Dune lake berms removed by 4/30/11

[Kurt]

Walton County, FL - Home Page

The Walton County Coastal Dune Lake Berm Removal Project consists of using off road trucks to load and haul approximately 16,000 cubic yards of beach compatible sand and existing outfall pipes from nine dune lake outfalls to beach access locations and transporting the material to the CR-83 county pit. The hauling along the beach will be routed around nesting bird sites and some stretches as long as two miles will be required to reach the stockpile areas.The contractor will be required to coordinate with DEP, ACOE, and Parks and Recreation facilities directors for removal of the material and will be responsible for coordinating with shore bird nesting advisors throughout the project. The project will start April 1, 2011 and must be completed by April 29, 2011 and work on beach must be completed no later than April 30, 2011 and work not on beach must be completed no later than May 15, 2011, to meet Federal and State required deadlines. All bidders shall be General Contractors and shall be FDOT prequalified to preform the work.

 

[Kurt]

The other day I noticed the Camp Creek Lake outlet in front of WaterSound Crossings condos at WaterSound Beach was diverted by a berm to stop the flow to the west along the beach. Another berm was added with pipes to divert the flow directly south.

It will be interesting to see when berms are removed if the natural course of the outflow will be permanently diverted.

 

[Carol G]

The other day I noticed the Camp Creek Lake outlet in front of WaterSound Crossings condos at WaterSound Beach was diverted by a berm to stop the flow to the west along the beach. Another berm was added with pipes to divert the flow directly south.

It will be interesting to see when berms are removed if the natural course of the outflow will be permanently diverted.

I walk that stretch of beach several times each week, it has been so interesting to watch the evolution of the outfall, both before the berms were put up, and now. I've talked to a few folks who have lived on this stretch for over 20 years and they tell me the it has gone back and forth - from a long creek following the dune line (like it was last year pre-berms) to a direct path straight out from the lake - more than once over the years.

I can tell you that every time I go out there, it has changed from my previous visit. I think Camp Creek Lake is a bit different because it is also fed by a creek, it seems to flood more quickly and the outfall tends to stay open, even if only at a trickle. It is endlessly fascinating to me, thanks for sharing that beautiful photo!

 

[lenzoe]

Walton County, FL - Home Page

The Walton County Coastal Dune Lake Berm Removal Project consists of using off road trucks to load and haul approximately 16,000 cubic yards of beach compatible sand and existing outfall pipes from nine dune lake outfalls to beach access locations and transporting the material to the CR-83 county pit. The hauling along the beach will be routed around nesting bird sites and some stretches as long as two miles will be required to reach the stockpile areas. ...

More big trucks back and forth on the beach. I'm not a big fan of that. Why don't they just disperse the sand to the beaches on either side of the outfalls? Unfortunately that probably wouldn't cut down on truck traffic, but at least the beaches could "gain" something out of the new heavy equipment intrusions.

 

[Kurt]

More big trucks back and forth on the beach. I'm not a big fan of that. Why don't they just disperse the sand to the beaches on either side of the outfalls? Unfortunately that probably wouldn't cut down on truck traffic, but at least the beaches could "gain" something out of the new heavy equipment intrusions.

The original plan called for the sand to remain on the beach to "augment" the adjacent dunes. I guess that part got nixed?

 

[scooterbug44]

Yes, I am not understanding - take out the pipes, spread the sand around a bit, and let nature do the rest.

 

[Will B]

The sand used at Draper Lake is a very coarse consistency. I wonder if they are removing it because it doesn't match the surrounding area?

 

[Truman]

Don't mess with the lakes please!!! I assume the WaterSound homeowners association and/or St. Joe wanted to eliminate the outflow in front of the WaterSound Crossings condos - BAD IDEA!!!

Some worried homeowners who live near one of the coastal dune lakes in the 30-A community in South Walton County are concerned that it's getting dangerously low.


Camp Creek Lake fluctuates naturally, but the county's environmental engineer did confirm that it has receded at least four-to-five feet below its average level. Some residents believe the berms that were installed in 2010 to protect the lake's outfall from the BP oil spill may be to blame.


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Those berms have since been removed, but county officials did say at least one berm is still in place, and was permitted by the state to protect the lake's structure. No one knows for sure if that's what's causing the lake's drastic draining, but residents say they want answers soon.


County engineer Billy McKee says they are still trying to determine if the drainage is naturally occurring and will eventually equalize, or if something man-made is causing it.

Someone lied to the state.