HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008-35 Agreement with CSA International, IncRESOLUTION NO. 2008-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA, APPROVING
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN
CSA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND THE VILLAGE OF KEY
BISCAYNE CONCERNING SEAGRASS RESTORATION AND
MITIGATION SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the Village Council of the Village of Key Biscayne desires to retain the services
of CSA International, Inc. ("CSA") to perform seagrass restoration and mitigation services in
accordance with that certain plan entitled "Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation Plan: Village of Key
Biscayne" and dated July 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council finds, upon advice from the Village Attorney, that the
Village Council is authorized to waive competitive bidding for the proposed work pursuant to
Section 2-85 of the Village Code, upon the Village Council hereby finding that it is impractical to
apply competitive bidding procedures in light of the need to expeditiously proceed with the work;
and
WHEREAS, the Village Council finds that the attached approval of the Agreement for
Professional Services between CSA and the Village (the "Agreement") is in the best interest of the
Village.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE
OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals Adopted. That each of the recitals stated above is hereby adopted
and confirmed.
Section 2. Authorization. That the Agreement is hereby approved and the Village
Manager is authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the Village, once approved by the
Village Attorney as to form and legal sufficiency.
Section 3. Implementation. That the Village Manager is hereby authorized to take any
necessary action to implement the purposes of this resolution and the Agreement.
Section 4. Effective Date. That this Resolution shall be effective immediately upon
adoption hereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of July, 2008.
AT
4
Yea"'
CHITA H. ALVAREZ, CMC, VILLAGE CLERK
APPROVED AS T C FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
n
VILLAGE AT ORN ' Y
MAYOR ROBERT L. VERNON
C:\OFFICE\WPWIN\RESO\2408` esolution Approving CSA Intl - Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation.rtf
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE
AND
CSA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made effective as of the 11 day of
, 2008 (the "Effective Date"), by and between the VILLAGE OF KEY
BISCAYNE, FLORIDA, a Florida municipal corporation (hereinafter the "Village"), and CSA
INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Florida corporation (hereinafter the "Consultant").
WHEREAS, the Consultant and Village, through mutual negotiation, have agreed upon a
scope of services, schedule, and fee for certain seagrass restoration services within the Biscayne
Bay Aquatic Preserve (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the Village desires to engage the Consultant to perform the services and
provide the deliverables as specified below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions
contained herein, the Consultant and the Village agree as follows:
1. Scope of Services.
1.1. The Consultant shall furnish such professional services and provide
deliverables (the "Services") as described in the Seagrass Restoration and
Mitigation Plan attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A"
(the "Plan") and the proposal attached hereto and made a part hereof as
Exhibit "B" (the "Proposal").
2. Term/Commencement Date.
2.1 This Agreement shall become effective upon the Effective Date and shall
remain in effect until Consultant completes the Services described herein,
which Services are scheduled to be complete on October 15, 2008, unless
earlier terminated in accordance with Paragraph 8.
2.2 Consultant agrees that time is of the essence and Consultant shall
complete the Services within the timeframes set forth in the Plan and the
Proposal, unless extended by the Village Manager.
3. Compensation and Payment.
3.1 Compensation for Services provided by Consultant shall be in accordance
with the following fee schedule:
1
Task 1— Seagrass Donor Site Survey
Task 2 — Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation
Task 3 — Offshore Site Restoration
Task 4 — Baseline (Time Zero) Monitoring Survey
$31,192
$450,130
$34,503
$37,504
3.2 Consultant shall deliver an invoice to Village no more often than once per
month detailing Services completed and the amount due to Consultant under
this Agreement. Fees shall be paid in arrears each month, pursuant to
Consultant's invoice, which shall be based upon the percentage of work
completed for each task invoiced. The Village shall pay the Consultant in
accordance with the Florida Prompt Payment Act after approval and
acceptance of the Services by the Village Manager.
4. Subconsultants.
4.1 The Consultant shall be responsible for all payments to any subconsultants
and shall maintain responsibility for all work related to the Project.
4.2 Consultant may only utilize the services of a particular subconsultant with
the prior written approval of the Village Manager, which approval may be
granted or withheld in Village Manager's sole discretion.
5 Village's Responsibilities
5.1 Village shall make available any maps, plans, existing studies, reports and
other data pertinent to the Services and in possession of the Village.
5.2 Upon Consultant's request, Village shall reasonably cooperate in
arranging for access to any real property as required for Consultant to
perform the Services.
6. Consultant's Responsibilities
6.1 The Consultant shall exercise the same degree of care, skill and diligence
in the performance of the Services for the Project as is ordinarily provided
by a consultant under similar circumstances. If at any time during the
term of this Agreement or within two (2) years from the completion of the
Project, it is determined that the Consultant's deliverables or services are
incorrect, not properly rendered, defective, or fail to conform to the
Services for the Project, upon written notification from the Village
Manager, the Consultant shall at Consultant's sole expense, immediately
correct the work.
6.2 The Consultant hereby warrants and represents that at all times during the
term of this Agreement it shall maintain in good standing all required
licenses, certifications and permits required under Federal, State and local
2
laws applicable to and necessary to perform the Services for Village as an
independent contractor of the Village.
7 Conflict of Interest.
7.1 To avoid any conflict of interest or any appearance thereof, Consultant
shall not, for the term of this Agreement, provide any consulting services
to any private sector entities (developers, corporations, real estate
investors, etc.), with any adversarial issues in the Village. For the
purposes of this section "adversarial" shall mean any development
application where staff is recommending denial or denied an application,
or an administrative appeal or court action wherein the Village is a party.
8. Termination.
8.1 The Village Manager, without cause, may terminate this Agreement upon
thirty (30) days written notice to the Consultant. The Village Manager,
with cause, may terminate this Agreement upon Consultant's failure to
cure such cause within thirty (30) days after written notice was received.
8.2 Upon receipt of the Village's written notice of termination, Consultant
shall immediately stop work on the Project unless directed otherwise by
the Village Manager.
8.3 In the event of termination by the Village, the Consultant shall be paid for
all work accepted by the Village Manager up to the date of termination,
provided that the Consultant has first complied with the provisions of
Paragraph 8.4.
8.4 The Consultant shall transfer all books, records, reports, working drafts,
documents, maps, and data pertaining to the Services and the Project to the
Village, in a hard copy and electronic format within fourteen (14) days
from the date of the written notice of termination or the date of expiration
of this Agreement.
9. Insurance.
9.1 Consultant shall secure and maintain throughout the duration of this
Agreement, insurance of such type and in such amounts necessary to
protect its interest and the interest of the Village against hazards or risks of
loss as specified below. The underwriter of such insurance shall be
qualified to do business in Florida, be rated AB or better, and have agents
upon whom service of process may be made in the State of Florida. The
insurance coverage shall be primary insurance with respect to the Village,
its officials, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance maintained
by the Village shall be in excess of the Consultant's insurance and shall
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not contribute to the Consultant's insurance. The insurance coverages
shall include a minimum of the amounts set forth in this Section 9.
9.2 Worker's Compensation and Employer's Liability Insurance.
Coverage to apply for all employees for statutory limits as required by
applicable State and Federal laws. The policy(ies) must include
Employer's Liability with minimum limits of $500,000.00 each accident.
9.3 Comprehensive Automobile and Vehicle Liability Insurance. This
insurance shall be written in comprehensive form and shall protect the
Consultant and the Village against claims for injuries to members of the
public and/or damages to property of others arising from the Consultant's
use of motor vehicles or any other equipment and shall cover operation
with respect to onsite and offsite operations and insurance coverage shall
extend to any motor vehicles or other equipment irrespective of whether
the same is owned, non -owned, or hired. The limit of liability shall not be
less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, combined single limit for Bodily
Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. Coverage must be
afforded on a form no more restrictive that the latest edition of the
Business Automobile Liability Policy, without restrictive endorsement, as
filed by the Insurance Services Office.
9.4 Commercial General Liability. This insurance shall be written in
comprehensive form and shall protect the Consultant and the Village
against claims arising from injuries to members of the public or damage to
property of others arising out of any act or omission to act of the
Consultant or any of its agents, employees, or subcontractors. The limit of
liability shall not be less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence, combined
single limit for Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability.
