SAJ-2023-02741 (SP-EWG)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The Jacksonville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has received an application for a Department of the Army permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1344) and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. §403). The purpose of this public notice is to solicit comments from the public regarding the work described below:

If you are interested in receiving additional project drawings associated with this public notice, please send an e-mail to the project manager by electronic mail at Edgar.W.Garcia@usace.army.mil

WATERWAY AND LOCATION: Section 10, Township 35 South, Range 16, 2650 Gulf Dr. South, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach; at latitude 27.449935° and longitude -82.693312°; in Anna Maria Island, Manatee County, Florida.

EXISTING CONDITIONS: Coquina Beach is located at the southern end of Anna Maria Island in the Gulf. Originally a series of mangrove islands, the beach was transformed in the 1950s when a causeway was constructed to Longboat Key. At the southern end of Coquina Beach, a structure called the Longboat Pass jetty was built in 1957 to stabilize this part of the island. The jetty, which is approximately 500 feet long, was developed alongside the construction of around twenty short groins in 1959, each about 90 feet long and spaced 250 feet apart, to help control beach erosion. Unfortunately, over time, these structures have fallen into disrepair. Consequently, sand from Coquina Beach moves around or flows over and through the groins, worsening erosion and causing sand to accumulate in Longboat Pass. Although some maintenance has been carried out to benefit the beach, the groins are no longer functioning effectively and present safety risks.

Longboat Pass is a natural inlet located immediately south of the project area, connecting Sarasota Bay to the Gulf. This inlet separates Anna Maria Island from Longboat Key and aids in maintaining tidal exchange between the estuarine waters of the back bay and the Gulf. It also provides access to the Gulf for shallow-draft recreational and commercial vessels.

On the north side of this inlet (the southern terminus of Anna Maria Island), the Longboat Pass jetty was constructed in 1957 to support the bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key. Over the years, the jetty has served as a terminal groin, helping to retain sand along Coquina Beach and control the movement of sand into the inlet. The existing jetty, which consists of a wooden crib and concrete pilings filled with limestone boulders, has deteriorated since its installation, leading to a semi-permeable condition. The seaward end of the crib structure has gradually collapsed, causing the boulders to spread. This deterioration allows water and sand to migrate through the rock structure, contributing to shoaling in the inlet.

Coquina Beach also protects nearby buildings, public recreational areas, and State Road 789, which is the main road along the coast. Additionally, it serves as an evacuation route during major storms or hurricanes.

The beaches along Anna Maria Island, specifically between R-12 and R-36, are periodically nourished as part of the federally authorized Manatee County Shore Protection Project (SPP). This project is a collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and was initially implemented in 1992-1993, resulting in the placement of 2.32 million cubic yards of sand sourced from a borrow area located approximately 2,000 feet offshore of the island, between R-23 and R-35.5.

The project is mapped on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) as M2US2P ((M) Marine; (2) Intertidal; (US) Unconsolidated Shore; (2) Sand; (P) Irregularly Flooded; and  M1UBL ((M) Marine; (1) Subtidal; (UB) Unconsolidated Bottom; (L) Subtidal; which are Section 10 waters.          

PROJECT PURPOSE:  Basic: Removal of groins, construction of breakwaters, Artificial Reef, and snorkel Reef, and rehabilitation of a jetty.

Overall: To provide enhanced shoreline stabilization, improve public safety, mitigate hardbottom impacts, and provide additional recreational benefits in Anna Maria Island Manatee County, Florida. 

PROPOSED WORK:  The proposed Coquina Beach Stabilization Project consists of five (5) main components: 1. Removal of existing beach groins, 2. construction of the Coquina Beach Breakwaters, 3. Longboat Pass Jetty Rehabilitation, 4. FDEP Mitigative Artificial Reef, and 5. Recreational Snorkel Reef.

