Port Newark wharves to be rebuilt

Port Newark wharves to be rebuilt It turns out humans aren’t the only ones benefiting from clearer water. Marine borers are thriving at Port Newark, and that results in an increased need to rebuild marine structures made of wood.
   The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Board of Commissioners Thursday authorized a contract with Simpson & Brown for reconstruction of the wharves at Berths 8 and 10 in Port Newark at a cost of $23.7 million. The firm was the low bidder among four, which ranged up to $28.6 million.
   The agency noted that inspections found the supporting timber elements of the wharf structures have deteriorated because of increased activity by marine borers.
   Richard Larrabee, director of the Port Commerce department, noted that antipollution regulations have resulted in cleaner water in recent years, which has enabled borers to survive and become more destructive.
   The port is also designing the berths along the south portion of Port Newark Channel to be deepened to 45 feet from 40 feet, “in anticipation of bringing deeper draft vessels to Port Newark in the future.”