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.

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.

2020/2021 Goals and Objectives

Beach Project Design, Construction, and Monitoring Related Activities

• Construct the Sector 5 Beach and Dune Restoration Project while continuing the design and permitting on the Sectors 3 and 7 Beach and Dune Restoration Projects.
• Continue working with the Sebastian Inlet District to manage the Sectors 1 and 2 shorelines.
• Continue countywide beach profile survey as part of the Beach Preservation Plan.
• Design a Coastal UAS Program to improve management of coastal resources.

Artificial Reef Program

• Continue to construct artificial reefs offshore of Indian River County.
• Create an artificial reef program website to promote visitation at reef sites.
• Design and draft an artificial reef management plan.
• Coordinate reef monitoring programs to document reef success and exotic lionfish populations.

Emergency Response and Recovery

• Assist the community in response to natural coastal emergencies, like hurricanes and fish kills.

Grant Related Activities

• Secure FEMA funds for the Sector 3 and 7 Beach and Dune Restoration Projects.
• Secure State funding for the Sector 5 Beach and Dune Restoration Project.
• Secure grants to continue expansion of the County's offshore artificial recreational reefs.
• Secure grants to continue the County's efforts to remove derelict vessels.

Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan Related Activities

• Continue sea turtle monitoring under Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
• Continue to successfully implement Amendment #1 of the HCP.
• Continue invited speaker engagements about sea turtles within County schools, HOA's, Condo Associatons, City and County officials, and local businesses.
• Continue Sea Turtle Trunk Programs for 5th and 7th grade within county public and private schools.

Public Outreach Activities

• Continue to implement outreach programs on sea turtles, natural resources, and dune vegetation.
• Partner with Coastal Connections to organize large-scale community outreach programs.
• Continue to work with KIRB to conduct annual coastal cleanups to remove debris from public waterways and secure community improvement grants.

Additional Activities

• Construction of the Jungle Trail Roadway Stabilization Project.
• Finalize and adopt the 2019 Beach Preservation Plan update.
• Permit and Construct an emergency beach access at Round Island Park.
• Continue maintenance of channel markers and maintenance of marker buoys on the PEP reef.