HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Premium - An Endangered Waterway 8/1/1977 •
THE PREMIUM - AN ENDANGERED WATERWAY
By Robert E. White, P.E.
,.
"1•
.a,{', „•''v', 1'^!i�'t(,,4 r'+ ,.. ,,I,.,,;.Y ,rte ,,'---7,0"--.!..., �,..n...1i1�.M► ,���*..N.,•'±�'i• y. .
),I, •
%*., h •.�r; �..�,�'?.a•1F mak, y " �, .\• 1 5 .{;ASf''li f. .� .2 a ,��h ' ± r� .
'4'..,:.,P, jets l�l.f�� ~ +1 �, •• i'•'$.406','• ,� ` . .,fix* • <<
` { d
iii d a a' 1 ,�rf,l.. r�C ' ,. .,r l } ,.
•1 rA VRA i�*l fit,�4'Cfd y r• - �..r !. f�ryISSk .
�t tira a?$1g ' ,j 4.-,i ",` ' rSSc.S; � 31."'�,)1- 1., r" .'. .., ,
i r,�'i.hrci'�+kr Yr4c.:f h1,_r� 1t h r s ,'� ,._.�. F :.a.1' t wr
)I '" j`''rF ',.•.s 7t d . 1� baa •••• :M,,` tt ,f � i•'.
I
Premium Marsh—Larchmont, New York
•
August, 1977
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction and History 1
Damage Suffered by the Waterway 3
1. The Premium Mill Pond 3
2 . The Premium River 5
Why the Premium Should be Restored 7
Proposals for Saving the Waterway 9
1. The Premium Mill Pond 9
2. The Premium River 10
Sedimentation & Flooding 11
Drawing up a Plan 12
Financing the Project 12
Conclusion 13
Acknowledgments 14
References 14
Appendix
Figure 1, Map of the Premium Waterway
Figure 2 . "Mud Cat" Dredge
THE PREMIUM AN ENDANGERED WATERWAY
Robert E. White, P .E.
Introduction and History
The "Premium" is a tidal estuary of Long Island
Sound in Southern Westchester County. It consists of a winding
stream, the Premium River, and a lower body of water, the
Premium Mill Pond. The River meanders from the Boston Post
Road in the Village of Larchmont down to the "Red" Bridge
at Pryer Manor Road in Larchmont and New Rochelle. Below
the "Red" Bridge is the Mill Pond which was formed by an old
rock dam thrown across the mouth of the estuary between the
mainland of the City of New Rochelle and the peninsula known
now as Premium Point.
An even older dam had existed since prior to 1741
at the site of the present Red Bridge when the Palmer family,
which owned a large manor in the vicinity, used the impounded
tidal waters to provide power for the first Premium Grist
Mill. The Palmer farm house burned and was rebuilt in 1776
by James Mott who had purchased the property and operated
the mill. This farm house is now a residence; it is the oldest '
building in the Village of Larchmont and has been designated
as an historic building by the Daughters of the American
Revolution and is so marked by a plaque. James Mott' s grand-
father ' s grandfather was John Richbell who in 1661 bought
the entire area from the Siwanoy Indians . (1, 2)
The waterway being relatively narrow above the first
dam site, little power could be generated and so in 1801 the
Motts built the present much larger dam. At the dam was installed
one of the largest flour mills in the country. Drawings show
a tall millhouse at the Premium Point end of the dam; the
mill was equipped with twelve large grindstones . It was
operated by the Mott family and successors until the 1880 ' s .
From an ecological point of view, it is interesting to note
that in 1855 the Mill Pond was leased "for planting and then
removing oysters . . . . "
And even earlier than the white man' s works were
the stone and log weirs believed to have been built by the
Indians to trap fish running with the tide. (3)
The Premium River has two branches, the East and
the West, whose confluence is at the foot of Willow Avenue
in Larchmont. The part of the East Branch which is affected
by tides (up to the Post Road) is often known as Pine Brook
(see Village of Larchmont maps) and certainly, above the Post
Road this stream is known as Pine Brook. About 45 years ago,
Pine Brook was forced to run in a rectangular reinforced concrete
box culvert whose mouth, about 4 feet high and 8 feet wide,
can be seen on the south side of the Post Road at the west
end of Kane Park.
The rough crest of the overflow section of the old
mill dam is at an elevation of about two feet below high tide
in New Rochelle harbor so that the normal rise and fall of
tides in the Premium Mill Pond and River is also about two
feet. The dam also serves as the foundation for a bridge
and causeway which is the access that Premium Point residents
have to the mainland.
About 40% of the shoreline of the Premium River is
public property: the nature preserves of the Town of Mamaroneck,
the Village of Larchmont playgrounds and parks - Lorenzen,
Willow and Kane - and Larchmont streets that dead end at the
River. These streets are Jochum, Elm, Chestnut, Oak and Guion.
There is also Red Bridge. The remaining 60% is bordered by
private residences and lands .
The Premium River Conservation Area of the Town of
Mamaroneck is mostly a "high" tidal marsh and has been the
subject of considerable study by environmentalists . (4 , 5)
Formerly, part of the Conservation Area and Lorenzen play-
ground were municipal dumps as recently as the early 1960 ' s
when awareness of the value of the tidal marshes forced the
cessation of dumping at these locations ,
The Premium Waterway is in many ways a most valuable
asset to the public and also to the neighboring property owners .
Some of its valuable features are:
scenic. The winding stream opening out into the
Mill Pond affords some of the most beautiful waterscapes to
be seen anywhere, especially in an urban setting.
recreation. The Waterway is - in many cases , was -
the site of a number of activities : fishing, bird-watching,
ice skating, canoeing and boating and even sailing (on the
Mill Pond) . Formerly there was also crabbing and swimming.
-2-
- tidal marshlands . These are now universally re-
cognized to be extremely valuable in support of fishing and
bird life, cleansing of polluted waters, flood alleviation,
and as an educational resource.
- it is a wildlife conservation area. Arbib, of
the Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, states that
the Sound shore of Westchester is one of the routes for migrant
birds and thousands of ducks and geese winter in the bays and
inlets . And he cites as one of "the best lookouts . . . Premium
Point, New Rochelle-Larchmont" . (6 , p. 100) John Bull of the
American Museum of Natural History, felt the area "was unique
from a wildlife standpoint for an area so close to the City" . (7)
However, over a period of time and especially the
past two to four years, it has become obvious that the Premium
River is silting up at a rate that has recently become quite
alarming and this seriously tareatens to wipe out the tidal
wetlands and other valuable features outlined above. Pollution
from oil and sewage is also having a very detrimental effect.
On June 19 , 1977 a group of concerned citizens made
up of owners of residential property bordering the River met
to see what could be done to arrest and, if possible, reverse
the destructive sedimentation occurring in the bed and along
the banks of the River. This group at its organization meeting
informally adopted the name of "The River People" . After
considerable discussion it was voted that a report on the various
aspects of the Premium Waterway problem be prepared; the writer
of this paper was elected to do this .
Subsequently, at a regular meeting on July 7 , 1977
in White Plains of the Westchester County Soil and Water
Conservation District, the Chairman of the District, Mrs .
Edith Read, also suggested that a report with proposals be
submitted looking to possible assistance under Public Law 566 .
Assistance under P .L. 566 could be technical and/or grants
of money or credit. P .L. 566 is titled the "Watershed Protection
and Flood Prevention Act, as Amended" .
Damage Suffered by the Waterway.
1. The Premium Mill Pond
The Mill Pond has seen deposition of fine organic
clay particles over the past two centuries . Except where scour
due to swift currents has taken place - at the "Red" Bridge
and at the dam-bridge-causeway - the Mill Pond is now about
-3-
1-1/2 to 3 feet deep in most places. Because of their firm-
ness, the particles of sediment tend to remain for a long time
in suspension and most of them are carried out by the tides
into New Rochelle harbor. The net effect, however, over the
years has been the raising of the bottom of the Mill Pond
from what must have been low tide level in the pre-Mill Pond
era to its present shallow state. (Normal rise and fall of
the tide in New Rochelle harbor is about 7-1/2 feet. )
The shallowness of the Mill Pond and the slow currents
over most of its area is encouraging the prolific growth of
the "sea lettuce" type of algae. There are two effects of
sunlight at work here which encourage growth: (1) the ultra-
violet rays penetrate to the bottom and (2) the water in summer
is warmed to perhaps 80° or more. The algae crop matures in
May and June and comes loose and moved by wind and tide, floats
up and down the Waterway. During low tide, where the algae
gets stranded on mud banks and flats in the River it becomes
a silt catcher lending to further sedimentation; the stranded
algae also bakes out under the hot summer sun and stinks.
It is also a nuisance to boaters whose oars and propellers
become fouled.
. . . algae blooms may deplete water of oxygen to such
an extent that fish and other living organisms die" . (Statement
of Dr. Robert DeSanto, Assistant Professor of Zoology at
Connecticut College, 1970 Senate Hearings on "Preserving the
Future of Long Island Sound) "Complicating matters further,
after the algae bloom has run its course, it is decomposed
by bacteria at the river bottom. The bacterial action uses
up oxygen from the water. If the amount of decomposing algae
is sufficiently great, the bacteria will remove so much oxygen
that fish and other forms of life will sufficate and die . . . " (8)
It is observed at every low tide during the summer months that
the Premium River turns very turbid with a reddish-brown color,
no doubt caused by some sort of algae.
At the south east corner of the Mill Pond there is
a narrow neck of beach connecting what must have been Premium
Point in geological times past when it was an island, to the
Larchmont mainland. Along this neck, the Village of Larchmont
owns a "beach lot" and immediately to the west the Town of
Mamaroneck owns 150 feet of sandy beach. In 1933 , the writer
remembers , a paved road crossed this area; alongside the road,
on the Mill Pond side, was a stone wall whose northern side
-4-
was lapped by the waters of the Pond. Since 1933 , storm waves
have removed sand from the beach on the Long Island Sound
side and deposited it on top of the road and on into the Mill
Pond where it forms a pile an estimated three feet thick by
250 feet long by 50 feet wide thus slightly diminishing the area
of the Mill Pond. The implications of this are discussed
later on.
2 . The Premium River
The Premium River is silting up for almost its entire
length. Various types of deposition are taking place.
For example, not far upstream from the Red Bridge
where the River widens out between the foot of Guion
Lane and the 1776 Mott Mansion mud flats have formed
in the center of the stream. These mud flats, since two or
three years ago, have become visible at every low tide. Formerly,
they were visible only on rare occasions of exceptionally low,
low tide which were allowed by the leaky condition of the old
Mill Dam. Deposition has also taken place on the western
shore. One result of this is that it is difficult, if not
impossible to launch a row-boat at low tide from some properties
on Wildwood Circle and on Guion Lane where this was formerly
possible. Another evidence of this is the fact that formerly
ice-skating and ice-hockey were popular sports when the weather
permitted. Now this is not possible as the ice will not form
on water which is over a mud flat which is exposed at every
low tide. What was an area big enough to accommodate a hockey
game is now only large enough for cutting tight figure-eights .
Silting also takes place along both banks of the
River; in certain cases there are stone sea walls which used
to have a foot or two of water at their bases at low tide.
Now they are many feet from the water and marsh grasses are
growing along the bases of the sea walls . These grasses trap
sediment which leads to further growth of mud banks and eventual
destruction of the stream or the acceleration of the natural
evolution to grass to shrubs to trees.
Another result of the silting up of the beds and
banks of the River is to diminish the amount of water in the
stream with the consequence that the remaining water at low
tide becomes a thick, murky dark brown with a strong odor.