Coverage must be afforded on a form no more restrictive than the latest
edition of the Commercial General Liability Policy, without restrictive
endorsements, as filed by the Insurance Services Office, and must include:
(1) Premises and/or Operations; (2) Independent contractors and Products
and/or completed Operations; (3) Broad Form Property Damage, Personal
Injury and a Contractual Liability Endorsement, including any hold
harmless and/or indemnification agreement.
9.5 Certificate of Insurance. Consultant shall provide the Village Manager
with Certificates of Insurance for all required policies. The Certificates of
Insurance shall not only name the types of policy(ies) provided, but also
shall refer specifically to this Agreement and shall state that such
insurance is as required by this Agreement. The Village reserves the right
to require the Consultant to provide a certified copy of such policies, upon
written request by the Village. If a policy is due to expire prior to the
completion of the Services, renewal Certificates of Insurance or policies
shall be furnished thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of their policy
expiration. Each policy certificate shall be endorsed with a provision that
not less than thirty (30) calendar days' written notice shall be provided to
the Village before any policy or coverage is cancelled or restricted.
Acceptance of the Certificate(s) is subject to approval of the Village
Manager.
9.6 Additional Insured. The Village is to be specifically included as an
Additional Insured for the liability of the Village resulting from operations
performed by or on behalf of Consultant in performance of this
Agreement. Consultant's insurance, including that applicable to the
Village as an Additional Insured, shall apply on a primary basis and any
other insurance maintained by the Village shall be in excess of and shall
not contribute to Consultant's insurance. Consultant's insurance shall
contain a severability of interest provision providing that, except with
respect to the total limits of liability, the insurance shall apply to each
Insured or Additional Insured in the same manner as if separate policies
had been issued to each.
9.7 Deductibles. All deductibles or self -insured retentions must be declared
to and be approved by the Village Manager. The Consultant shall be
responsible for the payment of any deductible or self -insured retentions in
the event of any claim.
10. Nondiscrimination.
10.1 During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall not discriminate
against any of its employees or applicants for employment because of their
race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and to abide by all Federal and
State laws regarding nondiscrimination
11. Attorneys Fees and Waiver of Jury Trial.
In the event of any litigation arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing
party shall be entitled to recover its attorneys' fees and costs, including the
fees and expenses of any paralegals, law clerks and legal assistants, and
including fees and expenses charged for representation at both the trial and
appellate levels.
11.2 In the event of any litigation arising out of this Agreement, each party
hereby knowingly, irrevocably, voluntarily and intentionally waives its
right to trial by jury.
12. Indemnification.
12.1 Consultant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Village, its
officers, agents and employees, from and against any and all demands,
5
claims, losses, suits, liabilities, causes of action, judgment or damages,
arising out of, related to, or any way connected with Consultant's
performance or non-performance of any provision of this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, liabilities arising from contracts between the
Consultant and third parties made pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant
shall reimburse the Village for all its expenses including reasonable
attorneys fees and costs incurred in and about the defense of any such
claim or investigation and for any judgment or damages arising out of,
related to, or in any way connected with Consultant's performance or non-
performance of this Agreement.
12.2 The provisions of this section shall survive termination of this Agreement.
13. Notices/Authorized Representatives.
13.1 Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been properly given if transmitted by hand -delivery, by
registered or certified mail with postage prepaid return receipt requested,
or by a private postal service, addressed to the parties (or their successors)
at the following addresses:
For the Village:
Genaro " Chip" Inglesias
Village Manager
Village of Key Biscayne
88 West McIntyre Street
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
With a copy to: Stephen J. Helfman, Esq.
Village Attorney
Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Cole & Boniske, P.L.
2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
For The Consultant: Anne McCarthy
CSA International, Inc.
8502 S.W. Kansas Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34997
14. Governing Law.
14.1 This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by
the laws of the State of Florida. Venue for any litigation arising out of this
Agreement shall be proper exclusively in Miami -Dade County, Florida.
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15. Entire Agreement/Modification/Amendment.
15.1 This writing contains the entire Agreement of the parties and supercedes
any prior oral or written representations. No representations were made or
relied upon by either party, other than those that are expressly set forth
herein.
15.2 No agent, employee, or other representative of either party is empowered
to modify or amend the terms of this Agreement, unless executed with the
same formality as this document.
15.3 Consultant represents that is an entity validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of Florida. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by Consultant have been duly authorized,
and this Agreement is binding on Consultant and enforceable against
Consultant in accordance with its terms. No consent of any other person
or entity to such execution, delivery and performance is required.
16. Ownership and Access to Records and Audits.
16.1 Consultant acknowledges that all inventions, innovations, improvements,
developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports and all
similar or related information (whether patentable or not) which relate to
Services to the Village which are conceived, developed or made by
Consultant during the term of this Agreement ("Work Product") belong to
the Village. Consultant shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the
Village and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Village
(whether during or after the term of this Agreement) to establish and
confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments,
powers of attorney and other instruments).
16.2 All records, books, documents, maps, data, deliverables, papers and
financial information (the "Records") that result from the Consultant
providing the Services to the Village under this Agreement shall be the
property of the Village.
16.3 The Village Manager or his designee shall, during the term of this
Agreement and for a period of three (3) years from the date of termination
of this Agreement, have access to and the right to examine and audit any
Records of the Consultant involving transactions related to this
Agreement.
16.4 The Village may cancel and terminate this Agreement immediately for
refusal by the Consultant to allow access by the Village Manager or his
designee to any Records pertaining to work performed under this
7
Agreement that are subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida
Statutes.
17. Nonassignability.
17.1 This Agreement shall not be assignable by Consultant unless such
assignment is first approved by the Village Manager. The Village is
relying upon the apparent qualifications and expertise of the Consultant,
and such firm's familiarity with the Village's area, circumstances and
desires.
18. Severability.
18.1 If any term or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be held
invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby, and each remaining term and provision of this
Agreement shall be valid and be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted
by law.
19. Independent Contractor.
19.1 The Consultant and its employees, volunteers and agents shall be and
remain an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the
Village with respect to all of the acts and services performed by and under
the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not in any way be
construed to create a partnership, association or any other kind of joint
undertaking, enterprise or venture between the parties.
20. Compliance with Laws.
20.1 The Consultant shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules,
regulations, and lawful orders of public authorities in carrying out
Services under this Agreement, and in particular shall obtain all permits
from all jurisdictional agencies to perform the Services under this
Agreement.
21. Waiver
21.1 The failure of either party to this Agreement to object to or to take
affirmative action with respect to any conduct of the other which is in
violation of the terms of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver
of the violation or breach, or of any future violation, breach or wrongful
conduct.
8
22. Survival of Provisions
22.1 Any terms or conditions of either this Agreement that require acts beyond
the date of the term of the Agreement, shall survive termination of the
Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect unless and until the terms
or conditions are completed and shall be fully enforceable by either party.
23. Prohibition of Contingency Fees.
23.1 The Consultant warrants that it has not employed or retained any company
or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the
Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement, and that it has not paid or
agreed to pay any person(s), company, corporation, individual or firm,
other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Consultant, any
fee, commission, percentage, gift, or any other consideration, contingent
upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement.
24. Public Entity Crimes Affidavit
24.1 Consultant shall comply with Section 287.133, Florida Statutes (Public
Entity Crimes Statute), notification of which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference, including execution of any required affidavit.
25. Counterparts
25.1 This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and such counterparts shall constitute one and
the same instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and date
first above written.
