Wiggins Pass Work Group Minutes 10/22/2008
October 22, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE WIGGINS PASS
MODELING EV ALUA TION WORK GROUP
Naples, Florida, October 22, 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 Collier County Government Center,
Health Department Building "H", 2nd Floor, Rm. 216. Naples, Florida with
the following members present:
Group Leader: Heidi Kulpa
John Findley
Doug Finlay
Jon Staiger
Nicole Ryan
Mark Latch (Excused)
Donna Caron (Excused)
Paul Sullivan
Bryan Fluech (Excused)
Thomas Crowe
ALSO PRESENT: Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Director
Collier County Government
Communication &
Customer Relations Department
3301 East Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 252-8848
www.collierl!:ov.net
August 21, 2008
FOR 1M MEDIA TE RELEASE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
WIGGINS PASS MODELING EVALUATION WORK GROUP
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008
9 A.M.
A public meeting will be held to discuss moving forward on continuing issues regarding
Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation on Wednesday, October 22, at 9 a.m. in the Health
Department Building (H), 2nd Floor - Room 216, located at 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples.
Two or more members of the Coastal Advisory Committee may be present and may participate
at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be a future item for discussion and
action at a Coastal Advisory Committee meeting.
Two or more members of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board may be present and may
participate at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be a future item for
discussion and action at a Pelican Bay Services Division Board meeting.
Two or more members of the Tourist Development Council may be present and may participate
at the meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be a future item for discussion and
action at a Tourist Development Council meeting.
This meeting is open to the public.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in
this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.
Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department located at 330 I E.
Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 252-8380; assisted listening devices for the hearing
impaired are available in the Board of County Commissioners Office.
For more information, call Gail Hambright in the Coastal Zone Management Office at 252-
2966.
-End-
October 22, 2008
. Call To Order
Group Leader Heidi Kulpa called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
Jeff Riley, Florida Park Service and Sally Cole Braem, Environmental Spec., Florida
Park Service were also in attendance along with Consultants Stephen Keehn, PE and
Undino Benedet, Oceanographer of Coastal Planning and Engineering, Inc.
. Sunshine Law Notification
Gary McAlpin, Director, Coastal Zone Management stated the Discussion Group
is subject to the Sunshine Law and two or more members of various County Boards
may be present and the subject matter may be discussed at future Board meetings.
. Approval of Minutes from 8/12/08 meeting
Mr. Finlay moved to approve the millutes of the August 12, 2008 meetillg. Secolld
by Mr. Staiger. Carried ullallimously 7-0.
. Review significant insights to date
o Do Nothing is not an option because of non-compliance to IMP
o Sand transport in this area is hampered by the effects of Sanibel and
appears to flow south to north
o Dead zone for sand transport in the R15 area
Gary McAlpin reviewed the previous findings referenced above.
Lindino Benedet of Coastal Planning and Engineering re-iterated the area in the
immediate vicinity of the Pass is primarily affected by net sand transport from a
South to North wave direction.
Group Leader Heidi Kulpa reviewed the Discussion Groups area offocus for the
alternatives proposed:
I) Analyze 20-year storm data (wave and currents patterns, etc.) for the model
2) Conduct a 4-5 year simulation for the morphology of the Pass based on each
alternative
3) Analyze the concept of repairing Barefoot Beach to its natural condition and study
its morphology over the 4-5 year simulation period of each alternative
4) Analyze impacts on Delnor-Wiggins State Park for cach alternative
5) Obtain input regarding impacts on Snook habitats for each alternative
6) Analyze impact on the various environmental communities for each alternative
7) Incorporate any necessary geological considerations into the evaluation
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October 22, 2008
Stephen Keehn of Coastal Planning and Engineering provided an overview of the
preliminary Environmental Resource Assessments regarding Sea Grasses and Snook
Habitat.
He noted the following:
L! Information was obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service.
r1 Snook's habitat includes mangrove areas and congregates in inlets to
spawn.
] Snook is listed as a species of concern with no specific conservation
regulations for dredging activities.
[ No particular conservation areas or critical habitats have been identified
in the Wiggins Pass area.
L! No habitats of concern (including Seagrasses) were identified in the area
of proposed work.
