Riverfront Resiliency Stabilization & Saltwater Wetland Mitigation at Northeast Florida Regional Airport

The intent of this project was to remove and recycle a 17.65 acre Dredge/Spoil Island, created by past dredging "spoil" for use to re-establish and stabilize 4,000 of the shoreline (Tolomato River), which also serves as the eastern edge of Runway 13-31 Safety Area. The project was successfully completed on time, within budget, with no deficiencies.

The mitigation of the Spoil Island returned the area to its native condition of nearly 18 acres of salt water tidal marsh with a channel that allows for the improvement of fisheries and wildlife. The channel is navigable at all tides by small watercraft and establishes a hydrological connection to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. This reserve protects 73,352 acres south of the City of Jacksonville (Duval County) in St. Johns County and
Flagler County on the northeast coast of Florida.

The slope of the shoreline was stabilized utilizing an articulating concrete block protection blanket, with wetland plantings placed in the open cells of the concrete blanket. The root base of the plantings will further enhance the stability of the concrete blanket in addition to the beautification of the ‘living shoreline.” To allow the plants to become established while being subject to marine impacts, a biodegradable mat was placed to hold the plantings and topsoil layer in place until the plants can sufficiently root and minimize the need for maintenance.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal of 12% was exceeded, as 20.40% was achieved.

Compliance inspections from the permitting agencies yielded no deficiencies during the life of the project.

Conditions from the passing of Hurricane Irene resulted in sustained winds of 45 mph and tides that exceeded the top elevations of the concrete block mat. No significant damage occurred during this event.

Florida Airports Council Environmental Project of the Year Award 

Airports Council International Environmental Achievement Award, Mitigation Category