Project Background and Purpose:

• As a result of the four significant rainfall events of the 2004 Hurricane season, SAI was contracted by Seminole County to design three erosion control countermeasures: Lost Creek and Eagles Point Areas 1 & 2.

• The hurricanes which impacted Central Florida in 2004 resulted in:

1. Numerous fallen trees within the creek channel,

2. High flow rates in the channel due to the excess rainfall,

3. High stages in the creek eroding the channel bank at high elevations and,

4. Overbank flow due to inability of rear lot swales to capture and hold excessive runoff.

 

Project Design / Implementation:

• The design was fast-tracked both because of the imminent threat to the residents as well as NRCS funding requirements.

• The Lost Creek subdivision design included approximately 570 linear feet of sheet pile retaining wall implemented to assist residents that had lost large portions of their rear yards from bank erosion along Howell Creek.

• The Eagles Point subdivision (Areas 1 & 2) design included construction of approximately 1240 linear feet of sheet pile retaining wall and 210 linear feet of gravity wall along the rear of homes neighboring the Howell Creek.

• The Lost Creek and Eagles Point projects were permitted through the SJRWMD.

• Disruption to the residents was minimized and their homes were additionally protected from vibratory damage by utilizing push-in sheet pile wall construction (new technology) with a nearly silent power source.

• Design and coordination with utility company and their consultant was also required.

 

Stormwater Investigation:

• Severe erosion was threatening to undermine the structural integrity of residential buildings and utilities.

• Erosion conditions at multiple locations were also creating sedimentation problems elsewhere in the river.

• Emergency authorization was obtained from the SJRWMD in order to construct the Lost Creek and Eagles Point countermeasures.

• Through diligent coordination with the water management district, all permitting issues were avoided and construction was initiated without delay.