Loading...
PBSD Water Management & Clam Bay Minutes 02/25/2025PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION WATER MANAGEMENT & CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2025 The Water Management &Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Tuesday, February 25 at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Water Management &Clam Bay Cmte. Michael Rodburg, Chair Jack Cullen Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dorrill, Administrator Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Also Present Jennifer Bobka, Earth Tech Jim Carr, LJA Engineering Susan Hamilton Rick Swider Michael Weir Dave Greenf eld, Supr. -Field II Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II Mohamed Dabees, Humiston &Moore Jeremy Sterk, Earth Tech APPROVED AGENDA (AS AMENDED) 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 1/7/25 Water Management & Clam Bay Committee meeting minutes 5. Audience comments 6. Proposed conceptual drainage Swale improvements 7. Results of the Clam Pass bathymetric survey & recommendations 8. Results of the County beach survey & recommendations 9. Back dune plantings for coastal resiliency 10. Annual 2024 Clam Bay Monitoring Report 1 I . Feb. 28 PBF Design Review Committee meeting (add -on) 12. Reconsideration of whether to re -split this committee into two committees (add -on) 13. Adjournment ROLL CALL All members were present and a quorum was established. AGENDA APPROVAL Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 25, 2025 Ms. Hamilton motioned, Mr. Cullen seconded to approve the agenda as amended with the additions of items 11 and 12. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF 1/7/2025 WATER MANAGEMENT AND CLAM BAY COMMITTEE Mr. Weir motioned, Mr. Cullen seconded to approve the 1/7/2025 Water Management and Clam Bay Committee meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Susan O'Brien suggested that the PBSD separate the Water Management & Clam Bay Committee into two important separate committees. PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL DRAINAGE SWALE IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Rodburg commented on the Bay Colony drainage Swale which was inundated by sand depositions during the last two 2024 hurricanes, which has required contractors to rebuild the swale at a cost close to $1 million. He noted that some members of the public have suggested hardening the Swale in order to reduce the cost of rebuilding after future storms. We have obtained a conceptual proposal for a reinforced concrete storm pipe enclosure, at a cost of $3.4 million, provided in the agenda packet. It is unknown whether such a project is permittable, and this issue will be discussed at our March 18 meeting with the SFWMD. Mr. Coleman noted that the $3.4 million estimate is for construction only, and that an additional $200-300,000 would be required for engineering costs. Mr. Rodburg commented that we have not seen this much destruction to the swale in the history of Pelican Bay, and that we must consider the cost effectiveness of such a project as a similar event may not occur for many years. Mr. Jim Carr, LJA Engineer, commented that a future storm could still bring several feet of sand on top of a reinforced pipe, which would require cleanup after such an event. Mr. Weir requested an explanation of the function of the swale. Mr. Carr commented that the swale is necessary as it provides drainage outfall for the seven condominiums along the beach, each containing pipes which directly connect to the swale for stormwater discharge. He noted that this Swale is the only known permittable drainage solution for these buildings. Mr. Coleman noted that currently the swale's drainage function has been completely restored. Mr. Swider commented that the PBF Resiliency Committee is working on resiliency solutions which may be costly to PB residents, and suggested that the PBSD considers the "big picture" when considering projects. Dr. Dabees, Coastal Engineer with Humiston & Moore, commented that the County's Coastal Resiliency Committee is working with the U.S.A.C.E. on their feasibility study which would take approximately ten years for implementation. He noted that this long-term plan may or may not happen, as funding only exists for the study. Any implementation would occur only if there was an appropriation from the federal government. Mr. Dorrill commented that the BCC will hold a March 4 workshop (a public meeting) on Clam Bay. He noted that the Clam Bay NRPA was created to maintain and operate the estuary to its peak ability and for passive recreation. Dr. Dabees commented on the significant changes to the mangrove shoreline along the entire coast from Marco Island to Pinellas County, resulting from 2024 storm impacts. He suggested that when making decisions on resiliency improvements to the swale, we must consider looking at the recent changes to the existence and elevation of the dune along the west side of the Swale. Recent Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 25, 2025 damage to the dune may result in more sand intrusion during the next storm. He suggested that the PBSD coordinates any resiliency programs with the PBF and the County. In conclusion, Mr. Rodburg commented that the main takeaway would be that it is essential that we maintain proper functioning drainage for the Bay Colony facilities. He suggested that the committee and staff determine the most cost effective and soundest decision we can make with respect to the Swale. Mr. Bill McCormick commented on (1) using six-foot aluminized corrugated pipe (to harden the swale) may be the most cost effective material, (2) a corrugated pipe vendor provided an estimate of $160/linear foot, which based on an approximate length of 2000 feet of pipe needed, would price out to $360,000, (3) during a future storm event, an enclosed pipe would prevent sand intrusion into the pipe, while sand