Strategic dredge material planning drives sustainable coastal solutions for Southeast naval installations
At a glance
GHD's innovative approaches to beneficial reuse of dredged material are helping Southeast naval installations address critical operational and coastal resiliency challenges while improving environmental outcomes. After Hurricanes Ian and Nicole severely eroded the beach at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in 2022, GHD delivered an innovative dune restoration design where dredge material from on-base management areas was repurposed for beach nourishment.
The challenge
Naval installations face mounting challenges with sea level rise and increased storm activity, coupled with dredge material management concerns as maintenance dredging needs increase. Limited disposal capacity, rising operational costs, increased shoaling rates and environmental impacts associated with traditional methods have created opportunities for innovative and cost-effective solutions through beneficial reuse.
NAVSTA Mayport's beach and dune system serves as a crucial first line of defense for protecting vital military infrastructure and operations. When Hurricanes Ian and Nicole struck Florida's coast in 2022, they caused severe erosion that threatened the station's operational capabilities and left facilities vulnerable to future storms. Mayport faced immediate coastal resiliency concerns following hurricane damage, while also seeking sustainable solutions using existing dredged material.
Our response
GHD successfully demonstrated beneficial reuse in action at NAVSTA Mayport, where we designed and permitted an innovative dune restoration using material from existing disposal areas on-base which were at capacity. Our comprehensive design process included extensive geotechnical investigations and laboratory analysis to identify suitable material, development of a conceptual 3D model to allow the contractor to target this material, and thorough engineering analysis and environmental permitting to ensure project success. This pilot program validated the feasibility of beneficially reusing stored dredge material for coastal resilience projects.
GHD also designed structures to replace those impacted by the hurricanes, including six new beach access structures, including Architectural Barriers Act-compliant walkovers, and integrated security fencing that met Unified Facilities Criteria requirements.
The impact
GHD's integrated planning-to-implementation approach is transforming how Southeast naval installations manage dredged material. The NAVSTA Mayport project showcases how strategic planning coupled with innovative engineering can turn dredged material from a disposal challenge into a valuable resource for coastal resilience. The restored dune system provides enhanced protection for NAVSTA Mayport's critical infrastructure and operations against future storms. The US Department of Defense now has a proven solution for beneficial reuse that delivers both operational and environmental benefits.