VILLAGE:
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE
By:
Genaro "Chip " Inglesias illage
A
CONSULTANT:
CSA INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Florida
corporation
By•
nager Name:
Title:
lo
onchita Alvarez, Village Clerk
Approved as to Fo . nd Legal Sufficiency:
age Attorne
10
EXHIBIT "A"
Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation Plan:
Village of Key Biscayne
July 2008
Submitted to:
COASTAL
Submitted by:
SYSTEMS
Ilse %%%%%mew,
Ms Penny Cutt
Environmental/Permitting Regional Manager
Coastal Systems International, Inc
2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 101
West Palm Beach Florida 3341 1
CBA
CSA International, Inc
8502 SW Kansas Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34997
Telephone 772-219 3000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 PROPOSED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES 2
2.1 SURVEY METHODS 2
2.2 RECOMMENDED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES 2
3.0 RESTORATION METHODS 10
3.1 SEAGRASS TRANSPLANTATION 10
3.1.1 Seagrass Donor Sites 11
3.1.2 Seagrass Harvesting and Transplanting 11
3.2 FERTILIZER USE 11
3.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 12
3.4 INSTALLATION OF MANATEE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
SIGNS 12
4.0 RECOMMENDED MONITORING 14
5.0 PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE 15
6.0 LITERATURE CITED 16
APPENDICES 17
APPENDIX A: RECOMMENDED RESTORATION ACTIONS WITHIN
PROPOSED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES IN AREAS A, B, C,
AND D A-1
APPENDIX B: BRAUN-BLANQUET SCORES AND PERCENT COVER
CONVERSIONS FOR AREAS A, B, C, AND D B-1
ii
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Summary of recommended restoration actions for proposed off -site
mitigation sites in Areas A, B, C, and D 10
2 Braun-Blanquet community composition and percent cover scale values 14
3 Proposed mitigation schedule 15
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 General site locations for seagrass mitigation project 3
2 Area A mitigation sites 5
3 Area B northern bank mitigation sites 6
4 Area B southern bank mitigation sites 7
5 Area C mitigation sites 8
6 Area D mitigation sites 9
LIST OF PHOTOS
Photo Page
1 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission -approved manatee
awareness sign 13
2 Restoration -in -progress sign 13
iii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Beach nourishment projects have been conducted on Key Biscayne Beaches since 1987.
Permitted and un-permitted impacts to seagrass communities have occurred as a result of these
projects. In June 2000, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Permit No.
0160846-001-JC regarding additional nourishment authorized impacts to seagrass communities
within a pipeline corridor and called for 0.28 acres of mitigation to offset those impacts. To date,
the mitigation has not been completed. In February 2008, the FDEP issued Permit Modification
No. 0160846 -010 -EM for the construction of a dune restoration project and increased the
acreage of required seagrass mitigation under Permit No. 0160846-001-JC from 0.28 acres to
1.26 acres due to the delay in implementation. Additionally, special permit conditions also were
added to the Permit Modification that stipulate timelines and other requirements to ensure the
mitigation is conducted in a timely manner.
Prior to the February 2008 increase in required seagrass mitigation, Coastal Systems
International, Inc. (CSI) developed a Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation Plan (revised
6 December 2007) proposing an off -site mitigation location and restoration methods for both
on -site and off -site locations. As a result of the increase in mitigation requirements, additional
off -site areas for mitigation needed to be located and proposed and the mitigation plan required
updating and revision.
This updated mitigation plan will address proposed sites, methods and scheduling for
implementing the full 1.26 acres of off -site seagrass mitigation per FDEP Permit Modification
No. 0160846 -010 -EM, and an additional 0.07 acres of off -site mitigation recommended in lieu of
on -site mitigation within the pipeline corridor. Based on recent surveys completed by CSI in
January 2008 and CSA International, Inc. (CSA) in June 2008, it is recommended that the
on -site impacts within the offshore pipeline corridor be left to recover naturally. Although the
scars remain visible in certain areas, the sediment gradation between the scars (0 to 10 cm [0 to
4.0 in.] [avg. 2.5 cm (1.0 in.)] based on CSI's January 2008 survey) and surrounding seabed is
less than the >_ 20 cm (7.8 in.) gradation guideline recommended for filling based on standard
methodologies and guidelines developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and FDEP as presented in the "Final Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement for Seagrass Restoration in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary"
(hereinafter referred to as the FPEIS) (NOAA and FDEP, 2004). Additionally, natural recovery
is occurring, as evidenced by the in -growth of seagrass runners into barren areas of the scars.
Sediment placement and/or disturbance within this area could potentially reduce the natural
recovery process currently happening. This offshore area is a high-energy coastal environment
with distinct environmental characteristics. Sand movement and wave action are common and
could contribute to the shifting of any placed sediment and/or seagrass transplants, causing
further secondary damage.
All recommended approaches and procedures within this updated mitigation plan are structured
to meet FDEP permit requirements and conform to guidelines and methodologies in the FPEIS.
Consultation has been sought from the appropriate resource managers within Biscayne Bay
Aquatic Preserve and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) for additional
guidance relating to procedures, authorization, donor bed selection, and other relevant details.
1
2.0 PROPOSED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES
Using aerial photographs, CSI initially identified approximately 0.33 acres of seagrass impacts
on the northwestern portion of Key Biscayne as a potential area for the implementation of
off -site mitigation efforts. In response to the increase in required mitigation, another desktop
analysis was performed by CSA through a subcontract to CSI in order to locate more areas
within Miami -Dade County and in close proximity to Key Biscayne that were suitable based on
the likelihood of success and current viability for mitigation. An additional 1.722 acres of
seagrass were identified using 2006 digital geo-rectified aerial photographs flown by the South
Florida Water Management District and obtained through the National Park Service. To verify
the viability of the sites for mitigation, a ground truth survey was recommended to eliminate
impacts that may have recovered and locate recent impacts (post -2006 aerials) for inclusion into
the revised mitigation plan. Figure 1 shows the following four general areas targeted for the
surveys:
• Area A — South of Biscayne National Park (BNP) boundary within Miami -Dade County,
the FKNMS, and the Card Sound portion of Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve (BBAP);
• Area B — North of BNP boundary within Miami -Dade County, southwest of Key Biscayne,
and within BBAP;
• Area C — Northwest side of Key Biscayne, south of the Rickenbacker Causeway and
Crandon Marina within BBAP; and
• Area D — West side of Key Biscayne within BBAP.
2.1 SURVEY METHODS
From 4 to 10 June 2008, CSA performed ground truthing surveys of the four areas, mapped
seagrass impacts ("sites") currently suitable for off -site mitigation, and visited the on -site
mitigation site ("pipeline scar") to assess existing conditions. A combination of methods was
used to locate, document, and map the seagrass impacts, including direct measurements of
depths and widths and a telemetric buoy system interfaced with Hypack navigational software.
Each site was visually assessed by an on -site biologist and, according to depth and width
measurements, assigned proposed restoration action(s) that would help facilitate long-term
recovery. Several restoration options were considered, including seagrass transplants, bird
stakes, fertilizer spikes, sediment fill, and sediment tubes, as outlined in the FPEIS. Digital
video and photographs were collected of impacts and surrounding unimpacted areas;
community composition and percent cover data for seagrass were collected within each area
proposed for mitigation using a modified Braun-Blanquet technique (Fourqurean et al., 2001).
Seagrass scars and blowholes exhibiting recoveries such that restoration actions would not be
justifiable were not mapped.
2.2 RECOMMENDED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES
In total, 236 sites within Areas A, B, C, and D covering an area of 1.642 acres were mapped
during CSA's June 2008 survey. Only those seagrass impact sites presently viable for
restoration were mapped. The on -site impacts within the offshore pipeline corridor were not
mapped as they had been recently assessed by CSI in February 2008; both CSA and CSI
recommend conducting additional off -site mitigation to offset these impacts.
2
Figure 1. General site locations for seagrass mitigation project.
3
After careful review of each site and the recommended restoration options as well as
consideration of the geographic location of the areas, the current condition, and timeline of the
project, it is recommended that 192 of the 235 sites (approximately 1.338 acres) be restored as
off -site mitigation (see Appendix A) to comply with FDEP requirements, meet the 1.26 -acre
mitigation requirement, and provide an additional 0.07 acres of off -site mitigation as
compensation for the on -site offshore pipeline impacts. The proposed restoration actions
include seagrass planting at 75 sites (0.7 acres) (52% of the total area) and installation of bird
stakes at each proposed site using standard restoration techniques. Figures 2 through 6
present the specific locations within Areas A, B, C, and D proposed for off -site mitigation. The
recommended sites were chosen based on the following general criteria:
• Located in Miami -Dade County and outside BNP;
• Located on banks marked with navigational aids within established managed areas
(BBAP and/or FKNMS) with a likelihood of success;
• Present condition does not exhibit significant signs of natural recovery;
• Recommended for seagrass transplanting and bird staking, which only can be
completed within the FDEP deadline; and
• Would benefit from restoration actions to stabilize sediments and/or encourage
re -growth of seagrass.
