HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Robert Weinreb-Virginia Key Boat Ramp AssessmentSubmitted into the public
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LEGEND:
1- Marine Stadium Basin
rties
oric Virginia Key
Beach Park Site
3- North Point
4- old Landfill
5- Beach and Hammock
6- Shrimpers Lagoon and
Treatment Plant
7- Critical Wildlife and
Conservation Area
8- Miami -Dade County
Property, Seaquanum and
UM Rosentiel School
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APPLIED TECHNOLQGY & MANAGEME1 T
400 5. AUSTRALIAN AVE . surTE ado
WEST PALM BEACH. FL 33401-5045
(561) 559-0041 FAX 559-3133
NAM APPLIEDTM CAM
MEMO
To: Paul Kissinger (EDSA)
Swati Khimesra (EDSA)
From: Greg Kelahan
RE: Virginia Key — Boat Ramp Location Assessment
Date: July 2, 2008
cc: Mike Jenkins (ATM)
Submitted into the public
record for items) C A • 5
on 2 '2,4' ) L , City Clerk
NDU
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, ATM representatives (Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., P.E., Greg
Kelahan, E.I) visited the location proposed for a boat ramp on Virginia Key. City of Miami
representatives Perla Gonzalez (Planning Department) and Robert Weinreb (Office of the City
Manager) were also present. The site proposed for the boat ramp is located along the northeast
side of Virginia Key, adjacent to the northeast corner of the existing wastewater treatment
facility property, abutting Norris Cut. Site visit photos are included with this document, and site
visit observations are as follows:
Site Observations
Shoreline Condition — The shoreline consists of fine sand dominated system that shows
evidence of human impact. Assorted debris including construction materials, derelict dredge
pipes, and evidence of spoil material placement were noted in the vicinity.
Existing Depths — Water depths within Norris Cut generally range from 2 to 6 feet. However,
depths of 8 to 12 feet can be found in the channel adjacent to the boat ramp site, in between
Virginia Key and Fisher Island (to the north), and adjacent to Fisher Island. The nearshore slope
is approximately 1V:201-1. Thus, approximately 200 feet of excavation would be required from
the shoreline to reach channel depths.
Seagrasses — Seagrass was observed in the nearshore region adjacent to the boat ramp site.
Seagrasses in this area are also evident in readily available aerial photos. Observations were
consistent with those reported by Gary Milano (BERM) in an email to Enrique Nunez (Planning
Department), dated April 15, 2008, which noted the presence of Shoal grass (Halodule
beaudettel), Turtle grass (Thallassia testudinum), and Manatee grass (Syringoduim filiforme).
Spoil Material — Spoil material (likely from a nearby environmental restoration project on Virginia
Key) was recently placed on the upland between the existing wastewater treatment facility and
the proposed boat ramp location. This material was observed during the site visit (6/25) and is
visible in the aerial photo (5113) below. The material is poor quality for placement on a beach,
has a large amount of vegetative debris. and appears to have high silt content. Evidence of
uncontrolled runoff into the open water was observed from this material.
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Memorandum
To: EDSA
Date: July 2, 2008
Page 2 of 7
Submitted into the public _
record, j
for
item(s)
j({}
On e. 4 ) 4f'f City Clerk
Site Access — The majority of the existing roadway on Virginia Key leading from the
Rickenbacker Causeway to the proposed boat ramp site is in fair -to -good condition and would
pose no access issues for vehicles with boat traders.
Coastal Processes — Sediment transport along this shoreline appears to be low and the ramp
location is at the boundary of the littoral cell. This implies that the facility could be constructed
with minimal impact to the coastal sediment transport system.
Miscellaneous Notes/Observations
• No manatees were observed in the area during the site visit.
• No evidence of sea turtle nesting was observed during the site visit.
• The shoreline has relatively low energy waves and limited sediment transport.
• The site has been previously impacted.
• The site is located near Jimbo's, which has existing boat moorings and infrastructure.