1. Coquina Beach Breakwaters Removal: This component involves the removal of approximately 12 existing deteriorated groins, which the construction of four offshore breakwaters will replace. Additionally, at the County's discretion during construction, three groins may be removed if exposed, while five groins remain in place. Approximately 9,000 cubic yards of material will be extracted from the existing groins. The removal process will include both above-ground and subsurface components to the greatest extent possible, utilizing excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment. This work is expected to take place both in the water and on the dry beach. After excavation, the areas will be backfilled with existing or native materials and regraded to match the surrounding beach elevations.

2. Coquina Beach Breakwaters: Approximately 16,300 cubic yards of material will be used below Mean Higher High Water (MHHW) at +0.58 feet NAVD88, and 2,400 cubic yards will be used above MHHW for the construction of four (4) new breakwaters. The construction may utilize both water-based and land-based equipment, including barges, for the transport and placement of materials.  The breakwaters will be constructed approximately 181 to 292 feet seaward of the Mean High Water Line (MHWL) as of April 2024. After the completion of the beach nourishment project, they will be located approximately 121 to 135 feet seaward of the MHWL.

Breakwater 1 (BW-1): The shore-parallel length of the groin crest will be approximately 300 feet (91.4 meters), with all slopes constructed at a ratio of 1 vertical to 2 horizontal (1V:2H). The shore-perpendicular length will be about 54 feet (16.5 meters). The southern crest of BW-1 will be spaced approximately 500 feet (152.4 meters) from the northern crest of BW-2. The average size of the armor units will be around 5.5 tons.

Breakwater 2 (BW-2): The shore-parallel length of the groin crest will also be approximately 300 feet (91.4 meters), with slopes constructed at 1V:2H. The shore-perpendicular length will be around 54 feet (16.5 meters). The southern crest of BW-2 will be spaced approximately 450 feet (137.2 meters) from the northern crest of BW-3. The average size of the armor units will be approximately 5.5 tons.

Breakwater 3 (BW-3):  The shore-parallel length of the groin crest will be approximately 200 feet (61.0 meters), with slopes constructed at 1V:2H. The shore-perpendicular length will be about 54 feet (16.5 meters). The southern crest of BW-3 will be spaced approximately 450 feet (137.2 meters) from the northern crest of BW-4. The average size of the armor units will be around 5.5 tons.

Breakwater 4 (BW-4): The shore-parallel length of the groin crest will be approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters), with slopes constructed at 1V:2H. The shore-perpendicular length will be about 42 feet (12.8 meters). The average size of the armor units will be approximately 3.5 tons.

3. Jetty Rehabilitation: The Longboat Pass Jetty Rehabilitation project aims to restore the jetty by removing the existing geotextile tube, reconstructing the damaged seaward end of the jetty to its original dimensions with a rubble mound head, and sand-tightening the remaining landward extension of the jetty using a sheet pile on the updraft (northern) side.  The proposed vinyl sheet piles will be driven using vibratory or impact hammers that are approximately 345 feet (105.2 meters) in length, with the top elevation at 4.5 feet NAVD and the bottom at approximately -12.0 feet NAVD. The reconstruction of the jetty head, which runs perpendicular to the shore, will measure about 165 feet (50.3 meters). All slopes will be constructed at a ratio of 1 vertical to 2 horizontal (1V:2H). The shore-parallel length of the reconstructed head will be approximately 42 feet (12.8 meters), and the average size of the armor units will be around 3.5 tons.

Approximately 1,800 cy of material will be placed below MHHW, and 400 cy of material will be placed above MHHW to rehabilitate the jetty. The contractor will use land-based equipment, such as dump trucks, excavators, and cranes, to remove geotextile and anchor tubes and transport and place rock and marine mattresses. Temporary sheet piles may be placed seaward of the jetty to shield operations, potentially forming a cofferdam to allow dewatering for grading. Displaced material will be reused or disposed of. Final grading will restore design elevations.

