New York / New Jersey Harbor Navigation Project: Environmental Aspects

The Port of New York and New Jersey presently handles more than 13 million metric tons of cargo in 1.3 million containers. This cargo arrives at the Port using federal channels with authorized depths of 30 to 45 ft. The existing world fleet of cargo ships is changing to larger, deeper draft vessels which require 50 ft or deeper water if they are to enter the Port fully loaded. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District conducted the New York and New Jersey Harbor Navigation Study (see Shea et al. this volume). The purpose of the study was to identify, screen, evaluate and recommend a plan for channel improvements throughout the Port, including deepening, widening and realignment. The study considered the Ambrose, Anchorage, Bay Ridge, Red Hook, Buttermilk, the Kill Van Kull, Claremont, Port Jersey, Newark Bay and the Arthur Kill to Gulfport as well as the anchorages at Stapleton, Red Hook Flats and Gravesend Bay. The plan that was recommended at the end of the study provides for navigation improvements to nine channels, which will permit access by larger, deeper-draft vessels to four container terminals.