plan is expected to have an indirect, short-term impact on food availability for benthic-feeding EFH designated species in the immediate placement area. The first and second

lli qjil ' „ niljioijlll'l RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . • KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 45 Draft Environmental Assessment

' 1 \ beach fill renourishment activities will cause mortality of benthic infaunal organisms (e.g., polychaete and oligochaete worms). However, resident fish are expected to feed in surrounding areas, and therefore be relatively unaffected by temporary, localized, reductions in available benthic food sources (USACE 2000c). A detailed EFH assessment report that includes the nearshore Keansburg Study Area is provided in EA Appendix E. the conclusion of this assessment indicates that implementation of the. selected plan will have short-term, minimal effects to EFH species and habitat.

4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS

This section discusses the impacts of the preferred alternative on the population, economy, income, and housing within the two Study Areas. ; •

4.9.1 Population

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Implementation of the selected plan will neither induce nor inhibit growth in the communities of Keansburg and East Keansburg because the area is almost completely developed and has minimal potential for expansion. Furthermore, the construction of the selected plan should have no impact on the number, density,-or racial composition of residents living within the Study area.

J 4.9.2 Housing v

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Implementation of the selected plan will have a positive impact on housing and structures in the area due to a reduction in storm damages resulting from beach erosion. There are 3,300 existing structures within the 500-year floodplain, of which 3,100 are residential and 200 are non­ residential. The construction of the selected plan also may have positive impact on residential property values due to the increased storm damage protection and reduced costs associated with storm damage. The selected plan involves perpetual easements along beach and lands currently owned by the Township of Middletown, therefore no residential buy-outs or displacement of residences are anticipated..

4.9.3 Economy and Income

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The economic analysis completed by the District has estimated that the increased levels of sand retention would result in an average annual net benefit to the community of $4,758,000 (October 2006 price levels).

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOok BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 46 Draft Environmental Assessment In addition, the implementation of the selected plan may have an indirect positive economic impact on existing business by maintaining accessibility to businesses during storm events. There also, will be a minor beneficial economic impact oh the local economy during initial construction and each renourishment, resulting from the influx of construction workers and their purchase of supplies and food.

4.9.4 Environmental Justice

No significant environmental impacts on the human population are anticipated as a result of the selected plan in the Keansburg, East Keansburg, or the Laurence Harbor areas. The selected plan will not result in any significant adverse impacts to the surrounding community, therefore a disproportionate negative impact on minority or low-income groups in the community is not anticipated arid a full evaluation of Environmental Justice issues is not required. In fact, the low- income arid lower-than-average-income communities would benefit through the allocation of Federal/public funds to this beach erosiori control and hurricarie protection project, as described below.

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES

4.10.1 Study Effects on Cultural Resources

A Cultural Resources Assessment for the Study Areas has indicated that the areas have low sensitivity for prehistoric archaeological sites. Prehistoric period sites most likely would have been located inland along creeks, outside of the Study Areas, or would have been disturbed by. previous construction of shoreline stabilization efforts and development in the past. Results of the Cultural Resources Assessment conducted for the Study Areas have also indicated that the Study Areas have low archaeological sensitivity and low potential for subsurface historic sites and above ground historic structures. No NRHP-listed properties have been identified for the Study Areas

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The recommended plan for this portion of the Study area consists of sand placement along the shoreline between Waackaack Creek and Pews Creek. Although there is potential for encountering prehistoric archaeological remains from around the creeks, there is no potential to recover these remains from the' beach. The historic Beachway Streetscape and associated boardwalk listed on the NJSR is located behind the dunes at Keansburg and East Keansburg. The Study should not impact any remains of either the Point Comfort Beacon or the Waackaack Beacon. The beach and areas around the mouths of the creeks have been disturbed by the construction of levees and drainage structures built as part of the original project.. The placement of sand will not involve sub-surface ground disturbance. Sand will be deposited on the beach and graded according to the proposed design. Sand placement may protect resources located behind the beach.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 47 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.10.2 Further Analysis of Study Effects

No additional analysis of effects of the selected plan on cultural resources will be necessary unless the nature of the selected plan changes over its duration. Should the nature of the selected plan change, additional consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) would be necessary.

4.11 LAND USE AND ZONING

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

No negative impacts.to land use are anticipated as a result of the construction of the selected plan. The selected plan involves placing additional sand to widen the existing narrow beach, which is consistent with the current land use in this area. As a result, the construction of the selected plan will result in the beneficial effect of restoring a larger and wider beach area for current land uses.

