Environmental Protection Research Division August 1995
Agency P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Research and Development
SEPA AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SITE
ANALYSIS
FORT WADSWORTH NAVAL STATION
Staten Island, New York
EPA Region 2
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TS-PIC-95076
August 1995
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SITE ANALYSIS
FORT WADSWORTH NAVAL STATION
Staten Island, New York
by
William L. Baer, Imagery Analyst
Hughes STX Corporation
Warrenton, Virginia 22186
Contract No. 68-C3-0367
W. M. Mack
Environmental Services Division
Lockheed Environmental Systems & Technologies Co.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Contract No. 68-C0-0050
Work Assignment Manager
E. Terrence Slonecker
Monitoring Sciences Branch
Characterization Research Division
Warrenton, Virginia 22186
CHARACTERIZATION RESEARCH DIVISION
NATIONAL EXPOSURE RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89193-3478
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NOTICE
This document has undergone a technical and quality control/assurance review and
approval by personnel of the EPA/ORD Characterization Research Division at Las Vegas
(CRD-LV), and is for internal Agency use and distribution only.
ii
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ABSTRACT
This report presents an analysis of aerial photography of the Fort Wadsworth
Naval Station, located in Staten Island, New York. The site was analyzed to assist
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 2 in its environmental assessment
of the site. This analysis covers the period between 1940 and the present.
Findings include small areas of fill, ground scars and disturbed ground, as well
as mounded material, refuse, debris and open storage areas. In addition, land
development activity occurred when new structures and fields were built between 1954
and 1960 and when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was constructed between 1960 and 1966.
The EPA's Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center in Warrenton,
Virginia, a part of the Monitoring Sciences Branch of the Characterization Research
Division in Las Vegas, Nevada, performed this analysis at the request of the
Superfund Support Section of EPA Region 2 in New York, New York, and the Office of
Emergency and Remedial Response in Washington, D.C.
iii
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract iii
Introduction 1
Methodology 3
Aerial Photo Site Analysis:
April 6, 1940 4
April 20, 1951 6
January 4, 1954 8
February 17, 1960 10
February 22, 1966 12
April 12, 1970 14
References 17
FIGURES
Number
1 Study area location map, New York-New Jersey vi
2 Local study area location map, The Narrows, New York-New Jersey 2
Aerial Photos:
3 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 6, 1940 5
4 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 20, 1951 7
5 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, January 4, 1954 9
6 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, February 17, 1960 11
7 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, February 22, 1966 13
8 Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 12, 1970 15
v
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Figure 1. Study area location map, New York-New Jersey. Approximate scale 1:3,125,000.
vi
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INTRODUCTION
This report is a revision of the interim report "Aerial Photographic Site
Analysis, Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, Staten Island, New York TS-PIC-95027,
February 1995. This report, (TS-PIC-95076), includes photography from 1951 and 1966
that was analyzed but not reproduced in the TS-PIC-95027 report. The analysis of
aerial photography was performed on the Fort Wadsworth Naval Station located on
Staten Island, New York at the western terminus of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
(Figures 1 and 2). The site comprises approximately 146 hectares (360 acres). The
CERCLIS ID Number is NY4210020935.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 2 requested this analysis in
support of an environmental assessment of the site. Figure 2 shows the site
location, keyed to a photocopy of a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000-scale
topographic map. Site boundaries or areas used in this analysis were determined from
observations made from the aerial photography in conjunction with collateral data
supplied by EPA Region 2 and do not necessarily denote legal property lines or
ownership.
Aerial photography of Fort Wadsworth Naval Station was obtained to represent the
period from 1940 to the present.1 Features identified in a prior report (TS-PIC-
82079) covering this area were confirmed and are included in this TS-PIC-95076
report. Photography from 1974, 1984 and 1993 was analyzed but not reproduced for the
either the TS-PIC-95027 or TS-PIC-95076 reports due to the lack of significant
features, activities, and/or changes. The locations of the previously discussed
features or structures reported on earlier photography are also annotated on later
photographs with the same letter designator to serve as reference points.
The EPA's Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center in Warrenton,
Virginia, a part of the Monitoring Sciences Branch of the Characterization Research
Division in Las Vegas, Nevada, performed this analysis at the request of the
Superfund Support Section of EPA Region 2 in New York, New York, and the Office of
Emergency and Remedial Response in Washington, D.C.