It will not even support eels which were once plentiful in the
River, but which are now disappearing. Before the eel population
-5-
was all but destroyed, crabs of the blue, fiddler and horseshoe
varieties were made extinct. Yet they were so plentiful 25-30
years ago that it was a common pastime of the neighborhood
youngsters in rowboats or walking along the sea walls to catch
blue crabs with dip nets. Opposite the writer' s home there
always used to be a resident king fisher. Since last year he
is gone. No doubt there isn' t enough River food available to
him.
Sedimentation, a recognized form of pollution, has
also been documented by Dr. James M. Utter, Assistant Professor
of Natural Sciences, SUNY, Purchase, N.Y. in a report (4) on
work done in 1973 on the Premium River and two other local
salt marshes. Dr. Utter' s report should be read in its entirety
by all interested, but here are a few quotes from the report.
"Premium is filling in with sediment. . . . The primary
concern . . . is increased sediment runoff from adjacent areas
onto the marsh. Two possible sources are apparent: the house
construction activities on and near Dillon Road and the operation
of Tony ' s Nursery on the Boston Post Road where large mounds
of topsoil are stored . . . Preliminary analysis . . . and the
mapping of surface sediments (Figure 4) [which shows deposits
of sand, clay, organic muck & shells at the confluence of the
east (Pine Brook) and west branches of the Premium] clearly
indicate a present source of inorganic material is the Pine
Brook watershed. "
Other sources of documentation of sedimentation
could be: photographs of residents in the area; aerial photographs
especially those taken at low tide; topographic data from
surveys made about 25 years ago by the Westchester County
Department of Public Works in connection with construction
in 1954 of the large sewer crossing the River and leading to
the sewage treatment plant in Echo Bay. New Rochelle; the
Bachelor ' s thesis of Morein Cohen (5) .
Dr. Utter (4) has also investigated the coliform
pollution of the Premium and found it to be extremely high:
"Samples were taken at or near high tide, [therefor] dilution
of any polluted in flow is maximum and thus bacterial concen-
trations are minimum if the imput is continuous. " In other words,
if the pollution were to be measured at low tide, it would
be found to be many times worse. "Data from the Premium Area
show consistently high coliform counts . . . the range in concen-
trations was . . . nearly 3 times the sanitary code limits for
-6-
a bathing beach. . . . The significance of the coliform levels
should again be emphasized. They are indices of the level
of raw sewage contamination [which] is a public health problem
because of the pathiogenic organisms that can be passed in
fecal material which may then reinfect humans through the
oral route or wounds . Such pathogens include: [here Dr. Utter
lists 10 viruses among them polio, hepatitus and salmonella] . "
In his report, Dr. Utter also says that possible sources of
contamination are broken sewers and malfunctioning septic
systems. Also in the Utter report, oil and lead pollution
are mentioned as problems .
The significance of this should not be lost on the
City of New Rochelle because the Premium discharges its contami-
nation into New Rochelle Harbor from which littoral currents
can carry it to New Rochelle beaches and to Larchmont and
Mamaroneck beaches as well .
The Premium River at present is also disfigured
aesthetically by various kinds of debris which have been allowed
to accumulate over recent years . Such trash consists of dead
branches and limbs of trees , cuttings, shopping carts , beer
cans and other natural and man-made junk. Many of these objects
are silt-catchers and aggravate the sedimentation problem.
They also interfere with boating - and fishing, if there were
any fish.
Why the Premium Should Be Restored
The Premium River, its adjoining marshes , open spaces
and the Mill Pond are priceless scenic and environmental assets .
Every such body of water is unique and has its own special
qualities . Premium is unique in its beauty and the wildness
of its marshes in an urban setting close in to the Metropolis .
It has historical importance and the other qualities barely
touched upon in the introduction to this paper.
Any diminution of its assets diminishes us all
spiritually and also financially.
In the latter respect it may be instructive to read
the testimony of a Connecticut real estate broker given at
the Hearings on "Preserving the Future of Long Island Sound" (8) .
The broker, Mr. Peter Millares was being questioned by Senator
Charles Mathias of Maryland:
-7-
"Senator Mathias. Would you say that the proximity
of that beach has some impact on residential values
in that area?
Mr. Millaras. It certainly does . Any of our shore
front or beach property naturally carries a good
value to it.
Senator Mathias . If conditions in the Sound were
allowed to continue to deteriorate, so that a film
of oil and debris accumulated on the beach, would
that have a significant impact on property values?
Mr. Millaras. It certainly would. We find that
water - so-called waterfront properties up into the
higher reach of the Thames River have lost their
value as waterfront property because of this condition.
People no longer consider paying a premium for water-
front property of which they' re not able to enjoy
as you would waterfront property as we would like
to understand it to be - a clean beach, clean sand,
and a place that you and your children and yourself
may bathe.
Senator Mathias . In your judgment as a realtor
and member of the business community here, will
this ultimately have a deteriorating effect on the
local tax here on these properties?
Mr. Millaras . It will. It will follow. The base,
the tax base, will have to be lowered as the values
diminish. "
Other authorities may be cited, authorities who
specifically refer to the Premium area.
Utter (4) : "Due to the importance of wetlands in
the economy of ecosystems , it is critical that they be protected.
This has been recognized on a state wide level by the Tidal
Wetlands Law. . . . Their protection will be dependent upon
wise use and control of the entire watershed of which they
are a part and the channels connecting the marshes to the
open estuary. "
Raymond & May, professional planning consultants
(9 , p. 125) : "The areas . . . represent the finest natural areas
-8-
•
in the Town , . . The entire proposed preserve area is a natural
asset and should not be permitted to be developed for private
purposes. " *Alas, along the west bank of "Pine Brook" this
development by the nursery to the great detriment of the area
has been allowed to take place.
Review Committee of the Town of Mamaroneck (10 p. 93) :
"Recommended Action of Master Plan [Raymond & May, 1966] is
"still a desirable objective" .
Larchmont League of Women Voters , In its planning
consensus of 1968 which was based on the Raymond & May Master
Plan it "supports Raymond & May proposal relating to . . . 3 .
Premium Mill Pond acquisition. " The LWV' s of Larchmont and
Mamaroneck reached, in 1971, a consensus on recreation and
pointed out that no action had been taken on many recommendations
such as "application of open space act provisions to preserve
large open areas; joint development by the Town of Mamaroneck and
the Village of Larchmont of the Premium River area for conserva-
tion and recreation; and development of existing beach land into
a Premium Beach Conservation Area" - and this seems to be the
stand of the League at present as well (11) .
• Proposals for Saving the Waterway. Many actions may be taken
regarding the problems of the Waterway and no action may be
taken at all, To the author, the latter course is unthinkable
and so a proposal is made for each aspect. These proposals are
those of the author whose background is that of a civil engineer
with the merest smattering of knowledge of ecology. The author
hopes that these proposals and this paper will provide a spring-
board for discussions leading to fruitful action.
1 , The Premium Mill Pond.
Where the storms have spilled sand into the Mill Pond
(Area "A" on Fig. 2) this sand should be excavated from the
Pond and placed on the now somewhat rocky Long Island Sound
beach to improve the Village and Town-owned beaches. This sand
shifting can be done rather cheaply, without the necessity for
hauling or disposal off-site. A dragline operating on firm,
dry land, together with a bull-dozer can quickly do this grading
at a small expense per cubic yard and with negligible disturbance
to the Pond and neighboring property owners .
* Raymond & May even suggested a small boat dock, a tea house
and garden, and a music pavilion opposite Woodbine Park.
•
-9-
Concerning the algae, it is proposed that a large
valve or sluice gate be built into the existing dam. This
sluice gate would allow the Mill Pond to be drained at the
time when the algae blooms . When the wind and tide are right,
the algae would be carried out into Long Island Sound where it
would present no problem compared to what it does in the com-
paratively tiny waters of the Premium. It is believed that
this sort of thing is done at the Van Amringe Mill Pond in
Greenhaven in Mamaroneck and Rye.
2. The Premium River
The lower reach of the Premium (designated as Area B)
should be dredged out by hydraulic dredge, preferably of the
locally available Mud-Cat type which measures 8 ' x 31 ' with a
21" draft and is highly portable (Fig. 2) . The depth to which
dredging is done should be about 2 feet below mean low water
with shaping of banks to lesser depths . Disposal of spoil
should be done within pumping distance capacity of the dredge,
which with a Mud-Cat, is about 1600 feet.
Disposal otherwise would be very difficult and costly.
One means, used in the past but no longer available , is dumping
in the Sound off Eaton's Neck. Another would be to tow the
spoil to the Atlantic Ocean, but this is prohibitively expensive.
A third method of disposal that has been suggested is filling in
some ravine upstate or in Connecticut; this may bear investigating,
but it too obviously is not cheap.
A fourth possibility that has come to light only in
the past few days is that of disposing of the spoil on islands
that may be built in Long Island Sound off the Connecticut shore.
The purpose of the islands is to provide recreational and conser-
vation areas, By cooperation and coordination in this venture
the spoil from the Premium dredging would only have to be moved
a short distance with resultant economy.
Disposal of spoil in the Mill Pond has the advantage
of (1) low cost and (2) an extremely valuable tidal wetland
can be established using this spoil . It can be stated, I
think, without fear of contradiction that tidal wetlands are
valuable on many accounts and this has led to many states ,
including New York, to enact legislation for saving all existing
tidal wetlands, It follows , therefore, that if means can be
found to establish new tidal wetlands , this would be a very
desirable thing to do. Fortunately, as suggested by Dr. Utter
(foot-note p. 42) , there is a firm, Environmental Concern, Inc . ,
specializing in salt-marsh building that has had much success
-10-
since 1972 in this new specialized field, including a one-acre
salt marsh in a Greenwich, Conn. tidal pond at Greenwich Point
(1974) .
This is a rapidly expanding field now that the feasi-
bility of establishing tidal marshes has been proven. One
example of this is that the Corps of Engineers Waterways Experi-
ment Station "is engaged in a five-year, $30-million program
to explore new, ecologically sound uses of part of the 380
million yards of sediment the Corps dredges up each year. "
Dr. Conrad J. Kirby, head of the Station ' s environmental effects
laboratory said, "If we can find the uses that blend into natural
wildlife systems, such as using spoil, . . . that ' s the kind of
thing we ' re aiming for. " (12)
The middle and upper reaches of the River have received
and retained sediments that are predominantly sandy (4 , 5) .
As such, they are free-draining and would make excellent fill
if nearby, convenient areas could be found to accept such fill.
Two areas immediately adjacent to the Premium River are the
Village parks, Lorenzen Ball-field and Woodbine Playground.
Preliminary to receiving the sandy sediments dredged from the
IIM bed of the Premium, the top soil in these parks could be bull-
dozed into a pile. After the dredged spoil was deposited and
• graded, the top soil would be spread on the spoil foundation
and re-seeded. These recreation areas would not be taken out
of service for a great length of time. Much of the Lorenzen
Ball-Park is at quite a low elevation and is subject to flooding;
therefore raising it a couple of feet would be a distinct
improvement. It is possible that Lorenzen is a large enough
area for receiving dredge spoil so that Woodbine Playground
would not have to be used for the same purpose.
Sedimentation & Flooding . A separate problem has already been
brought to the attention of the Westchester County Soil and
Water Conservation District by Mr. Fred Kellogg, Village Engineer.
This is the flooding of homes along Pine Brook north of the
Boston Post Road. Recurrent flooding here has caused much
damage and anguish in the past (14) .
The writer believes that one of the factors aggravating
the Pine Brook flooding is the choking up of the Premium River
by sediments deposited mainly at the confluence of the two
branches of the Premium River. This choking effect is caused
by the raising of the bed of the River by the coarser sediments
where they are deposited. This in turn causes a steeper back-
water curve and helps put the culvert under greater pressure
41/
-11-
with consequent backing up of drainage lines into house cellars .
Dredging of the Premium would help alleviate this
condition.
Drawing up a Plan.
