Upham Beach T-Head Groin Repair Project (Updated June 14, 2011)
PROJECT STATUS
The current project schedule shows completion by August 15. Note that Groin 1 is the northernmost structure; Groin 5 is the southernmost structure. Groin 2 is essentially complete with the exception of minor repairs to smooth off some rough spots on the geotube surface. Groin 1 is expected to be done by the week of June 20th with the exception of the application of the yellow Polyurea coating that adds strength and ultraviolet protection from sunlight. Its anticipated that all the work to apply and reapply any needed or additional Polyurea coating to the geotubes will be done for all the groins simultaneously as the last major project task other than re-leveling the beach to grade. Work on Groin 3 has not begun to date so efforts could be focused on finishing Groin 1. The initial excavation to remove and replace three geotubes of the shore-parallel T-head portion of Groin 3 should begin by June 17. The extent of excavation work on Groin 3 will will be considerably less than what was needed for Groins 1 and 2 and should be primarily restricted to the T-head portion of the structure. Finally, there will be some relatively minor excavations and repairs done on Groins 4 and 5 that consist of patching holes and applying Polyurea coating. The work on Groins 4 and 5 is scheduled to begin in mid to late July. The sheetpile cofferdam at Groin 1 and all other erosion control geotubes, concrete blocks, or other materials used to protect the T-groin structure work areas will be removed before the end of the project.
NEXT STEPS The long-term plan is to eventually install permanent rock structures to replace the temporary geotube structures. Rock structures could not be installed this year due to lack of funding and a State permit for the work. The installation of permanent rock structures is currently scheduled for 2013 assuming the necessary funding and permits are acquired. Once permanent structures are installed, the frequency of nourishment projects is expected to decrease substantially and repair projects of the magnitude of the existing work should no longer be needed.
The County will continue to coordinate with the contractor on operational adjustments to alleviate disturbances that are within the constraints of the contract, the means and methods necessary to be employed, our permit requirements, and available funding for the project.
As updates are published by the County I will continue to post the information here. They are working toward a permanent solution for a section of beach that is the most highly eroding beach in Pinellas County, if not the State. The permanent solution will once and for all provide better storm protection to beach residents and visitors.