Wiggins Pass Work Group Minutes 06/05/2008
June 5, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE WIGGINS PASS
MODELING EV ALUA TION WORK GROUP
Naples, Florida, June 5, 2008
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation
Work Group in and for the County of Collier having conducted business
herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. at the Coastal Zone Management
Office at 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, Florida with the following
members present:
Group Leader: Heidi Kulpa
John Findley
Doug Finlay
Jon Staiger
Nicole Ryan
Srivivas Tammisetti
Donna Caron (excused)
Paul Sullivan
Bryan Fluech
Thomas Crowe
ALSO PRESENT:
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Director
Christina Olson, Environmental Specialist, FL. Park Service
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June 5, 2008
I. Ms. Kulpa called the meeting to order at 9:00AM
II. A quorum was established. It was noted that Robert Caron was sitting in for
Donna Caron as a liaison.
III. Mr. Staiger moved to approve the minutes of the April 3,2008 meeting subject to
the following correction:
Page 4, paragraph 7 - addition of primary goal #4. To lengthen dredging cycles.
Second by Mr. Crowe. Carried unanimously 9 - O.
IV. Ms. Kulpa stated that it would be advisable for the group to develop a Mission
Statement. The Group determined that a 3-member subgroup comprised of Ms.
Ryan, Mr. Fluech and Mr. Findley should develop draft language for the statement
and submit it to the Group for approval. It was noted that it should be sent out for
comment to all Group members before the next meeting.
Christina Olson wanted to ensure the Florida Park Service is kept informed of any
issues and forwarded any correspondence in reference to the Group's activities.
V. Stephen Keehn, PE and Lindino Benedet, Oceanographer of Coastal Planning
and Engineering, Inc. presented a Power Point presentation entitled "Wiggins Pass
DELFT 3D Numerical Modeling Preliminary Results." The slide show is available
on the Coastal Zone Management web site.
Lindino Benedet recapped the work to date and provided preliminary modeling
results of the existing conditions that create circumstances that lead to the infilling of
the Pass from transported sediments.
The preliminary results from the modeling indicate that the Pass and related sediment
transports are primarily affected by wave patterns that occur from South to North. It
was noted this finding is different from historic conclusions, which indicated that the
Wiggins Pass is affected by a wave pattern from North to South.
Stephen Keehn presented a sediment budget from 2004-2007 (an analysis of
volumetric changes of sediments in a defined area), which generally supports this
preliminary finding.
In conclusion they noted the following:
. The results are preliminary and the data needs refining and verification
. Sanibel and its shoals effect net transport direction
. There is room for improvement in the cross sectional design to reduce
annual sedimentation
. Initial indications are that dredged sediments could be placed much closer
to the inlet
. In first 1-3 yrs, there is no sedimentation north of inlet (ebb shoal growth)
It was noted that with this new data and modeling, simply placing the dredged
sand in more strategic locations might aid in increasing the dredging cycle.
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June 5, 2008
Lindino Benedet stated that based on the modeling, the natural conditions
promote the infilling of the Pass creating a water depth of2 feet near the westerly
end.
Gary McAlpin noted if this is a fact then the option of "status quo" or doing
nothing should be considered, as this would be inconsistent with the Inlet
Management Plan, which requires the Pass provide navigation for a 3-foot draft
vessel.
Christina Olson noted that upon completion of the study, the solution might
trigger a refinement of the inlet management plan.
VI. The following activities were noted for the next meeting:
. Discussion of the Mission Statement
. Stephen Keehn will provide the Group with a preliminary matrix to assist
in ranking the potential alternatives
. Discussion and review of any available data and related modeling for
potential non structural alternatives #1-6 as identified in the first meeting
The following was noted:
. Discussion of Non-structural alternatives should take priority in a potential
solution
. In depth analysis ofthe potential alternatives (comparisons of
enviromnental effects, costs, etc.) should not take place until the Group
has narrowed the field down to 2-3 choices based on the modeling
Mr. Findley provided a report of the existing depths at the Pass noting the highest
water condition at low tide is approximately 3' 2" (3 feet, 2 inches).
Gary McAlpin noted that based on that information, a "Notice to Mariners" was
going out listing the depths in the area and related safety aspects for individuals
utilizing the Pass.
VII. The next meeting is August 12,2008.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by order ofthe chair at 11:01 A.M.
*****
..Please note: Minutes were numberedfor organizational purposes since no Agenda
was provided.
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June 5, 2008
Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation Work Gronp
Heidi Kulpa, Group Leader
These minutes approved by the Work Group on
presented or as amended
as
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