Blind Sodus Bay REDI Project

The project team toured the Bay, the barrier bar, and adjacent sites including the Bluffs and Fair Haven on Lake Ontario during a site visit on July 30, 2020. The following site photos were taken to display conditions within and adjacent to the project site.

On December 10, 2020 a B&L ecologist visited the Blind Sodus Bay REDI Project site to perform a wetland delineation and habitat assessment in support of the project’s design and permitting efforts. Existing habitat characteristics were documented in order to evaluate the presence of freshwater wetlands and potential habitat for state or federally listed species. In addition, the general characteristics of Lake Ontario and Blind Sodus Bay were assessed within the project site. The information gained during this site visit will be utilized to support the project’s design and regulatory permitting process. Photos of this site visit are provided below:

The Fair Haven west barrier bar, located immediately east of Blind Sodus Bay (shown on the map to the left) was used as a model to develop the conceptual design alternatives for Blind Sodus Bay.

The Fair Haven west barrier bar is a natural cobble beach with a slope that develops based on wind and wave conditions, as well as material sizing. Waves push larger cobble farther up the beach, forming a natural ridge. Vegetation exists beyond the cobble beach, further protecting the shoreline. Images of this cobble beach are shown below:

A wide variety of alternatives were evaluated for reinstating the barrier bar to protect Blind Sodus Bay. The following criteria were used to evaluate each alternative:

• Long-term protection of Blind Sodus Bay shoreline
• Protection of Blind Sodus Bay ecosystem
• Use of Natural or Nature-based Features
• Cost Considerations
• Maintenance Considerations

Two types of alternatives were considered: no action, or the installation of a breakwater embedded in a cobble along the Historic Alignment of the barrier bar. Three sub-alternatives were developed for the breakwater, which are described and depicted below:

New structures along Blind Sodus Bay will function as an ecological feature, and will protect properties from wave damage and reducing sedimentation of the bay. These impacts will directly improve the coastal resilience of the barrier bar and provide the following benefits to the surrounding community:

1. Conserve and enhance local ecosystems
2. Improve walkability and water access
3. Improve water-based and land-based recreation
4. Provide visual quality and diversity in selection of materials, appearance, and placement, all while protecting the Bay

The full 60% Basis of Design Report can be found at the link below:

The wave height results for several scenarios are presented below:

Click the link below to find more results of the modeling process:

Click on the following links to see the most recent project updates:

The project kicked-off in early 2020, and is expected to be fully constructed by Winter 2022.