The construction of the selected plan and the resulting increase in hurricane and storm damage protection is not expected to significantly induce future development in the adjacent residential areas, because most, if not all, of the developable areas are developed. Similarly, zoning will not be affected by the selected plan.

4.12 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The District has reviewed the New Jersey Coastal Zone Management Rules and identified the guidelines applicable to the Study. Based oh review of the 35 applicable policies of New Jersey's Rules on Coastal Zone Management (NJDEP LURP 1997), the selected plan is consistent with New Jersey's Coastal Zone Management Program. A Coastal Zone Management Consistency Evaluation, containing applicable guidelines and the District's responses, is provided in EA Appendix F of this EA.

4.13 HAZARDOUS, TOXIC; AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE (HTRW)

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area • . "

No impacts to known HTRW sites are expected to occur as a result of the implementation of the selected plan.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 48 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.14 NAVIGATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

No adverse impacts to navigation are expected as a result of the implementation of the selected plan. Sediment transport analysis has concluded that minimal siltation may. occur in the Pews Creek channel.

The construction of the selected plan may benefit navigation by covering exposed and shallow submerged wooden pilings. Once buried, these structures will lose the ability to dislodge and become floating hazards to recreational boats and commercial vessels.

4.15 AESTHETICS AND SCENIC RESOURCES

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

Short-term adverse impacts to the aesthetic and scenic resources in both Study Areas will be minor. Aesthetic values will be reduced temporarily during construction, due to the presence of construction equipment and active construction activities. However, these impacts will be temporary, and scenic and aesthetic values will be restored and enhanced as a result of the creation of a wider beach.

Long-term positive impacts on aesthetic and scenic resources could occur from the proposed higher elevation of the protective beach berm. This increased elevation may reduce visibility of the waterfront from some locations landward of. the protective beach -berm. However, the implementation of the selected plan would meet arid advance the published mariagement objectives for the proposed Bayshore Waterfront Park and Bayshore Trail System. The selected plan would preserve the view corridors (MCPB 1987). '

4.16 RECREATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

The selected plan will result in a positive long-term impact on recreation in the Keansburg Study Area, as a wider beach will allow for enhanced recreational opportunities and increased recreational value in the area.

Temporary irhpacts during construction may limit public access to the beachj reduce access to the water, and close or restrict access to recreational areas. These impacts can be minimized by working in the off-season. No significant or long-term negative impacts to recreational resources are expected. ' • ,

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY Hook BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 49 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.17 TRANSPORTATION

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area ^

Temporary impacts to the land-based transportation resources will be associated with the movement of construction equipment and workers' vehicles during the construction. However, these impacts are expected to be minimal, short-term, and limited to the period of construction and periodic renourishment. The selected plan will not result in a significant long-term increase in traffic. During construction, personnel from the District will coordinate with local officials as needed to minimize effects to the local traffic. -

Any migration of sand into adjacent navigable creeks is expected to be negligible and would not significantly impact the navigability of these waterways. Therefore, no impact to water-based transportation is expected.

4.18 AIR QUALITY

The General Conformity provisions relating to the Clean Air Act require a conformity demonstration for each pollutant where the total direct and indirect emissions from the Federal action exceed the corresponding de minimis level. Preliminary emission estimates were made based on emission estimates generated from similar activities for other projects.

Based on the preliminary estimates, which are solely based on assumptions regarding construction equipment staging and schedule, total direct and indirect NOx emissions appear to exceed the de minimis threshold of 100 tons per year. In close consultation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Corps will conduct a detailed, comprehensive quantitative analysis in the next project phase ^reconstruction, Engineering and Design) to precisely quantify all emissions from the Raritan 506 Project arid to determine conformity accordingly. The equipment used during construction for the Keansburg and East Keansburg study area may emit minor amounts of carbon monoxide or other pollutants in the immediate vicinity, but are land based subjecttb emission standards. Upon completion of the revised emission estimates, if applicability is determined, a Draft General Conformity Determination will be prepared and undergo formal agency and public review. This process will be discussed in the FONSI, includirig, as necessary, detailed analyses of mitigation alternatives, such as emission offsets, emission credits, emission reduction technologies, and operational modifications to reduce emissions which may lead to extending the construction schedule.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 50 Draft Environmental Assessment 4.19 NOISE

Keansburg/East Keansburg Study Area

There would be a minor increase in noise level in the immediate Study Area during construction due to the increase in worker vehicles and traffic, and the operation of construction equipment. However, these impacts are expected to be minimal and short-term, and limited to the period of active sand placement. There will be no long-term impact on noise levels. .