Because the concerned municipalities are the Village
of Larchmont, the Town of Mamaroneck and the City of New Rochelle,
it is assumed that they would cooperate in drawing up a plan
for saving the Waterway. Presumably this would start at the
level of the respective Planning Commissions. Governmental
assistance - technical, at least - would be provided by the
Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District under
PL 566 . Possibly there are other sources of various kinds
of assistance available from other organizations such as National
Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, Corps of Engineers ,
etc. etc . as well as two very effective local groups , the
Conservation Advisory Commission and the L. I .F.E. Center, Inc.
Topographical and shallow soil surveys would have
to be made. These surveys would give the basic data: - cubic
yards of dredging, area of spoil piles to be planted, and the
like - necessary for approximate cost estimates .
Experts in the ecology, such as Environmental Concern,
Inc. and Dr. Utter, should also be consulted on environmental
impact, establishment of the Tidal Wetland in the Mill Pond
and other related aspects .
Financing the Project.
Once a carefully thought out plan and specifications
are drawn up, and costs estimated, financing can be sought.
Sources might be public: the three municipalities plus County,
State and Federal, the latter under P .L. 566 , the "Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as Amended" ; in addition,
there may be foundation grants for worthy conservation projects .
Of course, all these should be explored at the proper time.
Assessments against properties adjacent, or in close proximity,
to the Waterway might be considered although it would seem -
according to the Millaras testimony (8) - that these properties
have already been damaged and that if restoration of the Waterway
is made, the tax base would be restored to the status quo
and that it would therefore be unfair to make additional assess-
ments against these properties .
-12-
One thing to be borne in mind is that according to
the proposed Plan, the Waterway is not only saved, but additional
things of substantial value are established: the Tidal Wetland
in the Mill Pond, the raising of the Lorenzen Ball-Park, the
sluice-gate in the dam and over the years these things will
remain as tangible assets .
Another source of financing might be recovery to
some extent from Tony ' s Nursery to the extent that operations
on this property have contributed to the sedimentation in the
River today. In this connection the position of the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is unequivocal.
Commissioner Peter A.A. Berle stated in connection with an
up-state case involving ammonia contamination of ground water
"The settlement is based on the department' s strongly held
position that one who degrades a public resource is responsible
for restoration. The department firmly believes that the public
should not have to pay for the removal of pollution caused
by private firms which damage or destroy public resources . "
The cleanup in this case, said Berle, "could approach $1 million. "
(13)
Conversely, if public bodies cause damage, they "should
have to pay for the removal of pollution" they _have caused..
For example , the Village of Larchmont puts sand on its highways
and streets in icy weather. There is no doubt that in the
watershed of the Premium River this sand finds its way into
the River and increases the problem. Therefor the Village
should pay its share of the removal. There may be other offenders,
for example , the Thruway when it was built or perhaps the
recent grading of the so-called Heaphy property on the Boston
Post Road opposite Tony' s Nursery.
A source of help in this connection could be the
employment of some public interest law firm such as the National
Resources Defense Council (to name only one) .
Conclusion
The Premium Waterway is too valuable an environmental
asset to be allowed to deteriorate further. The destructive
processes should be halted and even rolled-back.
The larger community - local , state and Federal - has
the technical and financial resources to accomplish this endeavor
without delay and before it is too late.
-13-
Finally, a quotation from the New York Times of
August 7 , 1977 may be apt:
In an environmental message in late May, President
Carter spoke of the need "to acquire and protect
our natural and historic heritage. " The President
emphasized rapid acquisition of the "most signifi-
cant and endangered areas . "
Mr. Ribicoff (Senator from Connecticut) feels that
Long Island Sound, described by Daniel Webster as
"the American Mediterranean" , is now threatened
with pollution of its waters and shares and is an
ideal candidate for the kind of protection mentioned
by the President.
Acknowledgements
The writer wishes to thank the following who reviewed
the draft of this paper and who made valuable comments nearly
all of which have been incorporated: Mr. Alex Buchman; Mrs .
Elie Fredston of the Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory
Commission; Mr. & Mrs . James Johnson, the latter of the L. I .F.E.
Center, C.A.C. and many other environmentally concerned groups ;
Fred Kellogg, Village Engineer; Mrs . Edith Kleiner; Village
Trustee Lawrence Lowy and Mrs . Lowy; Robert S . Warshaw, Esq. ;
and Mrs . Phyllis Wittner, President Pryer Manor Association.
References
(1) Scharf , Thomas J. "History of Westchester County, N.Y. "
L.E. Preston, Philadelphia 1886 , p. 876
(2) Seacord & Hardawdy, "Historical Landmarks of New Rochelle"
New Rochelle Trust Co. , New Rochelle, N.Y. 1938
(3) Philip Reisman tapes in Larchmont Public Library, 1975 .
(4) Utter, Dr, James B. , "Larchmont Harbor Salt Marsh Ecosystems :
Second Progress Report" . Environmental Sciences Program,
Publication 2 Division of Natural Sciences, S.U.N.Y. ,
Purchase, N.Y. January, 1975 .
-14-
(5) Cohen, Morein "Recent Trends of Sediment Accumulation
in the Premium Salt Marsh, Larchmont, N.Y. " Bachelor of
Arts Thesis SUNY, Purchase, N.Y. February, 1975 .
(6) Arbib, Robert S. Jr. et al, "Enjoying Birds Around New
York City" , Houghton Mifflin, Boston 1966 .
(7) Mary Ann Johnson, letter of August 9 , 1976 to Office of
Environmental Analysis, Albany.
(8) "Preserving the Future of Long Island Sound" , hearings
before the Subcommittee on Executive Reorganization and
Government Research of the Committee on Gov' t Operations
U.S. Senate, 91st Congress, 2nd Session on S . 2472 , July 7 ,
1972 . U.S. Gov' t Printing Office, Washington, 1970 .
(9) "Comprehensive Master Plan, Village of Larchmont" , Raymond &
May Associates, Planning Consultants , White Plains , N.Y.
May, 1966.
(10) 1976 Report of the Review Committee of the 1966 Master Plan
for the Unincorporated Area of the Town of Mamaroneck, N.Y.
(11) Local Action Workshop: Fact sheet for April 26 , 1977
meeting of Larchmont League of Women Voters .
(12) Webster, Bayard, "Army Engineers Creating Salt Marshes
From Sediment" , N.Y. Times , May 2 , 1975 .
(13) Bird, David, "Company to Clean Up Upstate Pollutants" ,
N.Y. Times, July 1, 1977 .
(14) "Flood Insurance Study" Village of Larchmont, by U.S .
Dept. of H.U.D. , Federal Insurance Administration,
Mar. 1, 1977 .
-15-
•
CHKD.BY ---- DATE Premium Water Way. Westchester JOB No.
504ie : 1"j400' County, N.Y.
/ 1_t \ N
"`
o l
I .. e5 A r
l ,.I F 'ti XiM�UNc�A' '
lip
s O 5
�o\ _ Y \
'f'� j! 'E ,-1
< E 1' Z
Dredge Excavation Areas<'.N
'
A. North Side of Sea Wall in SE corner of ;,;;r; i
m
LOUIS E. SHENMAN
District Salsa Manager-Eastern
•
Figure 2 . "MUD CAT" Dredge MUD CAT
tumor.CAR RENDL 'Illmm.,•••••
30 ' 2" x 8 ' 0" x 27" draft
WT. = 16000 lbs . Material MUD CAT DIVISION
Removal Capacity 50-120 cy/hr. National Car Rental System,Inc.
1
, Discharge Pipe 8" Diam. Telephone: North 93 Farview Avenue
I 201/265-2440 Paramus, New Jersey 07652
• ,
-------
___
--%•••,--"?'
P .
......it V....
•
... -.....
•
o'.... tri".••
, •..tr.''.,'+,1.,.,... ‘I
1 . ,111'
aidl.itord.I 1414 , . ,., . .. .: , 'I'
• iniutic. , , .,,,i1‘ .,,..„,,,:,0,,,olitApiko.,,,; -.-ii); ?-,1
•—, ,..•,,i -,.„•...„.,,,,,•,.. ‘,... VirtYPISO.-1=...!Z ryr,eiPlim.1 pi IV i•
kw-, '. ' %••••• ' .• -• - ..: ., -.r.......iiv.4.:.lerA3ro ..-b..,-1.../'-1...iiib•-:,,,,-...,....,-..z.--,---- ...7:arwr wit.1
,..4,•• • ,,.,1 ils ,;,--,1 r''TN'I 1 1.,74.... .;1/11173,1 .464 '..........e . .,•:Pf.::, --.L.,,,,.ik.,•7-....siatp41111Z....... :'' - '''' ......... .11....-....-''' ---,1,2so•t/':,-ver"- "4 _.,
_....."....m.L.,A,P,V
41 1.*4,..41.,15.'(...-..-.1,-i; ---.........4ri,,;.:.-:.,-......4, ... .---_, -e- --, :. ..,,.--_..
:._ ., ,,. 1 .,,o.,,1,,„ t• ..,, , .:•,:...... .,*T.' ,,,a. "14:k..titetoorn....wijOtalti,it,„?."Or in7.e..10 ' . , -
. . ..t;1;44. ::141.14174 A. ----.0,47201,1.:Tedc.: PS11#'"T:tPVe.:1:7WY:`:.".',7..,,' ."414". 4 , v ...4,T'• = '1,17/,,." ,i•7,741.001
1.1
21111' ,, ,!Iii,li lista,„,., 'V.:,,,,,,•• •s- vrtri,,,frorrwpws,Irt •04,4 4401
'-4,14',4,34,,,,,144„,,,„Itr 1114 kk% I . ''''t, I.siti 111 74C1.4.4"474)Na*Ar•-•:.•, ... -09'.' ."'.:,'•:-',.rit•r"",.....,-',, ••.',- . ....•''''' - ' ••' N 1.-----,, .4...".- - ,,, . .,....
'' ,..;......,L. 0 .
• Li1, '-',•••''''' --7--1.17-'''i''•',0, *-0 -,'.- ,- r • - ,--- -' -'
• _.-z.-- ... ..,-.......
.. i,,,..:, •1... 'it i; 11 ' .....a. ,ILLA ,fs'1•W;11,1r;;I!',41:11.7441 vi,''..• 01...N.t.:Itr, ;,..- -_ . __:_
Cr :,o.,, ••-. ie ii II , , • , 1,..gtsik„,„s,v..
,.•..:,1-.V,'„.!,
)4,s - ,7i""_,A4 liii,. • . i,,.„4 ,,,-. , ," „,...4.t. . ..
I
gi...,_...h.-. • -. AT 11 vurd._ • •.r. .:- •.. ,,„,,,, • "z,-... 1 .,1 i'.•04-irip.<141 .4,i,„%kel" •' 0,14., •••-••. ,.
•1 - • .-14 "1/4
'''' i ... .7-7.- . _ 437.7L; 7„' ,..'4,4:,'47.17:„ ..,,!.::wi:.:„ .......:;,,-;7,,,,:,,
,
T.,-,,, rvAhi-ZA4 II II
& - A44:_eiii•444
---m---_-7:_=--,, -0.„,-1.44,m, t•
....—•,
,.........„1
. . ,
... 0 . ., .. ., ., :.-• - '', ' •• ' '''•i•... - At- ". ,:, ' ,•r,• .. 1. ..r .. • '-arLA
1 • •4'1. .1.if' '.. ) ,.s'..1 , 0 , -5•• ,4---..-.0-• • . - • ,i......---e- ,..4.01,...n.F1 ..,011• .... -,,otvoF ,,, ,. ..,, 7.-
1 ,i - .---:,--- -.-- ,.... A:i '" '. ' •.10* '".;‘r• ';' J., - •r'imi75i.. , • .41, . • 1:.'g, •*„ •.•
--,... • ili t i, •;-,,,-,,..-,r' . '..,',4,..1, "0. • •"..---- ' ' t•r.4 ', • .,•{: i VitYL, '' .'h. 0 • ' $4. -4.
