Oakwood Beach Flood Attenuation Feasibility Study and Design

Nature-Based Resilience in Action

Staten Island, New York

We designed a conceptual plan to restore the stormwater retention area to its natural state after Superstorm Sandy.

Coastal Modeling System Flow software was used to evaluate hydrodynamics and simulate tide gate operation for managing stormwater runoff and mitigating against future storm damage and sea level rise.

Proposed trails and pathways give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy Oakwood Beach’s natural scenery.

In addition to critical infrastructure improvements, we incorporated urban planning into the feasibility study to revitalize Oakwood Beach.

During Superstorm Sandy, the Oakwood Beach community on the southeastern shore of Staten Island, New York, was inundated with 20-foot high waves. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo used the federal housing fund to buy out approximately 300 homes that were affected.

190

acres designed for resilience

Through a partnership between the state of New York, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York City, and the Nature Conservancy, a design was developed for Oakwood Beach to become 190 acres of marsh, dunes, wetlands, maritime forest, and recreational space—restoring its natural beauty and reducing flood risk from rainfall-induced flooding and coastal storm surges for more than 1,800 homes.

Owners/Clients

New York State Office of General Services

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Cost

$612,000

Services

Engineering
Environmental
Planning, Consulting and Advisory

Markets

Risk, Response and Recovery

Regions

Northeast

703.849.0100