4. Artificial Reef: The FDEP Mitigative Artificial Reef is a mitigation requirement by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Hardbottom biological monitoring results documented project impacts beyond those that were previously mitigated through construction of artificial reefs; therefore, additional mitigation is required to offset those impacts. This mitigation is required in association with FDEP Permit No. 0039378-010-JC / DA Permit No. SAJ-2000-03874 and FDEP Permit No. 0298107-009-JN / DA Permit No. SAJ-2014-00606.

A proposed 2-acre (net) limestone boulder mitigation reef will provide 0.62 net acres of mitigation to counterbalance impacts from the nearshore hardbottom associated with the Coquina Beach (0.2 acres) and Central Beach (0.42 acres) projects, in addition to 1.38 net acres of excess mitigation for potential future hardbottom impacts. The reef will be designed to maintain a minimum 100-foot (30.5 meters) buffer from any hardbottom or artificial reefs. The design includes two subareas: a Primary/Preferred area of approximately 3 acres suitable for reef placement and a Secondary Area of about 2.3 acres, available if conditions change at the time of reef deployment.  The proposed mitigation reef will be constructed over a footprint of approximately 3 acres to create a net 2-acre limestone boulder mitigation reef. It will be located offshore of Coquina Beach, positioned between R-36 and R-39, in water depths of -16 to -18 feet (-4.9 to -5.5 meters) NAVD. The reef will consist of a single layer of limestone boulders, each approximately 3 to 5 feet in diameter, with a minimum density of 135 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The boulders will be placed as closely together as practical, typically spaced between 0.5 feet (0.15 meters) and 1.5 feet (0.46 meters), and not exceeding 3 feet (0.91 meters) apart. Once completed, the reef will have a clearance of 12 to 16 feet (3.7 to 4.9 meters) from the top of the reef to mean low water (MLW).

5. Artificial recreational reef: Manatee County plans to construct a nearshore recreational reef adjacent to Coquina Beach, accessible from the shore for swimmers and snorkelers. This snorkel reef will be made up of limestone boulders and ideally constructed with the same materials and methods as the mitigation reef. It will be developed within an approximate 1/2-acre designated area.  The recreational reef will cover an approximate footprint of 1/2 acre to create a snorkeling area. Approximately 400 cy of material will be placed below the MHHW line to construct the reef. Located offshore of Coquina Beach, it will be positioned between R-38 and R-39 in water depths of -6 to -8 feet (-1.8 to -3.0 meters) NAVD. The reef will be entirely within the designated swim area (vessel exclusion area) marked by buoys maintained by Manatee County staff, and will consist of a single layer of 50 to 100 limestone boulders, each about 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) in diameter, with a minimum density of 135 PFC.

AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION: The applicant has provided the following information in support of efforts to avoid and/or minimize impacts to the aquatic environment:  The applicant will adhere to all permit conditions and will implement all Biological Opinion (BO) terms and conditions, as applicable. Construction activities will incorporate the "Standard Manatee Construction Conditions for In-Water Work" and "Sea Turtle and Smalltooth Sawfish Construction Conditions". Water quality monitoring will be conducted per permit requirements.

COMPENSATORY MITIGATION: The applicant has provided the following explanation why compensatory mitigation should not be required:  There is no seagrass within the project vicinity and all hardbottom resources have been previously mitigated, so no additional compensatory mitigation is proposed.

CULTURAL RESOURCES:  The Corps evaluated the undertaking pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) utilizing its existing program-specific regulations and procedures along with 36 CFR Part 800. The Corps’ program-specific procedures include 33 CFR 325, Appendix C, and revised interim guidance issued in 2005 and 2007, respectively. The District Engineer consulted district files and records and the latest published version of the National Register of Historic Places and initially determines that: The proposed undertaking area has been extensively modified by previous construction, and the geographic information system not containing specific historic or archeological resources within the permit review areas, the Corps has determined that the project would have no potential to cause an effect to an historic property.

