Gowanus Plant is one of the NYPA's Small Clean Power Plants, located at 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue adjacent to Gowanus Bay in Brooklyn, New York. The plant, built in 2002, had a bulkhead on its northwest side. The western portion (Segment I) was replaced during construction, while the eastern portion (Segments II and III) was repaired in 2003. In 2010, Segment II began tilting and was replaced in 2013. By 2018, the pavement behind the joint between Segments I and II was settling due to a failing expansion joint, and a two-foot sinkhole appeared behind the joint between Segments II and III. Additionally, pavement around the stack and washdown trough had settled, causing gaps and shifted rubber seals. Cracks were also observed in the perimeter wall. The Gowanus Bulkhead is in urgent need of significant repair due to severe section loss along its entire length, primarily caused by corrosion from tidal action, waves, and water salinity. This corrosion has led to the formation of a 4.5-foot deep by 4.2-foot diameter sinkhole at the junction between a previously replaced bulkhead and the current bulkhead. The deteriorated condition of the bulkhead threatens the continued use of the power plant’s existing road and structures. To address this issue, it is proposed to install a new sheet pile bulkhead supported by an interior wale, tie-rods, and a deadman system. The existing bulkhead supports a utility road critical for the power plant's operations; continued erosion would render the road inaccessible for vehicle use. Additionally, the nearest cooling tower is being monitored for sinkage, which could halt plant operations if erosion persists. The Site currently has an existing three-foot diameter storm sewer outfall pipe. The outfall pipe will be extended to the new sheet pile wall and terminate at the seaward face of the new bulkhead. The proposed improvements aim to fortify the bulkhead and prevent further upland erosion, ensuring the stability and continued operation of the power plant.