-. - --- -..i....- lc; . .. ,-, ,. rA , ••• "' +:• L:".: ''' ."*"." . ' : l'.‘411 v,".ian,g,t.4 `i.•. 1.4# A ., . y• st, • ,.
- .
- -0, .4"---,,` ' •'•;.. .z; .. ' l 0 ,'"'.;" • ' 4--
_.:1-"1 .7,0=4--onzren,,
. i ' , '' j • .' ...:. ,%`'.- .. — .
;IT*, -_-?---:----,:' , • --•-•
_ - ,-,.., ., . - ,..._•;.1• , ,1., -4 , _-,-,--___. ,• .....,,,,, , gilt ....t, • , .f.,,,
.,,.._ 1 ii,... "'...' .6elti\I,' ..A :1,41-44'VS:'^,, "" it'..•- .. V,..letr,'. .' iti
•. -•, .--.. ..41p.t......-.':......."`:''.,.1 •. 'r. .,. .. _-__ -4-.............' .e...‘: a'A, ir ".".77.,/
.i..... ..,...= .. e... ', ;,,
l'i ii.....--,-. , ,qt.... ..• $,,,, , oi,,,,,gail
i.„4„•, _ -ii• • .....::,!=•;•.... . 4 t• r• ‘ .., • $i....,,i.••. 47 ), .44, , •;.:,.......4 NI4r---7-7k.., 1‘..,f -. tio eivtiv,r,1-
4:„ As.--r ::-.=-_-_, ....c....,,..,....,„., 1,1,n*"4. lf% ff le,
.:..,,i,. ,, ...s.,....„....,,,-.•.i.:............4.. .. ripedl ..., Ili. V3.1,11# .1 J..1... 1.1.t.,..• IA,,: Al..,4
.....'...:".......---_- ' - -.., , .„, ..„.„;,.....e.... , , • ” ,1 1.,, .Vt. ,4211.1..g ,441,4••P•tl, 4,.11 4 59 10.,• ok,'.4”,'...,,,Teli,,e,1106 •
----- ........."., ---.......,-,7,-4 4".».... .......',.'-":":,..„..„„;,,-;.;,or l''r.,..4. .• ,,,v4,,.`t"1: . . 47 ,',, , ",...,(4 444, , 0.4 ikj.til,a-1
j
-7..- ..:--r-..--17.---._,..„--;.:,.:•., ..i!.....4: , , .1‘ ,1''. W,,t '04 ,5-.L.;',A. it4...1.‘ 4 t .:(34'7` .. ,":. 1::, ,...'1
•,4,•-r;,. ,,. Vilail •.„,..v.--._.•• ,.. •- '''.--' - '•". - ' ". '1.- -s7.-, , .-3,' 11-.7., ; '...-,...,.3,, it.i;',?g•4 or••••••"*".1". ".410r*Olv'0"'”''''' ''
--,..„--- ••••••o**. •••••••••-"_.---.".. ' =•••-• -..:-........•'•
'-'''-•'•*--- -•• -r- i41111hP.•-•- •... ---'''''-'•;.•---•=-7--7..... .--- ',-) s , '-, ',,,,I,„, ...... , ,t "k..,.i..3, „ ?.,„ _••••• -1'..-r ........-.-...,•-•-•--..-• -*------:: _ __,_
4;0,14'4 444',.;;..4 lL...1 11341;17754+ --,, -...-..:„ ,., , . 6,:;,.. •s' -, f..., .,.''''' .„....r.e.......,. .-- --............14..**.... -................. ."--
-- —... .-
*;:re
- - ---- -------47,.,,,,,....,=--- -_____z-...7.-....... .............. „,,,,,, - ,..!„....,,, ... ....c..,,,,,„ ,........
- ---iwz •ArLI.,,--viimiw ,...,-. -:-
•
,r••r.,;.,..',.., r" • ------•-.6---,---•--- --- -------,-:,..---- _.a,..k .
5'6'1- t"i•.:4•4,--6. .•.-4-.....P.:•,•.:.•:•4•• ••-e-n:r,v•-•i•.- ..x....- -.... ....,1-zkx!'"•-•-• • •------7---------... .--=‘-"7--..........c.r. • --,-4- -.-
/
ift Let National Car Rentals Mud Cat machine .
. .
,
,
.
. Fill your small dredging needs. . ..
.:- •
National's MUD CAT machine is designed to remove muck, weeds, silt, sand, sludge
and industrial wastes. This powerful machine cuts up and pumps away these materials
safely and efficiently. Improves lakes and streams for recreation and fish production,
restores reservoir capacities for domestic and industrial water supplies and renews
ii-,.. __....., __ _ . I'r• • •A• I In. 0.• • ."1, . . 1. 1 I ., • I I
• • - .
,. • ' ` •-•:-.75.• •'''z'
....
q, I
' I I 1
- 1.,-. •r„, „.,,,....., , • .. ‘.\\,
'' -..7:7 ,':',A.;47.':':'-f..'''':.- ''' '' '''''''' ''''".... 4:1?-'4..'.'''',.....:2"...*4' 44.,,.'44,:r",--:,-",-;:'.:;C;'-''X';';:--
----- '''."tt"47Y.Z121;r4;44t1:' .
t•,e.4444.jr:42,4,4,':7'40-41k%eAt411W fi ,F,fr/
vz.,....• ... 44.1.,A tt...1 1 ttAtt - et.. _ t It emnimmillillinilleall.11111111.111.111111Mm....----. --....u.mmmfmsnrlwoaNMEEP;1 -•••-
'''I"JrAejY4'4•••1,-t Irl.N.X.I1,1 s,•t'..• ,,' , t irif
• _ ,:.., ..........2.-:-.7 -• .- ..., .,..;.....-----
iiiVgAlff:xi-,4144•4 4, •", '.,. - -, - ----10.kArtm.C- ANts,!,*".,44.04.,,,„.„....
ri.y,',..? 'r"P••••••••4•'•Vo.'3 ,4•••'"•PeAgify% "ri,...• ' .''',..,..-o•,.•-.
.., '.46.4".14'4•••,#1,*',4.r."*".i,PAILCV P. '"•7 V..-''''''. ''' . • "'''' 1 I - — • .
,„,..,,,,,,4,4,02,46,:aiadimo.
ifffiWi . .
,...• , ...,:g,_,,,t4r,„,,,,,,,I.,7„......1.,..„,,i.,,,„,„7„ , ow 1.,0... ,. .,,,, ,,.......„, .
h...‘„;...,...s.„,„,..„,„..... .., ,, .. .,... ...4-t•f' t alvs,-... -- i
a VI
,t,' AksiNattl:'1004,41421-44, 4,414%40'.:,•1\ , ,' .'', -''-',`;.*t.0.,`.4.,..4!',. -,?1,1,•fi„ ,. •4`. . .1•4' 4 , qr i 4 ,,w770-01,114,11 ificr.,‘
'.•.,,„itz>;!..,,-;,,',-,0-.0:•ni,`;‘,:t.,,,,i,e,ti..*,7-;,-.,,,,i, :-xii::-,t,.. .,-.;,• :-:,,-...4,,,,..1w,o,-:,..z.... n•„,,2,-, -...--. L.-..--:,.., ',- 1 , ,,, ,,,c„,,•,,-.4.4,,,AA, te,,e.:.,/,,,, . ,,,71,,,
....,r0,141011f.:a.(1,11‘..e! Tet,4•le,• P.4. j1,3,:,;,.4,14., ,,,,.."....,,,,,,,,,,.;,,,, 114.,•„4,:,1,1,,,,,,,I,A 41...,44„4-,st,;.;4040..WW p.fejto,tor • • 4,-. w• -1-
'n .r•...141-It.,,,,Iw,,,.• le,:ett,Mt.t4,„.4tr,,,444434,,$„e•r,,,
‘ 6.0,-,V'4w,.),..--,*z,004V*5-",40t:9'.-,,-;',,-7'%;1,47:.,4'S1'.1'',1Z,4'.F414'1,,;,(40.4,:,i.',*ri,lo*:tiit-ft`1.i,1-4'Y,t7.70;;r-1-,-1.,'•,'„'"44--,r'Ll,1lZ.-Z.i.
, ,.'.'!,1:7',•"11rt1.r-""t-..-tf.:,tA-f„.ai6i":-ri1s;t-**"ct:ss1t'4,,i.,74-.i':1•*.''V'''.'''."A.i.:,i-"..,4.'..4.,1-;-;'+'):,'-•,,•;.',7-i4rp,:-'''',:','''q'',.'.:,,..;4.-,',,,.4-:1,,,'k,4,..,`.,...'.4:,i7t.1,"
W04X:;1•'.',,4l..':i'.:,:4,,(,,''!'..4-,;7N-,;,i-,10--.-,:.,5.:4!,.r,"t..,,4',--,?l-1,,!-,k,".,",.,,,t#-l;-',*,;:..t.-.):1IN':;,'1e4,t,..t;%.,,AV;1a4,4M,....4..r.t0074,4„.-N.?1..',,,1,W••,.,...tY-.4)1i.17.:.3.4:f1.7;../.-4e.4,4fr,,,:kr;:.1%k,„„4,1,-4,...).,?A.;A.1•-,,tZ-„.t-I,..
.a,t',riw,rl,i4it‘MA'eaY.c,'O,•.,,$-,f..,,40i..4S.0,.444,071t4-,7yt•-.,.i'',t
W4?ctiia„r,4eI;T"ht't.<W54.1,4”.7i*N,.;*,,.t4,.4o4,i4104•,ii4,c.1.rP41„16i4,,Afe14t1lt4Vtri,.Ioft$tA,.,Vvt_c..4l"-,1:,,,4,14'71,,t 4/,'1...
,,•
,-:;';: =•!'-:;?1 -'••44,•ift;-,'Zl•r',.1_,..41';',T•4111:4-;14.V.g441'10,01Fttilki,...T4Wii5.7,t1V.F.*,.-;:41..1.i'i-.*
'.4riiit's4j-4,4Ap:,.0:W4... ,-e,444,;,,,f6.:e'.......-'..4e. ,*.jrt,i,*14,1'`U,MK74e,,-r•- ::,',-"i'!'''.'.k'•••'4'';',, ..;:- .i.17,,z4,t47,9ftnir.'toll,,,Ac
•-•'-:.*. r.44,1-;a.4'.124;1„.0,INN(.7,0!.%;.,430,,A.i,.`.;L:A.;,..%..,.4t0fe; 0,0AN9i,...,4',v.y-v.'••c"
to,
r,.. 1%_,b41_44;a4,4"1:it Az....:ZWIAL.44"::.^1.'`-<',',.4-•V'xiX?"ot•4.atirc-0: itAta.:40),.,x....ar , . . „.. . ..---.....,4 ,71,„..y. 7i,:t.,,oar.i.11,71 44;.A*11,*`,4.1,1Weft' '
' '1,,f'0',grA,to.,,.§,02444e$.7 .7M,Kf;-;44,41*.ZW4,j.-ptio ),,,d.r4 ittW4etiver.'•,,/_Icc,"A'At,L, ,t.,r."0 ,t,'gAr,,, ,,44'4.'''.'4....,',Mr,....itto*"1,..4&44....1...e.rtt%iktcliiitiLj.f:.,..
ke4'N...,-f 4,.r-Arrtttyt471,4,t.A4 ;.!'lf 144445.Ari,t47.1At 47.,%.,.,"R.ea,,,, ,4". ' 'I,,ttt,'.'I , til„,,•erkiii:','"5::011,$.9$•''' '%.‘ AtA4•AWa '''-i .'; -.4tia...Aiitr. 't .N.4.:'"•-•''-' 'M.77- 7"........-77:.