'A complete listing of maps and photography used in this
report is provided in the References section.
1
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2
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METHODOLOGY
A search of government and commercial sources was undertaken to obtain the best
suited aerial photography of the site spanning the desired time frame. The
photography and other sources of information used in this report are listed in the
References section.
The analysis was performed by viewing backlit transparencies of aerial
photography through stereoscopes. Stereoscopic viewing creates a perceived three-
dimensional effect which, when combined with viewing at various magnifications,
enables the analyst to identify signatures associated with different features and
environmental conditions. The term "signature" refers to a combination of visible
characteristics (such as color, tone, shadow, texture, size, shape, pattern, and
association) which permit a specific object or condition to be recognized on aerial
photography.
The terms "possible" and "probable" are used to indicate the degree of certainty
of signature identification. "Possible" is used when only a few characteristics are
discernible or these characteristics are not unique to a signature. "Probable" is
used when incrementally more characteristics are discernible. No qualifying terms
are used when the characteristics of a signature allow for a definite feature
identification.
Photographic prints were made from those years of aerial photographic coverage
that reveal significant information about the site. Overlays to the prints and/or
base maps serve to locate significant features; additional observations and analysis
are discussed in the text. Site boundaries or areas used in this analysis were
determined from observations made from the aerial photography in conjunction with
collateral data supplied by EPA Region 2 and do not necessarily denote legal property
lines or ownership.
Due to factors inherent in the photographic printing process, prints do not
exhibit the level of detail that is visible in the original aerial photography.
Therefore, some features identified from the aerial photography may not be clearly
discernible, or even visible, on the photographic prints presented in this report.
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AERIAL PHOTO SITE ANALYSIS
APRIL 6, 1940 (FIGURE 3)
Probable dark-toned fill material has been deposited along with possible refuse
and lighter-toned fill material near a road on the eastern side of the site
(Annotation A). An access road leads into another area where light-toned fill
material is being deposited (Annotation B).
Light-toned ground scars and probable medium-toned earthen mounded material (MM)
can be seen near a multi-unit housing development (Annotation C) and may be related
to their construction. On the other side of the development a ground scarred area
and possible fill area can be seen. Also, refuse and or construction debris are
visible south of one of the multi-unit houses.
Disturbed ground (DG) is seen in a slight ravine in the central portion of the
site (Annotation D). The mottled appearance and presence of an access road may
indicate disposal in this area.
Drainage arrow annotations are used to show the irregular drainage patterns
within the study area caused by the ruins of the former earthen battleworks and gun
mount fortifications built at this historic, coastal defensive, fort.
4
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mm
'' y
%
ip
mm- m
i?£'.
INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—x—X— FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
X X X X X X FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
— DRAINAGE
FLOW DIRECTION
INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTILITY
= = = = = VEHICLE ACCESS
I I I—I- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
Figure 3. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 6, 1940. Approximate scale 1:7920.
Ifflllllff
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APRIL 20, 1951 (FIGURE 4)
Open storage of mounded material, tanks and/or equipment has occurred at the
location of the probable fill noted in the eastern portion of the site (Annotation
A). A small amount of possible refuse is seen where disturbed ground was noted in
1940 (Annotation D). Open storage of containers and equipment on a former building
site is also noted (Annotation E).
Other features visible include possible refuse/debris on the beach (Annotation
F), a debris piled beside a large shed-type building (Annotation G), and a probable
open dump site for fill material (Annotation H).
The multi-unit housing development site (Annotation C) has been dismantled. The
sites around Annotations C and B, previously observed as piles of fill and/or debris
on the 1940 photography, have since become overgrown with vegetation and are noted as
disturbed ground.
6
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39 is N
INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—X—X— FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
X X X X X X FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
DRAINAGE
FLOW DIRECTION
«-»- INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTILITY
= = = = = VEHICLE ACCESS
-(—I—I—I- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
illlilllllll/ DIKE
STANDING LIQUID
STANDING LIQUID
Figure 4. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 20, 1951. Approximate scale 1:6000.