The District Engineer’s final eligibility and effect determination will be based upon coordination with the SHPO and/or THPO, as appropriate and required, and with full consideration given to the proposed undertaking’s potential direct and indirect effects on historic properties within the Corps-identified permit area.

ENDANGERED SPECIES: The Corps has performed an initial review of the application, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), and the NMFS Critical Habitat Mapper to determine if any threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate species, as well as the proposed and final designated critical habitat may occur in the vicinity of the proposed project.

The Corps made the following determinations pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The Corps has determined the proposed project “May affect, not likely to adversely affect” the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), Piping Plover (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and Smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) (STSF).

The Corps utilized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's revised Statewide Programmatic Biological Opinion (SPBO) dated March 13, 2015, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works and Regulatory sand placement activities in Florida and their effects on the Northwest Atlantic Ocean distinct population segment (NWAO DPS) of loggerhead (Carella caretta) and its designated terrestrial critical habitat; green (Chelonia mydas) , leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea); hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata); and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) ; and the following beach mice: southeastern (Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris); Anastasia Island (Peromyscus polionotus phasma); Choctawhatchee (Peromyscus polionotus allophrys ); St. Andrews (Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis) ; and Perdido Key (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) and their designated critical habitat.  The Corps has determined the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the threatened / endangered sea turtles Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), and Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The Corps determined that the minimization measures, Reasonable and Prudent Measures, and Terms and Conditions in the SPBO are applicable to the project, therefore no further consultation is required.

Piping Plover (Aphelocoma coerulescens): The project area is located within the Piping Plover Consultation Area. According to the 22 May 2013 Programmatic Piping Plover Biological Opinion, Piping Plover habitat includes publicly owned land where coastal processes are allowed to function, mostly unimpeded. It generally does include public lands consisting of parks, preserves, and natural undeveloped shorelines and dunes. Piping Plover wintering habitat includes beaches, mudflats, sandflats, and barrier island beaches and spoils islands (Haig 1992). Piping Plover can be seen on ocean beaches and sand or algal flats in protected bays (Wilkinson and Spinks 1994). The project boundaries are within such habitats. The Applicant agreed that the Corps would include Reasonable and Prudent measures in the P3BO to the project proposal. Therefore, based on the P3BO, the Corps has determined that the proposed project “May affect, not likely to adversely affect” is appropriate, and consistent with the P3BO. No further consultation for the Piping Plover is required.

West Indian (Florida) manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris): The Corps has determined that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Since the proposal by the applicant is for in-water construction, potential impacts to the endangered West Indian manatee were evaluated using The Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, and the State of Florida Effect Determination Key for the Manatee in Florida, April 2013 (Key). Use of this Key resulted in the following sequential determination: A> B> C> G> N> O> P5 may affect, not likely to adversely affect. The proposed project neither involves dredging, nor increases watercraft access to the project site. Furthermore, the applicant elects to adhere to the Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work, 2011. Therefore, according to the key, a may affect but is not likely to adversely affect determination is appropriate. By letter dated 25 April 2013, the FWS stated that for proposed in-water activities analyzed with the April 2013 version of the Manatee Key in which the Corps reaches a may affect, not likely to adversely affect determination with respect to the manatee and/or its designated critical habitat, the FWS concurs with the Corps determination in accordance with 50 CFR 402.14(b)1 and no further consultation with the FWS is required.

The Corps utilized the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Jacksonville District’s Programmatic Biological Opinion (JAXBO), dated November 2017, to analyze the effects from 10 categories of minor in-water activities occurring in Florida and the U.S. Caribbean on sea turtles (loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp's ridley, hawksbill, and green); smalltooth sawfish; Nassau grouper; scalloped hammerhead shark, Johnson's seagrass; sturgeon (Gulf, shortnose, and Atlantic); corals (elkhorn, staghorn, boulder star, mountainous star, lobed star, rough cactus, and pillar); whales (North Atlantic right whale, sei, blue, fin, and sperm); and designated critical habitat for Johnson's seagrass; smalltooth sawfish; sturgeon (Gulf and Atlantic); sea turtles (green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead); North Atlantic right whale; and corals (elkhorn and staghorn) in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.  The Corps has determined the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the threatened/endangered swimming sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys kempii,  Caretta caretta). The Corps has also determined that the project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect, the endangered smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) and Giant manta ray (Manta birostris). The Corps will request concurrence with this determination with NMFS pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act by separate correspondence.