•„;,„. -'A t ..''' tr .I.M-4,--A. AVVI.;:`im4 'I,whri- •v..-.7.;,, ily4tXttok, ....s.„;'*, .:''-t.,,,: „;,,,,,,, ;-•itr ,...0-..,,,7 ,,..7..,-,-s.,;01, ,,,,,vt,54:c.,,,,,v411=i,
1-0 •. . t ., Al. ,ig?* re v, tiiki,,`O ,,c,, 0..... 4,1 .,,40, ',,, 4 *!,'.4! „iet . ;:441,101.* ...„ Ittir . '',- , *Ai.1 , itrftVr rnOiartS t t• ' '14,,Pt,4:1'1
j kili A., %4A- . .j.' kt.' „i,. 41.kar, 11: •• "NZ V‘ii 'e 4 *. ' 1 IV '11'6'.' ''K ...q . Mk;:. .. s N. „ .4 4' . . 77k44 A, *l'• ,',. .,',,. ,
F"0-A.. r ..-41t' *..1 -,,x It";-, ' v.:4: 4- '.4 : ' '-'.''.g, /*Ilat44.46 -*.t. • -', -,•,-.,, • s,, 'NI- ' •.- A,ii..4: ...,•,.: AA*. .t:•t* ',. ..-' r*- a 'g ••••
Sedimentation . . . the cause or the problem.
, National's MUD CAT Machine is a sound method of sediment removal which can be
used wherever underwater sedimentation occurs. Depending on conditions, the . .
MUD CAT can remove sedimentary materials at a rate of 50-120 cubic yards per hour.
, . .
. ....*.• ,-, r'....:..—:;:-•-•
,,:i . •.
. .e.: . .
.• • .. r,
, •:. .
. - •, •,,,.. ,
..,. ,
.0 I
1 .esT .0
//I''',"' - ! -•
• .m
'i"0tte-'.2.l,er..,:..inx1-g•r.1---.,r.-1111..1-..•
.'a.
t,.,4.•,•
4.•.•••.•-4:t:a
._.-..1-*,.l:.k4.'‘6.i•.1t1•'C.'.i.o-r.v.r o"'.2t1...'.i;:II.i._4Itir'.,:i•t4t,r.i-,.4,m,tr1--1aa--oo-,i,s',-.,q.'°ma"..4 hL.4„i.t
,--,-4.;f.....e...•...;1-7l,_-4.—.‘-,!1_._.--?„1 FA-.Ait--.i-.m_-..l___;ita
'•.1r;...e. .•..',.pi•-;i1P.,4,'-'-'-,; ..'.t.---%r'rs''r'iP'-c.—''.''.'r..‘.,„t:tr-.,.-:,j"ei,,-.-.,t-r i.,„-,ii-it.,p,e.,mi,-,..1-%,i-i.,l„'.......,-r.:i,'r.-_'•1,,V.4_t-..'-."_:..;•:fL.,..--W-
1..q•.—"
1..,'..!t 4''•,•,,..',.,'-1''40'-4''1•,.-"..il2•..'.."--
7•••4•.
,.., ,- ....
-- _ .r-__=-,c,, , -.
, ..., ,,,... 4.1...,., _____ ,...z_.--
I---... ..-4',1140... .., . ' k, •3” .
I ii.. 641 , ' kAt,.or.A A •••••=""f.- f...- .'''.'
A ,.
. .0
IC _
, .. -•v:,
R•P:,4
,
4
' 1147'.=. ' 7?-'-'-7a:•••% _•_.. _ s . 'Cit,•
1
.1 National's MUD CAT can "out reach" a drag line, yet it The business end of the MUD CAT is a patented hori-
i is small enough to be easily transported from site to site. zontal cutter head mounted on the end of a hydraulically
Only two men are required to operate the MUD CAT operated boom. The cutter head is equipped with cutter
) which operates in water depths where you might expect knives which dislodge and cut up material with scissor-
'.; only a rowboat could go . . . as shallow as 27 inches. A like action.
.4 crane can be used to launch and retrieve the MUD CAT. The spiral auger in the cutter head drives the material to
4
1 the pump suction intake. This aggressive rotating, cutting
action can remove sediment in an 8 ft. wide swath down to
i a depth of 10'/2 ft. (Model MC10) or 15 ft.(Model MC15).
Bottom contours are left even and ridge-free without dan-
..1...mm......
i
r,..„
�t iili'•
(t';__._
il ,rf.
giPAT irrla' 'lllrrrrrrrrrr,'�i'eA'e ►e►'
t',. I 11 1111 1 r'' �'J
A,0-.0./ rAi/Atlp1t;lid/tfr4lfl'1;E�`'•il1 64,
►' I.
6
• «
-, - vfrY 'rW y,,•dk't: n .. ,baiit,:aw..w y.7.;....,,..-a.....,.,:„ � �
.... .-.. ...KYwv I-,•11'T'! 1r.Y }T. s ''..".1.•.?—',".. -
.. .... I..w....c . ... Y''l ..4.. Fr.' .. r.r.= :'• '•1.1' ....+..�. .w.. .,�.t
•
�...rlr.'' y..�.....�. .. •
c:;ICS`. vrRw'slf.:±....Lw4 `p"",5:.'G7.'9i4d . .... _..._ :.
f • 7 'r
:,,,,7•:•••4,4.1.
K3•I e,7a+X'f,,.7:-.;.•L, , •Y t } ,..:' •. - '. yr,• +aNvr�Y? "5. �"i•
"..•�r. '..... ' . ... ; .,•:.. _ i..•..' : . , +t, • .r.,.,: . '_M.'..!. ,.+ ,±,
�y{ •` }l K Uu•.S{
ft'. zr.�y' -< t.•� t i '''t iN+"I :,.Y 4 '+li ,wb}� ''iy, i ';: '
L��6ti•:jr •jA " Y giIr4' . WSf �. T lf • . -1j'R .nt
y.
4
►'aFw� t v•`�a ' r r r •.'M'',P4 f..•i y , �Y 1! 4'. fincl �c'7P � �✓}r 4,i•{ d♦�R"}twx+' 46� . . �3rk•• , 74-v.-,1-4.•-•,.p .i - rrr
0
? s • .,..-,,,,,a..
Rtrri•�P "4A7h:;wm! .., ltrcu�k� �'i.`}N,i�3t# :1�r43 }.�� R iR K9r4.°4is. .,.,. �ck• ;/.Sr � • . `'! YAP , f'� i�dA�.1 sjrR .9E < .•t:ar n.Ai17ZF d} 1 + 'yrti4• tJri., ey,{ i. ::p.�'yry+ q.,i r Ca `5)i 9n 11,At0 � 1 �'' ua4Cry� „ i!n,.. .,4t} �s
rt•.,..,...i..‘....14'1.....7;
'..4, i ait �,}4 .. aiFi•2 4• `4' moYriL.S1'4titihtt ! 0Xart , x tC•1'tid 9 �'li'w� �� ,141,
4,-4 `�r '4i� : $�yr! r t ! " "� tk R,
,
' i°i'7� ` r.r/ .tPh� a1i�t ,,i4" Sr .41 rlA1..4���`� i *� '�� Kiri " l���r1 � oti1%,11��.� 'j �,„! - . .rY. �. t t! J¢ ,}:I; '
.„:.,:.,,..,....,,..h t��3.., 1i2a�k" ; . . 1rZie , ii •','."4.,.••••":40,4,• ' i'• tK�Y4+,Y �t " ' . slava n1 'ww. Jhew 1 Tni�... Ci y_w�. ..S1 • C..rti�{%S..dS' :7237a .sw . T�� •
'„•,,. _rww. 1 *•••• . ,... . . , ..�iN me.........Mr•+K�9w� KJlN.Y_�7Y+1.011,.K.1G ,w,.�'�+. �*p -+��_ wy'4W �.�w
•
•
,<r ~� a4itr + S�' 4.„,..,,,..4,.. � � 4l L ',, .. �� t 4h! � •3p�� h1" J7 ^ '•�J �`�M iC - �e11Y:- � a ' ..i- � ha .t s ' u !' • 4' 4, ��k" 5is0�� *! .�*�A4M . � w„,,7•44,,, rR , qiCil, . .4, S4.-y � 441• w � , � L4. ,tY y,'f h.. ;•?44,1''.A. * ' A .r grf•L C• 01, •':i , •4'a' Xs .. ; AllitAC.:!,•'' Ri'W ',?•. 4 / .• rk 5Y� >..44 •' • RA;, ,. e
•National's MUD CAT Machine . . . tuie solution.
•
Permanency of treatment will vary with such factors as erosion control, surface - ,,1
run-off, nutrient content, water movement, discharge rate, effluent make-up and i
suspended-solids content. -i
t ,
,��Y , ,
!T t " a+...14 is I,,f 1.. *..crit�f ,,,.w.� �-r ..r, tyt r sq 4, �.
1S
_ I i ir•,s., ' -'M '�3 , .
r_ aF, : ,. : 4.4
, y�
.F -a ! ,/ ,.4.,
' .r ti �-►a'+g .y..t' w :i_ ,1 `.. •cam4,; q
+e-:- A =: ai t _ti+.. r � 4 f .:, '+
. -''• ,l k' Ffdr . r f_J,t�4, d..”(.f !+- l�',� � y C: .,�`' a.r �'.>�ie:'
. "
omM .4 w >•• ', '.14s4".4.-.1.-"r-�
-
-.,_. Tt.,,M ,,,,.-y;.. . f r� Z . v :
I3 -z t• 45i '•••`''„ '' ' 'i'4-;''_4} ,C�i rYb r tNAr4944/dO ‘t. NI ''''''....7; �'wt.'4 iMfs 'Si., 6 'a. •. ".. � �tYyl.::t:v�:inir�+<ntatK:u3�v-wei''#. .�t ^�i� :,.
A unique mud shield shrouds the cutter head entrapping A high-powered centrifugal pump feeds the material
suspended material and minimizing turbidity.Teeth along through a discharge pipe to a pre-selected spoil area
the forward edge provide additional cutting capability up to a half-mile away. Eight inch diameter pipe is
when material protrudes above the water. supplied in convenient 20 ft. sections which can be
quickly hand assembled over land or water. Most jobs
can be set-up by two men in less than a day.
National Car Rental's
MUD CAT Machine specifications.
i
..... . Model MC-10 Model MC-15
General: Length •30'2" Length. -38'9"
Width -.8'0' Width • •8'0
Height :0.A.9'3' 'Height 0.A.9'3" '
Weight .. .16,000-lbs Dry, . • ..;;,•,. ••Weight 19,800 lbs,Dry •
Draft -27" Draft.: • -21"
Floatingclearance .6'1"with Lights Retp9YedloatingClearance -
.' 6'1"with Lights Removed
Fl+el Capacity 560.01ons j. fuel Capacity 360 gallons
Flotation: Pontoons-Two 30"x32"x24'0" Pontoons•Two 30"x32"x24'0"
12 Gauge H.R.Steel with Internal Bulkheads and Plus Two 30"x32''x6'0"
Stiffeners;formed for rigidity;polyurethane 12 Gauge H.R.Steel with Internal Bulkheads and
foam filled Stiffeners;formed for rigidity;polyurethane
foam filled
• .
Cutter Auger: Auger:
Assembly: Diameter 9" Diameter I j
Pitch -9" Pitch -9" I
Flighting •3/8" Flighting -3/8"
Speed •63 RPM or 105 RPM Speed .63 RPM or 105 RPM .•
Cutter Knives•44 Detachable Heat-Treated Blades Cutter Knives-44 Detachable Heat-Treated Blades
Cutter Bars•34 Detachable Heat-Treated Blades Cutter Bars-34 Detachable Heat-Treated Blades
Auger Torque-4000 in.lbs. Auger Torque•4000 in.lbs.
