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Home My WebLink AboutUS Dept. Homeland Security Underwater Cable - Orient MAILING ADDRESS: r PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS " P.O. Box 1179 DONALD J.WILCENSKI Southold, NY 11971 Chair OFFICE LOCATION: JAMES H.RICH III ga Town Hall Annex MARTIN SIDOR � ��"� 54375 State Route 25 PIERCE RAFFERTY (cor. Main Rd. &Youngs Ave.) AMELIA JEALOUS-DANK , w Southold, NY Telephone: 631 765-1938 www.southoldtownny.gov PLANNING BOARD OFFICE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD November 27, 2023 John M. Searing, PE PMP Deputy Center Director Plum Island Animal Disease Center US Dept of Homeland Security Re: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)proposal to conduct activities relating to the abandonment in place of an existing undersea utility cable and the installation of a new undersea utility cable between Orient Point,New York(NY), and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) on Plum Island,NY. Dear Mr. Searing; The Southold Town Planning Board is submitting the following comments in response to The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)proposal to conduct activities relating to the abandonment in place of an existing undersea utility cable and the installation of a new undersea utility cable between Orient Point, New York(NY), and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) on Plum Island, NY (Proposed Action). The:Lon Island Sound Estuary The Long Island Sound bounds the northern shorelines of the Southold Town land mass and islands. The watershed is one of the most significant coastal areas in the nation, spanning 16,000 square miles that traverses all of Connecticut and parts of New York, Massachusetts,New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Post World War II,the ecological health of the Sound began to decline. To address the decline, the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) was developed under the Environmental Protection Agencies National Estuary Program and authorized by Congress in 1985, establishing a collaborative partnership of federal, state, interstate, and local government agencies, industries, universities, and community groups in an effort to restore and protect the Sound. LISS partners work together to implement a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to maintain the health of the ecosystem, restore coastal habitats, and increase Southold Town Planning Board Page 12 November 27,2023 public awareness of the Sound. Recognizing that the environmental concerns affecting the Sound cross political boundaries the LISS works together to share ideas, coordinate actions, and leverage financial resources to protect an entire ecosystem. The LISS initiated the Long Island Sound Futures Fund in 2005 through EPA's Long Island Sound Office and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Over the years the Long Island Sound Futures Fund has invested $42 million in 570 projects. The program has generated an additional $54 million in grantee match for a total conservation impact of$97 million. (LISS Website). Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats. The Town of Southold contains twenty-one (21) Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats (SCFWH). These habitats are indicative of high ecological value. To designate a SCFWH, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) evaluates the significance of coastal fish and wildlife habitat areas, and following a recommendation from the DEC, the Department of State designates and maps the specific areas. Recent additions to the program include Pipes Cove (2005) and the Goldsmith Inlet and Beach(2005). The Town of Southold recognizes the importance of protecting and enhancing these valuable habitats. Twenty-one areas within the Town of Southold have been designated as SCFWHs by the NYS Department of State (DOS, 1987, 2005): Cedar Beach Point Conkling Point Corey Creek Cutchogue Harbor Wetlands Downs Creek Dumpling Islands & Flat Hammock Fishers Island Beaches, Pine Islands & Shallows Goldsmith's Inlet and Beach Great Gull Island Hashamomuck Pond Jockey Creek Spoil Area Little Creek and Beach Long Beach Bay Mattituck Inlet Wetlands and Beaches Orient Harbor Southold Town Planning Board Page 13 November 27,2023 Pipes Cove Creek& Moore's Drain Plum Gut Port of Egypt Island Richmond Creek and Beach Robins Island The Race A list of the Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitats and their narratives can be found on the New York Department of State website at the following web address: .11.tt,;p://w_.:: c ,Llly,,gov/c namiiiiti(Zs atcrf,roiits/c�)i ist n ,;cf ilab tats.html Water Qualily All of the Town's coastal waters are assigned a classification by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation based on best usage of a particular water body. The classifications set attainment goals and discharge standards for point sources, but do not necessarily indicate existing water quality conditions. Most coastal waters in the Town are classified as SA. The SA designation indicates that the primary use of the water body is shellfishing for market purposes, primary and secondary contact recreation, and fishing. These waters shall be suitable for fish propagation and survival (LWRP). By classifying waters as SA, the NYSDEC has set a management goal to achieve a level of water quality that is capable of supporting shellfish harvesting. This does not imply that the waters which are so designated are always considered harvestable.Although much of Southold's coastal