Doesn’t that air smell fresher here at Shellbank Basin? This place has a fascinating story about how its waters are kept clean and odor-free. Shellbank Basin is a tributary of Jamaica Bay. It is used by the community for recreation. For years, however, it faced a significant environmental challenge.
The problem? Stratification.
Temperature stratification occurred when the water at the surface became much warmer because of heating by the sun. The deeper water layers were trapped on the bottom and remained cooler. This separation led to the bottom waters becoming devoid of oxygen.
Imagine the smell. Summer weather conditions caused the basin to turn over. This brought the oxygen-depleted water to the surface. This resulted in ecological and odor problems. The community was not happy.
But in 2012, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection DEP completed the Shellbank Basin Destratification Facility to fix this. The DEP built an air compressor station along the shore of Shellbank Basin in Howard Beach. This facility uses air bubbles to mix the water column and benefit the ecology.
How does it work? The facility pumps compressed air through 3800 feet of perforated tubing. This tubing is laid out along 2000 feet of the basin floor. The pumping of compressed air mixes the water and prevents temperature stratification. This allows for oxygen distribution throughout the basin. It limits the development of conditions that lead to low oxygen levels.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo said that the DEP facility near the Shellbank Basin is a step in the right direction environmentally. He was optimistic that the efforts of the DEP would improve the condition of the water in the basin. He also hoped that the quality of life for his constituents and the fish would improve and eliminate the odors that had plagued the area for years.
Council Member Eric Ulrich applauded DEP’s efforts. He thanked the commissioner for making sure his constituents get the relief they deserve.
Elizabeth Braton, Chairperson of Community Board #10, was pleased that the permanent destratification system was complete. She said that DEP’s work to provide a workable solution is much appreciated by all of us. She looked forward to summers to come without the odors and dead fish.
Shellbank Basin is bound by 157th Avenue to the north, Cross Bay Boulevard to the west, and 85th Street to the east. The mouth of the basin is flanked by Frank Charles Park to the east and a portion of the Spring Creek Park to the west. The basin is approximately 5200 feet long and approximately 250 feet in width, on average.
Interestingly, the design of the facility utilizes recycled discarded materials. Used port cargo containers serve as building blocks for the new facility structure.
The facility also incorporates other green features. Galvalume steel roofing, Homasote acoustic insulation, and structural steel with 95% recycled content are used. A unilock permeable paving system is used to recycle the water into the earth. Soy-based polyurethane spray foam insulation products are used for noise minimization. SuperTherm insulating paint repels radiation and offers reflective abilities.
So, as you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views of Shellbank Basin, remember the innovative engineering and sustainable solutions that keep this place healthy and enjoyable for everyone.