Within each proposed off -site mitigation area (Areas A, B, C, and D), Thalassia testudinum
(turtle grass) was the dominant seagrass species, with average coverage ranging from 26% to
52%. Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) and shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) were found in
Areas B, C, and D ranging from 1% to 5% cover, but were not observed in Area A (see
Braun-Blanquet data in Appendix B). Water depths in the areas were shallow and ranged from
0 m (0 ft) (emergent) at Mean Low Low Water to approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) at Mean High Water.
4
(7'
Figure 2. Area A mitigation sites.
O)
Figure 3. Area B northern bank mitigation sites.
v
Figure 4. Area B southern bank mitigation sites.
OD
Figure 5. Area C mitigation sites.
CO
Figure 6. Area D mitigation sites.
3.0 RESTORATION METHODS
The proposed methods discussed in this restoration and mitigation plan were developed using
the FPEIS guidelines and methodologies for seagrass restoration and mitigation efforts. Final
recommendations for each site are based on field observations and processed (post -survey)
spatial data confirming width, depth, and area of each site. A greater acreage of seagrass
impacts was mapped (1.642 acres) than necessary for mitigation to fulfill the mitigation
requirements (1.26 off -site and 0.07 on -site). Therefore, certain sites within the four areas were
eliminated from consideration, as discussed in Section 2.2.
A summary of the recommended restoration for each area is provided in Table 1. Of the
192 sites (1.338 acres) proposed for mitigation, no sites are recommended for filling, 75 sites
(0.7 acres) are recommended for seagrass transplanting and bird staking, and 117 sites
(0.638 acres) are recommended for bird staking only. Bird staking and seagrass transplantation
will be the primary restoration methods used at the selected mitigation sites; sediment fill is not
recommended due to the time lag (60 days per the FPEIS) between filling activities and
seagrass transplantation activities. According to the FPEIS and FKNMS restoration planning
guidance, approximately 60 days are needed after filling occurs to allow the sediment to settle
before any other restoration action (e.g., staking or planting) is taken. If sites that require fill and
planting were recommended, this would delay planting until peak hurricane season, which the
FPEIS recommends against. Additionally, FDEP Permit No. 0160846-001-JC requires planting
be done prior to 31 August 2008, and planting of fill sites would extend the project well beyond
this deadline.
Table 1. Summary of recommended restoration actions for proposed off -site mitigation sites in
Areas A, B, C, and D.
Restoration
Area
Total
Restoration Action
Transp ant and Bird Stake
Bird Stake Only
Number
of Sites
Area
(m2)
Acre
Number
of Sites
Area
(m2)
Acre
Number
of Sites
Area
(m2)
Acre
Area A
55
1,820.86
0.450
14
457.88
0.113
41
1,362.99
0.337
Area B
86
2,388.37
0.590
34
1,590.47
0.393
52
797.99
0.197
Area C
1
59.56
0.015
1
59.56
0.015
0
0.00
0.000
Area D
50
1,145.71
0.283
26
724.38
0.179
24
421.34
0.104
Total
192
5,354.94
1.338
75
2,832.29
0.700
117
2,582.32
0.638
3.1 SEAGRASS TRANSPLANTATION
Injury sites in low to moderate energy environments that have minimal change in grade with the
surrounding areas were selected for seagrass transplanting due to a higher probability of
transplant success from a lack of high water velocities (NOAA and FDEP, 2004). Planting
seagrass in injured areas is proven to be successful in the stabilization of sediment, thereby
promoting seagrass recovery by reducing injury recovery time (Fonseca et al., 1998).
Faster -growing opportunistic seagrass species such as H. wrightii can serve as temporary
substitutes for slower -growing climax species such as T. testudinum during the initial phase of
transplantation selection. Up to approximately 4,000 planting units (PUs) of H. wrightii are
anticipated to be harvested and transplanted within the 75 proposed sites, for a total area of
10
0.7 acres (equal to 52% of the total mitigation area [1.338 acres]). This estimate is based on a
general assumption of 1.5 PUs/m2 (1.5 PUs/10.8 ft2) although site conditions and sporadic
in -growth within the injury sites will dictate the final number of PUs required per site.
3.1.1 Seagrass Donor Sites
H. wrightii transplants will be selectively taken from healthy seagrass "donor" communities/sites
to be determined following discussions and/or field site visits with key personnel from the FDEP
and FKNMS. All donor sites will be approved by the appropriate agencies prior to plan
implementation. Donor sites located near the impact sites are recommended in order to
minimize differences in environmental conditions, genetic populations, and/or resiliency and
changes between the resident seagrass and the transplanted seagrass, thereby increasing the
chance of successful coalescence.
3.1.2 Seagrass Harvesting and Transplanting
Seagrass transplants will be collected from donor sites in accordance with all regulating permits
and in a manner that ensures the donor bed is not degraded as a result of harvesting. Since
H. wrightii is considered a fast growing species, no adverse effects to the donor sites are
expected. PUs of H. wrightii will be collected at a rate of one plug/m2 (one plug/10.8 ft2) of
healthy donor material using a 15 -cm (6 -in.) diameter polyethylene core (Fonseca et al., 1998).
Using this method, transplant harvesting will entail the collection of numerous small planting
units, which decreases the time required for the bed to naturally replenish itself without any
additional mitigation techniques. Using this method, it is anticipated that each PU will contain
stems from several individual plants and the associated sediment. Removed PUs immediately
will be placed in containers to minimize washout during transport to the restoration site. PUs
will be stored in containers in situ until enough material has been collected for the day. The
containers and PUs will be placed in a survey vessel for transport to the mitigation area, with a
maximum holding down of approximately 30 minutes out of the water. The containers and PUs
will be placed in situ adjacent to the injury sites and transported to each area by a shallow -draft
pontoon vessel traveling along a predetermined tract with appropriate depths to allow ingress
and egress of the vessel without threatening restoration activities or causing additional impact to
designated restoration sites.
Seagrass PUs will be transplanted manually by snorkelers using buoyancy control vests and/or
snow shoes to minimize disturbance of the below -ground rhizomes and roots and physical
contact with the restoration site and the surrounding area. Following the general guidelines in
the FPEIS, prop scars less than 2 m (6.5 ft) wide will be planted with a single row of PUs down
the center of the scar at distances of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m (1.6, 3.3, and 4.9 ft) between rows of
bird stakes (see Section 3.2.1 for a description of bird stake placement). For scars and
blowhole (non -fill) features greater than 2 m (6.5 ft) wide, subsequent rows of bird stakes and
PUs will be placed approximately 2 m (6.5 ft) apart, depending on the width of the shortest axis.
A divot or hole will be made for insertion of a seagrass plug using a hand trowel, post hole
digger, or corer; any sediment removed during the process will be placed around the seagrass
plug to help secure it.
3.2 FERTILIZER USE
The ability of seagrasses to recolonize is more difficult in nutrient -limited areas due to the
disturbance of the sediment nutrient reservoir by vessel injuries. Fourqurean et al. (1992)
suggested that the use of slow -release supplemental nutrients stimulates the growth and
11
reproduction of seagrasses as well as the nutrient content of their tissue. Fertilizers can be
used to augment seagrass transplantation or as a stand-alone activity to aid in the natural
recolonization of an injury.
Two methods of fertilization were considered for restoration activities: natural fertilization using
bird stakes and commercial fertilizer spikes. The use of chemical fertilizer spikes is
recommended to enhance seagrass colonization at impacted locations where water depths are
greater than 1.5 m (4.9 ft) (NOAA and FDEP, 2004). Natural fertilization using bird stakes was
selected as the preferred method since none of the sites proposed for restoration are located in
water depths greater than 1.5 m (4.9 ft).
