The Town Dock is a public recreation facility located in Port Washington, NY along the eastern shoreline of Manhasset Bay. The site provides public access for parking while serving as a popular location for fishing and tourism. The structure also supports multiple floating dock platforms for use as kayak launches, tour boat mooring, and harbor police boats.

In Summer 2015, GEI’s waterfront engineers (formerly of Rising Tide Waterfront Solutions) were invited by the Town of North Hempstead to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the facility’s condition and develop recommendations for structural rehabilitation and maintenance in response to damages sustained during Superstorm Sandy. This initial scope of work comprised an above and below water inspection of the facility, a Phase 1 environmental site assessment, review of existing bathymetric survey data, and soil borings with a full geotechnical report.

Work included geotechnical, topographic, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) studies, as well as assessment of the Cathodic Protection System, where present, with location provided through drone study. Through committed efforts and careful coordination with Town officials, GEI staff completed these services before the year’s end.

Acknowledging the value of the detailed reports regarding the damages the structure sustained during Superstorm Sandy, the Town retained GEI’s staff to further assist with applications for FEMA grant funding, and FEMA obligated funding for the in-kind replacement of Town Dock. Working as a subconsultant to the Town’s prime engineer, GEI led the FEMA-funded replacement design effort and managed all waterfront-specific aspects of the design.

GEI is currently engaged as the Agent to the Town of North Hempstead requesting authorization from federal and state regulatory agencies for the replacement of the steel sheet pile bulkhead and will continue to serve as the design team’s representative throughout the construction process.