[] The Seagrass information was based on physical reconnaissance via
divers.
D There are some mangrove "areas of concern" on the northern side of the
Pass.
:l There is no proposal to "bury this area" (mangrove areas).
[I The initial reconnaissance work is preliminary and will be finalized
under a subsequent contract.
He further indicated the following:
[J Preliminary geological data has been collected and reviewed regarding
the composition of the sea bottom in the area.
C] Further investigation is necessary to determine any possible removal of
limestone, etc.
Gary McAlpin summarized and Stephen Keehn agreed, the reconnaissance indicates
none of the alternatives under consideration would be eliminated due to
environmental or geo-technical reasons or concerns.
When finalized, this infornlation will be incorporated into a report and posted on the
Coastal Zone Management web site.
. Presentation of The three Modeling Alternatives
o Model the effects of straightening the interior and exterior channels
o Model the effects of straightening the interior channel but not the
exterior channel
o Model the effects of not straightening the interior channel but
straightening the exterior channel
A copy of this preselltatioll (Wiggills Pass Delft3D Numerical Modelillg alld
Calibratioll & Challllel Ellhallcemellt Altematives dated October 22, 2008)
cOllducted by Lilldillo Belledet alld Stephell Keehll will be available 011 the Collier
COUllty Coastal Advisory Committee Website at
http://www.colliergov.llet/Illdex.aspx?page=2390.
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October 22, 2008
Lindino Benedet reviewed the data utilized in running the morphology models for
the alternatives, which include wave conditions and current velocities, data from
previous studies etc. This data is necessary to ensure the model depicts the
morphology as accurately as possible.
Based on input from previous meetings and subsequent analysis their work has now
been refined to study the following 4 alternatives:
4 Alternatives (for long term stabilization of Wiggins Pass)
I) Currentlv Permitted channel- (250 fl. wide, [3ft. deep.)
2) New Straiffht Channel with Hvdraulic Enhancements - Straight channel (200 fl.
wide, II fl. deep), flood shoal cut, sand dikes to direct the flow.
3) Permitted Channel with Hvdraulic Enhancements - Straight channel as permitted
(250 fl wide, 13 fl deep), flood shoal cut, sand dikes to direct the flow.
4) New Realif!ned Channel- Realigned Channel following natural ebbjet, 200 fl
wide, II fl. deep.
The 4 alternatives were modeled for the morphology of the Pass on I year, 2year and
4 year time frames, as well as a significant Hurricane Event.
Lindino Benedet and Stephen Keehn provided a detailed technical overview of
individual morphology models for the 4 alternatives proposed.
It was noted Stephen Keehn has completed a concept design which combines
alternatives #2 and 3.
Group Leader, Heidi Kulpa, reviewed the purpose of the Mission given to the
Group:
I. Provide a safe channelfor boating.
2. Address the erosion at Barefoot Beach.
3. Lengthen the dredge cycle and accomplish it with the least effect on the
environment.
4. The solution needs to be economically effective.
Speaker
Marcia Cravens, Mangrove Action Group, requested clarification on the data used
to develop the models and if information such as tidal prisms, velocities of currents,
etc. were taken into account.
Stephen Keehn and Lindino Benedet noted the model is calibrated utilizing
numerous factors (sediment transport, wave velocities, etc.). It is a "state of the art"
program for modeling the effects (including changing tidal prisms, current velocities,
etc) created on the Pass by each ofthe proposed alternatives.
He provided a summary of the Group's Decision Matrix shown on pages 60-63 of the
presentation.
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October 22, 2008
Among other conclusions in the presentation, he noted the following:
~ Of all the alternatives tested (16 total), alternatives 2 and 3 were the
only ones which accomplish the goals of the Discussion Group.
[J Alternative #2 provides slightly more stability to the Pass than
alternative #3.
[I Alternative #4, provides a more long -term navigable channel, but noted
without installation of a permanent structure, a significant amount of
erosion on the south end of Barefoot Beach would occur.
:l Sedimentation rates in the model decrease with time as expected, after 2
years, quasi-equilibrium is reached and there is minimal additional
sedimentation.
L: Beach fill between markers R-I 3 and R-15 is recommended (creating
minimal effects on the channel and a net positive effect on Barefoot
Beach.)