4.20 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Cumulative impacts refer to one or more individual impacts which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase the other's impacts. The cumulative impact from several projects is the change in the environment that results from the incremental impact of the selected plan when added to Other closely related past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future projects.

The implementation of the selected plan will restore and provide long-term preservation of a previously designed and constructed beach berm and dunes. In addition, there are other Federal ongoing beach erosion control, and hurricane and shore damage protection projects in various areas and planning stages throughout the RBSHB area. These other projects typically include a beach erosion control component to protect the shoreline and the adjacent properties at risk of hurricane, and severe storm-induced damage. The cumulative impacts to shore protection from implementation of the selected plan combined with these other projects along the RBSHB shore are generally considered to be beneficial, resulting from the increased level of protection from damages caused by hurricanes and severe storms.

Potential cumulative impacts to the environment are associated with the impact to benthic communities resulting from the first beach renourishment and periodic beach renourishments, Intertidal and subtidal benthic communities are expected to recolonize within a few months after construction. Following this type of disturbance, the species composition of the reestablished community might be slightly different than the pre-construction composition (see Section 4.6.2). This effect, if it occurs over the entire length of all the renourished beaches along.the RBSHB, is a potential cumulative effect. However based on projected schedules, funding, and the distances between each project this is not a likely occurrence. Certain pioneer shellfish species important to recreation would opportunistically disperse into the newly renourished beach areas.

Potential beneficial cumulative impacts to horseshoe crabs may result from the implementation of the selected plan. The proposed restoration of the previously constructed beach berm and dune, in conjunction with similar proposed projects along the RBSHB shoreline, may increase the overall value of the bay to horseshoe Crabs by providing more overall habitat, providing all projects are hot constructed simultaneously. Wider sandy beaches can provide more suitable spawning habitat for the horseshoe crab. Since horseshoe crab eggs are an important food source

llll^ifl!!' RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY z=£k=B HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . ... ' KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 51 Draft Environmental Assessment for several species of migratory birds along the Atlantic migratory flyway, these migratory birds may benefit by the potential increase of horseshoe crab eggs available for consumption. In addition, a wider sandy beach may provide suitable nesting and growing habitat for Federally- listed and state listed species such as the piping plover, least tern, and seabeach amaranth.

Cumulative impacts to the borrow area will be minimized by the sequencing of construction of all of the New Jersey shore protection projects.

Construction of the District's beach renourishment projects along the RBSHB shoreline will protect and enhance the unique dune ecosystems. Periodic renourishment of the beach will ensure long-term preservation of these habitats. Implementation of the selected plan will advance recommendations by the USFWS to establish and enhance native dune habitat along the Study Area, and. throughout New Jersey, and will help ensure for the long-term success of dime habitat.

Since the SBBA sand will be used, and has1 been used to obtain sand for other projects, no additional impacts will result. Since resources in the borrow area differ from the placement sitel

Beach renourishment will expand the existing beach, thus complimenting^ the Bayshore Waterfront Access Plan, by providing more overall beach areas to access, thereby increasing the recreational use of the shoreline in and adjacent to the Project area.

Construction, of the District's beach erosion projects along' the RBSHB coast may benefit navigation by covering exposed and shallow submerged wooden pilings. Once buried, these structures will lose the ability to dislodge and become floating hazards to recreational boats and commercial vessels.

Several low-income and lower-than-average-incorne communities would benefit through the allocation of Federal/public funds to the District's proposed beach erosion control and hurricane protection projects along the RBSHB coast. Specifically, construction will have a positive benefit to the lowest income population of the area by reducing costs resulting from storm and water damage as well as costs incurred from temporary relocation during and after storm events.

There are no known or expected cumulative impacts to natural resources as a result of the selected plan combined with other local development projects. The extent of proposed housing or other proposed structural development in the vicinity of the Study area has not been formally identified. However, based on the clirreht land development practices, construction of buildings

N is not permitted on the beach or dune areas where this selected plan will be constructed.

Ml i;: III illfelllVt RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY ==A==j HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY . . ? KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 52 Draft Environmental Assessment Potential cumulative impacts to natural resources resulting from implementation of the selected plan may occur as a result of increased sedimentation. The first beach fill renourishment and subsequent renourishments will involve accelerated erosion during sediment sorting. Although the amount of additional sand being transported is not expected to be significant, there is a possibility that the combined effects of sand transport from this selected plan and from other District selected plans of other projects may Contribute to increased sedimentation in and around navigation channels.

