Continuing Contract for General Environmental Engineering

Since 2008, RES has contracted with the City of Fort Lauderdale to offer continuous environmental engineering assistance across three consultant selection procedures. The contract’s breadth provides ample opportunities for RES to support the City in various endeavors. Below are highlights of completed projects:

Tarpon River Restoration

A rupture in a 54” sanitary sewer force main in the Rio Vista neighborhood caused significant raw sewage and sediment-laden sewage discharges into the Tarpon River. This event threatened the river’s Class III water status, which supports fish consumption, recreation, and a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Upon engaging RES, the City initiated a comprehensive assessment and restoration plan. RES utilized vibracore technology to extract sediment cores for visual characterization and analysis, pinpointing areas of contamination. Additionally, a benthic survey employing a “go-pro” camera documented the river bottom and assessed submerged vegetation.

With the USACE, FDEP, and Broward County, RES facilitated streamlined permitting processes to expedite restoration efforts. Regular updates were provided to the City and residents to ensure transparency. RES also assisted in the procurement process and selection of restoration contractors.

Following meticulous restoration work and compliance inspections, the project is now successfully concluded, safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Tarpon River and its surrounding community.

Bonnet House Greenway Access

The City enlisted RES to conduct an environmental assessment for a proposed greenway from Birch State Park, through Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, to North Birch Road. Key objectives included creating connectivity from Sunrise Boulevard to the island community south of Bonnet House, integrating users into the mangrove forest experience, maintaining distance from Bonnet House activities, and preserving parking and landscaping.

The evaluation aimed to support a grant application under the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. RES was tasked with finding ways to minimize environmental impacts while designing the greenway.

RES proposed an alternative layout that would reduce impacts on mangroves by shifting the greenway to disturbed upland areas in the southern section. This adjustment would also lessen impacts on landscape trees and preserve parking areas at Bonnet House. Additionally, design features like elevated boardwalks and permeable pavement were suggested to mitigate environmental impacts further.

Isle of Palms Seawall 15 Replacement and Climate Change Adaptation

RES provided critical support to the City to replace 900 feet of seawall along the west side of Isle of Palms Drive. Rising sea levels have led to overtopping of the existing seawall, causing flooding on adjacent land and roads. The project’s primary goal is to elevate the seawall to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the shoreline.

The City enlisted RES to conduct a comprehensive benthic survey to inform the design and permitting process. This involved identifying seagrasses and gathering data on their size, density, incidental species, and substrate conditions. RES worked closely with design engineers to secure regulatory permits and provided input to streamline the construction procurement process on behalf of the City.

RES delivered the survey report ahead of schedule and under budget, demonstrating efficiency and expertise. After construction completion, RES conducted a post-construction survey to fulfill environmental permit requirements and ensure regulatory compliance.

National Environmental Policy Act Statutory Worksheets

The City actively pursues Community Development Block Grants from HUD to enhance neighborhood living standards. RES plays a crucial role by conducting environmental reviews and preparing NEPA Statutory Worksheets for various projects falling under categorical exclusions, such as decorative street name posts, entryway monuments, brick paver crosswalks, decorative lighting, and landscaping.

This process entails close coordination with environmental regulatory agencies, including the State Historic Preservation Office, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Statutory Worksheet includes a Determination section with three options. If the project doesn’t necessitate mitigation for statutory compliance or formal permits, it qualifies for Exempt status.

Upon assessing the proposed property usage changes, it was determined that the project warranted a higher level of review as a Categorical Exclusion. RES has successfully prepared these Statutory Worksheets for numerous projects across the City, ensuring compliance and smooth progression of neighborhood enhancement initiatives.

NPDES Permitting Support

RES assisted the City in preparing its TMDL Prioritization Plan and Assessment Program, fulfilling Year 1 requirements of their NPDES MS4 permit. In Year 2, RES began pollutant load analysis and reviewed monitoring data to assess stormwater system improvements’ impact and ensure permit compliance. Additionally, RES is currently working on the City’s BPCP, collaborating with stakeholders for effective reporting and cost savings, scheduled for submission with the Year 3 annual report. Ongoing NPDES support, including annual reports and SOP reviews, is also provided by RES to ensure compliance with permit requirements.

Other projects performed under this contract include:

1. Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport Endangered Species Surveys, Permitting and Relocation
2. Former Transfer Station
3. Las Olas Circle Site Assessment
4. Sistrunk Boulevard
5. Fire Station #49 Emergency Response
6. Opinion of Post Closure Costs, Wingate Landfill
7. Wingate Landfill Burrowing Owl Relocation
8. FXE Proposed U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility
9. Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments
10. FXE Fuel Spill Regulatory Assistance
11. Fort Lauderdale Low-Level Bridges
12. Fire Station #46
13. HUD Environmental Documentation and Area-wide Floodplain Management Eight-Step Decision-Making Process
14. Benthic Surveys for Sylvan Lake Canal and Seminole River Canal
15. South Middle River Improvement Environmental Evaluation
16. Grace Community Development Environmental Assessment
17. Statutory Worksheet – Community Redevelopment Agency Resurfacing Projects