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June 23, 2008
Notice of Intent Issued for Hernando Beach Channel Dredge Project
Notice of Intent Issued for Hernando Beach Channel Dredge Project
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Hernando Beach Dredge Project Moving Forward
June 16, 2008
On Friday, June 13, 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued its Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue a permit for the dredge material disposal site on Eagle Nest Drive. This is the second and final permit required from FDEP and is a major milestone in the County’s efforts to dredge the Hernando Beach channel and restore the safety and navigability of the channel.
The NOI is in essence the “pre-permit” and after a 21-day comment period, the FDEP will issue the final permit. Once the final permit is obtained, the County will only need to obtain a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers in order to commence dredging. The Army Corps of Engineers is actively reviewing the County’s permit application, and we anticipate receiving this final permit in several weeks.
The Hernando Beach Channel Dredging Project will dredge the channel to a depth of six (6) feet at Mean Low Water. The project will also straighten the beginning of the channel and extend the channel out to Watts Tower. When complete, the bottom width of the channel will be 60 feet. By deepening, widening, straightening, and lengthening the channel, commercial and recreational vessels will once again be able to safely navigate the channel.
The dredge material disposal site on Eagle Nest Drive (for which the NOI was received) will be used as a dewatering site for the dredge material. The dredge material will be a) pumped into a containment dike on the site; b) allowed to drain/dewater; and c) hauled away. This site has been leased by the County and upon completion of the project, it will be returned to the owners.
Once the final FDEP permit and the Corps of Engineers permits are received, the County will competitively bid the dredge project and award a contract. It is anticipated that dredging will commence in late summer/early fall of 2008 and will take 10 – 12 months to complete.
Questions and requests for additional information may be referred to the dredge project manager, Mr. Gregg W. Sutton, P.E., Assistant County Engineer, at (352) 754-4062.
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