Farmingville, NY – Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro, U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin and Councilwoman Jane Bonner announced the completion of a $1.4-million shoreline stabilization and reconstruction project to protect, restore and strengthen the Gully Landing Road drainage facility located in Miller Place.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy’s high winds, heavy rains and tidal surge severely damaged Gully Landing on the north shore of Long Island. The site suffered severe damages including 3,000 cubic yards of soil erosion, 2,000 square feet of vegetation loss, structural damage to the existing wooden walkway, as well as irreparable damage to 1,548 cubic feet of gabion retaining wall. This site not only contains a drainage outfall system that handles storm water from the upland residential roadways, but also provides waterfront access to the local community and emergency responders.
In order to stabilize the bluff and ensure the drainage facility’s permanent reconstruction, the Town replaced the ineffective gabion baskets with 7,325 square feet of epoxy-coated, steel sheet bulkhead for toe of slope stability. Behind the steel sheet bulkhead, 2,364 cubic yards of heavy armor stone revetment was installed to protect the area landward from high storm surges combined with wave action. The sheeting also serves to protect the toe of slope from undermining; the stone revetment was designed and constructed to resist storm surges. Erosion control and slope stability measures landward of the stone revetment include native plantings, geotextile filter fabric coverings and geo-grid slope reinforcement solutions.
In addition to storm hardening the shoreline and reconstructing the drainage outfall, the Town installed a 10-foot diameter, upstream storm water treatment structure to properly treat storm water prior to its discharge into the Long Island Sound. This “downstream defender” reduces the environmental impact of storm water runoff from this 75-acre contributory area by capturing contaminated sediments before they reach the outfall. By installing these coastal hardening features, the Town of Brookhaven has prevented future damage to the slope, Gully Landing Road, the waterfront access, residential homes, and the drainage system.
The project was funded with a $1.4-million federal grant, secured by Congressman Zeldin through FEMA.
“The revitalization project at Gully Landing will not only help us from an erosion standpoint, but it will also assist in preventing pollution from stormwater runoff,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “We have successfully hardened our infrastructure to ensure we are less vulnerable to damage from future storms. I want to thank Congressman Zeldin for expediting the federal funding necessary to complete this project and improve the resilience of our shoreline.”
Congressman Zeldin said, “Working closely with Superintendent Losquadro and Councilwoman Bonner on this important Miller Place project, this revitalization effort will go a long way to improve water quality while strengthening our local infrastructure.”
“Hurricane Sandy had such a devastating effect on so many communities across Brookhaven Town,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Superintendent Losquadro and the men and women of the Highway Department are still repairing the infrastructure damage nearly five years later, but we are very fortunate that Congressman Zeldin has been so responsive to our need for repairs at Gully Landing Road and other locations in the Town.”
Marc Mazza, vice president of the Miller Place Park Homeowners Association, said, “The MPPHOA board and I would like to thank Superintendent Losquadro, Deputy Superintendent Tricarico and all involved in the completion of this project. Because of all your hard work, the Long Island Sound will be cleaner. The bluffs and the beach will remain secure and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come. We appreciate your dedication.”
Division of Public Information - Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill
Farmingville, NY 11738
Phone: 631-451-6595