Rotates to Cut Slope up to 45 degrees j
•
Mud Shield: 14"x8'Hydraulically Adjustable 14"x 8' Hydraulically Adjustable ,
Working Cut -8' wide x 18"maximum depth Cut-8'wide x 18"maximum depth j
Capacity: Operating Depth- 10'6"maximum Operating Depth-15'maximum 1
1•
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6-71 RC Detroit Diesel 6.71 RC
175 BHP @ 1800 RPM 175 BHP @ 1800 RPM
•
Drive: Clutch-Manual,14"Dia.Disc& Pressure Plate Clutch•Manual,14"Dia.Disc& Pressure Plate
Reduction-Gear Ratio 1.55/1 -Drive Coupling- Reduction-Gear Ratio 1.55/1 •Drive Coupling-
Flex Type Flex Type
•
Pump: Centrifugal Closed Impeller Centrifugal Closed Impeller I
Impeller Diameter-18 1/2" Impeller Diameter-18 1/2" ,
, Suction Diameter-.8 ... .• ..: Suction Diameter-8."
Discharge Diameter-6" Discharge Diameter•6" i
Shaft Diameter,•2 7/8".• + . Shaft Diameter-2 7/8" il• Capacity•2000 GPM @ 1200 RPM against 155'Head Capacity•2000 GPM @ 1200 RPM against 155'Head
Material Removal-50.120 cu.yds./hr. Material Removal-50-120 cu.yds./hr. i
Service Capacity•75 GPM @2800 RPM Capacity•75 GPM @ 2800 RPM `I
Water Pump: Pressure•80 PSI Pressure-80 PSI
Hydraulic 2 Pumps with Circuit Divider 2 Pumps with Circuit Divider
System: Capacity Each Pump-11 GPM @ 1800 RPM Capacity Each Pump•11 GPM @ 1800 RPM
Reservoir-60 Gallon Reservoir-60 Gallon
Circuit One-Auger Drive Circuit One•Auger Drive '
Circuit Two•Boom,Sluice Gate,Mud Shield and Winch Circuit Two•Boom,Sluice Gate,Mud Shield and Winch
Relief Valve Setting: Relief Valve Setting:
Auger-1600 PSI Auger-1600 PSI
Others-1100 PSI Others•1100 PSI
Propulsion: Capstan Type Hydraulic Winch Capstan Type Hydraulic Winch
Traverse Speed-50 FPM Maximum Fwd.& Rev. Traverse Speed -50 FPM Maximum Fwd.& Rev.
Average Cutting Speed-8 to 12 FPM Average Cutting Speed•8 to 12 FPM
Electrical Voltage-24V Voltage-24V
System: Alt.Output-45 Ampere Alt.Output-45 Ampere
Batteries•12V Series Wired Batteries• I 2V Series Wired
Circuits-2 Wire System Full Ground Circuits-2 Wire System Full Ground
Finish: Two coats of Epoxy Paint on Epoxy Zinc Chromate Two coats of Epoxy Paint on Epoxy Zinc Chromate
Primer Primer
MUD CAT Machines are operating in a growing list of countries throughout the world.
To obtain complete information, call the MUD CAT Division of National Car Rental
System, Inc., toll free at 800/328-7333. In Minnesota call collect 612/830-2486 or
telex 29-0767. Or write:
ri MUD CAT Division
L '� 4IPP . National Car Rental System, Inc.
MUD CAT 5501 Green Valley Drive
_____�. Minnu�nnlie Minnacnt-2 CSd27
THE PREMIUM MARSH
SUMMER 1980
THE DEMISE OF AN ESTUARY
BY
ROBERT P. HOHBERG B.S. , M.A. , P.D.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is four-fold:
1.) To review the data of previous studies of the Premium Marsh
including:
RECENT TRENDS OF SEDIMENT ACCUMULATION IN THE PREMIUM SALT MARSH,
LARCHMONT, NEW YORK by Morein Cohen
THE PREMIUM - AN ENDANGERED WATERWAY by Robert E. White, P.E.
PREMIUM RIVER DREDGING FEASABILITY STUDY by James B. Cropper
ADDENDUM TO REPORT BY ROBERT WHITE by Mary Anne Johnson
LARCHMONT HARBOR SALT MARSH ECOSYSTEMS by Dr. James M. Utter
LOCAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
Prepared by Raymond, Parish, Pine & Weiner Inc.
CORING STUDY OF THE PREMIUM MARSH - Author Unknown
2.) To analyze and condense the data of the above mentioned
reports in order to provide direction for obtaining additional pertinate
data.
3.) To execute the additional field work and analysis to obtain
this data.
4.) To provide recommendations, on the basis of the data collected,
for further management of the Premium Marsh area.
-1-
Introduction: (Continued)
1.) A series of reports and studies on the Premium have been prepared
over the last several years. The following list of problems of the
Premium, while not exhaustive, can serve as a good indication of the
complexity of the matter:
A.) Sedimentation caused by sand and other materials delivered
by the various storm drains, some of which originate in New Rochelle
and emptied into the river which is contained entirely in the Town of
Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont.
B.) Sedimentation caused by construction activities on prop-
erties near the river.
C.) Sedimentation contributed by incoming tides.
D.) Growth of algae induced by shallower, and often, warmer,
waters.
E.) Pollution that may be caused by broken sewer lines or
inoperative septic systems, mostly in New Rochelle. These are likely
to be at least partially responsible for the high Coliform counts.
F.) Pollution that may be caused by incoming tides.
G.) Presence of manmade and natural objects in the river,
from logs to shopping carts which, besides being unsightly, are also
silt catchers.
The fact is that the priceless resource represented by the Premium
Marsh is gradually being lost as a result of these highly complex
causes that are inter-municipal- in nature (Raymond, Parish, Pine &
Weiner Inc.)
Ecologic succession of a salt marsh ordinarily follows a pattern of
gradual succession from mud or sand flat to intertidal marsh to high
marsh associations through sediment and organic matter accumulation.
This is called the Shaler Theory of marsh formation and is hypothesized
to be the type that pertains to Premium River Salt Marsh. In most
New England salt marshes it takes two hundred years or more for the
intertidal sections to fill in beyond the mean high water level where
high marsh vegetation could take root and survive (Morein Cohen) .
Manmade intervention dates back to 1741 as noted in the Robert E.
White report stating "An even older dam had existed since prior to
1741 at the site of the present Red Bridge when the Palmer family
which owned a large manor in the vicinity, used the impounded tidal
waters to provide power for the first Premium Grist Mill".
-2-
Introduction: (Continued)
We may conclude that thanks to manmade intervention dating beyond
1741, the Shaler Theory has had adequate time to fulfill its predictions
for the Premium Marsh.
2.) A potential wetland site's evaluation must include studies of
salinity, tidal range, hydraulic patterns, exposure to wind or wave
action, elevation and depths of H2O the area to be converted to
wetland, and presence or absence of suitable surrounding habitat. I
would also recommend that you get an expert in the field of saltwater
biology, who could give you advice on what depth of dredging should be
contemplated that would be best from the standpoint of improving the
habitat for waterfowl and the fishery of the Premium River. (James B.
Cropper) .
Since I have been trained in both Marine Biology and Biological
Oceanography, I decided that a study of salinity would be most
appropriate even to the point of indicating tidal range in an estuarine.
The latter parameter would be approached in a search for the presence
of a Halocline within the estuary.
All of the reports mentioned in section one (1.) have alluded in
some respects to the problem of sedimentation. The waters which are
blamed for such sedimentation range from the Premium River, Pinebrook
River to the tidal waters of the sound itself.
In order to resolve the problem of which of these waters are most
responsible for delivering these sediments, I decided to include
measurements of Turbidity which would pinpoint those waters carrying
the largest number of particles. Should a pattern in concentration
gradient occur, this might also indicate those areas of unloading.
3.) Measurements of salinity were taken with a Yellow Springs
Industry (YSI) model 33 S C T salinometer. This meter is a portable
electronic device which provides near instant read out on conductivity,
temperature and salinity (reported as parts per thousand = 0/00) . The
instrument makes use of a fifty foot (50') probe which I marked at
intervals of half a meter (0.5m) .
Data-on turbidity were collected by means of a Hach Portalab
Turbidimeter which is a portable nephelometer complete with a 10 N T U
turbidity standard. All measurements are reported as Nephelometric
Turbidity Units (NTU) .
-3-
4.) Water samples were collected by means of a five (5) flush (Lamotte)
sampling bottle with the temperature measured by a Celsius alcohol field
thermometer. Each sample was analyzed within minutes after its col-
lection . A metric marked line attached to the sampling bottle afforded
measurement of the depth at which the sample was taken.
Three (3) sampling series were undertaken with most of the measure-
ments taken at high tide. Some additional samples were collected at low
tide. The first two (2) series employed measurements of both turbidity
and salinity. The third and last series concerns itself with a search
for a Halocline within the estuary. The first two (2) series includes
analysis of thirty three (33) samples. The Halocline series includes
forty one (41) measurements of salinity. All pertinent data are
recorded in the appendix of this report.
Sampling stations were selected with an eye to remain in mid-channel
and to record physical landmarks in order to identify each sampling
station for reliability. Each station is coded and described in the
record of this report found in the appendix. The coded stations are
indicated on a map (by Mary Anne Johnson) designated as Figure 1 also
included in the appendix of this report.
The first series indicates that the incurrent waters of Long Island
Sound carries a small amount of particles (3.6 N.T.U.) , at station one
(1) at the Weir, by comparison to an immediate rise in particle carrying
at station two (2) , Red Bridge, (8.6 N.T.U.) with subsequent higher
readings as you proceed upstream from Red Bridge.
At station twelve (12) midway between the second turn in the channel
from Woodbine Ave. and the foot of Willow Park (Oak Ave.) , tested out at
32.0 N.T.U. , which is the highest suspended particle reading of this
series. The following upstream station which is thirteen (13) , at the
foot of Willow Park (Oak Ave.) ,drops to 16. 0 N.T.U. indicating that
half the suspended particles carried by the incoming tide is unloaded
at or about the confluence of the Pinebrook and Premium Rivers. The
continuance of this phenomenon can only lead to a marshy mud flat which
will eventually block the excurrent waters of both rivers.
Turbidity data upstream from station thirteen (13) along the Premium
River, indicates more unloading at station fourteen (14)b. with an in-
crease in carrying capacity to station fifteen (15) b. Upstream from
this station (15b) further unloading occurs at station sixteen (16) b.
This indicates that more particle pollution is picked up at the drainage
ditch and then is unloaded at the outfall of the Premium River behind
the Larchmont Diner.
-4-
A low tide reading at station one (1) , at the Weir, records 4.2 N.T.U.
( a. 6 N.T.U. difference from high tide) which shows little or no
discharge of particles into the sound. A low tide reading at station
two (2) , at Red Bridge, records 24.0 N.T.U. (a 15.4 N.T.U. difference
from high tide) shows considerable discharge of particles into the
Premium Mill Pond. These readings tend to convince me that the sus-
pended particles from Red Bridge towards the confluence of Premium and
Pinebrook Rivers slosh back and forth from the Premium Mill Pond and back
again to the mud flats of the river beds with no purging action into the
Sound.
At station sixteen (16)a. , the Pinebrook outfall at the Post Road,
suspended particle readings were at the highest, 20.0 N.T.U. , at neap
high tide with considerable discharge from the outfall. The lowest
reading was 5.5 N.T.U. with a spring high tide and low discharge from
the outfall. Neap low tide and spring low tide readings at this station
were 10.0 N.T.U. and 15.0 N.T.U. respectively. These data indicate that
the Pinebrook River adds particles to the marsh system at high discharge
and low tide conditions with only slight carrying capacity at spring
high tide with low discharge. Inaddition salinity readings of 2.0 0/00
to 0.5 0/00 reveal that it is river water and not tidal sound waters
that are carrying these particles.