could pile up on top of the pipe, and (4) corrugated pipe is in use all over the County. Mr. Coleman commented that the type of material to be used for hardening the swale will be discussed with the SFWMD. Mr. Carr commented that the County's Growth Management Dept. would also have to approve the type of material used. He also noted that we would need to ensure that whatever material is selected would not be corzoded by salt water. Mr. Rodburg commented that he will provide a report back to the PBSD Board on discussions with the SFWMD. RESULTS OF THE CLAM PASS BATHYMETRIC SURVEY &RECOMMENDATIONS Dr. Mohamed Dabees provided photos of the County's coastline, which showed how far inland sand has intruded as a result of the 2024 storms (over 100 feet in many areas). He suggested that we have reclaimed as much sand as we can out of the mangrove areas back to beach areas. Dr. Dabees suggested that the easiest path is to accept the evolution of nature, and replace dead mangroves with coastal dune vegetation. Dr. Dabees reported that the hydraulic efficiency of Clam Pass is still below the critical threshold, at a current level of approximately .6. The recently completed bathymetric survey shows approximately 10,000 cubic yards of accumulated sand in the template. We removed 13,500 cubic yards of sand during our last dredge project. He noted that there is minimal sand in Section "C." Dr. Dabees commented that this survey will be used for our permit application. Our current permit expires in March 2026. Dr. Dabees recommended that a dredge of Clam Pass is scheduled in November or December 2025, prior to the expiration of our permit, providing that the hydraulic stabilization continues. Dr. Dabees commented that the County's 2025 beach renourishment program includes significant sand placement along the Park Shore beach, which may migrate to Clam Pass by the Fall of 2025. He noted that our dredge permit now allows us to place dredged sand from Clam Pass on the north side up to Marker 36, Mr. Rodburg summarized the recommendations of Taylor Engineering, Inc. (hired by the Seagate community) regarding Clam Pass which included (1) consider a planned annual dredge in advance of turtle nesting season, and (2) consider detailed modeling of potential improvements to the current dredging template. Ms. Jo Ann Jany questioned whether these recommendations have been considered. In reference to these recommendations, Dr. Dabees commented that (1) our Clam Bay Management Plan guides us on the parameters (including hydraulic monitoring) which will dictate when a dredge is needed, and (2) with regards to "extending the dredge template," an extensive survey was recently completed which included the southern end of Outer Clam Bay; there has been no significant change in the flow areas since 2017, indicating that this area is very stable. He noted that G Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 25, 2025 it would be difficult to justify dredging areas which have been historically stable over a number of years. Dr. Dabees will provide copies of the recent survey to any interested residents. Mr. Paul Schechner questioned whether the Nov./Dec. planned dredge will include sections A, B, and C. Dr. Dabees confirmed this and noted that the dredge may include the removal of up to 15,000 cubic yards of sand, as the accumulation of sand may have increased by that time. Mr. Cullen motioned, Ms. Hamilton seconded that we recommend to the full board that we plan for a dredge of 10-15,000 cubic yards for late 2025. The motion carried unanimously. RESULTS OF THE COUNTY BEACH SURVEY &RECOMMENDATIONS Dr. Dabees provided diagrams depicting beach profile measurements from R-31 to R-36. He noted that the County beach renourishment program (estimated to occur in early 2026) will provide sand from Vanderbilt Beach southward to Marker 36, which will be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. The cost of this beach renourishment from Marker R-31.5 to Marker R-36 of $2.5 million may require PBSD upfront funding, unless the County agrees to provide the funding. Dr. Dabees commented that any beach renourishment costs for sand placement from Marker R-36 to the inlet at Marker R-41 will not be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Mr. Coleman commented that this section may require more sand than will be provided from our Fall dredging project. Dr. Dabees reported that the County's 2025 beach renourishment program will provide 300,000 tons of sand to be placed on the Park Shore beach, some of which may migrate northward into Clam Pass. Dr. Dabees recommended that the PBSD participates in the County's 2026 beach renourishment program. Ms. O'Brien questioned what the balance is in the PBSD Beach Renourishment Fund. Mr. Coleman commented that we currently have $750,000, and typically add $500,000 to this fund each year. BACK DUNE PLANTINGS FOR COASTAL RESILIENCY Mr. Rodburg commented that an ETE proposal for back dune plantings and restoration, as recommended in the ETE annual report, was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Coleman commented that the first step has been to extract as much sand as possible from the dune area, which would be followed by planting vegetation in exposed areas to protect the existing mangroves. He noted that staff is recommending this project, which is eligible for FEMA reimbursement as a dune restoration project. The ETE proposal includes a short warranty period. Mr. Rodburg commented that ETE has been recommending implementation of this project since Hurricane Ian. Mr. Jeremy Sterk, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech (ETE), suggested that we have two options including, (1) do nothing and let the areas "recruit" naturally, or (2) remove the dead mangroves and transition to coastal plantings. He recommended that the planting occurs at the beginning of the rainy season and that he expects these plants to get