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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Bridge_Tab 02_06/23/2008ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. 1410 Park Lane South, Suite 1 Jupiter, FL 33458 561-743-5141 561-743-5441 Fax www. environmentalservicesinc. cc LETTER OF TRA N.S'MTTTA T. TO: Mr. Thomas C. Jensen, PE DATE: 17 June 2008 JOB NO: EP08067 Arcadis US, Inc. RE: Tequesta Drive Bridge Submerged 2081 Vista Parkway Resources Survey West Palm Beach, Florida 33411 WE ARE SENDING YOU ^ Attached ^ Under separate cover via _Overni t Mail the following items COPIES DATE DESCRIPTION 2 May 2008 Submerged Resources Survey Report THESE ARE TRANSMITTED as checked below: ^ For approval ^ Approved as submitted ^ For your use ^ Approved as noted ^ As requested ^ Returned for corrections ^ For review and comment ^ ^ For bids due ^ Prints returned after loan to use REMARKS: Please contact me should you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you for selecting ESI to assist with your environmental consulting needs. Copy to: &. :.. ^ Resubmit _ copies for approval ^ Submit _ copies for distribution ^ Return _ corrected prints ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. 1410 PARK LANE SOUTH, SUITE 1 JUPITER, FLORIDA 33458 561-743-5141 w-wv~ . environmentalservicesinc.com Submerged Resources Survey Project name: Tequesta Drive Bridge Project No: EP08067.00 Work date: Site location: 19 and 20 May 2008 North Fork of the Loxahatchee River; Section 25, Township 40 South, Range 42 East; Tequesta, Florida (Figure 1). Objective of Environmental Services, Inc.'s, (ESI) objective was to survey approximately work: 120,000 square feet of submerged bottom for the presence and location of any species of seagrass or other submerged resources. Site description: The site is located on the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, where Tequesta Drive crosses the river, and is comprised of shoreline on both sides of the river and the area spanned by the existing bridge (Figure 2). The shoreline within the survey area is a combination of sand beach, mangroves, and seawalls. The survey area comprises a shallow, gently sloping sand shelf extending waterward for a horizontal distance of approximately 200 feet from the shoreline to a depth of approximately eight feet below mean high water (MHW). A boat navigation channel runs north to south under the center of the bridge. The survey area is approximately 400 feet wide and 300 feet long. Methodology: The seagrass survey was conducted between high and low tides during highest ambient light conditions (between 9:30AM and 4:30PM) on 19 and 20 May 2008. ESI divers swam a series of comprehensive underwater transects within the survey area from the shoreline waterward to a depth of approximately eight feet below MHW. ESI divers observed the plant and animal life present in order to document any occurrence of seagrass or other significant submerged resources. Transects were placed every 25 feet and were surveyed perpendicular to the shoreline. Once seagrass was found, the divers swam the perimeter of the seagrass area. Species composition and relative density were recorded for each seagrass area. Seagrass density was measured as percent cover using a 1-meter x 1-meter quadrat divided into a grid of 100 squares. Every 25 feet along each transect or where a significant change in resources occurred, a quadrat sample was taken. The quadrat was placed on the substrate and the squares containing seagrass were counted. From this count, 1 percent cover of seagrass was determined. Limits and locations of all seagrass areas were delineated on maps. Technical staff: Jeffrey Pennell, Senior Scientist Scott Taylor, Senior Project Manager Findings: Three species of seagrass, shoal grass (Halodule wrightii), paddle grass (Halophila decipiens), and Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii), were found within the area surveyed (Figure 2). Seagrasses were observed growing along the eastern and western shorelines, north and south of the bridge. No seagrasses were observed growing within the footprint of the existing bridge or within the boat channel. The shoreline to the northwest of the bridge contained two small beds of seagrass. The