Station sixteen (16) b. , at the Premium River behind the Larchmont
Diner, reads 20.0 N.T.U. with a salinity of 23.0 0/00 at spring high
tide. This same station analyzes 7.5 N.T.U. with a salinity of 1.9 0/00
at neap high tide. The former set of data shows the particle carrying
capacity of tidal waters while the latter indicates the small carrying
capacity of the Premium River at its outfall. Analysis of station
fifteen (15) b. , Premium River at the foot of the drainage ditch, ind-
icates 21.0 N.T.U. with a salinity of 21.5 0/00 at High Tide. This
station shows the highest carrying capacity of the Premium-River under
the influence of tidal waters.
The second series was run with an eye to discover the carrying
capacity of the waters within the Premium Mill Pond. Again the reading
at station one (1) at the Weir, was 6.2 N.T.U. ( a difference of 2.6
N.T.U. from the first reading) indicating small particle contribution
from the- Sound. Since this reading was taken a month later, algae bloom
organic matter could easily account for the 2.6 N.T.U. difference.
Slight increases in particle carrying occur upstream toward Red Bridge
with some small unloading at station one (1) c. , Premium Pond opposite
Everett's Island. A larger increase to 9.4 N.T.U. is found at station
one (1) d. opposite the edge of the wall at Trinity House. a reading
of 8.3 N.T.U. at station two (2) , at Red Bridge, reliably compares to
the first reading of 8.6 N.T.U.
-5-
The second series data bolsters the conclusion that the highest
particle carrying waters are those upstream from Red Bridge.
The third and last series concerns itself with a search for a
Halocline within the Premium estuary. Consistant sampling was taken
at surface, 0.5m, and 1.0m depths (excepting stations 15b, 13, and
10 where a 0.5m depth was reached) . The salinity reported in this
series was only slightly higher than that recorded in the first two
series which indicates good reliability. The slight rise in salinity
readings could well be the result of later sampling in the summer
months with a small amount of rainfall in the watershed, consolidating
the salinity readings from the Halocline series and the first two series,
I may conclude that the Halocline, when present, must exist upstream
from station fifteen (15) a. , foot of Elm Ave. , in the Pinebrook River
and upstream from station fifteen (15) b, at the foot of the Drainage
Ditch, in the Premium River.
Salinity for the Halocline series has a mean of 26.6 0/00, highest
28.0 0/00 to the lowest 25.3 0/00 (range) . Salinity for the second
series has a mean of 16.9 0/00, highest 26.9 0/00 to the lowest 0.5 0/00
(range) . Salinity for the first series has a mean of 19.6 0/00, highest
27.0 0/00 to the lowest 0.5 0/00 (range) . The mean salinity for all
three series is 21.0 0/00, highest 26.6 0/00 to the lowest 16.9 0/00
(range) . In perusing these salinity statistics one should be mindful
of the fact that the first two (2) series include the fresh water
station readings at or about the outfalls of both the Pinebrook and
Premium Rivers.
Comparing the mean salinity of all three series (including "fresh
water" data) of 21.0 0/00 to the mean salinity of 16.8 0/00 reported
by James M. Utter (January 1975) , I find a 4.2 0/00 rise in salinity .
Since the 1975 data does not include any salinity readings approaching
that of fresh water, a more accurate comparison would have to be on
the basis of 11.9 0/00 salinity and higher. On this basis I would
compare the mean salinity of all three series as 25.2 0/00 to the mean
salinity of 16.8 0/00 reported by James M. Utter (January 1975) . This
comparison indicates an 8.4 0/00 rise in salinity since 7/30/75.
-6-
The significance of the above comparison becomes much more meaning-
ful when one ponders the following statement: "When a bay or part of
a river mouth is temporarily cut off from the sea by a sand bar, the
salinity may actually increase beyond that of the open ocean due to
evaporation"- Fundamentals of Ecology by Eugene P. Odum. Therefore, I
conclude that the sediment deposits in mud flat configurations,
especially at the confluence of the Pinebrook and Premium Rivers, are
acting like a sand bar configuration and are well in the process of
cutting off the rivers from the sound outlet. If one further considers,
"recall that fresh water usually has a salinity of less than 0.5 0/00" -
Fundamentals of Ecology - by Eugene P. Odum, then the tidal range of
Long Island Sound extends to the outfall of the Pinebrook River at the
Post Road (16a) and the Premium River behind the Larchmont Diner (16b) .
Coupling this with the turbidty data, I conclude that the force to
reckon with in the management of the Premium Marsh is the tidal waters
of the Long Island Sound which dominates the system. The rivers, them-
selves, are rel$gated to nothing more than storm drain outlets. This
last statement is further born out by the position of a possible
Halocline existing upstream of Elm Ave. (Pinebrook River) and upstream
of the drainage ditch (Premium River)
4. Conclusions:
1.) The dominant force in the Premium Marsh is the tidal waters of the
Long Island Sound
2.) The Sound contributes very little particle carrying waters into the
system.
3.) The most turbid (particle carrying) waters are those upstream from
Red Bridge.
4.) Particulate pollution occurs in the greatest part from the environ-
ment around the system upstream from Red Bridge.
5.) Salinity data indicates:
A.) A river system well on its way to being blocked up by mud flat
deposition.
B.) The end of the system remaining an estuary as revealed by the
absence of a clearly defined Halocline and increased Salinity.
6.) The Pinebrook and Premium Rivers will back up, under flood conditions,
should the prevaioing factors be allowed to continue unchecked.
-7-
Recommendations:
1.) The Premium Marsh system must be restored toward the following
objectives:
A.) Restoration of free flowing river channels by:
1.) Removing the mud flat blockage in the channel at the
foot of Willow Park (Oak Ave.) - station 13
2.) Improvement of tidal flow through Red Bridge (station
2) and at the Weir (station 1)
3.) Restoration and installation of retaining walls and
wooden bulwarks along the Mamaroneck and New Rochelle
shorelines (stations 5, 6, 7, ).
B.) Initiation and periodic repetition of the following studies:
1.) bottom contour
2.) channel velocities
3.) coliform counts
4.) bottom sediment chemical analysis
5.) mean high tide and low tide levels
6.) analysis of dominant vegetation
2.) Investigation and Research for sources of possible funding for
the above recommendations.
-8- .
APPENDIX
Station: Date: Time:
1.) At the Weir 7/9/80 10:00 A.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 200C
Bright Sun Air Temperature: 23°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
2.0 m Slightly Cloudy
No Odor
Tests: Note:
Turbidity 3.6 N.T.U. Striped Bass caught at site as
reported by fisherman
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
2.) At Red Bridge 7/10/80 10:54 A.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 23°C
Overcast Air Temperature: 24°C
Occasional Sun
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.5 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Note: Small fish activity
Turbidity 8.6 N.T.V.
-1-
Station: Date: Time:
3.) First turn in Channel 7/11/80 12:38 P.M.
upstream from Red Bridge
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Hazy Sun Air Temperature: 23°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.0 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 9.9 N.T.V.
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
4.) Second turn in Channel 7/12/80 12:31 P.M.
upstream from Red Bridge
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Bright Sun Air Temperature: 30°C
,High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.0 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests: Note:
• Turbidity 10. 1 N.T.U. Dead Raccoon in water
First Series
-2-
Station: Date: Time:
5.) First house upstream from 7/13/80 12:40 P.M.
second turn in Channel after
Red Bridge
Conditions: Water Temperature: 24°C
Cloudy Air Temperature: 29°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.5 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 18.0 N.T.U.
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
6.) At the foot of 7/14/80 1:31 P.M.
Hazel Lane
Conditions: Water Temperature: 26°C
Bright Sun Air Temperature: 33°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 12.0 N.T.U.
First Series
-3-
Station: Date: Time:
7.) At the foot of 7/15/80 2:48 P.M.
Guion Lane
Conditions: Water Temperature: 27°C
Overcast Air Temperature: 31°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 15.0 N.T.U.
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
8.) First landing upstream 7/16/80 3:17 P.M.
Guion Lane
Conditions: Water Temperature: 27°C
Hazy Sun Air Temperature: 37°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
Foul Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 20.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 26.5 0/00
First Series
-4-
Station: Date: Time:
9.) Foot of 7/18/80 4: 35 P.M.
Woodbine Ave.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 29°C
Bright Sun Air Temperature: 32°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests: Note:
Turbidity 16.N.T.U. Oil slicks on
Salinity 26.0 0/00 the water surface
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
10.) First turn in Channel 7/19/80 5:45 P.M.
upstream from Woodbine Ave.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 28°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 30°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.5 m Cloudy
Slight Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 15.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 26.5 0/00
First Series
-5-
Station: Date: Time:
11.) Second turn in Channel 7/25/80 10:28 A.M.
upstream from Woodbine Ave.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 30°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.5 m Cloudy
Rotten egg odor
Tests:
Turbidity 26.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 27.0 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
12.) Midway between second turn 7/26/80 11:15 A.M.
in Channel from Woodbine
Ave. and the foot of
Willow Park ( Oak Ave.)
Conditions: Water Temperature: 28°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 32°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 32.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 25.0 0/00
First Series
-6-
Station: Date: Time:
13.) Foot of Willow Park 8/3/80 6:15 P.M.
(Oak Ave.)
Conditions: Water Temperature: 30°C
Bright Sun Air Temperature: , 33°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 16.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 25.0 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
14. a.) Corner of the retaining 8/4/80 7:19 A.M.
wall at Tony's Nursery
Conditions: Water Temperature: 26°C
Hazy Sun Air Temperature: 29°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.1 m Cloudy
Slight Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 19.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 18.5 0/00
First Series
-7-
Station: Date: Time:
15. a.) Foot of Elm Ave. 8/5/80 8:15 A.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 23°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 25°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0. 1 m Cloudy
Oily Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 14.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 11.5 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
16. a.) Pinebrook outfall at the 7/21/80 5:45 A.M.
Post Road
Conditions: Water Temperature: 22°C
Hazy Sunrise Air Temperature: 28°C
High Tide (neap)
Considerable Discharge
from the Outfall
Depth: Sample Description:
0. 1 m Cloudy
Slight Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 20.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 0.5 0/00
First Series
-8-
Station: Date: Time:
16. a. ) Pinebrook outfall at 8/9/80 12:11 P.M.
the Post Road
Conditions: Water Temperature: 22°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 31°C
High Tide (Spring)
Depth: Sample Description:
0. 1 m Clear
Oily Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 5.5 N.T.U.
Salinity 2.0 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
14 b. ) Premium River 8/10/80 1:05 P.M.
at Lorenzen Park
Conditions: Water Temperature: 290 C
Sunny Air Temperature: 29°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Cloudy
Odor of rotten eggs
Tests:
Turbidity 14.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 25.2 0/00
First Series
-9-
Station: Date: Time:
15 b. ) Premium River, foot of 8/11/80 1:35 P.M.
Drainage Ditch
Conditions: Water Temperature: 280C
Sunny Air Temperature: 32°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.3 m , Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 21.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 21.5 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
16 b. ) Premium River, behind 8/7/80 9: 15 A.M.
Larchmont Diner
Conditions: Water Temperature: 22°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 26°C
High Tide (neap)
Depth: Sample Description:
Surface Clear
Oily Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 7.5 N.T.U.
Salinity 1.9 0/00
First Series
-10-
Station: Date: Time:
16. b) Premium River, behind 8/28/80 2:15 P.M.