Many successful seagrass mitigation projects in BNP and FKNMS have benefited from a natural
fertilization method that utilizes the repeated deposition of bird feces from birds roosting on
stakes ("bird stakes"). Bird staking has been documented to be an effective treatment to
encourage re -growth of seagrasses in impacted areas and/or faster growth of seagrass
transplants (Fourqurean et al., 1995; Kenworthy et al., 2000) by ensuring a regular release of
fertilizer below each stake over an area of approximately 3 m2 (32 ft2). Water depths of 1.5 m
(4.9 ft) or less at mean high tide are generally considered ideal for bird feces to reach the
seafloor in concentrated doses as long as the stakes are in place (NOAA and FDEP, 2004).
Therefore, utilized bird stakes will compensate for water depth and tide fluctuations while
maintaining an approximate height of 0.25 m (0.8 ft) above the high water level.
The bird stakes will be placed just inside the immediate rim and throughout the interior at 2-m
intervals immediately following the completion of seagrass transplantation. For prop scars less
than 2 m (6.5 ft) wide, only a single row of stakes will be placed down the center of the scar. Up
to approximately 3,000 bird stakes will be constructed and installed following the guidelines
provided in the FPEIS. This estimate is based on a general assumption of one bird stake/m2
(one bird stake/10.8 ft2), although site conditions and sporadic in -growth within the injury sites
will dictate the final number of bird stakes required per site. Bird stakes will be removed after
75% injury coalescence is reached, usually after 18 months (NOAA and FDEP, 2004).
3.3 MITIGATION MEASURES
During the proposed restoration, the following mitigative measures will be undertaken to
minimize the potential long-term and short-term adverse effects that could result from
restoration activities:
• All restoration activities will be conducted off of a shallow -draft vessel;
• Predetermined vessel tracts with appropriate depths will be utilized to allow ingress
and egress of the vessel to the site; and
• Buoyancy control vests and/or snow shoes will be used to minimize physical contact
with the restoration site and the surrounding area.
3.4 INSTALLATION OF MANATEE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION SIGNS
One manatee protection sign (Photo 1) will be placed during restoration activities to caution
vessel operators of the potential presence of manatees. The manatee awareness signs will be
0.9 m x 1.2 m (3 ft x 4 ft) in size and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission -approved. Restoration -in -progress signs (Photo 2) will be installed in multiple
locations within each mitigation area (Areas A, B, C, and D) to inform boaters of the activities
and minimize the possibility of vessel groundings and additional propeller scarring while the site
12
is under active restoration. Restoration -in -progress signs will remain on -site as long as the bird
stakes are required. The aluminum restoration -in -progress signs will be approximately 46 cm
wide x 36 cm tall (18 in. wide x 14 in. tall) with a white reflective background. The signs will be
framed with orange reflective vinyl, and letters will be black vinyl. Both types of signs will be
attached to 3-m (10 -ft) sections of Schedule 80 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and oriented with the
message board facing opposite of the restoration area toward deeper water of the seagrass
banks.
Photo 1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission -approved manatee
awareness sign.
Photo 2. Restoration -in -progress sign.
13
4.0 RECOMMENDED MONITORING
The recommended monitoring program will examine the success of transplantation efforts and
natural re -colonization of seagrass at approximately 5% of the mitigation sites. Reference areas
will be considered as adjacent, undisturbed seagrass habitat and will serve to evaluate the
success of the mitigation efforts. Quarterly monitoring is proposed for the first year
post -restoration (0, 3, 6, and 9 months) and bi-annually during the spring and fall thereafter, for
a maximum of 5 years (12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months) or when required success
criteria are met. Monitoring reports will be submitted within 45 days of each monitoring event,
and a final summary will be completed at the end of the 5 -year monitoring period. Monitoring
activities and reports will be conducted by CSI and/or a qualified subconsultant.
At each site, the following monitoring parameters will be observed and/or measured:
• PU survival at off -site mitigation sites (initial and throughout the monitoring period);
• Seagrass abundance and community composition within the off -site mitigation sites and
surrounding "reference" areas;
• Qualitative observations of re -colonization, coalescence, and overall site conditions; and
• Physical stability of bird stakes and PUs.
During each monitoring survey, the community composition and percent cover of seagrass
within the off -site mitigation sites and reference areas will be assessed using a modified
Braun-Blanquet technique (Braun-Blanquet, 1932; Fourqurean et al., 2001; Kenworthy and
Schwarzchild, 1997). With this method, the seagrass within a 0.25-m2 quadrat (divided into
5 cm x 5 cm grids) will be identified and assigned a cover -abundance scale value as shown in
Table 2. The percent cover per individual species and the total seagrass cover will be
determined by averaging the Braun-Blanquet scores by species and total cover over all
quadrats assessed within each injured and reference area. Additionally, qualitative digital
photos and/or video data will be collected to document the site conditions and seagrass
recovery.
Success of the mitigation efforts will be evaluated by PU survival, abundance of seagrass within
the mitigation sites in comparison to reference areas, and general observations of the
restoration actions and site conditions. To be considered successful at the end of the 5 -year
monitoring period, the off -site mitigation areas will exhibit 65% of the seagrass cover (H. wrightii
or combined species coverage) in comparison to the reference areas, and PU survival rate will
be 75% at the end of Year 1 of monitoring. If the mitigation areas are not trending towards
success, an addendum to the mitigation plan will be prepared and submitted for review.
Table 2. Braun-Blanquet community composition and percent cover scale values.
Scale Value
Percent Cover
0.0
Not present
0.1
Solitary specimen
0.5
Few with small cover
1
<5%
2
5%to25%
3
25% to 50%
4
50% to 75%
5
75% to 100%
14
5.0 PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE
To implement the mitigation plan within the FDEP stipulated timeframe and avoid conducting
activities during the height of hurricane season, an abbreviated schedule is proposed in
Table 3. The dates and timeframes are subject to change based on feedback from relevant
regulatory and resource management representatives.
Table 3. Proposed mitigation schedule.
Task
Proposed Date
Note
Submit Draft Mitigation Plan
24 June 2008
Current submittal
Submit Final Mitigation Plan
8 July 2008
To include regulatory and operational comments
Identify donor sites
15 July 2008
To be scheduled with relevant regulatory and/or
resource management representatives
Begin off -site mitigation in Areas B, C,
and D
29 July 2008
Subject to Plan approval
Begin off -site mitigation in Area A
19 August 2008
Subject to Plan approval
Conduct baseline monitoring
26 August 2008
Subject to Plan approval
Submit mitigation completion report
15 October 2008
N/A
Submit baseline monitoring report
15 October 2008
N/A
N/A = not available.
NOTIFICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Prior to project implementation, the U.S. Coast Guard will be notified of project initiation as
necessary. A Notice to Mariners also may be required to alert boat operators and the general
public of the scope and location of field work, including restoration activities such as the
installation of bird stakes and other applicable warning signs. Additional communication and
coordination will be undertaken throughout the project to facilitate project success and inform
project sponsors and regulators of progress.
15
6.0 LITERATURE CITED
Braun-Blanquet, J. 1932. Plant Sociology: The Study of Plant Communities. G.B. Fuller and
H.S. Conrad, Eds. Koeltz Scientific Books.
Fonseca, M.S., W.J. Kenworthy, and G.W. Thayer. 1998. Guidelines for the conservation and
restoration of seagrasses in the United States and adjacent waters. NOAA Coastal
Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 12. NOAA Coastal Ocean Office, Silver
Spring, MD. 222 pp.
Fourqurean, J., A. Willsie, C.D. Rose, and L.M. Rutten. 2001. Spatial and temporal pattern in
seagrass community composition and productivity in south Florida. Marine Biology
139:341-354.
Fourqurean, J.W., G.V.N. Powell, W.J. Kenworthy, J.C. Zieman. 1995. The effects of long-term
manipulation of nutrient supply on competition between the seagrasses Thalassia
testudinum and Halodule wrightii in Florida Bay. Oikos 72:349-358.
Kenworthy, W.J. and A. Schwarzchild. 1997. Vertical growth and short shoot demography in
Syringodium filiforme in outer Florida Bay, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series
173:25-37.
Kenworthy, W.J, M.S. Fonseca, P.W. Whitfield, K.K. Hammerstrom, and A.C. Schwartzschild.