• Discussions with City of Miami Police Marine Patrol officers indicate the area is heavily
used by boat traffic.
• Adjacent upland area (next to wastewater treatment facility) is well -suited for parking.
■ Existing upland vegetation in the vicinity consists largely of exotic species; limited upland
mangroves are adjacent to the proposed ramp site.
Site Comments
Based on a review of the draft boat ramp area plan and considering site observations, the
following comments are provided:
• The ramp would result in direct impacts to seagrass species, with a magnitude of direct
impact on the order of 0.5 to 1 acres.
• The ramp will result in potential secondary impacts to seagrasses.
• The ramp may result in potential impacts to sea turtles.
• The ramp may result in potential impacts to manatees.
• The proposed ramp site does offer opportunities for avoidance and minimization of
impacts exist given detailed siting efforts.
Given the existing condition of the area, there are a number of potential mitigative actions,
including:
• Regulated navigation channel (channel markers, slow speed zones, and enforcement)
that may reduce potential impacts to seagrass and manatees.
• Debris removal.
• Upland exotic vegetation removal and replacement with native vegetation.
• Establishment of natural beach/dune system conducive to sea turtle nesting.
• Removal of non -compatible beach material.
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) - - ,--
Memorandum on City Clerk
To: EDSA
Date: July 2, 2008
Page 3 of 7
• Site erosion stabilization to reduce runoff, providing a net benefit to nearshore water
quality.
Alt of these mitigative actions are compatible with implementation of a boat ramp in this location.
Site Assessment
Permitting of any new facility in the coastal zone is always a challenge. This site is not free of
potential issues that would be considered during the regulatory review- Major issues that would
need to be satisfactorily addressed include:
Seagrasses
• Direct impacts and the need for mitigation.
• Necessity of an accurate and detailed seagrass assessment.
• Establishment of a navigation channel as mitigation, though additional mitigation may be
required.
• Detailed seagrass survey will likely be required, and the exact location of the boat ramp
should be adjusted within the general area discussed herein, in order to minimize
impacts to seagrasses.
• Argument can be made that constructing the proposed boat ramp in conjunction with the
loss of the existing boat ramp near Coconut Grove could result in lower transit density
within seagrasslmanatee zones in Biscayne Bay, potentially decreasing opportunities for
impacts to seagrasses.
• Further coordination with regulatory agencies will be required to fully assess the issue.
Sea Turtles
• Subject site has been referenced as sea turtle nesting habitat (G. Milano, DERM).
• ATM is not aware of nesting density or nesting success rates, but site observations raise
multiple concerns relative to the nesting quality of this beach.
• Clear opportunities exist to significantly enhance the potential nesting quality of this
beach.
• Facility lighting should consider potential nesting activities.
• seagrass is also a secondary sea turtle issue.
Manatees
• Area is presently high -use by boaters and adjacent areas are noted for manatee use.
• Site is adjacent to a manatee protection area.
• Coastal construction at the project site is not precluded within the Miami -Dade County
Manatee Protection Plan (MPP).
• Site is located within an area considered "Essential Manatee Habitat" by the MPP.
• Argument can be made that constructing the proposed boat ramp in conjunction with the
loss of the existing boat ramp near Coconut Grove could result in tower transit density
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Submitted into the public
reef) dpr items) C •5
Memorandum on { �I,�. City +ler
To. EDSA
Date. July 2, 2008
Page 4 of 7
within manatee zones in Biscayne Bay, potentially decreasing opportunities for impacts
to manatees.
• Regulated channel and enforcement would help address potential impacts.
• Seagrass is a secondary manatee issue.
Project Need — When assessing project need, the regulatory agencies will note that Crandon
Park is located about 3 miles away by road. Crandon Park has ample parking and the existing
capacity to launch/recover 15 boats at the same time. There is also a small boat ramp within
Shrimper's Lagoon adjacent to Jimbo's, as shown in the photo below.
Conclusions
While this site is not free of environmental concerns, opportunities exist to construct a boat ramp
facility in this area in conjunction with a comprehensive management and restoration effort.
