Environmental Management Problems of Dredged Material Islands in the Tampa Bay Area

by Roy R. Lewis, III, Mangrove Systems Inc, Tampa, FL, USA,
Richard T. Paul, Mangrove Systems Inc, Tampa, FL, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal

Abstract:

Between 1977 and 1982, four new islands were created in Hillsborough Bay as part of the Tampa Harbor Deepening Project. The islands are now 3-7 years old. They exhibit striking differences in vegetation, bird use, and erosion rates. An opportunity exists to reduce current erosion problems, reduce potential enviromental hazard to the bay system, provide new quality intertidal habitat and critical nesting habitat for several species of birds that require open beach substrates, and minimize potential conflicts between dredging activities and the bird species that can be expected to nest there. Furthermore the measures will save money (e. g. , reducing erosion, thus reducing the cost of dike maintenance and redredging). This paper describes the conditions affecting erosion, plant succession, and bird use of the four islands, and recommends steps to achieve the goals outlined.

Subject Headings: Islands | Dredged materials | Birds | Erosion | Coastal management | Bays | Environmental engineering | Tampa | Florida | United States

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