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Coastal Restoration and Community Engagement

3Coastal Restoration and Community Engagement -­‐ BFA through the non-­‐profit Limitless Vistas, Inc. that Patrick A. Barnes and BFA established in 2006 our staff has worked extensively on the issues of coastal restoration and vulnerable community engagement.

Wetland Restoration Training Program – In late 2013, early 2014 Limitless  Vistas,  Inc.  developed  a Wetland Restoration Training  Program  to  enable  racially  diverse,  socially  and  economically disadvantaged youth to participate in the growing wetland restoration industry  in  the  Gulf  Coast  Region.  This  program enhances  LVI’s  already  established  Environmental  Technician Program that is dedicated to helping at-­‐risk young adults receive the training needed to work as entry-­‐level technicians in the environmental industry. The Wetland Restoration Training Program includes training and hands-­‐on projects in coastal ecosystems, native and invasive species, the impact of water quality on wetland systems, introduction to safety in nature, and targeted wetland restoration projects. This program introduces   urban  youth  to nearby wetland and coastal ecosystems through community service learning projects that are supported by local federal agencies and local non-­‐profit wetland protection and restoration organizations. Community service learning projects performed  in  the  past  three years have included partners such as Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve – Barataria Unit (Jean Lafitte – Barataria Preserve), Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), Barataria-­‐Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), and Audubon Nature Center.

Audubon Nature Center Wetland Restoration Project – Audubon Nature Center  is  located  in  New Orleans East, an area hard hit by past hurricanes, and is still in recovery mode from the hit sustained in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Through this conservation project, LVI members are helping to eradicate invasive species, plant native trees, maintain trails, and act as team leaders for other volunteer organizations. Since January 2014 LVI members have helped clear the 80 acre park of invasive Chinese Tallow trees, helped to plant 500 Bald Cypress and Oak trees, helped maintain a 1-­‐mile nature trail, and have acted as team leaders for over 300 volunteers ranging in age from 16-­‐65 years old. Prior to this project, the members had no substantial knowledge about the importance of wetlands,  the  flora  and fauna found in Louisiana  wetlands,  and the process by which  wetlands are restored after being damaged by hurricanes.   Members were trained by Audubon to be Team Leaders for volunteers brought in to kill Chinese Tallow trees through girdling. None of the members had ever been given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills to the degree needed for this project, but all of them have exceeded expectations.1_0001_Layer 0

Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program Water Quality Project – BTNEP is a partnership of government, business,  scientists,  conservation  organizations,  agricultural  interests,  and  individuals  for the preservation, protection, and restoration of the Barataria-­‐Terrebonne National Estuary in southeast Louisiana. LVI has been a participant in BTNEP’s H2O Water Quality Workshop  for  teachers,  which enables LVI  to train participants in water quality testing, learn about estuaries and watersheds while conducting scientific data collection, and learn stewardship through awareness that local environments function as part of larger, connected ecosystems. LVI has developed a water quality testing project that includes three different types of settings to enable participants to observe differences between the sites. LVI participants collect water samples from the Jean Lafitte-­‐Barataria Preserve, Crown Point boat launch and at the Audubon Nature Center. These samples are tested on-­‐site and the results are recorded for entry into three different databases. Through this program students are taught how to identify invasive aquatic and land-­‐based flora and fauna, mapping techniques, scientific field-­‐testing and note taking, and database entry.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Tree Planting Project –  Through the  Coalition  to Restore Coastal  Louisiana (CRCL),  five LVI participants helped plant  over 500 native trees  in  the  Jean Lafitte -­‐ Barataria Preserve. Also in partnership with CRCL our urban youth traveled to Grand Isle and Raccoon island to install sand fences and measure sand accretion rates  collect  water  samples  from existing restoration projects. Through these projects participants learned about boater safety, coastal ecosystems, invasive species, native trees, the importance of natural resources in hurricane protection, and how to scientifically document your findings in the field. This was also unique because it provided the opportunity to experience a boat rides into the swamps of Southeast Louisiana – a place so near, yet inaccessible to them without participation in LVI programs.

New Orleans City Park Beautification Projects – LVI participates have participated  in  several beautification projects which incorporate stormwater management and use of native  plants  at  New Orleans City Parks over the past three years. The first project was the installation of Song Bird Habitats that promoted bird watching  within the  parks. A more  recent project included installation of native landscaping within the five-­‐acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. These projects enabled LVI participants to earn hands-­‐on landscaping experience; as well as, learn more about environmental sustainability, ecosystem services, gardening, civic pride, and art.

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Brownfield Redevelopment Centro Asturiano Place

Brownfield Redevelopment Centro Asturiano Place, East Tampa, Florida

Centro Asturiano Place is located at the intersection of 21st Avenue and Republica De Cuba Avenue in historic Ybor City, Tampa, Florida. The abandoned hospital was originally built in 1928 and operated into the 1980s. The structure was abandoned and partially demolished in the early 1990s and the City of Tampa assumed ownership responsibility. In October 2002, Cap Development Company, LLC, a partnership between Bank of America and the Home Association, Inc., purchased the property through the Hillsborough County tax deed sale auction.