2000. A comparison of two methods for enhancing the recovery of seagrasses into
propeller scars: Mechanical injection of a nutrient and growth hormone solution vs.
defecation by roosting seabirds. Final report submitted to the Florida Keys
Environmental Restoration Trust Fund.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP). 2004. Final Programmatic Environmental Impact
Statement for Seagrass Restoration in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
http://www.darrp.noaa.gov/partner/mini312/pdf/seagrass82304.pdf.
16
APPENDICES
17
APPENDIX A
RECOMMENDED RESTORATION ACTIONS WITHIN
PROPOSED OFF -SITE MITIGATION SITES IN AREAS A, B, C, AND D
A-1
Table Al. Area A.
Restoration Action
Site
Area
z
(ft)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
AP01
309.20
28.73
0.007
X
AP03
184.65
17.15
0.004
X
AP07
98.03
9.11
0.002
X
AP08
102.33
9.51
0.002
X
AP11
284.74
26.45
0.007
X
AS01
894.72
83.12
0.021
X
AS02
505.97
47.01
0.012
X
AS03
286.68
26.63
0.007
X
ASO4
509.20
47.31
0.012
X
AS05
406.15
37.73
0.009
X
AS06
746.20
69.32
0.017
X
AS07
235.46
21.88
0.005
X
AS08
1,107.79
102.92
0.025
X
AS09
651.49
60.53
0.015
X
ASO9A
382.56
35.54
0.009
X
AS 10
69.34
6.44
0.002
X
AS 11
397.22
36.90
0.009
X
AS 12
561.97
52.21
0.013
X
AS 13
180.43
16.76
0.004
X
AS14
378.57
35.17
0.009
X
AS 15
150.57
13.99
0.003
X
AS16
1,212.57
112.65
0.028
X
AS 17
305.98
28.43
0.007
X
AS 18
561.80
52.19
0.013
X
AS21
142.27
13.22
0.003
X
AS25
172.01
15.98
0.004
X
AS26
136.02
12.64
0.003
X
AS27A
100.69
9.35
0.002
X
AS27B
71.08
6.60
0.002
X
AS28
127.84
11.88
0.003
X
AS29
189.73
17.63
0.004
X
AS30
64.47
5.99
0.001
X
AS33
79.80
7.41
0.002
X
AS34
95.20
8.84
0.002
X
AS35
195.07
18.12
0.004
X
AS36
194.10
18.03
0.004
X
AS38
470.22
43.68
0.011
X
AS39
92.97
8.64
0.002
X
AS40
729.74
67.80
0.017
X
AS41
188.64
17.53
0.004
X
AS42
89.70
8.33
0.002
X
AS43
813.42
75.57
0.019
X
AS43a
44.83
4.16
0.001
X
A-2
Table Al . (Continued).
Restoration Action
Site
Area
( 2)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
AS44
212.75
19.77
0.005
X
AS44a
149.01
13.84
0.003
X
AS45a
464.87
43.19
0.011
X
AS45b
57.13
5.31
0.001
X
AS46
74.64
6.93
0.002
X
AS47
2,003.90
186.17
0.046
X
AS49
407.34
37.84
0.009
X
AS49a
527.12
48.97
0.012
X
AS51
118.07
10.97
0.003
X
AS52
146.87
13.65
0.003
X
AS53
621.70
57.76
0.014
X
AS54
294.79
27.39
0.007
X
Total
19,599.59
1,820.86
0.45
14
41
A-3
Table A2. Area B.
Restoration Action
Site
Area
(ft2)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
BP01
271.45
25.22
0.006
X
BP02
256.93
23.87
0.006
X
BP03
201.63
18.73
0.005
X
BP05
1,089.45
101.21
0.025
X
BP06
212.95
19.78
0.005
X
BP07
660.69
61.38
0.015
X
BP08
167.72
15.58
0.004
X
BP09
173.98
16.16
0.004
X
BP 11
166.76
15.49
0.004
X
BP 13
278.07
25.83
0.006
X
BP15
519.01
48.22
0.012
X
BP17
531.42
49.37
0.012
X
BP20
239.50
22.25
0.005
X
BP21
291.79
27.11
0.007
X
BP22
536.69
49.86
0.012
X
BP23B
790.67
73.46
0.018
X
BS01
407.44
37.85
0.009
X
BS03
200.30
18.61
0.005
X
BSO4
1,176.83
109.33
0.027
X
BS05
496.73
46.15
0.011
X
BS06
45.71
4.25
0.001
X
BS07
95.80
8.90
0.002
X
BS08
46.65
4.33
0.001
X
BS09
351.27
32.63
0.008
X
BS 10
99.13
9.21
0.002
X
BS 11
151.42
14.07
0.003
X
BS 12
43.11
4.00
0.001
X
BS 13
71.52
6.64
0.002
X
BS 14
179.67
16.69
0.004
X
BS 15
135.75
12.61
0.003
X
BS 16
54.02
5.02
0.001
X
BS 17
67.68
6.29
0.002
X
BS 18
1,338.77
124.38
0.031
X
BS 19
337.95
31.40
0.008
X
BS20
199.76
18.56
0.005
X
BS21
756.10
70.24
0.017
X
BS22
49.27
4.58
0.001
X
BS23
36.76
3.41
0.001
X
BS24
555.88
51.64
0.013
X
BS25
240.47
22.34
0.006
X
BS26
176.40
16.39
0.004
X
BS27
323.04
30.01
0.007
X
BS28
249.31
23.16
0.006
X
BS29
158.59
14.73
0.004
X
BS30
134.80
12.52
0.003
X
BS31
79.65
7.40
0.002
X
BS32
39.75
3.69
0.001
X
BS33
32.46
3.02
0.001
X
BS34
69.56
6.46
0.002
X
A-4
Table A2. (Continued.)
Restoration Action
Site
Area
z
(ft)
Area
z
(m)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
BS35
32.96
3.06
0.001
X
BS36
398.95
37.06
0.009
X
BS37
213.13
19.80
0.005
X
BS38
85.56
7.95
0.002
X
BS39
102.95
9.56 0.002
X
BS40
52.77
4.90 0.001
X
BS41
93.04
8.64 0.002
X
BS43
476.00
44.22
0.011 X
BS44
279.22
25.94
0.006 X
BS45
166.29
15.45 0.004 X
BS46
83.28
7.74 0.002 X
BS47
155.23
14.42 0.004 X
BS48
52.94
4.92 0.001 X
BS49
347.84
32.32
0.008 X
BS50
68.27
6.34
0.002 X
BS51
71.76
6.67 0.002 X
BS52
240.44
22.34 0.006 X
BS53
160.33
14.90 0.004 X
BS54
205.11
19.06 0.005 X
BS55
163.54
15.19 0.004 X
BS56
101.98
9.47 0.002 X
BS57
200.58
18.63 0.005 X
BS58
102.77
9.55 0.002 X
BS59
718.48
66.75
0.016 X
BS60
834.09
77.49 0.019 X
BS61
146.89
13.65 0.003 X
BS62
271.36
25.21
0.006 X
BS63
3,314.03
307.88
0.076 X
BS64
455.35
42.30
0.010 X
BS65
245.49
22.81 0.006 X
BS66
68.15
6.33 0.002 X
BS67
104.37
9.70 0.002 X
BS68
331.46
30.79 0.008 X
BS70
74.99
6.97 0.002 X
BS71
135.20
12.56 0.003 X
BS72
73.21
6.80 0.002 X
BS73
289.87
26.93
0.007 X
Total
25,708.17
2,388.37 0.590 34 52
A-5
Table A3. Area C.
Restoration Action
Site
Area
(ft2)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
CS 12
641.14
59.56
0.015
X
Total
641.14
59.56
0.015
1
0
A-6
Table A4. Area D.
