Coastal Engineering Division

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Statement of Function

The major function of the Coastal Engineering Division is the planning, permitting and construction of projects related to coastal protection. These projects include large-scale beach nourishment at critically eroding areas of the beach, dune restoration to mitigate storm damage and protect upland properties and reviewing applications for coastal armoring. The Coastal Engineering Division also manages and executes the County's Habitat Preservation Plan (HCP) for the protection of sea turtles, which allows the County to regulate and issue permits for emergency shoreline protection measures when necessary. Coastal Engineering also manages the County's artificial reef program and serves as a resource for citizens on the issues of beach erosion and coastal zone management.

Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup

Coastal Engineering staff, along with several volunteer-based organizations participated in the 15th annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup on Saturday, July 23rd. County staff and volunteers focused efforts on removing trash and debris from Lost Tree Island Conservation Area. Volunteers with boats were able to remove debris from the water surrounding islands, while teams on land removed much of the waste trapped among the mangrove shoreline. Read more

Sector 3 Phase 2 Beach and Dune Restoration Project Update

Construction for the Sector 3 Beach and Dune Restoration Project was completed as March 9, 2022. Coastal Staff and our engineering consultant APTIM are now closely monitoring all new dune plants throughout the warranty period. This warranty period will go to 90 days post installation with two checkups in between to determine success of root penetration and overall health of the plants.

Sector 7 Beach and Dune Restoration Project Update 

On March 8, 2022, Staff presented to the Board of County Commissioners an update on the status of the Sector 7 Beach and Dune Restoration project along with the current number of obtained easements.  At that meeting, Staff presented the Board with several options for the project based on the current number of easements still failing to meet the 90% goal (54 easements recorded reflecting 66% of the project area easements). After lengthy discussions and acknowledgement that the targeted number of easements was still not met, staff was directed to delay project once again, now targeting construction during the November 2023 to April 2024 construction window.  Staff was also directed to continue to pursue the remaining easements, as well as reach out to seek extension from the agencies providing funding to help defray County costs for the project (FEMA, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Division of Emergency Management). County staff remain committed to obtaining the remaining easements necessary to deem the project as constructible, and continue to seek extensions for funding made available for this project.  This update is to keep you informed as to the delayed status of the project. Read the full Sector 7 Beach and Dune Update letter.