BFA was retained to perform site assessment activities. In addition to containing 3 USTs, impact from leaking pad mounted electrical transformers, and a basement that was suspected of containing bio-medical waste stored within it, the site was impacted from offsite migration of contaminants.

gvdgdBFA conducted both Phase I and limited Phase II Site Assessment at the site. BFA also prepared a Brownfield Site Rehabilitation Agreement (BSRA) on behalf of Cap Development Company and Bank of America, which was approved in March 2004. Enabled the bank and Home Association to take advantage of tax incentives to clean up and redevelop the property.

The property was successfully redeveloped as a 200 unit, 3 story adult apartment complex. The site is located in a distressed community within an empowerment zone designation.

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Holden Heights

Holden Heights Infrastructure Improvements – Orange County, Florida

Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. (BFA) provided design, permitting, construction management and public information/relations services for the Holden Heights Infrastructure Improvements project for Phases I, II, and III. The central focus of the project was to disconnect and abandon the use of septic tanks and connect residence to the new central sewer wastewater system.

Phase I

  • Phase I included 21,000 feet of 8” to 12” gravity collection system, two (2) lift stations, and 9,800 feet of 8” to 16” force main in an existing residential community of over 450 lots for Phase I. Construction Completion: 2002

Phase II

  • Phase II included approximately 5,760 feet of 12” DIP water main, 4,400 feet of 8” DIP water main, 5,100 feet of 6” DIP water main, +16 miles of 8”gravity collection system, one (1) lift station, stormwater collection system (curb and gutter) and existing road replacement/upgrade in the dense urban Holden Heights neighborhood immediately adjacent to the City of Orlando. Phase II sanitary sewers provided service to approximately 1,200 commercial and residential parcels currently serviced by septic tanks. The BFA team also provided public information and funding assistance services.
  • BFA conducted alternative analysis and preliminary design layout of wastewater collection, transmission and stormwater collection and treatment options for the development of the preliminary design report. Coordination with numerous local government agencies included Orange County Utilities, Orange County Public Works, Orange County Planning, Orlando Utilities Commission, City of Orlando, FDOT, FDEP, SJRWMD, and SFWMD. BFA conducted numerous public workshops to facilitate acceptance of the project and developed estimated construction costs.
  • Stormwater and roadway improvements such as a closed drainage system, new curbs and gutters, new paved streets and stormwater treatment facilities were designed and implemented to address existing drainage problems and to improve Clear Lake surface water quality. Additionally, approximately 3 miles of unpaved roads were paved. Construction Completion: 2006

Phase III

  • This phase included construction of over 24,100 feet of 8, 10 and 12-inch gravity sewer, 17,300 feet of 4, 6 and 8-inch water main, road replacement/upgrade including new curb and sidewalks, and stormwater conveyance and treatment. This phase serves 495 residential and commercial parcels. The BFA team also provided assistance to Orange County in obtaining the grants and SRF funding for the project. Construction of Phase III was completed in 2009.
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ASWAN Villages

ASWAN Villages, Bank of America –  Dade County, Florida

BFA was retained by the Bank of America to conduct Phase I and II Assessments activities at the Aswan Village Apartment Complex located in Opa Locka, Florida.  The apartment complex was constructed over portions of a former dump site.  BFA completed the following assessment and remedial activities at the site:

  • Performed Phase I in accordance with the current ASTM E1527 standards. Performed Phase II ESA activities in accordance with appropriate standards including 62-770 to investigate the occurrence of PAHs, 601/602 parameters, 8 RCRA metals and methane gas at the site.
  • Installed eight groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater monitoring was conducted on a quarterly basis in accordance with DEP-SOP-001/01-FS2200 Groundwater Sampling•     Installed twenty-one (21) Methane Gas Monitoring Wells (MGMWs) along the perimeter of the property to assess and help delineate methane gas concentration at the property boundary.  Combustible gas sampling was conducted with a Q-RAE PLUS Multi-Gas Monitor PGM–2000.
  • Designed and installed an active methane gas extraction system. This included the installation of 14 active collection wells with vacuum blowers and air emission stacks.  The active systems were installed under the footprint of each the 13 apartment buildings and clubhouse.
  • Conducted routine weekly monitoring of the active methane gas extraction system. This included monitoring the MGRS via the HEW sample port and blower discharge sample port at each building.  Applied pressure, temperature, methane and oxygen concentrations were monitored at each building.
  • Provided construction oversight and inspection services during the installation of the active methane remediation system. Ensured systems were installed in accordance with DERM-approved specifications.
  • Conducted routine weekly ambient air quality monitoring of potential methane gas migration pathways within the occupied structures (e.g., apartments, equipment rooms, clubhouse, etc.)
  • Performed routine O&M activities on the system including calibration of pressure gauges and other quality control checks.
  • Prepared monthly monitoring reports for the client for submission to DERM.
  • Assisted client with the preparation of institutional site controls as required by DERM. This included, notification to tenants, lease agreements and other restrictions as recommended by the Engineer of Record.