established within months. Ms. Jennifer Bobka, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech, commented that the gopher tortoise population would benefit from the new plantings. Dr. Dabees suggested that installation of coastal plantings should only be considered if the beach in front of the dune is stable. Mr. Coleman clarified that Dr. Dabees' comments are referring to front dune plantings, while the proposal is for back dune plantings. Mr. Rodburg commented that there is justification for this proposal as it will (1) offer some protection to the mangroves, (2) provide improved aesthetics, and (3) provide a better environment for Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 25, 2025 our tortoise population. Mr. Coleman noted that this project is a recommendation in the ETE annual report. Ms. Susan O'Brien commented that the ETE proposal includes $16,000 of vegetation to be installed in Clam Pass Park and suggested that this should be paid by the County. Mr. Dorrill agreed. Mr. Dorrill commented that recent plantings (installed three months ago) by the County's CZM Dept. have taken very well. He will provide photos of these at the March board meeting. Mr. Coleman commented that recommended plant species by CZM and the Naples Botanical Gardens were shared with ETE. Mr. Dorrill noted that the ETE proposal, included in the agenda packet, includes a detailed plant palette. Mr. Weir motioned, Ms. Hamilton seconded that we recommend to the full board that this ETE proposal be adopted and that we engage in this back dune planting and restoration program in this ear's rainy season. MR. SWIDER DEPARTED THE MEETING AT 10:53 ANNUAL 2024 CLAM BAY MONITORING REPORT Mr. Sterk commented that ETE's annual 2024 Clam Bay Monitoring Report is posted on his ETE website (and the PBSD webpage on the County website). He provided a report overview and discussed highlights including the following. • Seagrass acreage has declined from 4.71 acres in 2015 to .66 acres in 2024; seagrass density has also decreased. During 2025, ETE plans to methodically examine possible causes. Seagrass recommendations will be included in the 2025 Clam Bay Monitoring Report. • Mangrove health saw improvement in Sept. 2024 from the prior year (observed pre -Helene and pre -Milton). Improved health of mangroves is generally observed about a year after a negative event. • This year a large hand -dug channel maintenance program is planned (cleaning out sand and debris from the channels). • Hurricane Ian decimated the gopher tortoise population, with additional decimation from Hurricane Milton. After Hurricane Milton, four potentially occupied adult burrows and 1 abandoned burrow were identified in 2024, resulting in an estimated tortoise population of two. FWC is not supportive and has rejected our interest in asking for Clam Bay to be considered a waif recipient site for gopher tortoises (as a result of 2024 hurricane activity). • Clam Bay canoe trail marker #17 is down and will be replaced by the County's CZM Dept. • Three known archaeological sites were inspected for any signs of disturbance and no signs of human disturbance were observed. An additional shell mound was discovered south of mangrove monitoring station TH-9 in 2022. Ms. Mary Johnson questioned whether there would be PBSD presence at the County workshop on Ciam Bay. Mr. Dorrill commented that the presentation will be staff led and consultants will attend. A history of Clam Bay events will be discussed, including permits, the mid-term report (2019), and permit renewal related issues. This public workshop will be held at 9:00 a.m. on March 4. Mr. Bob Roth, member of the Collier County Coastal Advisory Committee, questioned whether turbidity levels have had an effect on seagrass. Mr. Sterk commented that ETE has not tracked turbidity levels, and will look at this in 2025. Pelican Bay Services Division Water Management & Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 25, 2025 Mr. Paul Schechner questioned what the cost would be to restore seagrass. Mr. Sterk commented that the restoration process would include obtaining seagrass from a donor site to plant in a restoration site. Currently no donor site has been identified. Ms. Bobka commented that no recommendations for seagrass were included in this report and that a test plot, to include obtaining seagrass from a donor site, may be recommended as a start. Dr. Dabees questioned whether Earth Tech monitors seagrass in other areas in Collier and Lee Counties which have experienced similar environmental factors, to determine whether the decline in Clam Bay acreage is consistent with regional trends. Mr. Sterk commented that ETE does not actively monitor seagrass acreage in other local areas. ETE has done some seagrass surveys in other local areas, but not since the 2024 storm events. FEB. 28 PBF DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING (ADD -ON) Mr. Rodburg commented that the PBF Design Review Committee is having a Feb. 28 meeting to discuss redoing its design review requirements. He noted that the PBSD has the ability to provide recommendations on additional requirements such as controlling grass clippings and fertilizer restrictions. While the PBSD has no jurisdiction or enforcement capabilities, the PBF does have leverage. Mr. Rodburg requested and received committee support and authorization to write a letter of support for water quality related recommendations to be incorporated in future design review requirements. RECONSIDERATION OF WHETHER TO RE -SPLIT THIS COMMITTEE (ADD -ON) Mr. Rodburg commented that the Water Management Committee and the Clam Bay Committee were combined a year ago, and now is in favor of re -splitting this combined committee into two. He commented that he will push to re-form two distinct committees, which could potentially have a joint meeting whenever appropriate. The meeting was Michael Minutes approved � as ourned at 11:19 a.m. 6