larger of the two beds was dominated by dense Johnson's seagrass closer to shore and by rare density paddle grass farther from shore. One small .bed of occasional Johnson's seagrass was located to the north of the first bed, along the seawall. The shoreline to the southwest of the bridge contained one bed of seagrass dominated by a mixture of dense Johnson's seagrass and occasional shoal grass located close to shore. Farther from the shore, the bed was dominated by occasional to frequent densities of paddle grass. The shoreline to the southeast of the bridge contained two seagrass beds. The larger bed, located closer to shore, contained mixed densities, ranging from abundant to occasional, of Johnson's seagrass and shoal grass located closer to shore and paddle grass located farther from shore. The second, smaller seagrass bed was located to the west of the larger bed, and was comprised entirely of paddlegrass, at rare to occasional densities. The shoreline to the northeast of the bridge contained one large expanse of seagrass which extended northward beyond the limits of the survey area. This bed contained mixed densities, ranging from dense to rare, of shoal grass, Johnson' seagrass, and paddle grass. Johnson's seagrass and shoal grass were found closer to shore while paddle grass dominated those areas farther from shore. Seagrass blade density ranged from absent (zero percent cover) to dense (82 percent cover) within the area surveyed. Seagrasses were found growing in approximately 0.43 acre, or 16 percent of the approximately 2.76 acres surveyed. In most cases, seagrasses were found beginning approximately 20 to 50 feet from shore and extending up to 144 feet from the shoreline. Generally, the shallow water depth (one to eight feet below MHW) and sandy substrate allowed for seagrass growth throughout the survey area and the seagrass beds 2 generally contained more than one species of seagrass. Dense seagrass growth was observed only in three small areas located close to shore, along the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern shorelines of the survey area. Generally, the lower light levels and higher sedimentation in water depths below six feet restricted dense seagrass growth throughout the survey area. Shoal grass was observed growing along the northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern shorelines and was found in areas of shallower water. Areas of shoal grass growth began between five and 60 feet from the shoreline and extended waterward from the shoreline no more than 85 feet. Shoal grass density varied from rare (five percent cover) to abundant (60 percent cover). Paddle grass was observed growing throughout the survey area and was found primarily in areas of deeper water. Areas of paddle grass began between 31 and 131 feet from the shoreline and extended waterward from the shoreline no more than 156 feet. Paddle grass density varied from rare (three percent cover) to abundant (51 percent cover). Johnson's seagrass was observed growing throughout the survey area and was found primarily in areas of shallower water. Areas of Johnson's seagrass began between one and 48 feet from the shoreline and extended waterward from the shoreline no more than 110 feet. Johnson's seagrass density varied from rare (four percent cover) to dense (82 percent cover). Approximate blade density varied from 500 to 4,400 blades per square meter. During the survey, fish and various invertebrate animal species were observed in and around the vicinity of the seagrass beds, mangroves, seawalls, and bridge pilings. Fish species observed included needlefish (Belonidae), juvenile barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), common snook (Centropomus undecimalis), mullet (Mugil sp.), sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), mojarra (Gerreidea), juvenile grunt (Haemulon spp.), porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus), snapper (Lutjanus sp.), sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis), checkered puffer (Sphoeroides testudineus), and stingray (Urolophus or Dasyatis sp.). Invertebrates observed growing on seawalls and bridge pilings included various oysters (Bivalvia), barnacles (Thoracica), limpets (Diodera sp.), snails (Gastropoda), tunicates (Ascidiacea), hydroids (Thecatae), and sponges (Demospongiae). Also observed were banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus), yellowline arrow crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis), conch (Strombus sp.), and hermit crab (Diogenidae). Because oyster beds are considered Essential Fish Habitat by National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CE) requires impacts to oyster beds from construction be avoided and/or minimized to the greatest extent possible. During this survey, while oysters were observed growing on bridge pilings and seawalls, no oyster beds were observed growing outside of 3 these areas. Oysters growing upon pilings and seawalls are considered fouling communities and are not protected from impacts associated with removal of these structures. As the oysters will likely re-colonize the same areas once bridge construction is completed, it is not expected that any long-term adverse effects will occur from their removal. While none were observed during this survey, the survey area is within the range of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), a Federally listed endangered species. Manatee protection construction guidelines (see Attachment 1) should be followed during any in-water construction work. Mangroves were observed growing along portions of the eastern shoreline. Mangroves observed included red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans). Any proposed trimming or removal of mangroves will require a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Because the project is located in the naturally occurring North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, which is part of the Loxahatchee River Aquatic Preserve, DEP has authority to regulate any proposed bridge maintenance or construction activity. A DEP permit will be required. Because seagrasses are present, a CE permit will be required for any proposed bridge maintenance or construction. CE will require impacts to seagrass areas from bridge construction be avoided and/or minimized to the greatest extent practicable. Unavoidable impacts to federally protected Johnson's seagrass may initiate National Marine Fisheries Service formal consultation and will likely require compensatory mitigation. The next step is to determine the type of permit required from DEP and CE, and the timeframes and costs associated with permitting. To do this, ESI will need to coordinate closely with the project engineer to understand the type and extent of impacts the project may require. Figures: Figure 1. Location/Topographic Map Figure 2. Seagrass Location Map Attachments: Attachment 1. Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work. 4 FIGURES T CJ \ 'f , w ,t LIMITS OF SURVEY ~ ~ / / ; T~i;` t _ ~ • \ ~~ X\~ ra• ~ • ~ t r . ~ ~, lX ~ . ~ ~ ~ \ Q T \ ~~ „ - . c . i ~~T i . • j { 4 7'a• QD ' ~ U-tt' `trDY -» ~ ~ - ~, ', ~ ~ t t ,~~ tom` •>~~ ~ - \~~ ~ ;i L ..~ , r..` -+=t ' ' ' ' , ~ ,r 1 , ~tZ P~)~S ~E `F~~ • ~ ~ SX _ ~) -~ .~~ T 7 ~Ry ',r~/ 2 , ~~ ~ t" _-' ~' ~,~_, .. '• < / I ~~, ~~ ,. ~~~ t±ai'chScF~l!~ - ' I~rtd Pads 1 rr ~, I ~ T,~ E~~' Z- 1M ~ _ , } ` ~vT~~~ r7 ~q ,' j ` ' ; J • •rt 'ry =• `1 ("t I `~~\~ ~5 .'I,•~ _ ,~ _ t y t l t 1 y x\ i r Limits of Survey • ,: ~ a _ , .• ~ i ^ .~ ( i ~•j t ~ Ir •• 7~ ~\~ lft h ~ ...: ~ ~ C ~ ~~'! ~ ~jt ~~ it ~~ t ~.. ;o Z ~ 7 -''~ ~\ _~: 0 1.000 2.000 ..., Feet - ~~ ;r• i } r '"fi ~ i' •' s --ICI ,_~ ~ t ~' ~ f V ;,;.f.. Source(s~: USGS Topograpnlc Survey ~ • < ~ 4 ~ .~ ., t• r. ~~~ I~~I ~ r Jupiter (1948, Photorevised 1983). Florida Quadrangle '"- ~'`"~ "'1. k •_ F ', - y ~r~l~ ~ • Section 25 Township 40 South Range 42 East -~ ~ ,~•>w ~~ • ~,..a.. : ». '~ --- --(I~i ~-. r ~ ~` ' ~isca mar Tha nformat on dap clad on thsfigure sfot ~•••• ~ ~ ~ •w ! ~~ BM • I . _ ~ 1 ~. conceptual p„rpns iY s es to a d a I nensed engtrear B1v1 • ~ -mac ~ -. ° - ---- - .. • ... .ate ~~ or gaolog st r ran g p s ~~a seru,css and s sub e., a -- - !~ • .$ ''~ ~ "~ to rev ew and a ova, b a~a regwatory g ~ • j`~ •• ~ l t I pP Yac Prop a enc es • •1 ~ jt `'.~ ~ -- u 5. ~.