Ideas from the Tallahassee Workshop

On February 22, 2006, firms offering innovative beach restoration method were invited to a workshop
hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The following appears in the workshop announcement:

"In 1989, the Florida Legislature enacted a law (161.082,F.S.) that allows the Departmeht to encourage the developmehnt of new and innovate methods for dealing with coastal erosion problems along the state's shorelines. The law provides the Department the ability to authorize the construction of pilot projects utilizing alternative erosion control methods, upon receipt of an application from a riparian property owner or governmental entity, and upon consideration of the facts and circumstances surrounding the application. Additional guidance for the regulatory approval of new/innovate shore proection rechnologies is provided in Chapter 62B-41.075, F.A.C.)"

Many of the "new/innovative" technologies presented at the workshop were merely for better ways of dredging (Seadozer; Jetspray; Catch Basin, and presentations on various dredging projects.

Those that did not are summarized here. You can read about the workshop and view all the presentations by visiting http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/workshop.htm.

SANDI TECHNOLOGIES: FLOW AND EROSION CONTROL SYSTEM

This is a concept of large panels of jalousie-like shutters that would open and close as the tide ebbs and flows. Its purpose is to slow the incoming waves. It would be constructed on the seafloor with its upper edge several feet below the water's surface. This is conceptual only; there have been no actual installations.

SEAMENT: SHORELINE SYSTEM SEABOX

Prefabticated concrete sections, modular and easily transportable, designed to create seawalls and groins, plus prefab "seaboxes" filled with dredged material to create breakwaters.

ADVANCED COASTAL TECHNOLOGIES: SUBURFACE DUNE RESTORATION

Two installations, in Vero Beach and Palm Beach, installed about 16 years ago, have proved successful in restoring short sections of dune using sandbags covering an artificial dune of dredged fill material, with additional dredged sand over the top of the bags. This method requires a wide beach for construction of the proper angle of slope.

BEACH RESTORATIONS, INC: SUBMERGED GEOTEXTILE GROIN FIELD

These are sand-filled tubes set perpendicular to the shore. One 1000-foot installation of six tubes at Stump Pass, Florida. The sand-tubes were successful in accreting sand, but proved vulnerable to damage. See more about this installation under "Competing Ideas--Sand tubes."

REEF BALL FOUNDATION: ARTIFICIAL REEFS FOR BEACH AND REEF RESTORATION

These are large perforated concrete balls arranged offshore in patterns designed as breakwaters or artificial reefs. Stated intention: "to increase the time between renourishments."

ECOSHORE INTERNATIONAL: PRESSURE EQUALIZING MODULES (PEMS)

PEMS are perforated pipes driven into the beach at specific locations. They are intended to drain water from the beach, expanding the dry areas. There have been three installations in Denmark.

NUSHORE: TOTAL BEACH MANAGEMENT

This company offers a three-step beach restoration process, and recommends all three steps for greatest success. Step 1: Wave Attenuation Towers--concrete structures placed offshore to slow incoming waves. Step 2: Porous Groynes (high, net-like fences) stretched outward, perpendicular to shore. "Maybe removed during storms." Step 3: Dune fencing to catch and hold windblown sand. Three sites using groynes and fences at Eglin AFB.

Once again ... You can read about the workshop and view all the presentations by visiting http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/workshop.htm.