Initial Site-Specific De-Inventory Report for Big Rock Point Report No.: RPT-3014537-002
At the rail transload facility, repairs could include bringing in gravel to stabilize the ground conditions under placement of the crane. The railroad and private contract inspections are a very important part of the assessment process to selecting a rail transload site. See list of private railroad contracts in Attachment E. In 2013, Petoskey News reported a tie replacement/upgrade project was taking place on 52 miles of track on GLC from Kalkaska to Petoskey, MI [22] , which indicates the railroad is maintaining and investing in its infrastructure. 3.3 Barge Loading Locations Although there are conflicting reports as to whether a pier or barge slip ever existed on this site, it is confirmed there is no pier at BRP today. In November 2014, a report stated “...Big Rock Point does not have barge access.” [17] However, it is documented that barge was used for inbound materials while the plant was being built. Neither United States Coast Guard (USCG) nor National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) depth charts indicate a pier was ever on site (see Figure 3-8). There is an embankment that possibly could be used for roll on/roll off operations, but the depth of the water at the shoreline must be evaluated and confirmed. January 2017 navigational charts indicate that rocks and/or ballast are located along the shoreline where the barge would be grounded. In addition, the depth close to the shoreline appears to be 1 to 2 ft. outside the barrier line, which could present challenges for a barge operation as shallow depths with heavy loads may scrape the bottom of the barge or in this case the crib. In nautical terms, a crib is a specific type of linear obstruction. It is a permanent structure set in the water, framed with wooden beams, and usually filled with rocks or boulders. Generally, it is used to anchor log booms or support other constructions, e.g. submerged outfalls, water intakes, etc. Linear obstruction is defined as any continuous, non-isolated danger that hinders or prevents movement, particularly anything that endangers or prevents passage of a vessel [23] . Figure 3-7 provides a relative depth for the routes across Lake Michigan, which may be important in case of the need for recovery actions. FIGURE 3-7: GREAT LAKES SYSTEM PROFILE [24]
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Initial Site-Specific De-Inventory Report for Big Rock Point May 10, 2017
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