Covington Consulting Services
environmental Consulting solutions
- Post Katrina Finfish and Shellfish Recovery, Little Bay Peninsula, Bayou La Batre, Alabama
ADCNR
Managed a $2.7 million coastal restoration project restoring a breeched peninsula, providing new habitat for an area that experienced a significant loss of oyster fishery due to saltwater influx, and to beneficially use dredge material in the creation of new salt marsh habitat; the project involved survey, conceptual engineering, wave tank analysis, permitting (for a mile of segmented breakwater and 130,000 yds3 of fill), coastal engineering design services, bid services and construction inspection. Adaptive management for both the salt marsh planting plan and the future position of engineered wave attenuation structures was developed to provide a successful project with the ability to evolve with dynamic site conditions. The project has won a number of awards, notably a 2011 Gulf Guardian Award from the EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Program, and has been the subject of presentations to audiences ranging from local students to professionals at the Restore America’s Estuaries Conference.
Our staff has completed coastal restoration projects ranging from large scale NRDA and NOAA EDRP funded habitat restoration projects to permitting compliance for development activities in the coastal zone.
- SR 30E Revetment Alternatives at Stump Hole, Cape San Blas, Florida
Florida Department of Transportation
Environmental lead to determine the type, design, and location of needed improvements for a two-mile section of SR 30E; the project is located in the southwestern portion of Gulf County on the St. Joseph Peninsula, designated as an area of critical shoreline erosion. SR 30E provides access to approximately 1,500 private homes, the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, the WM. J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Park, the Cape Palm Park, the St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve, and serves nearly 200,000 tourists annually. During storms, the roadway often becomes overwashed by the Gulf of Mexico and damage occurs to the existing rock revetment. Historical data was compiled on wind, tide, surge, and beach erosion to aid in the development of alternatives. The coastal engineering team performed a comprehensive hydrodynamic model and breach analysis of the coastline. Concepts included beach re-nourishment, rolling road alternatives, and bridge structures in the event of inlet formation. Environmental concerns included waters designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, a Coastal Aquatic Managed Area, a National Wildlife Refuge, significant expanses of submerged aquatic vegetation, and a healthy scallop fishery. The project involved detailed Section 7 Consultation and full compliance with FDOT’s PD&E process.
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, NRDA Environmental Services
ADCNR
Beginning in 2013, managed environmental services task orders to provide assistance to ADCNR, State Lands Division staff regarding the development of the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project as a NRDA, Phase III Early Restoration Project. The $85.5 million project will provide public access, recreational, educational, and habitat enhancement opportunities throughout the 6,150 acre property.