Such an effort would require considerable coordination with a range of State and Federal
regulatory agencies. It is also worth noting that no assurance of regulatory approval can be
provided. However, a review of the site and draft master plan suggests that there is no obvious
"fatal flaw" to the approval process. This being said, given the issues associated with this site, it
is reasonable to assume that any permitting effort would require an involved and likely lengthy
process.
Photo Reconnaissance
Aerial of proposed boat ramp location area (5113/08)
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Memorandum
To: EDSA
Date: July 2, 2008
Page 5 of 7
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) C R .6
on 1.74. , Citl�l{i�-
General location of proposed boat ramp. Note Casuarina vegetation and cleared area.
Beach area for proposed boat ramp (looking south).
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Memorandum
To: EDSA
Date: July 2, 2008
Page 6 of 7
Recently placed spoil material.
Submitted into the public
reco d for item(s) CA 5.
on 3 • Li * 1 ii,p . City Clerk
Close-up of recently place spoil material - note poor beach quality & debris.
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Mcanngeinent Consultants
Memorandum
To: EDSA
Date: July 2, 2008
Page 7 of 7
Submitted into the public
record for item s)
on City Clerk
Ruts indicating runoff from spoil material into open water.
Existing boat ramp in nearby Shrimper's Lagoon (at Jimbo's).
Environmental & Coastal Engineers, Scientists & Management Consultants
Page 1 of 3
Nunez, Enrique
Submitted into the public
recur for item(s) ( A • 57
on 'Z4� l to . City Clerk
From: Milano, Gary (DERM) (MilanG@miamidade.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:48 AM
To: Nunez, Enrique
Cc: Basu, Subrata (DP&Z); Grossenbacher, Craig (DERM)
Subject: RE: Boat Launching Facility At Virginia Key (File minimized to accommodate e-mail
capacities)
Attachments: Boat Ramp Site Plan.pdf; Virginia Key Map as word file.doc
Good Morning Enrique,
As a follow-up to our meeting on March 3, 2008, thank you for this opportunity to offer the following information
and observations for the proposed boat launching facility located north of the entrance channel to Jimbos' boat
basin on Virginia Key:
The shoreline at the proposed facility site (see attached site plan) consists ofa continuous sandy beach
which provides a suitable substrate for marine sea turtle nesting. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries
Service turtle survey datum indicates that 10-15 percent of the observed nesting on Virginia Key occurs
within this portion of the island. (Wendy Teas, NOAA)
The following criteria are from the Manatee Protection Plan:
In order for boat ramp sites to be considered suitable for development the following criteria must be met:
• Minimize boat Jmanatee overlap;
• Do not cause destruction of submerged aquatic vegetation fed upon by manatees;
Boat Ramps are not permitted in areas supporting dense sea grass beds.
Since the manatee protection plan was mandated, proposed new boat ramps for powerboat use are not
permitted by DERM, unless the applicant can prove that the proposed facility and the boats using the
facility will not endanger the manatee.
3. Seagrass Observations:
The following in -water observations were made on March 3 12008 at the proposed boat launching
facility on northeastern end of Virginia Key:
• Shoal grass (Halodule beaudettei) was observed within 25 feet of the mean high water
line (MHWL) along the proposed site. The water depth is approximately 0 feet (NGVD)
25 feet offshore the MHWL.
• The shoal grass transitioned to various dense mixtures of Turtle grass (Thatlassia
testudinunr), Manatee grass (Syringodium filifbrrne), and Shoal grass (Haloclule
beaudetteij. Please see the attached photo. The water depth 60 feet offshore the MHWL
is approximately -1 feet (NGVD).
• A continuous dense bed of seagrass was observed to extend offshore beyond the
surveyed area (approximately 150 feet offshore the MHWL).
• A than -made depression (approximately 30' X 80') was observed approximately 30 feet
offshore within the northeastern quadrant of the surveyed area. This depression was
most probably the result ofa previous impact associated with a boat grounding and/or
unauthorized prop dredging.
