FEMA Hazard Mitgation

This project involved the inspection of the existing Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Transmission and Distribution System Grid and the development of contract documents for the improvement of the resiliency of the system. The National Grid/LIPA’s goal for this storm mitigation pilot project was to develop the necessary support documentation that clearly outlined and summarized the extent of the impacts Superstorm Sandy had on the power distribution system and the benefits that a comprehensive and targeted storm mitigation program would provide. This documentation was intended to be used to secure FEMA funding for an enormous proposed targeted mitigation program.

To achieve this goal, National Grid/LIPA required a consultant to develop mitigation plan reports that utilized storm damage data that were collected and compiled by National Grid/LIPA and the various storm response teams during the Sandy event. This data was then used to target areas along the mainlines of 50 pilot circuits. Various mitigation methods were developed and utilized for the purpose of strengthening the system against future storms and to decrease expected outage and restoration times. SJH was part of a team that was selected to inspect and develop mitigation solutions, construction documents, and the estimated costs to implement the proposed solutions for 50 of National Grid/LIPA’s circuits that were severely impacted during Storm Sandy.

SJH, as a subconsultant to CHA, provided permitting support for Transmission Line crossings over LIRR ROW. We developed permitting plans, sections, and details for these crossings. Each permit package consisted of five (5) drawings and other supporting documentation. We also provided staffing support for the inspection of the circuits and the preparation of mitigation plans for the above project. The inspections were conducted by two-person teams and data was collected on hand-held tablets. The mitigation plans were developed from GIS data in MicroStation, per LIPA standards and guidelines. SJH provided between five (5) to ten (10) engineers throughout the duration of the project.