The navigational channels and associated basins at MacDill AFB have experienced accretion of sediments from a combination of slow deposition over time and stochastic events such as Tropical Storm Debby in 2012. Maintenance dredging is required to ensure the continued safe passage of Security Forces patrol watercraft of the 6th Security Forces Squadron. The maintenance dredging project is located along 7,420 feet of channel resulting in approximately 25,000 cubic yards of dredged material. IAP Worldwide Services contracted ANAMAR to obtain all the necessary permitting, conduct a wetland delineation and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) survey of the project area, collect and analyze sediment and water samples from the proposed dredging area, and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed action. ANAMAR teamed with Scheda Ecological Associates.
Applications for dredging permits were sent by ANAMAR to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and Tampa Port Authority (TPA) along with a summary of sediment and elutriate analysis results and related documents. In response to a concern by USFWS regarding possible effects to the ESA-listed rufa Red Knot, a Biological Assessment (BA) was completed by ANAMAR for ESA Section 7 consultation. Requests for additional information from resource agencies were responded to as part of the permitting process.
An Environmental Resource Permit was obtained from SWFWMD. The Letter of Permission from USACE and the Standard Work Permit from TPA are expected in early 2016. The EA is expected to be finalized in early 2016. ANAMAR met all project deliverable deadlines, although agency review of documents took longer than anticipated. Additional funds were provided to ANAMAR to cover the cost of the BA, which was not included in the original scope of work.