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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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Miami-Dade – Design Build of N.W. 7th Avenue

Sanitary Sewer Improvements Phase II Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department

BFA conducted design and construction of the N.W. 7th Avenue Sanitary Sewer Project Phase II for the Miami-Dade WASD.  BFA supplied all design and construction services to provide a sanitary sewer system to serve all properties along N.W. 7 Avenue from the north side of N.W. 79 Street to the Little River Canal and all properties between N.W. 7 Avenue and the I-95 Interstate to the east between the same north/south limits.

BFA provided all labor, materials and equipment required to complete the sewer system and FDOT roadway construction, testing and certification in full conformance with the WASD-approved design, the FDOT design and the requirements of all specifications and permits.  BFA tested the sewer system and pumping station according to WASD standards and performed all additional work required to obtain results acceptable to the Water and Sewer Department.  BFA also performed all necessary construction of the roadway improvements to the satisfaction of FDOT and WASD.

Project included the installation of 6,500 LF of 8” PVC gravity sewer, 2,800 LF of 8” DIP force main, and a 47 Hp duplex wastewater pump station.  The project was constructed by and FDOT roadway contractor as part of a Joint Project Agreement between Miami-Dade WASD and FDOT.  The FDOT portion of the project consisted of resurfacing and striping of N.W. 7th Avenue.  Approximately 5,500 LF of 8” PVC gravity sewer was designed and constructed within FDOT right-of-way.

 Preliminary Design:

Preliminary design and layout of the gravity sewer system, force main and pump station were developed in accordance with the requirements of Miami-Dade WASD design and construction standards.  Due to the presence of existing 36” – 48” storm sewer in the middle of N.W. 7th Avenue, the gravity sewer layout consisted of parallel gravity sewers on the east and west sides of N.W. 7th Avenue to allow for the installation of sewer laterals to the properties fronting N.W. 7th Avenue.  Development and identification of permitting requirements was provided.

Final Design:

Coordination of detailed survey of the project corridors.  Developed design documents with client review at 50%, 90% and 100% completion.  Plan and profile views were developed identifying critical crossings with existing utility infrastructure, potable water mains, and stormwater drainage systems.

Permitting:

Preparation of permit applications, and supporting documents, response to request for additional information for:  a) DERM – Wastewater Collection and Transmission; b) DERM – Dewatering; c) FDOT – Utility Permit; d) Miami-Dade Public Works – Right of Way Utilization.

Construction Administration:

Provided daily resident inspection:  Attended pre-construction and project progress meetings; reviewed shop drawing submittals; issued instructions, interpretations and clarifications of the construction documents to the contractor; conducted substantial and final inspections; prepared record drawings and DERM certifications of completion.

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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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The Warren County PCB Landfill – North Carolina

Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources PCB Landfill – Warren County, North Carolina

The infamous Warren County PCB landfill is recognized as birthplace of the Environmental Justice movement and as having the single largest civil disobedience protest since the Civil Rights era. Over 500 citizens were placed in jail for protesting the land filling operations.  The site was selected by the state, against the wishes of the community, as a CERCLA remedy to dispose of PCB tainted soil purposely discharged along 210 miles of road shoulders throughout North Carolina.

In 1982, feeling the tremendous pressure of the community, the Governor promised that the site would be detoxified (remediated) when technology to do so was available.  Subsequently, in 1995, after $1 million was awarded to the community, the Joint Warren County State PCB Landfill Working Group retained Patrick A. Barnes, P.G. and Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. as one of two science advisors.   BFA assisted the community in a community led evaluation of detoxification feasibility and assessment of the overall integrity of the facility. BFA ensured that the needs of the community were met at every step in the process including job training and employment of area companies and local residents.

Over a seven-year period, BFA was responsible for the development and implementation of detailed environmental impact assessment for that PCB landfill as well as performing community outreach services.   The facility which had been in existence for more than 15 years had never had a comprehensive evaluation performed. That evaluation assessed the hydrogeological setting and determined the best locations for environmental samples to accurately characterize the current integrity of the facility and to lay the groundwork for the remediation.  During the assessment, hundreds of environmental samples were collected under the watch full eyes of the EPA, State and Community. BFA worked with all stakeholders particularly and the Joint State Warren County PCB Landfill Working Group.

Subsequently BFA with MACTEC as a subcontractor was selected as the remedial design and community construction management contractor. The project was implemented with oversight from EPA Region IV. The selected remedy included state-of-the-art detoxification technology, such as Base Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD), and thermal desorption. BFA design was incorporated into a design-build criteria package and BFA provided construction oversight on behalf of the Community.

The remediation was concluded in 2003 by excavating and thermally desorbing then redisposing of over 60,000 tons of PCB impacted soil, at a cost of 13.6 million dollars. BFA and MACTEC developed all project work plans and the specifications necessary to successfully bid the site detoxification.  The work plans included as part of the design were:  Final Detoxification Design; Community Outreach and Involvement; Health and Safety; Emergency Response; Site Operations Performance Demonstration; Construction Quality Assurance; Air Monitoring; Final Verification/Confirmation Sampling Design Plans and Specifications.

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Pre-Vocational Training Services

Pre-Vocational Training Services Career Source Central Florida

In February, 2014 Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. was selected to provide work readiness and short-term, pre-vocational training.

Participants were deemed eligible and enrolled in the state case management system managed by CareerSource Central Florida prior to the start of training. 160 participants were served thru this program.

Students were enrolled in a 6 day program consisting of 46 hours of curriculum that included: 10 hours OSHA construction safety; 8 hours introduction to water and wastewater, 20 hours geotechnical and construction inspection training; and 8 hours of resume and interviewing skills.

All students were assessed at the end of each curriculum segment to ensure they were progressing toward its achievement. The students earned an OSHA Construction Safety and a credential towards a Level 1 ACI Certification (Field Testing Technician), which was given upon successfully completing the training, work experience and passing the exam.