Robert C. Thomas

Proceedings from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Natural and Nature-Based Features Workshop in Galveston District

Abstract : This proceedings report summarizes the activities of a collaborative workshop conducted on the topic of Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The workshop was held on March 01-03, 2016, in Charleston, South Carolina. NNBF refers to those features that define natural coastal landscapes and are either naturally occurring or engineered to mimic natural conditions. Some examples of NNBF are beaches and dunes, salt marshes, and barrier islands. Thirty-eight workshop participants represented USACE and NOAA. The objectives of the workshop included were to 1. identify high-priority, resilience-based NNBF projects of common interest to USACE and NOAA; 2. categorize and prioritize projects identified for future collaboration; and 3. form a USACE/NOAA Leadership and Implementation Group to provide advocacy and oversight. The workshop included a plenary session where USACE and NOAA senior leaders presented their respective organizations NNBF overviews. Interactive breakout sessions were also convened to gather input on uncertainty, opportunities, and challenges concerning NNBF. Over the course of the three-day workshop, fourteen short- and long-term opportunities emerged. It will be essential to capture and share lessons learned as the two organizations plan and implement selected NNBF projects.

Sediment Management Options for Galveston Island, Texas

Abstract : Galveston Island is a major tourist and commercial center on the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. The shoreline along the Galveston Seawall regularly requires beach nourishment while the beach west ofthe Seawall has severely eroded. In order to protect the island and ensure it is available for generations to come, a 50-year sediment management plan was developed. A sediment budget using the Sediment Budget Analysis System was calculated and numerous alternatives were simulated with GenCade, a shoreline change and sand transport model. Finally, several alternatives ranging from no action to a comprehensive beach fill and backpassing system are presented as partof the sediment management plan.

CONCEPTUAL REGIONAL SEDIMENT BUDGET FOR THE U.S. NORTH ATLANTIC COAST

A Conceptual Regional Sediment Budget (CRSB) was developed for coastal beaches, bays and estuaries extending from Virginia to Maine, USA, as part of the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study. Hurricane Sandy made landfall on October 30th, 2012 near Brigantine, New Jersey and generated severe beach erosion and property damage throughout this region. A CRSB is the first step in understanding sediment transport patterns and magnitudes, and aligning dredging and placement operations to take advantage of natural processes and identify sediment deficiencies in a regional system. Optimizing regional sediment management practices in this region is critical to (a) improve beneficial use of dredged sediments; (b) reduce the risks of future storm damage and enhance the environment; and (c) reduce costs in maintaining coastal infrastructure. Data from 1990-2013 indicated an average of 18.7 million cu yd/year was dredged within the North Atlantic region. The CRSB is accessible via a web portal.