DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Erie Canal Neighbors Association
HTML https://ecna.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Dealing with Erie Canal Docks & Permits
*****************************************************
#Post#: 536--------------------------------------------------
Thinking of installing a dock on the canal?
DIR By: Michael Caswell
Date: April 27, 2019, 2:08 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
My own experience of this several years ago, was of complete
frustration, as I struggled to keep the Permit Engineer and
other officials happy. I already had a permit for a dock when I
purchased my property. All I understood was that I paid $100 a
year for a plaque with a number on it, nailed to this old dock.
I had no idea there was a plan with drawings on it filed by my
predecessor.
My dock was pretty dilapidated and to get onto it, I had to jump
three feet from the bank because the shoreline had eroded so
badly. I also had a huge 3' diameter boulder close to the dock,
so I built a smaller dock right over the boulder.
You can see the two docks in the photo. The new section was
installed on the new permit and the left dock was removed. It
left me having to remember not to come in on that side at the
peril of losing a propeller.
[attachimg=1]
The Permit Engineer must have spotted the two docks, and I was
told that this didn't comply with my permit. So he eventually
sent me a copy of it. Thankfully, the dock along the shoreline
complied with the permit, but only because everyone told me it
used to be there. The leg out to the T was there too.
So the process began, I had a permit issued to remove the second
dock on the left. I had to apply for a new permit to change the
old dock, because the channel was silting up and I needed to get
into deeper water.
I was sent some paperwork, and the nightmare began. All sorts of
vague statements were in the documents, raising many questions
regarding the materials and designs. Timbers were mentioned
regarding the preservatives used, but which preservatives? The
Permit Engineer was non specific, so I suggested Home Depot
treated lumber. I never got a solid answer, so I wrote telling
them that was what I was using. No reply!
I did a computer Aided Drawing (CAD) of the intended dock, and
they told me I needed to do the drawing in pencil. This was
about the time I lost it with them.
I went through FIVE different departments to get approvals
USACE, NYDEC, NYCC, Dept Of Historic Preservation and I think
even FEMA was involved.
When I actually received the permit, I noticed one part a
neighbor had been telling me about for some time. It said
'beautification'. I could beautify the land on my shoreline. So
what did that mean exactly? I guess that all depended on what
the Permit Engineer considered to be beautiful or ugly eh?
It's no wonder I'd heard so many people say they weren't going
to apply for these permits, and just got on with their pet
project. I think they've been frightened away from contacting
this very uncooperative and hostile division of the Canal Corp.
This board is here to find solutions to these sorts of problems,
so other folks can enjoy their docks etc. and the Canal Corp can
learn how to present these regulations etc. in a better light.
The process for dock permits definitely needs a huge overhaul.
#Post#: 553--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thinking of installing a dock on the canal?
DIR By: guest15
Date: May 6, 2019, 1:00 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote ---
> I did a computer Aided Drawing (CAD) of the intended dock, and
they told me I needed to do the drawing in pencil. This was
about the time I lost it with them.
--- End Quote ---
I also created and submitted CAD models and dimensioned drawings
but didn't have any issues with that. I was hesitant to do so
because I thought they would expect even more from me but as an
engineer myself I couldn't resist.
--- Quote ---
> I went through FIVE different departments to get approvals
USACE, NYDEC, NYCC, Dept Of Historic Preservation and I think
even FEMA was involved.
--- End Quote ---
Since my dock is permanent and affixed into the canal banks I
also had to go through the NYSDEC and USACE with a joint
application. My application was approved without any issues
presuming because I'm in a landcut section and above the
waterline. I believe the additional application material is only
needed if the dock is permanent, floating docks just need
approval from the Thruway authority I believe.
--- Quote ---
> I could beautify the land on my shoreline. So what did that
mean exactly? I guess that all depended on what the Permit
Engineer considered to be beautiful or ugly eh?
--- End Quote ---
My understanding of this is that you can do pretty much whatever
you want with the land such as remove or plant trees, mow the
grass, make and maintain a path, have a firepit, etc. keeping in
mind that at anytime they could come through and reclaim the
land for their own use.
#Post#: 557--------------------------------------------------
Re: Thinking of installing a dock on the canal?
DIR By: Doug K
Date: May 7, 2019, 7:23 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Just a note, all approvals for NY Canal work will funnel to NY
Power Authority if needed.
NYS Thruway is out, years of mis-management of the Erie Canal
forced the transfer of the Canal Corp to someone who understood
what they owned, how to maintain it properly, and how to best
use it to drive sustainability into the 21st century.
You and Mike should be moderators for this Forum Board, looks
like you both have perspective that would help many EC
Neighbors.
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1