D During extreme hurricane years, no rnatter what steps are taken, (other
than installations of permanent structures) the channel gets filled in at a
4 year "normal rate." An emergency response plan for the event should
be incorporated into the final solution.
Speaker
Marcia Cravens asked if the modeling takes enviromnental considerations into
account (as well as navigation factors.)
Lindino Benedet noted the model does not address environmental considerations;
however the Group's area of focus includes environmental concerns.
Gary McAlpin read the approved Mission Statement into the Record "Examine the
modeling study results and recommend environmentally and economically sound
methods to maintain Wiggins Pass as a safe navigable waterway by minimizing
shoreline erosion and achieving long term stabilization of Wiggins Pass through a
collaborative process involving Wiggins Pass stakeholders input. "
He suggested returning the South End of Barefoot Beach to its "original condition" be
considered in the final solution and polled the Group for their recommendations on
narrowing the focus on the individual alternatives.
Mr. Filldley - Alternative # 's 2 and 3 appear to be the most optimal identified.
Favors alternative #2 at this point.
Ms. Kulpa - Focus on alternative #2.
Mr. Filllay - Prefers alternatives #2 or 3.
Ms. Ryall - Alternative #1 eliminated; need final Environmental Assessment and
Report for remaining alternatives to make final decision.
Mr. Staiger - Focus on alternatives #'s 2 or 3, favors #2 as it may be more cost
effective based 011 less width and depth cut of channels, etc. to achieve solution.
Jeff Riley, Florida Park Service favors alternative #2.
Mr. Sullivall - Need for final Environmental Assessment, favors #2 based on cost
effectiveness.
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.
October 22, 2008
Mr. Crowe - Favors alternatives #2 and 3, need final economic considerations for
both alternatives.
It was noted the channel will require dredging in January as scheduled. This will be
accomplished under the existing permit, or if possible a permit modification to place
the dredged sand in a more strategic location.
Lindino Benedet noted an alternative solution involving the combination of#'s 2 and
3 will be analyzed in its relations to the goals set forth by the Group.
Lindino Benedet reviewed the future tasks:
CJ Refine the best alternative and simulate it for 1 year, 2year and 4year
with beach fill placement. The final alternative will be a combination of
#2 and 3.
L Write final modeling report and provide recommendations to the detailed
design phase and new permit application.
[] Refine Decision Matrix for scenarios of comparison.
. Presentation of Results of the environmental resource assessment of The
Wiggins Pass Flood shoal areas.
Previously discussed.
. Discussion of consideration for Snook habitat
Previously discussed.
. Public Comments
Speakers
Marcia Cravens asked if there are any examples where a modeling solution has been
constructed.
Lindino Benedet referenced Rich Inlet in North Carolina, North Topsail Beach, NC
and Bogue Inlet, NC as examples.
Joe Moreland recognized the work being completed by the Discussion Group.
Doug Fee thanked the Consultants and the County. He noted the removal of rock that
may be required for a particular alternative may have an impact on sand transports
and erosion at Barefoot Beach.
Stephen Keehn noted the geologic considerations need to be finalized. Alternatives
#2 and 3 seek to minimize the amount of rock removed.
Gary McAlpin stated they are unsure how much rock, if any, may need to be
removed. He recommended the Consultants proceed on their work to make the
determinations and provide the Final Reports necessary to make a decision. He noted
the Final Reports are intended to be available 30 days prior to an applicable Group
meeting.
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October 22, 2008
The Group determined a combination solution utilizing elements of alternatives #2
and 3 should be presented for the Groups consideration.
Gary McAlpin requested the Consultants analyze the impact of restoring Barefoot
Beach to its "original condition" as part of the final solution.
. Next Meeting date
It was noted the next meeting will tentatively be held in January, 2009.
Gary McAlpin reported Group Leader, Heidi Kulpa is re-locating out of the area and
is resigning from the Group.
Mr. Staiger nominated John Findley for "Group Leader." Being no other
nominations, Mr. Findley is Group Leader.
The Group recognized the efforts of Heidi Kulpa.
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by order of the chair at II :59 A.M.
Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation Work Group
Heidi Kulpa, Group Leader
These minutes approved by the Work Group on
as presented or as amended
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