This notice serves as request to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service for any additional information on whether any listed or proposed to be listed endangered or threatened species or critical habitat may be present in the area which would be affected by the proposed activity.

ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT: Pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 1996, the Corps reviewed the project area, examined information provided by the applicant, and consulted available species information.

This notice initiates the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Our initial determination is that the proposed action may adversely affect EFH and/or fisheries managed by Fishery Management Councils and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Implementation of the proposed project would indirectly impact approximately 3.5 acres of sandy bottom. The effects of the project are determined to be minimal and temporary. These habitat(s) are utilized by the following species and their various life stages:

Our final determination relative to project impacts and the need for mitigation measures is subject to review by and coordination with the National Marine Fisheries Service.

NAVIGATION: The proposed structure or activity is not located in the vicinity of a federal navigation channel. Based on the FL State Plane coordinates provided by the applicant, the waterward edge of the proposed structure is 300 feet away from the near bottom edge of the Longboat Pass federal channel.

SECTION 408: The applicant will require permission under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 USC 408) because the activity, in whole or in part,   would alter, occupy, or use a Corps Civil Works project.

WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION: Water Quality Certification may be required from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT CONSISTENCY: Coastal Zone Consistency Concurrence may be required from FDEP. In Florida, the State approval constitutes compliance with the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan.

NOTE:  This public notice is being issued based on information furnished by the applicant. This information has not been verified or evaluated to ensure compliance with laws and regulation governing the regulatory program. The geographic extent of aquatic resources within the proposed project area that either are, or are presumed to be, within the Corps jurisdiction has not been verified by Corps personnel.

EVALUATION: The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits, which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal, must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered including cumulative impacts thereof; among these are conservation, economics, esthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, historical properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food, and fiber production, mineral needs, considerations of property ownership, and in general, the needs and welfare of the people. Evaluation of the impact of the activity on the public interest will also include application of the guidelines promulgated by the Administrator, EPA, under authority of Section 404(b) of the Clean Water Act or the criteria established under authority of Section 102(a) of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. A permit will be granted unless its issuance is found to be contrary to the public interest.

COMMENTS: The Corps is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, State, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other Interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps to determine whether to issue, modify, condition, or deny a permit for this proposal. To make this determination, comments are used to assess impacts to endangered species, historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects, and the other public interest factors listed above. Comments are used in the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and/or an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Comments are also used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed activity.

The Jacksonville District will receive written comments on the proposed work, as outlined above, until April 22, 2025. Comments should be submitted electronically to Edgar W. Garcia at Edgar.W.Garcia@usace.army.mil, or via the Regulatory Request System (RRS) at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs or Alternatively, you may submit comments in writing to the Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, Attention:  Edgar W. Garcia, 10117 Princess Palm Avenue, Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33610-8302.  Please refer to the permit application number in your comments.

Any person may request, in writing, within the comment period specified in this notice, that a public hearing be held to consider the application. Requests for public hearings shall state, with particularity, the reasons for holding a public hearing. Requests for a public hearing will be granted, unless the District Engineer determines that the issues raised are insubstantial or there is otherwise no valid interest to be served by a hearing.

CLIK HERE for Public Notice and Graphics:  /Portals/44/docs/regulatory/Public Notices/2025 03 March/West/20250401-SAJ-2023-02741-MANATEE-0422-EWG.pdf?ver=ypjU1MqbHXxivAOf6ta0sw%3d%3d