SL
Q
O
MM
CR
DR
HT
PT
VT
CA
DG
FL
IM
LG
OF
SD
ST
SW
TR
VS
WD
WL
EXCAVATION, PIT
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(SMALL)
CRATES/BOXES
DRUMS
HORIZONTAL TANK
PRESSURE TANK
VERTICAL TANK
CLEARED AREA
DISTURBED GROUND
FILL
IMPOUNDMENT
LAGOON
OUTFALL
SLUDGE
STAIN
SOLID WASTE
TRENCH
VEGETATION STRESS
WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
WETLAND
7
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JANUARY 4, 1954 (FIGURE 5)
Open storage of mounded material, tanks and/or equipment has continued at the
location of the probable fill noted in the eastern portion of the site (Annotation
A). There has been new construction at the location of a previously reported
disturbed ground (Annotation B).
The dump site for possible refuse appears to have expanded since 1951
(Annotation D). There is open storage of containers and equipment on a nearby former
building site (Annotation E). There is no waste disposal activity noted at the
former waste disposal, construction, or disturbed ground areas (Annotations C, Fr G,
and H).
8
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INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—X—FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
X X X X X X FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
- DRAINAGE
FLOW DIRECTION
INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTIL1TY
= = = = = VEHICLE ACCESS
H—I—I—t- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
iiiiiIiiiik/ DIKE
STANDING LIQUID
STANDING LIQUID
SL
o
o-
MM
EXCAVATION, PIT
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(SMALL)
Figure 5. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, January 4, 1954. Approximate scale 1:6720
CR
CRATES/BOXES
DR
DRUMS
HT
HORIZONTAL TANK
PT
PRESSURE TANK
VT
VERTICAL TANK
CA
CLEARED AREA
DG
DISTURBED GROUND
FL
FILL
IM
IMPOUNDMENT
LG
LAGOON
OF
OUTFALL
SD
SLUDGE
ST
STAIN
SW
SOLID WASTE
TR
TRENCH
VS
VEGETATION STRESS
WD
WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
WL
WETLAND
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FEBRUARY 17, 1960 {FIGURE 6)
Since 1954, filling, grading, excavation and other features associated with site
development are present in a northern portion of Fort Wadsworth labeled "Development
Area". No features unique to waste disposal activity are noted. A small amount of
light-toned mounded material is present on the former open storage area in the
eastern portion of the fort, although most of this area is now used for parking
(Annotation A). A graded area observed in the southern portion of the fort is
probably related to the construction of additional residential dwellings (Annotation
C) .
The previously reported location for open storage of containers and equipment is
still present (Annotation E). The previously reported area of possible refuse and/or
debris in 1951, but reported as inactive in 1954, now appears to be fenced
(Annotation F). Two excavations near the west perimeter of the fort are likely
related to construction activity rather than waste disposal (Annotation I). There is
no waste disposal activity noted at the former waste disposal, construction, or
disturbed ground areas (Annotations B, C, G, and H).
10
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DEVELOPS
AREA
MATERIAL
Lower Bay
INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—x—X— FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
X X X X X X FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
DRAINAGE
—— FLOW DIRECTION
INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTILITY
= == = = VEHICLE ACCESS
H—I—I—t- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
iii/iiiiiuir DIKE
STANDING LIQUID
STANDING LIQUID
SL
Q
o
MM
EXCAVATION, PIT
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(SMALL)
Figure 6. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, February 17, 1960. Approximate scale 1:6200.
CR CRATES/BOXES
DR DRUMS
HT HORIZONTAL TANK
PT PRESSURE TANK
VT VERTICAL TANK
CA CLEARED AREA
DG DISTURBED GROUND
FL FILL
IM IMPOUNDMENT
LG LAGOON
OF OUTFALL
SD SLUDGE
ST STAIN
SW SOLID WASTE
TR TRENCH
VS VEGETATION STRESS
WD WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
WL WETLAND
11
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FEBRUARY 22, 1966 (FIGURE 7)
The 1966 aerial photography reveals the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge has been
constructed across the central portion of the fort. The location labeled
"Development Area" on the 1960 photograph has been converted to an open area with the
addition of seven new buildings. A small area along the north side of the Verrazano-
Narrows Bridge has mounds of material and possible refuse present (Annotation A).
The disturbed ground noted on the beach in 1960 has become the site of beach
replenishment/filling activity (Annotation F). The previously reported two
excavations near the west perimeter of the fort are the locations of two recently
constructed residences (Annotation I). There is no waste disposal activity noted at
the former waste disposal, construction, or disturbed ground areas (Annotations B, C,
D, E, G, H and I).
