GEI worked closely with LIPA, National Grid and Environmental Regulatory Agencies to obtain NYSDEC, USACE and NYSDOS approvals for the installation of an underwater cable across Great South Bay. Terrestrial surveys and submerged aquatic vegetation studies were conducted as part of the preliminary studies to determine a cable route that minimized and mitigated disturbance to sensitive habitats. GEI prepared and submitted permit application packages and served as the liaison with the regulatory agencies during the permitting phase of the project.
GEI also prepared and submitted an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment as part of USACE required coordination with NOAA/NMFS and USFWS. As part of NYSDEC permit requirements, GEI developed a turbidity monitoring protocol and implemented turbidity monitoring during the jet-plowing installation of the cable. In association with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), GEI helped develop a five-year eelgrass restoration and monitoring plan to serve as regulatory agency required mitigation for the project. Post-cable placement, GEI coordinated a shoreline
stabilization and upland restoration design and installation effort.