| Project Title: Synthesis of available information for Florida East and West Coasts relevant to evaluating potential environmental impacts associated with offshore sand dredging for beach and coastal restoration | |||||||||
 | Principal Investigator Dr. Amanda W.J. Demopoulos USGS-FISC Gainesville, FL E-mail: amandad@usgs.gov | ||||||||
| Other Key Cooperators/Collaborators: U. S. Minerals Management Service Aletris Neils, USGS Dane Huge, USGS Daniel Gualtieri, Jacobs Technology David Medley, USGS | |||||||||
| Statement of the Problem: Beach nourishment activities have traditionally used sand deposits from the nearshore environment within State waters. However, these deposits are becoming scant in Florida due to resource depletion, or have been judged unsuitable because of pollution and repeated use. In contrast, the Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) contains voluminous sand deposits that are expected to be utilized for beach renourishment and coastal restoration projects. Although previously underutilized due to the economic costs associated with their use, exploitation of these offshore deposits is likely to grow in response to an increased demand for suitable sand. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is responsible for managing the exploration and development of these offshore mineral resources in an environmentally safe manner. | |||||||||
| The MMS has identified an immediate need to compile a synopsis of available literature on existing environmental conditions in Federal waters along the Florida coastline. The USGS comprehensive literature database provides information on the existing physical, biological, and socioeconomic conditions of the Florida marine environment, including potential dredging and sand placement sites, as well as any potential effects the proposed dredging and placement activities might have on these environments. The database is being used to generate a report identifying prominent research and information gaps. As requests for sand leases increase, the report and database will be useful to MMS in assessing environmental effects and making decisions regarding the use of sand resources. Specifically, these products will enable the MMS to make environmentally sound decisions and may help facilitate addressing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements when specific replenishment projects are proposed. Please click on link below to start searching the database. | |||||||||
U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/sand/synstartup.asp
Page Contact Information: Coastal Data Synthesis Inquiry
Page Last Modified: 2/11/2009
