Understanding Inlet Dredging and Berm Construction Projects
Sea Turtles of Volusia County
Volusia County's 47 miles of beaches serve as critical nesting habitat for three primary species of sea turtles: Loggerhead (Threatened), Green (Endangered), and Leatherback (Endangered). In 2024, over 900 sea turtle nests were recorded along the Volusia coastline, with each nest containing approximately 100 eggs.
Ecological Benefits of On-Sand Placement
On-sand placement is critical for rehabilitating damaged shoreline ecosystems with multiple benefits:
For Sea Turtles:
- Restores nesting habitat lost to erosion and coastal armoring
- Recreates natural beach slopes needed for nesting access
- Eliminates steep scarps that block turtle access
- Provides appropriate sand characteristics for proper nest temperatures
For Coastal Ecosystems:
- Enhances habitat for threatened shorebirds (piping plovers, red knots)
- Provides substrate for native dune vegetation reestablishment
- Improves nearshore marine habitats and reduces turbidity
- Increases storm resilience through natural buffering
Volusia County's Beach Sand Placement Projects
Beach sand placement in Volusia County is traditionally associated with:
- Ponce Inlet Dredging Operations - Using sand from routine maintenance dredging in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND)
- Intracoastal Waterway Maintenance - Utilizing dredged material from flood shoals and navigation channels in partnership with FIND
- Strategic Berm Construction - Two specific projects:
- 2025 North Beach Sand Placement Project – Sand placement along seawalls, dunes and rock revetments through truck hauling utilizing material from the 2025 US Army Corps and FIND Inlet and Intracoastal Dredging Project.
- South Beach Sand Placement Project - Sand placement along seawalls, dunes and rock revetments through hydraulic dredge and pipeline utilizing material from the FIND Dredged Material Management Area known locally as Rattlesnake Island
These projects utilize locally dredged materials for strategic berm placement rather than traditional widespread beach nourishment.
Regulatory Framework
These specialized projects must comply with:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permits - For dredging activities and placement of dredged materials
- Volusia County Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) - County-specific guidelines for protected species
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection Joint Coastal Permit - Required for both dredging and sand placement
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) - Federal protection for listed species
- Florida Administrative Code 68E - Sea turtle protection regulations
Key Authorities for Dredging and Berm Projects
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District - Primary permit authority for dredging
- Volusia County Coastal Division - Local coordination of projects
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) - Biological reviews and monitoring requirements
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) - State permitting
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - Federal consultation for protected species
Sea Turtle Protection Measures – All sand placement projects will be in strict compliance with federal and state permits.
Pre-Construction Requirements:
- Testing dredged material for nesting compatibility
- Specialized design for transitions with hardened structures
- Pre-project nesting activity documentation
- Strategic equipment access planning
During Construction:
- Dawn surveys by authorized personnel with nest relocations authorized
- Limits on construction activities after sunset
- Buffer zones and special driving restrictions around re-located nests
- Techniques to minimize sand compaction
Post-Construction Monitoring:
- Regular inspection of berm-structure interfaces
- Management of escarpments
- Tracking nesting success in project areas