waters are classified as SA, many of these same water bodies are not certified for direct market harvesting of shellfish due to the seasonal occurrence of pathogens. The classification is also important from an ecological and economic standpoint because healthy, productive waters support tourism and marine uses. Town departments and numerous organizations work to retain high-quality surface waters through local laws, The LW",the Peconic Estuary Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, and the Long Island Sound Study. Town of Southold Comments The Southold Town Planning Board is concerned that leaving the abandoned undersea utility cable in place could result in potentially significant moderate to large adverse impacts to this area of the Long Island Sound that are long-term in duration and unknown. Although we are not aware of the intricate chemical details of the decomposition process of the undersea utility cable,the life span of 25 years suggests that a level of degradation takes place and an influence to the surrounding soils and water quality is expected. The questions that we are seeking answers to include: Southold Town Planning Board Page 14 November 27,2023 1. How many undersea utility cables have been abandoned in place to date? 2. What is the undersea utility cable decomposition rate and what substances and or chemicals will it release into the soils and water? 3. Will heavy metals be released into the water body? 4. Is there a zone of influence established for the undersea utility cable decomposition? 5. Will bioaccumulation potential or toxicity to marine receptors be increased from the decomposition of the undersea utility cable if left in place? 6. Will the undersea utility cable if left in place become another potential pollution source and a stressor on the LIS ecosystem? 7. How long, what season and what size in the area would be restricted during the work cited? 8. What restrictions will be placed on vessel navigation of the area? New York State and the Town of Southold have spent years committing to restoring the LIS water quality and estuaries using millions of dollars in funding under the Clean Water Act. Leaving the abandoned undersea utility cable in place to decompose, over time, would seem to conflict with the Clean Water Act. The potential impacts to marine species from leaving the abandoned underwater cable in place needs to be adequately assessed to the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The program provides strategies to encourage and protect the public waters and waterfront areas of the Town. It emphasizes the importance of the coastal zone and traditional maritime uses in terms of the commercial and recreational qualities of the Town. The coastal policies of an LWRP are used to review a project for consistency if the activity will occur within or affect that LWRP. All Federal and State actions require consistency with policies adopted under the program. Applicable policies include: Natural Coast Policies Policy 6. Protect and restore the quality and function of the Town of Southold's ecosystem. Policy 8. Minimize environmental degradation in the Town of Southold from solid waste and hazardous substances and wastes. Policy 11. Promote sustainable use of living marine resources in the Town of Southold. We thank you for the consideration. 4i,48 � Donald Wileenski, Chairman Cc: Scott Russell, Town Supervisor Southold Town Board Palmeri, Allison From:Michaelis, Jessica Sent:Thursday, September 28, 2023 3:19 PM To:Mia Jealous Dank; Cerezo, Mara; Cummings, Brian A.; Don Wilcenski home (dwilski78 @gmail.com); James H Rich (jhrichiii.stpb@gmail.com); Lanza, Heather; Rafferty, Pierce; Sidor, Martin H; Terry, Mark; Wilcenski, Donald J Cc:Palmeri, Allison; Westermann, Caitlin Subject:incoming mail: Request for Comments - US Dept Homeland Security underwater cable Orient - Plum Island Attachments:PIADC_AECOM_PIP Letter_MTOMASZEWSKI_09272023.pdf From: Tomaszewski, Michelle <michellet@town.southold.ny.us> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 3:10 PM To: Lanza, Heather <heather.lanza@town.southold.ny.us>; Terry, Mark <mark.terry@town.southold.ny.us> Cc: Michaelis, Jessica <jessica.michaelis@town.southold.ny.us> Subject: FW: PIADC/AECOM Public Involvement Plan Letter Good afternoon, Please see below. Thank you, Michelle Michelle L. Tomaszewski Secretarial Assistant to the Town Board Town of Southold Supervisor’s Office 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Phone: 631-765-1889 Fax: 631-765-1823 michellet@southoldtownny.gov From: DeChance, Paul <pauld@southoldtownny.gov> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 3:09 PM To: Tomaszewski, Michelle <michellet@town.southold.ny.us>; Russell, Scott <Scott.Russell@town.southold.ny.us>; Doherty, Jill <jill.doherty@town.southold.ny.us>; Evans, Louisa <louisae@town.southold.ny.us>; Nappa, Sarah <sarah.nappa@town.southold.ny.us>; Doroski, Greg <greg.doroski@town.southold.ny.us>; Mealy, Brian <brian.mealy@town.southold.ny.us> Cc: Standish, Lauren <Lauren.Standish@town.southold.ny.us>; Mirabelli, Melissa <melissa.mirabelli@town.southold.ny.us> Subject: RE: PIADC/AECOM Public Involvement Plan Letter The Planning Department should review this proposed ac?on for comment. Paul 1 Paul M. DeChance, Esq. Town Attorney Town of Southold Southold Town Hall Annex 54375 Route 25, P.O. Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Office (631) 765-1939 Fax (631)765-6639 pauld@southoldtownny.gov From: Tomaszewski, Michelle <michellet@town.southold.ny.us> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 2:39 PM To: Russell, Scott <Scott.Russell@town.southold.ny.us>; Doherty, Jill <jill.doherty@town.southold.ny.us>; Evans, Louisa <louisae@town.southold.ny.us>; Nappa, Sarah <sarah.nappa@town.southold.ny.us>; Doroski, Greg <greg.doroski@town.southold.ny.us>; Mealy, Brian <brian.mealy@town.southold.ny.us>; DeChance, Paul <pauld@southoldtownny.gov> Cc: Standish, Lauren <Lauren.Standish@town.southold.ny.us>; Mirabelli, Melissa <melissa.mirabelli@town.southold.ny.us> Subject: FW: PIADC/AECOM Public Involvement Plan Letter Good afternoon, Please see the attached letter from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Thank you, Michelle Michelle L. Tomaszewski Secretarial Assistant to the Town Board Town of Southold Supervisor’s Office 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, NY 11971 Phone: 631-765-1889 Fax: 631-765-1823 michellet@southoldtownny.gov From: Buckley, Lisa (CTR) <Lisa.Buckley@ST.DHS.GOV> Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2023 2:15 PM To: Tomaszewski, Michelle <michellet@town.southold.ny.us> Subject: PIADC/AECOM Public Involvement Plan Letter Dear Ms. Tomaszewski, The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is proposing to conduct activities relating to the abandonment in place of an existing undersea utility cable and the installation of a new undersea utility cable between Orient Point, New York (NY), and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) on Plum Island, NY (Proposed Action). DHS S&T invites your comments on the Proposed Action, in accordance with 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 800.3 and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA). 2 We are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impacts associated with the Proposed Action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States Code §§ 4321 et seq.); the White House Council on Environmental Quality Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508); DHS Management Directive 023-01, rev. 01 Implementation of the NEPA; and DHS Instruction 023- 01-001-01 rev. 01 Implementation of the NEPA. The EA will be made available for viewing on dhs.gov and shared with you in December 2023 (anticipated). As we begin our scoping and initial environmental analysis, we invite comments or requests to consult on the proposed action. Please provide any comments, concerns, information, studies, or other data you may have regarding the Proposed thirty (30) days Action within of receipt of this letter to enable us to complete this phase of the project within the scheduled timeframe. All responses will be considered for incorporation in the EA. We look forward to and welcome your participation in this analysis. If you have comments or information relevant to the development of the EA, please direct your correspondence to Benjamin Obenland at benjamin.obenland@aecom.com. This email was sent on behalf of John Searing. John M. Searing, PE PMP Deputy Center Director Plum Island Animal Disease Center US Dept of Homeland Security John.Searing@ST.DHS.GOV Office: 631-323-3036 Cell: 631-312-7833 CHAT with me on TEAMS! Best- Lisa Lisa C. Buckley Executive Administrative Specialist- Dynamis Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) Department of Homeland Security Office Phone: 631-323-3202 Office Cell Phone: 631-223-5788 Lisa.Buckley@ST.DHS.GOV We are S&Trong! ‘For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it’ Amanda Gorman 3 This document contains pre-decisional deliberative process information exempt from mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(5). Do not release without prior approval of the Department of Homeland Security. ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. 4 U.S.Department of Homeland Security Washington,DC 20528 tienRryF Homeland Securit qNn SE Y September 27, 2023 Michelle Tomaszewski Administrative Assistant to Town Board Southold Town Representatives 53095 Route 25 PO Box 1179 Southold,NY 11971 Dear Ms. Tomaszewski, The purpose of this letter is to solicit comments regarding the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) proposal to conduct activities relating to the abandonment in place of an existing undersea utility cable and the installation of a new undersea utility cable between Orient Point, New York (NY), and the Plum Island Animal Disease Center(PIADC) on Plum Island,NY (Proposed Action). DHS is preparing an Environmental Assessment(EA)to evaluate the potential impacts associated with the Proposed Action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States Code §§ 4321 et seq.); the White House Council on Environmental Quality Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508); DHS Management Directive 023-01, rev. 01 Implementation of the NEPA; and DHS Instruction 023-01-001-01 rev. 01 Implementation of the NEPA. PIADC has served as the nation's premier defense against accidental or intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases since 1954. PIADC is located on Plum Island, an 840-acre island located approximately 1.5 miles off the northeast tip of Orient Point, on Long Island's North Fork in Suffolk County,NY (Attachment 1). Plum Island was transferred to the USDA in 1954 and then to DHS in 2003. DHS S&T currently operates PIADC in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). DHS S&T also owns and operates the Orient Point facility at Orient Point, NY, to support Plum Island. The Orient Point facility consists of two parcels: a 9.5-acre harbor facility, which is comprised of various buildings, warehouses, parking lots, and ferry docking facilities; and a 0.5- acre parcel of land within Orient Point County Park that houses the utility transfer station, which supports the underground cabling and utilities on Plum Island. DHS S&T is in the process of closing PIADC and transferring operations to the newly constructed National Bio and Agro- Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. The Plum Island Closure and Support Program is anticipated to be completed over the next five to seven years. 