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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-10 Minutes Access 2, 17Sept2024 HLB 18Sept2024 PostTS8, DRGFall 2023 DRG Port, Waterway, & Beach Commission Meeting September 10, 2025 1912/1942 survey showing multiple inlets along Ft. Fisher Notes/Discussion: Chairman Barbour led introductions. 8/13/25 meeting minutes approved (motion by Chairman Barbour and seconded by Mayor Mills). Beach towns reported minor erosion but no large issues from Hurricane Erin. New Hanover County is responsible for the placement/maintenance of a few No Wake Zones, and the piling/sign at the southern end of the No Wake Zone that runs under the Trask Bridge at WB needs replacing so the County is working to have it replaced. H.R. 4553 has passed the house and contains funding to restore USACE funding for FY26 CSRM projects that had previously been removed, as well as up to $50mil for design/construction of a new USACE dredge. An eye will be kept on it as it moves through the legislative process. Feb 27 Shoreline Mapping Program •Moffat & Nichol processing data and preparing report •Targeting a November PWBC presentation Notes/Discussion: The County permitted Inshore Dredge Material Management Site (IDMMS) showed very little infilling from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025. The borrow area historical infills rate is ~250,000cy to ~300,000cy a year, however this past year there was only a ~25,600cy increase. Data supports the thought that given the current inlet state, the IDMMS is close to capacity. Survey efforts show that there is ~1.37 million cy above -40’ within the County’s authorized footprint. Thanks to Nicole w/ Moffatt & Nichol provided the information before the official report. •Town of Kure Beach upgrading outfalls •Meeting with USACE/Town on Monday for follow up and finalize plan •Schedule will be passed along once available •Preliminary schedule is a precon meeting in mid October with mobilization before mid November Carolina Beach and Kure Beach FY26 Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Looking S from north end of CB Looking N from Kure Beach pier Notes/Discussion: Once Norfolk submits an official schedule, that will be relayed to the project partners and the PWBC. Until then, any dates should be viewed as preliminary. Feb 27 Carolina Beach Inlet Maintenance Dredging •USACE targeting late September-early October for a ~13-day Merritt event •Murden coming out of dry dock but scheduled out through end of the year •Buoys have been reported to be correctly relocated •Thanks to USCG USACE Survey 7/31, 8/5-8/6 Notes/Discussion: Point made that it is great the UCSG was able to relocate the outer buoys. Chairman Barbour stated that he ran the inlet since the buoys had been relocated and they appear in the proper location. Also, there may be a need for more interior markers given the sharp turn within the inlet complex and pinch point. Mason Inlet Relocation Project (MIRP) •Davey Resource Group continue their monitoring efforts •Need to reignite MIPG efforts to begin federal permit renewal discussions •Initial education process will be important GBA MIRP 25 Physical Monitoring Report Notes/Discussion: Figure showing erosion/accretion within Mason Inlet complex from Spring 2024 – Spring 2025. Accretion within the AIWW crossing is the reason the USACE requires the County to abide by permit conditions and have the AIWW crossing dredged. Table showing the Mean High Water contour movement on Figure 8 Island and Wrightsville Beach with and without beneficial reuse. Table is an easy visual to show how beneficial reuse of material used properly is a great asset. Both the figure and table were taken from the GBA 2025 physical monitoring report. Mason Creek AIWW Crossing •8/22 bid opening for USACE FY26 AIWW Maintenance Dredging was successful •USACE requested $1m for Mason Creek option (had $11,297.10 on hand) •Local funds ($250,000) have been transferred to NCDWR on 9/4, NCDWR will transfer total to USACE within 30 days of receiving local funds •CAMA Minor Modification application submitted USACE Bid Plan Notes/Discussion: Independent Government Estimate was ~$11.79 million and the apparent low bidder was Southwind at ~$11.45 million. CAMA permit modification required since using the authorized footprint from County held Mason Inlet Relocation Project permits. USACE has stated that no modification to the federal permit is required. Carolina Beach AIWW Crossing •8/22 bid opening for USACE FY26 AIWW Maintenance Dredging was successful •~200,000cy from AIWW crossing and additional ~75,000cy from Snows Cut •Bid price was ~$3.3mil USACE Bid Plan Notes/Discussion: Placement on Freeman Park. Limits of the placement will be determined by how much material is available. SANDBAR has developed a revolutionary approach to growing oysters, building oyster reefs, and protecting shorelines. 2 months after installation 2 years after installation Notes/Discussion: Thanks to Marae West with SANDBAR Oyster Company for the informative presentation on SANDBAR’s products and their approach to protecting shorelines. Marae’s contact information as well as Neils Lindquist (CEO) and Patrick Amico (Chief Project Manager) can be found on the slide below. She said do not hesitate to reach out to her. Notes/Discussion: Next Meeting: October 8th Public Comment/Open Discussion Public Comment: Notes/Discussion: Chance Lambeth w/ Congressman Rouzer provided an update that it’s great news that H.R. 4553 included funds for a new USACE dredge. Also, much focus in D.C. in the coming weeks will be on surface transportation. David Kellam had a question regarding the rumored language that allows removing USACE easements from spoil islands. It was stated that language was placed in WRDA 2024. Chairman Barbour adjourned meeting. Next meeting on October 8th.