12
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INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—X—X— FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
XX XX XX FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
— DRAINAGE
FLOW DIRECTION
»~-- INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTILITY
= == = = VEHICLE ACCESS
—t—I—I—I- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
iiiiiIiiiiiiI DIKE
STANDING LIQUID
STANDING LIQUID
SL
Q
O-
MM
Figure 7. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, February 22, 1966
1s 7200,
CR
DR
HT
PT
VT
CA
DG
FL
IM
LG
OF
SD
ST
SW
TR
VS
WD
WL
EXCAVATION, PIT
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(EXTENSIVE)
MOUNDED MATERIAL
(SMALL)
CRATES/BOXES
DRUMS
HORIZONTAL TANK
PRESSURE TANK
VERTICAL TANK
CLEARED AREA
DISTURBED GROUND
FILL
IMPOUNDMENT
LAGOON
OUTFALL
SLUDGE
STAIN
SOLID WASTE
TRENCH
VEGETATION STRESS
WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
WETLAND
13
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APRIL 12, 1970 (FIGURE 8)
Since 1966 there has been no significant new construction at Fort Wadsworth
except construction to enlarge the number of ramps providing access to the Verrazano-
Narrows Bridge. A small area along the north side of the bridge has mounds of
material and possible refuse present and appears to be used as a dumpster site
(Annotation A). No other significant changes occur at Fort Wadsworth through 1993.
There is no waste disposal activity noted at the former waste disposal, construction,
or disturbed ground areas (Annotations B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I).
14
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Figure 8. Fort Wadsworth Naval Station, April 12, 1970. Approximate scale 1:7920.
INTERPRETATION CODE
BOUNDARIES AND LIMITS
X—X—X— FENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
UNFENCED SITE
BOUNDARY
X X X X X X FENCE
STUDY AREA
DRAINAGE
— DRAINAGE
¦*— FLOW DIRECTION
INDETERMINATE
DRAINAGE
TRANSPORTATION/UTILITY
= = = = = VEHICLE ACCESS
I I I—I- RAILWAY
SITE FEATURES
ilifiitl mil DIKE
=^§=S- STANDING LIQUID
SL STANDING LIQUID
O EXCAVATION, PIT
(EXTENSIVE)
y>—1L-< MOUNDED MATERIAL
>—i—r (EXTENSIVE)
.... MOUNDED MATERIAL
MM (SMALL)
CR CRATES/BOXES
DR DRUMS
HT HORIZONTAL TANK
PT PRESSURE TANK
VT VERTICAL TANK
CA CLEARED AREA
DG DISTURBED GROUND
FL FILL
IM IMPOUNDMENT
LG LAGOON
OF OUTFALL
SD SLUDGE
ST STAIN
SW SOLID WASTE
TR TRENCH
VS VEGETATION STRESS
WD WASTE DISPOSAL AREA
WL WETLAND
15
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REFERENCES
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Mission
Aqencv
Film
Oriq.
EPIC
Date
Aqencv
Code
Frame #
Tvpe1
Scale
Frame #
04/06/40
AVPT1
12 : 184-186
BW
1
20,000
43238-43240
04/20/51
N0S3
SIJ-6
1712-1713
BW
1
10,000
3918:061-062
01/04/54
USGS4
VBV
6 : 64-66
BW
1
20,000
3848-3850
02/17/60
LKB5
0010
7:32-34
BW
1
12,000
43276-43278
02/22/66
USGS
VBIO
3:35-36
BW
1
24,000
3837-3838
04/12/70
NYSDOT6
31:7-8
BW
1
24,000
43241-43242
11/30/74
LKB
2953
1:138-140
BW
1
9, 600
43279-43281
03/27/84
LKB
3818
7:15-16
BW
1
19,200
43282-43283
12/12/93
KAS7
93-138
10:140-141
BW
1
12,000
43236-43237
M* P
Source
Name
USGS The Narrows, NY-NJ
PUBLICATIONS
Scale
1:24,000
Hopkins, W.C. Waste Site Inventory, Staten Island, New York.
EPA/EPIC Report TS-PIC-82079.
Date
1981
May 1983.
Film type identification: BW - Black-and-White
Aerial Viewpoint, Houston,Texas
National Ocean Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior
Lockwood, Kessler and Bartlett, Syosset, New York
New York State Department of Transportation, Albany, New York
'Keystone Aerial Survey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
17
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