Restoration Action
Site
Area
(ft2)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
DSO4
106.97
9.94
0.002
X
DS05
99.29
9.22
0.002
X
DS06
439.86
40.86
0.010
X
DS07
276.60
25.70
0.006
X
DS08
166.40
15.46
0.004
X
DS09
84.38
7.84
0.002
X
DS10
28.34
2.63
0.001
X
DS11
18.65
1.73
0.000
X
DS12
181.73
16.88
0.004
X
DS13
315.80
29.34
0.007
X
DS 14
528.61
49.11
0.012
X
DS15
490.87
45.60
0.011
X
DS16
618.37
57.45
0.014
X
DS 17
116.99
10.87
0.003
X
DS 18
182.04
16.91
0.004
X
DS 19
99.29
9.22
0.002
X
DS20
54.47
5.06
0.001
X
DS21
87.18
8.10
0.002
X
DS22
140.44
13.05
0.003
X
DS23
118.00
10.96
0.003
X
DS24
93.09
8.65
0.002
X
DS25
48.57
4.51
0.001
X
DS26
83.32
7.74
0.002
X
DS27
391.72
36.39
0.009
X
DS28
50.34
4.68
0.001
X
DS29
199.45
18.53
0.005
X
DS30
271.29
25.20
0.006
X
DS31
86.94
8.08
0.002
X
DS32
40.38
3.75
0.001
X
DS33
46.81
4.35
0.001
X
DS34
29.88
2.78
0.001
X
DS35
44.61
4.14
0.001
X
DS36
19.46
1.81
0.000
X
DS37
140.59
13.06
0.003
X
DS38
1,256.00
116.69
0.029
X
DS39
482.30
44.81
0.011
X
DS40
105.92
9.84
0.002
X
DS41
751.93
69.86
0.017
X
DS42
439.59
40.84
0.010
X
DS43
189.76
17.63
0.004
X
DS44
293.83
27.30
0.007
X
DS46
140.25
13.03
0.003
X
DS48
266.88
24.79
0.006
X
A-7
Table A4. (Continued.)
Restoration Action
Site
Area
(ft2)
Area
(m2)
Acre
Transplant and
Bird Stake
Bird Stake
Only
DS49
594.98
55.28
0.014
X
DS50
481.21
44.71
0.011
X
DP01
274.26
25.48
0.006
X
DP02
105.93
9.84
0.002
X
DP03
530.39
49.28
0.012
X
DP04
86.68
8.05
0.002
X
DP05
631.76
58.69
0.015
X
Total
12,332.40
1,145.71
0.283
26
24
A-8
APPENDIX B
BRAUN-BLANQUET SCORES AND
PERCENT COVER CONVERSIONS FOR AREAS A, B, C, AND D
B-1
Table B1. Area A.
Braun-Blanquet Cover
(%)
Quadrat #
T.t
(%)
S.f.
(%)
H.w.
(%)
TMA
(%)
Total Grass
(%)
Coral
(a/o)
Sediment
1
37.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
2
37.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
3
37.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
4
15.0
0.0
0.0
62.5
15.0
0.0
SM/FL
5
0.0
0.0
0.0
37.5
0.0
0.0
SM/FL
6
37.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
7
37.5
0.0
0.0
62.5
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
8
37.5
0.0
0.0
62.5
37.5
0.1
SM/FL
9
37.5
0.0
0.0
62.5
37.5
0.1
SM/FL
10
37.5
0.0
0.0
62.5
37.5
0.1
SM/FL
Average
31.5
0
0
45.5
31.5
0.03
T.t. = Thalassia testudinum
S.f. = Syringodium filiforme
H .w. = Halodule wrightii
TMA = Total macroalgae
SM = Sandy mud
FL = Flocculent sediment
B-2
Table B2. Area B.
Braun-Blanquet Cover
(%)
Quadrat #
T.t.
(%)
S.f.
(%)
H.w.
(%)
TMA
(%)
Total Grass
(%)
Coral
(%)
Sediment
North
1
37.5
15.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
2
62.5
1.0
0.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
SM/FL
3
37.5
15.0
1.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
SM/FL
4
15.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
15.0
0.0
SM/FL
5
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
SM/FL
6
62.5
0.0
0.0
1.0
62.5
0.0
SM/FL
7
87.5
0.0
1.0
1.0
87.5
0.0
SM/FL
8
37.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
9
62.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
62.5
0.0
SM/FL
10
87.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
87.5
0.0
SM/FL
Average
49.0
3.10
0.20
7.15
51.50
0.00
Middle
1
15.0
15.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.5
MS/CR
2
37.5
15.0
0.0
62.5
37.5
0.1
MS
3
37.5
15.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.1
MS
4
37.5
15.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.5
MS
5
62.5
15.0
0.0
37.5
62.5
0.5
MS/FL
6
37.5
15.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
MS
7
62.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
MS
8
87.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
87.5
0.0
MS
9
87.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
87.5
0.0
MS/FL
10
62.5
0.0
0.5
37.5
62.5
0.0
MS
Average
52.75
9
0.05
28.75
55
0.17
South
1
1.0
1.0
0.0
15.0
15.0
1.0
CS
2
37.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
SM
3
37.5
0.5
0.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
FL
4
62.5
1.0
0.0
1.0
62.5
0.0
SM/HH
5
15.0
1.0
0.0
1.0
15.0
0.0
MS
6
37.5
15.0
0.0
37.5
62.5
0.0
MS
7
62.5
1.0
0.0
37.5
62.5
0.0
MS
8
15.0
1.0
0.0
15.0
15.0
0.5
MS
9
15.0
0.0
0.0
37.5
15.0
0.1
MS
10
37.5
0.0
1.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
MS
Average
32.1
2.05
0.1
21.2
38.5
0.16
T.t. = Thalassia testudinum
S.f. = Syringodium filiforme
H.w. = Halodule wrightii
TMA = Total macroalgae
MS = Muddy sand
SM = Sandy mud
CS = Coarse shell
HH = Halimeda hash
FL = Flocculent sediment
CR = Coral rubble
B-3
Table B3. Area C.
Braun-Blanquet Cover
(%)
Quadrat #
T.t.
(%)
S.f.
(%)
H.w.
(%)
TMA
(%)
Total Grass
(%)
Coral
(%)
Sediment
1
15.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
15.0
0.0
MS
2
15.0
0.0
0.0
1.0
15.0
0.0
MS
3
62.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
SM/FL
4
37.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
SM/FL
5
37.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
FL
6
15.0
0.0
0.0
15.0
15.0
0.0
FL
7
15.0
0.0
0.0
15.0
15.0
0.0
MS
8
15.0
37.5
0.0
1.0
62.5
0.0
FL
9
15.0
15.0
0.0
15.0
15.0
0.0
FL
10
37.5
15.0
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
FL
Average
26.5
6.75
0
13.05
31.25
0
T.t. = Thalassia testudinum
S.f. = Syringodium filiforme
H .w. = Halodule wrightii
TMA = Total macroalgae
MS = Muddy sand
SM = Sandy mud
FL = Flocculent sediment
B-4
Table B4. Area D.
Braun-Blanquet Cover
(%)
Quadrat #
T.t.
(%)
S.f.
(%)
H.w.
(%)
TMA
(%)
Total Grass
(%)
Coral
(%)
Sediment
1
37.5
0.5
0.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
MS
2
62.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
62.5
0.0
MS
3
15.0
0.0
1.0
15.0
37.5
0.0
MS
4
62.5
0.0
0.0
15.0
62.5
0.0
MS
5
62.5
0.0
0.0
1.0
62.5
0.0
FL
6
62.5
0.0
0.0
1.0
62.5
0.0
FL
7
37.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
37.5
0.0
FL
8
62.5
0.0
0.0
37.5
62.5
0.0
FL
9
37.5
0.0
0.5
62.5
37.5
0.0
MS
10
62.5
0.0
0.5
15.0
62.5
0.0
MS
Average
50.25
0.05
0.2
23.7
52.5
0
T.t. = Thalassia testudinum
S.f. = Syringodium filiforme
H.w. = Halodule wrightii
TMA = Total macroalgae
MS = Muddy sand
FL = Flocculent sediment
B-5
Table B5. Braun-Blanquet Mid -Point Interpolation.
