Pelham Bay Bridge NEPA Environmental Assessment

Great Ecology, under contract to WSP USA, completed the natural resources component of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment for Amtrak’s replacement of the Pelham Bay Bridge over the Hutchinson River. The existing rail bridge has been in service for 110 years, well past the normal life span of a movable bridge and is prone to operational failures. The proposed bridge replacement project will improve passenger rail service on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor by eliminating bridge-related delays and increasing train travel speeds, while improving navigation and maritime safety in the lower Hutchinson River.

Great Ecology’s role included updating a 2014 wetland delineation within the project’s Limits of Disturbance (LOD), including both tidal and non-tidal wetland resources; updating a 2014 threatened and endangered species screening and sites assessment, including file searches and coordination with the New York State (NYS) Natural Heritage Program; and initiating consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 Permitting, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Fishery Service for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) assessments, including preparation of an EFH worksheet and supporting documentation. The results of the above assessments and field surveys culminated in an “Effects Determination” memorandum, which formed the basis of the Natural Resources section of the Environmental Assessment.

As of May 2024, Great Ecology continues to provide ongoing support for this project including environmental assessments, permitting, and mitigation planning.