• _ ~t • I ~, ~ ~~ /( ~,PS EN~'IRONNIENTAL Project Location Map Project: EP08067.00 SERVICES, ANC. Tequesta Drive Bridge Date: May 2008 14!0 Perk Lane South. Susie t Jupiter Flontla 33458 - (5B1j743-5,a, Submerged Resources Survey Drwn/Chkd: KG/JP 1561) ]43-54at f'ex ~'°'"`' Tequesta, Palm Beach County, Florida Figure: 1 enta,~ is P'Projecis'JUpiter 2008.Fp080F.~ 00-Teq ue sla OnAta pslEP0A ~6~ Of,-LOCat~.~n M1.+av08 mxd pr~ntsd fly 2~'2'IOF. 5 59 am No Text ATTACHMENT 1 STANDARD MANATEE CONDITIONS FOR IN-WATER WORK 2005 The permittee shall comply with the following conditions intended to protect manatees from direct project effects: a. All personnel associated with the project shall be instructed about the presence of manatees and manatee speed zones, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. The permittee shall advise all construction personnel that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. b. All vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at "Idle Speed/No Wake" at all times while in the immediate area and while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than afour-foot clearance from the bottom. All vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible. c. Siltation or turbidity barriers shall be made of material in which manatees cannot become entangled, shall be properly secured, and shall be regularly monitored to avoid manatee entanglement or entrapment. Barriers must not impede manatee movement. d. All on-site project personnel are responsible for observing water-related activities for the presence of manatee(s). All in-water operations, including vessels, must be shutdown if a manatee(s) comes within 50 feet of the operation. Activities will not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 50-foot radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 50 feet of the operation. Animals must not be herded away or harassed into leaving. e. Any collision with or injury to a manatee shall be reported immediately to the FWC Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC. Collision and/or injury should also be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville (1-904-232-2580) for north Florida or Vero Beach (1-561-562-3909) for south Florida. Temporary signs concerning manatees shall be posted prior to and during all in- water project activities. All signs are to be removed by the permittee upon completion of the project. Awareness signs that have already been approved for this use by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) must be used. One sign measuring at least 3 ft. by 4 ft. which reads Caution: Manatee Area must be posted. A second sign measuring at least 81/2" by 11" explaining the requirements for "Idle Speed/No Wake" and the shut down of in-water operations must be posted in a location prominently visible to all personnel engaged in water-related activities. FWC Approved Manatee Educational Sian Suppliers ASAP Signs & Designs 624-B Pinellas Street Clearwater, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 443-4878 Fax: (727) 442-7573 Vital Signs 104615 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 Phone: (305) 451-5133 Fax: (305) 451-5163 Wilderness Graphics, Inc. P. O. Box 1635 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Phone: (850) 224-6414 Fax: (850) 561-3943 www.wildernessaraphics.com Cape Coral Signs & Designs 1311 Del Prado Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 772-9992 Fax: (239) 772-3848 Municipal Supply 8< Sign Co 1095 Fifth Avenue, North P. O. Box 1765 Naples, FL 33939-1765 Phone: (800) 329-5366 or (239) 262-4639 Fax: (239) 262-4645 www.municipalsigns.com Universal Signs & Accessories 2912 Orange Avenue Ft. Pierce, FL 34947 Phone: (800) 432-0331 or (772) 461-0665 Fax: (772) 461-0669 New City Signs 1739 28th Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Phone: (727) 323-7897 Fax: (727) 323-1897 www. NewCitySigns.com United Rentals Highway Technologies 309 Angle Road Ft. Pierce, FL 34947 Phone: (772) 489-8772 or (800) 489-8758 (FL only) Fax: (772) 489-8757 Q W ~ 1- ~ O 3 m a ~. N Q p ~, ~~ H ~ ~ } .~ _ ~ ~ ~ o ~ W ~ p H ~. o0 0 00 W H ~ 4~ H •~ .~ ~ ~ Z •= . i r- i ' } } ~ _ _ ~ Q O .~ ~ v o V Z ~ ~ 0 N ~ 4~ ~ o V ~ L ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ W ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 •- _ ~ ~ -~u ~3 od' Z ~ ~ _ ~~ H ~ ~- ~ O a oo _ W ~ 00 ~~ ~ ~ o J _ ~ 0 ~ a ~ V