Interpolation of the Mid -Point of BB Scores
BB Score
% Cover
BB Score
% Cover
0.00
0.00
2.60
28.50
0.10
1.00
2.70
30.75
0.20
1.00
2.80
33.00
0.30
1.00
2.90
35.25
0.40
1.00
3.00
37.50
0.50
1.00
3.10
40.00
0.60
1.00
3.20
42.50
0.70
1.00
3.30
45.00
0.80
1.00
3.40
47.50
0.90
1.00
3.50
50.00
1.00
3.00
3.60
52.50
1.10
4.20
3.70
55.00
1.20
5.40
3.80
57.50
1.30
6.60
3.90
60.00
1.40
7.80
4.00
62.50
1.50
9.00
4.10
65.00
1.60
10.20
4.20
67.50
1.70
11.40
4.30
70.00
1.80
12.60
4.40
72.50
1.90
13.80
4.50
75.00
2.00
15.00
4.60
77.50
2.10
17.25
4.70
80.00
2.20
19.50
4.80
82.50
2.30
21.75
4.90
85.00
2.40
24.00
5.00
87.50
2.50
26.25
BB Score
<1 = <1
1 = 1to5
2 = 5to25
3 = 25 to 50
4 = 50 to 75
5 = 75 to 100
Mid -Point Range
<1 = 1
1 = 2.5
2 = 15
3 = 37.5
4 = 62.5
5 = 87.5
B-6
EXHIBIT "B"
GSA International. Inc.
8502 SW Keneae Avenue
Stuart. Florida 34897
25 June 2008
Ms. Penny Cutt
Environmental/Permitting Regional Manager
Coastal Systems International, Inc.
2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 101
West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
www.c ueinUU.corn
Phone: 772-219-3000
Fax: 772-218-3010
Subject: Cost proposal to implement the Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation Plan for the
Village of Key Biscayne
Dear Penny,
CSA International, Inc. (CSA) is pleased to provide you with a cost proposal to conduct donor
site surveys, seagrass mitigation efforts, and a baseline (Time Zero) monitoring survey for the
Village of Key Biscayne (VKB). The Mitigation Plan forwarded previously provides a more
detailed description of the overall proposed efforts. A brief technical and cost proposal is
included below. As discussed, the costs for the purchase of materials (bird stakes, cores,
restoration signs, and other miscellaneous items) are included in the mobilization costs outlined
in Task 2 below.
Task 1— Seagrass Donor Site Survey
Task 1 is presented as a fixed price for mobilization/demobilization and reporting. The level of
effort for conducting seagrass donor site surveys is anticipated at 4 days, as shown below, at a
fixed rate. Coordination with regulatory personnel, and site visits with regulatory personnel are
included in the costs.
Mobilization and Demobilization $4,358
Field Survey (4 days at $5,856/day) $23,425
Report $3,409
Total $31,192
Task 2 — Seagrass Restoration and Mitigation
Task 2 is presented as a fixed price for mobilization/demobilization and includes purchases, the
fabrication of bird stakes and cores, shop preparations, travel to Key Biscayne and Homestead,
field mobilization costs, and implementation of the approved mitigation plan. The field work
includes a 40 -day effort for seagrass mitigation at a total of 192 sites.
Ms. Penny Cutt -2- 25 June 2008
Mobilization and Demobilization $47,556
Purchases $15,973
Field Work (40 days at $9,253/day) $370,114
Report $16,487
Total $450,130
Task 3 — Offshore Site Restoration
Task 3 is presented as a fixed price for seagrass mitigation at the offshore pipeline scar and will
be conducted in conjunction with the off -site mitigation, therefore no additional
mobilization/demobilization or reporting efforts are necessary. This task has been separated
from Task 2 in the event Coastal Systems International, Inc. (CSI) and CSA can remove this task
through negotiations with State regulators, thereby reducing the costs of the overall program.
Field Work (4 days at $8,626/day) $34,503
Total $34,503
Task 4 — Baseline (Time Zero) Monitoring Survey
Task 4 is presented as a fixed price for mobilization/demobilization, field work, and report
preparation to conduct the initial baseline monitoring (Time Zero) survey at the sites. A total of
5% of the restored sites will be selected and monitored for success. The level of effort for
conducting the monitoring survey is anticipated at 4 days, as shown below, at a fixed rate.
Mobilization and Demobilization $4,358
Field Work (4 days at $6,078/day) $24,314
Report $ 8,832
Total $37,504
Summary Table
Task 1 $31,192
Task 2 $450,130
Task 3 $34,503
Task 4 $37,504
Total Cost $553,329
Ms. Penny Cutt -3- 25 June 2008
We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with this proposal and look forward to working
with CSI on this project. If you have any questions on the information presented in this letter or
would like additional details regarding the proposed methodologies, please call me at your
earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
---P 1A,s.c.is,
Robert D. Mulcahy
Vice President/Director, Business Development
CSA International, Inc.
COASTAL
SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL
COASTAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
464 South Dixie Highway • Coral Gables, Florida 33146
Tel: 305-661-3655 • Fax: 305-661-1914
www.coastalsystemsint.com
135040.01
July 8, 2008
Ms. Caitlin Lustic
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Bureau of Beaches & Coastal Systems
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, M.S. 300
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
RE: SUBMITTAL OF REVISED SEAGRASS MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE KEY BISCAYNE
BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT (DEP PERMIT NO. 0160846 -010 -EM)
Dear Ms. Lustic:
On behalf of the Village of Key Biscayne (Village), this is to submit the revised Seagrass
Restoration and Mitigation Plan (Plan) for the proposed seagrass mitigation activities related to
the Key Biscayne Beach Renourishrnent Project (Project). The Plan proposes to restore 1.26
acres of seagrass off -site, as required by Specific Condition No. 13 of DEP Permit Modification
0160846 -010 -EM issued on February 19, 2008. The Plan proposes to restore an additional 0.07
acres off -site, as site inspections by Coastal Systems in January 2008 and CSA International, Inc.
(CSA) in June 2008 revealed that the remaining 0.07 -acre of impact within the pipeline corridor
does not require any mitigation activities to facilitate seagrass restoration. Therefore, the Plan
proposes to restore a total of 1.33 acres of damaged seagrass sites to fully mitigate the impacts
associated with the 2002 Project.
The Proposed Project Schedule within the Plan requires expedited approval from the DEP,
DERM, and the FKNMS in order to complete restoration activities by August 31, 2008,
including planting 50% of the sites. We anticipate commencement of donor site identification on
July 15, 2008 and commencement of mitigation activities on July 29, 2008 in order to achieve
this goal. Please let us know what we can do to facilitate this expedited Plan approval.
The Village and Coastal Systems have worked with CSA to identify appropriate off -site injury
areas in need of mitigation activities within Miami -Dade County using 2006 digital geo-rectified
aerial photographs, which were provided by the South Florida Water Management District. The
viability of these sites was then verified by ground-truthing surveys conducted by CSA from
June 4 to June 10, 2008. The proposed off -site mitigation sites are identified and illustrated in the
enclosed Plan.
Coastal, Environmental, Civil Engineering and Management
135040.01
Ms. Caitlin Lustic
July 8, 2008
Page 2
After ground-truthing was completed, CSA inspected the pipeline corridor to determine if any
mitigation activities would be required to facilitate seagrass restoration. Since the sediment
gradation is on average 2.5 cm, CSA determined that the addition of sediment is not
recommended. Sediment placement is only recommended when gradation is greater than 20 cm.
Additionally, natural recovery is occurring, as evidenced by the in -growth of seagrass runners
into barren areas of the scar. Sediment placement and/or disturbance within this area could
potentially reduce the natural recovery process currently happening. This offshore area is a high-
energy coastal environment with distinct environmental characteristics. Sand movement and
wave action are common and could contribute to the shifting of any placed sediment and/or
seagrass transplants, causing further secondary damage.
Please provide an expedited review of the enclosed Plan and let us know if there is anything we
can do to facilitate this review. We would prefer to have agency approval prior to starting to
identify donor sites on July 15, 2008, which would allow seagrass restoration activates to
commence on July 29, 2008, to ensure mitigation work is completed by August 31, 2008. Should
you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (561) 478-1004 Ext. 311
or pcutt@coastalsystemsint.com.
Sincerely,
COASTAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Penny Cutt
Environmental/Permitting Regional Manager
PC: al:cv
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Armando Nunez, Village of Key Biscayne
Ms. Marsha Colbert, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Manager
Ms. Chantal Collier, Coral Reef Conservation Program Administrator
File, CJB, LMS, TKB, AL, PC
F \Project\135040 01\Correspondence\Monttonng\(08-07-08) LTR Caitlin Lustic re Seagrass Mitigation Plan doc
Coastal, Environmental, Civil Engineering and Management