1 Plum Island receives electrical and fiber optic communications capabilities through two existing undersea cables connecting Orient Point and Plum Island, referred to as the M1 and M2 cables. Each cable contains 13.2 kilovolts, measures up to approximately 11,000 feet, and provides for the island's normal electrical requirements. The expected lifespan of these cables is approximately 25 years, which the MI cable has exceeded and the M2 cable is near exceeding. DHS requires continued electrical and communication capabilities on Plum Island throughout the duration of planned PIADC closure activities (i.e., five to seven years). DHS S&T conducted an inspection of the undersea cables' conditions in March 2022. The inspection determined that the oldest of the two cables, Ml, has reached the end of its planned lifespan and is degrading to such an extent that it is in danger of failing. Additionally, the island's fiber optic communications capabilities lack redundancy, as the M2 cable is the sole source of fiber optic communication for the island. Therefore,the purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace an existing cable with a new undersea cable to supply Plum Island with mission-critical electrical and communication capabilities. The Proposed Action is needed to prevent any adverse effects that a potential loss of electrical or communication services may have on required operations at PIADC. Without the implementation of the Proposed Action (i.e., No Action Alternative), the cables would remain in danger of further degrading leading failure in the near term, which would significantly constrain PIADC's operational capabilities, including current and planned closure activities. The new utility cable would be connected to the existing utility vaults located on Orient Point and Plum Island and would be installed using a combination of trenching and/or horizontal directional drilling from the shore to below the water line, and then bottom laying the cable through Plum Gut. The new cable would be installed between or immediately adjacent to the existing MI and M2 cables (Attachment 2). The path taken by the existing cables has been determined to be the most suitable route due to ocean depth in the area. One of the existing cables would be disconnected from the utility vaults on Orient Point and Plum Island and abandoned in place, identical to how previous cable replacement projects have been conducted in the area. DHS S&T's contractor would provide advance notice to utility providers regarding any potential outages or potential service disruptions related to the Proposed Action. The contractor would also obtain all applicable permits, permissions, and authorizations prior to starting installation activities, including but not limited to notifying the United States Coast Guard, New York State Police,and the Suffolk County Parks Department.No harbors or waterways would be closed under the Proposed Action;however,recreational boating, fishing, and diving may be restricted in areas where Proposed Action activities are occurring. The Proposed Action is anticipated to occur in calendar year (CY) 2024 and require approximately one year to complete, including completion of pre-installation surveys, preparation of horizontal directional drilling conduits, laying of the cable, cable inspection and testing, and preparation of as-built surveys. 2 We are seeking input from your agency regarding any information or potential environmental concerns associated with the Proposed Action. Please provide any comments, concerns, information, studies, or other data you may have regarding the Proposed Action within thirty 30 days of receipt of this letter to enable us to complete this phase of the project within the scheduled timeframe. All responses will be considered for incorporation in the EA. We look forward to and welcome your participation in this analysis. DHS S&T has contracted AECOM to facilitate the NEPA process. If you have comments or information relevant to the development of the EA,please direct your correspondence to Benjamin Oberland at benjamin.obenlandLaecom.com. Email responses are preferred, although letter responses may be submitted to Benjamin Obenland, AECOM, 12420 Milestone Center Drive, Suite 150, Germantown, Maryland 20876. Respectfully, z 4 W - John M. Searing, PE, PMP Deputy Center Director Plum Island Animal Disease Center Office of National Laboratories Science and Technology Directorate Enclosures Attachment 1: Proposed Action Location Attachment 2: Proposed Cable Corridor 3 Attachment 1: Proposed Action Location Maine a, LoR ,island Sound Pennsylvania PIADC Research , Compounds_ i .. Former Fo Plum Island Lighthouse Terry Complex �� ~—f i P(u171 Gut i f Orient Poing Facility \ r i Atlantic Ocean N 0 2,000 4,OO n 5 urc'e 013 F1-:111 Legend Utility Vault Existing Structures Q Orient Point County Park Roads — —Ferry Route 4 Attachment 2: Proposed Cable Corridor Lei f d 7 �f A ;+ Orient Point Facility ate' N 0 500 1,000 mmmmmE=:=FeeY S urc - 01 FEIS SSRI Legend E Utility Vault =Orient Point County Park Existing Structures Roads Proposed Action Area — — Ferry Route A Pennsylvania 5