The implementation of numerous beach erosion projects along the RBSHB will involve the conversion of subtidal habitat to sandy beach, resulting in ah overall loss of subtidal habitat and an extension of the intertidal zone. However, the loss of this habitat is minute when compared to the expanses of subtidal habitat along the RBSHB shoreline. ' . ' ,

Finally during visits to the site it appears that there are no parcels of land available for construction of homes because the area has reached maximum development.

i

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 53 Draft Environmental Assessment 5.0 COORDINATION

The District has performed coordination with appropriate federal and state agencies pursuant to the NEPA process associated with this DEA. Specifically, the District issued a Scoping Document in January 2001 to facilitate comments from residents and local, state and Federal agencies regarding the proposed project. Coordination With the USFWS is documented in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Section 2(b) Report provided as Appendix D. Additional pertinent agency coordination is documented in correspondence provided as Appendix B. This includes coordination with the NYSDEC, USFWS, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and NOAA Fisheries with respect to federal or state listed threatened or endangered species and coordination with New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office.

No significant impacts to water quality are anticipated in the project area, therefore it is anticipated that the Water Quality Certificate from the State of New Jersey will be received during the Preconstruction, Engineering and Design (PED) phase of the project.

In addition, based on the preliminary estimates, which are solely based on assumptions regarding construction equipment staging and schedule, total direct and indirect NOx emissions appear to exceed the de minimis threshold of 100.tons per year. In close consultation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Corps will conduct a detailed, comprehensive quantitative analysis during PED to precisely quantify all emissions from the Raritan 506 Project and to determine conformity accordingly. The equipment used during construction for the Keansburg and East Keansburg study area may emit minor amounts of carbon monoxide or other pollutants in the immediate vicinity, but are land based subject to emission standards. Upon completion of the revised emission estimates, if applicability is determined, a Draft General Conformity Determination will be prepared and undergo formal agency and public review.

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 54 Draft Environmental Assessment 6.0 REFERENCES

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RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 64 Draft Environmental Assessment 7.0 List of Preparers

This section identifies the individuals who prepared this Environmental Assessment.

Name Position Role in EA Preparation U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District Brand) Sloss Environmental Scientist in Environmental Coordinator/Lead Biologist Environmental Analysis Branch, Mark Burlas Legal Planning Division Kirsten Smyth Archaeologist, Planning Study Archeologist Division, Environmental Analysis Branch Ellen Simon Office of Counsel Counsel Review Dan Fait Engineer, Programs and Project Project Manager Management Division •. Donald E. Cresitello Engineer, Plan Formulation Project Planner Branch, Planning Division Northern Ecological Associates, Inc. David Santillo Principal Program Manager, Principal Review Sandra Lare Environmental Manager • EA Manager, Technical Review, Introduction, Purpose and Need, Proposed Action, Alternatives, and Cumulative Impacts. Robin Dingle Environmental Manager Deputy EA Manager, Technical Review Jack Wu Environmental Scientist Water Resources - Regional Hydrogeology & , Groundwater, Surface Water, Tidal Influences, Coastal Processes, Finfish and Shellfish, Benthic Resources, Essential Fish Habitat, Floodplain Issues, and Section 404(b)( 1) Evaluation. Patrick Fellion Environmental Scientist Topography, Geology and Soils, Vegetation - Wetlands and Uplands, Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, and Threatened and Endangered

Species/Communities. x Irene Garvey Environmental Scientist Coastal Zone Management, Navigation, Air Quality, Noise, Transportation, HTRW, Coastal Zone Management Evaluation, Clean Air Statement of Conformity, and List of Preparers. Stephen Puleo Environmental Planner Socioeconomics - Population, Economy and Income, Housing, Land Use and Zoning, Aesthetics and ' X . . . Scenic Resources, Recreation, and Environmental Justice. Stuart Eldridge Cultural Resource Specialist Cultural Resources

III 111 ' Vim^rUm RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY 1 . • KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 > 65 Draft Environmental Assessment Karla Hyde CAD/GIS Specialist EA Figures and Maps Beth Stuba Editor Editorial and QA/QC Review

RARITAN BAY AND SANDY HOOK BAY HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION STUDY KEANSBURG, EAST KEANSBURG, AND LAURENCE HARBOR, NEW JERSEY November 2007 66 Draft Environmental Assessment