• The attached Virginia Key word file snap and Miami -Dade County aerial files indicate
shallow dense seagrass beds throughout Norris Cut. As discussed, Norris Cut is too
shallow for powerboats to directly access the ocean at low tide from the proposed site.
• The Bill Sadowski Preserve and associated marine flora and fauna would be vulnerable
to irresponsible boaters taking short cuts to navigate to the Rickenhacker Bridge. To
navigate responsibly, boaters will have to detour through Fisherman's Channel (located
7/14/2008
Page 2 of 3
parallel to the Seaport) to access the bay and the ocean.
Overall, the natural water depths are very shallow in and around the proposed site, and shallow dense
seagrass beds were observed in and around the proposed site.
4. I would recommend that the consultant andlor City contact the Miami -Dade County Planning Department
to receive additional comments on traffic issues, etc, associated with this proposal. In addition, please
check the existing Miami -Dade County and the City of Miami Comp Plan policies associated with this
proposal. FYI, there is usually a general policy not to build government infrastructure in the coastal high
hazard area, at least not at elevations below flood criteria and FEMA requirements.
Summary:
The proposed project will directly impact protected seagrass resources and indirectly impact two endangered
species. As a result of the Endangered Species Act and the Protected Resources Rules, the regulatory process
will he challenging and if permitted, will most probably require mitigation.
The practicality of the site is also a concern. This is a public beach. Do we really want to pour concrete along a
beach? In addition, the distance from the Rickenbacker Causeway to the proposed site along Arthur Lamb Road
(two lane road) is approximately 2-miles. The roadway has many large speed bumps to restrict speeding.
Vehicles and boat trailers would probably have to come to a complete stop to eliminate damaging the boat and
trailer.
As stated, please contact the Miami -Dade Planning Department Interim Director (Subrata Basu) for additional
comments.
In addition. I would recommend that the City's Consultant contact the following regulatory agencies for
comments on the proposed boat ramp: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FDEP, and the DERM Regulatory
Division.
As discussed, DERM has recommended that this area of beach be enhanced to complement the sea turtle nesting
and provide additional public beach. As you are aware, DERM has initiated the enhancement of this portion of
beach. In consultation with NOAA, we would like to propose further enhancement of this area of beach through
the placement of additional sea turtle nesting sands (approximately WO cubic yards), in the very near future.
Please let me know if this would be acceptable with City staff.
To assist the Virginia Key master planning process, I would recommend a field trip with County and City master
planning staff members and County/City administrators, to further discuss planning recommendations for this
portion of beach along Virginia Key.
Should you desire additional information, please feel free to contact me at 305.372.6$5
Regards
Gary Milano
DERfv1
Submitted into the public,
record for item(s) _CA .'ID
on . 2.4.1 . City Clerk
7/14/2008
Page 3 of 3
Submitted into the public
record for item s) CA .5.
on ' 2City Clerk
From: Nunez, Enrique [mailto:ENunezci.miamifl,us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 5:00 PM
To: Milano, Gary (DERM)
Cc: Gelabert-Sanchez, Ana; Biilberry, Laura; Sanchez, Carmen; Valdes, Madeline; Gonzalez, Perla S.; Weinreb,
Robert
Subject: Boat Launching Facility At Virginia Key
Gary: First of all, thank you for providing us with an update and sharing photos of your marsh
restoration work underway. Furthermore, based on our discussion and review of the
conceptual boat launching facility design at Virginia Key, please provide us with your
observations of the proposed boat ramp site (existing conditions, environmental and biological
resources, existing navigation channels) and if you foresee any adverse impacts to the area.
Do you have any bathymetrics of the immediate area or delineation of any ocean bottom.
resources, grasses, etc.? Please provide us with any information you have as soon as
possible so that we may forward it to the team of consultants.
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
Enrique D. Nunez, RLA
Chief of Urban Design
City of Miami Planning Department
(305)416-1419 office
(305)416-2156 fax
7/14/2008