Larchmont Diner
Conditions: Water Temperature: 28°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 31°C
High Tide(Spring)
Depth: Description:
Surface Slight Amber Color
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 20.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 23.) 0/00
First Series
Station: Date: Time:
2.) Red Bridge 7/22/80 7:45 P.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 31°C
Cloudy Air Temperature: 26°
High Tide (neap)
Depth: Sample Description:
1.5 m Cloudy
Slight Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 20.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 27.0 0/00
First Series
-11-
Station: Date: Time:
1.) At the Weir 8/28/80 7:35 A.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Hazy Sun Air Temperature: 25°C
Low Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.25 m Slightly Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 4.2 N.T.U.
Salinity 26.5 0/00
Low Tide Series
Station: Date: Time:
2.) Red Bridge 7/24/80 3:18 P.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 26°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 31°C
Low Tide (Spring)
Depth: Sample Description:
0.5 m Cloudy
Slight Musty Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 24.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 25.0 0/00
Low Tide Series
-12-
Station: Date: Time:
16 a) Pinebrook outfall at 8/6/80 3:13 P.M.
the Post Road
Conditions: Water Temperature: 20°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 30°C
Low Tide (neap)
Depth: Sample Description:
0.1 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 10.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 0.5 0/00
Low Tide Series
Station: Date: Time:
16 a.) Pinebrook outfall at 7/17/80 10:23 A.M.
the Post Road
Conditions: Water Temperature: 20°C
Overcast with drizzle Air Temperature: 28°C
Low Tide (Spring)
Depth: Sample Description:
0. 1 m Cloudy
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 15.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 0.5 0/00
Low Tide Series
-13-
Station: Date: Time:
1.) At the Weir 8/12/80 12:11 P.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 29°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.0 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 6.2 N.T.U.
Salinity 25.0 0/00
Second Series
Station: Date: Time:
1 a.) Premium Pond at White 8/15/80 2:45 P.M.
House on island
Conditions: Water Temperature: 24°C
Partly Cloudy Air Temperature: 28°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
3.5 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 6.3 N.T.U.
Salinity 24.5 0/00
Second Series
-14-
Station: Date: Time:
1 b) Premium Pond at the 8/16/80 3:04 P.M.
second house upstream
from the white island house
Conditions: Water Temperature: 23°C
Cloudy Air Temperature: 24°C
High Tide (neap)
High Wind
Depth: Sample Description:
2.5 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 6.7 N.T.U.
Salinity 24.25 0/00
Second Series
Station: . Date: Time:
1 c) Premium Pond opposite 8/13/80 2:05 P.M.
Everett's Island
Conditions: Water Temperature: 25°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 30°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.0 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 5.5 N.T.U.
Salinity 24.0 0/00
Second Series
-15-
Station: Date: Time:
1 d) Opposite the edge of 8/20/80 6:10 P.M.
the wall at Trinity
House
Conditions: Water Temperature: 24°C
Overcast Air Temperature: 24°C
High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
0.5 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 9.4 N.T.U.
Salinity 21.0 0/00
Second Series
Station: Date: Time:
2.) At Red Bridge 8/23/80 10:24 A.M.
Conditions: Water Temperature: 22°C
Sunny Air Temperature: 25°C
Crest of High Tide
Depth: Sample Description:
1.6 m Clear
No Odor
Tests:
Turbidity 8. 3 N.T.U.
Salinity 26.9 0/00
Second Series
-16-
Station: Date: Time:
16 a) Pinebrook outfall at 8/14/80 3:00 P.M.
the Post Road
Conditions: Water Temperature: 22°C
Overcast Air Temperature: 27°C
High Tide (Spring)
Depth: Sample Description:
0.3 m Clear
Odor of Oil
Tests:
Turbidity 9.0 N.T.U.
Salinity 5.5 0/00
Second Series
-17-
Station: Date: Time:
2. ) At Red Bridge 8/27/80 7:19 P.M.
Conditions:
Hazy Sun
Low Tide (neap)
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
25.0 0/00 Surface 28.5°C
26.0 0/00 0.5 m 28.0°C
26.2 0/00 1.0 m 28.0°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
1.) At Weir 8/28/80 7:35 A.M.
Conditions:
Hazy Sun
Low Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
26..5 0/00 Surface 24.5°C
26.9 0/00 0.5 m 24.5°C
26.9 0/00 1.0 m 25.0°C
Halocline Series
-18-
Station: Date: Time:
1. 5 b) Premium River at 8/25/80 12:11 P.M.
foot of Drainage Ditch
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
24.0 0/00 Surface 29.0°C
26.0 0/00 0.5 m 26.0°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
1. 5 a) Foot of Elm Ave. 8/25/80 11:56 A.M.
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
23.0 0/00 Surface 26°C
26.0 0/00 0.5 m 26°C
•
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 26°C
Halocline Series
-19-
Station: Date: Time:
13.) Foot of Oak Ave. at 8/25/80 12:21 P.M.
Willow Park
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
25.0 0/00 Surface 29°C
26.9 0/00 0.5 m 26°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
12) Midway between second 8/26/80 12:34 P.M.
turn in channel from
Woodbine Ave. and the
foot of Willow Park
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
25.0 0/00 Surface 28.5°C
25.0 0/00 0.5 m 28.0°C
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 26.0°C
Halocline Series
-20-
Station: Date: Time:
11.) Second turn in channel 8/26/80 12:45 P.M.
upstream from Woodbine Ave.
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
27.0 0/00 Surface 26°C
27.5 0/00 0.5 m 25.5°C_
27.5 0/00 1.0 m 25.0°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
10. ) First turn in channel 8/26/80 12:50 P.M.
upstream from Woodbine Ave.
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
27.0 0/00 Surface 26°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 26°C
Halocline Series
-21-
Station: Date: Time:
9. ) Foot of Woodbine Ave. 8/26/80 12:58 P.M.
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
26.5 0/00 Surface " 26.5°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 25°C
27.2 0/00 1.0 m 25°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
8.) First landing upstream 8/26/80 1:04 P.M.
from Guion Lane
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
26.9 0/00 Surface 26.5°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 26°C
27.2 0/00 1.0 m 25°C
Halocline Series
-22-
Station: Date: Time:
7.) At the foot of Guion Lane 8/24/80 11:16 A.M.
Conditions:
Sunny
Crest of High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
27.0 0/00 Surface 24.5°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 24.0°C
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 23.0°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
6.) At foot of Hazel Lane 8/26/80 1:08 P.M.
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
26.5 0/00 Surface 27°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 26°C
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 26°C
Halocline Series
-23-
Station: Date: Time:
3.) First turn in channel 8/26/80 1:19 P.M.
from Red Bridge
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
26.2 0/00 Surface 27°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 26.5°C
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 26.0°C
Halocline Series
Station: Date: Time:
2) Red Bridge 8/22/80 8:59 P.M.
Conditions:
Overcast
High Tide
Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
27.5 0/00 Surface 20°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 20.5°C
27.0 0/00 1.0 m 20.5°C
Halocline Series
-24-
Station: Date: Time:
1 b) Second house from Island 8/23/80 9:30 A.M.
House in Premium Pond
Conditions:
Sunny
High Tide
, Salinity: Depth: Temperature:
28.0 0/00 Surface 22°C
28.0 0/00 0.5 m 22°C
28.0 0/00 1.0 m 22°C
28.5 0/00 1.5 m 21.5°C
Station: Date: Time:
1.) At Weir 8/21/80 7:53 A.M.
Conditions:
Overcast
High Tide
Salinity: Depth Temperature:
26.5 0/00 Surface 22°C
27.0 0/00 0.5 m 21.5°C
26.9 0/00 1.0 m 22.2°C
27.9 0/00 1.5 m 21.5°C
Halocline Series
-25-
r .f: t
/ - ,,nab
1
' / .0 ti . •--...
411111.11111i6.' '- 1 sit
Na, of State Designated Tidal Wetlands r�, ,�
—14 VIZ
H.M. - High Marsh or Salt Meadow •
S.M. - Coastal Shoals, Bars and Mudflats _ " 3 1
Y
L.Z. - Inshore Waters. (Littoral Zone) ;
F.C. - Formerly Connected Tidal Wetlands. ,
Zoning: Pryer Manor . II
�. }ai,
Cityof New Rochelle - 11-1A '�
Middle Reach of Mamaroneck - R-IO - Low Density - • r' ` . __ of
Zoning: Premium Waterway � Premium
;,,� 511- LC 2 River
••
Town of Mamaroneck - R-6 v Z •
R-10 - Low Density '.
R-30 - Low Dens' • ` � / t 'Jr
City of New Rochelle - R-1A. , t �� `Locher Reach
Village of Larchmont - R-5 __,--f C` - • \ .of
I - :Premium River R-7.5 � 1 ��''
R-12.5 d-Yre t.. ..
R-30
•
i .."Red" Bridge
i/ !
Ufa_' �
. -jlrr-r#P##V- -"-1 . - Premit:m Y ! v
• Ii p'.►J` r : -
t•
It Mill . - ;
Causeway
and pF '01
Dais 1:1- 6,----_,,, I `
I. ...• Pond ( -
A G -1.-1 - `" -- -
1� _ . .. . .
•far.' o `��‘t)- W -f
Q• t ong I3land Sound l Figure 4
--- pTI
1 • • . , 1 i I . I
...ratril n f IT yl -7 dL _ ti' r7 . ;_L`_ I td _ 4. Ell
NMI= MIllanni t .17 "2(- 714- e- a a 'ri 111111
Immo isiv, / ,/ op/ q./ Jc , _5' A t-72/ ', -1/ /? i
11111=1.1111111111111111111.11
1111111111111111111111111101.11,11111,1161U1 -
111111111111111611.1111111111111.111 11111 RI 1111111____
11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111 •
11111111111111111111.1111.1111111111111111111111‘1011EMITI
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIMIIIOIIMIIIIIIIIIIIMIIII INIM111111111 '
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MIMI MI --
IIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMINIIIIIMIIIIIIIII I. •
IIIMIIINMIIIIMIJIMIIIIIIMNIIIIIINIMMIIIIIIIIIIMIUMMIIIIII i
1111111111111111111111111111111111111•17A1 11111111111111111_0111111111111111 ! 01
. 1111111.11111=111111111111111111. 11111111111111111111111 iii_1:
1111111 I muomminumm imormium .,
11111111111111111111111111111.111111111111111p lial .1
1)?11
illmtVEMMINI 11111.11111111011111 II OM
• IIIII Mil 11110111111111111111111 11111.11" Ii____
_11,1111 111=111111111111 I 11111111111= 4_4.
• 11111111111M01111111 111111111111111111.111111111111111.111 IMO , 7_, •
1111=1111111111111111111111 ME111111111111111111111111111111111111111=111111111111 i.
iii
111=1111111111111T1 IIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIMIIIIIIOIMIIIIIIIIIMII /
11111111111111111111 r................ ,z,
11111111:11 1111 0•1111111.111111111111111111111111111111._
MI OM= 11111111111111111111111111111111111111M 1
MIS IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIRII ME :!?
111111111111111_111111111111111111111111111111111111.11111111111111111111111411111111M1 1 .
111111r#11111111111110111.111:111111111111 IIIIMI -iv
. 1 ._ MI kokillill mu rill 'If -
Ell MIN 111.11111. .. ,41. 1..W—..,Lowli • •
...rar.• rimilril __ Il_._,I,__
iii • Immo i ....
II ___J-i 111010
I.E.-
. , • . ... n imp.
'I 1- - I' ir - --im - . ! -1---- -Ec---1---i
, - . . • . --,
7 - i
• .. -1.- I ' )*-...---.
. i
, 1_
. '-''
I I' i I " u14L-.n11A'2. 1 D`fi-- A Pea- J-ltvvi
, .. t , , tit -11 -1- 14,- ni II i- illiii —r --- i--- - 1-1----,'
~~~ __-___ __ _--_-_-_ 1 __- • ' `� .