Natural and Nature Based Solutions and Engineering with Nature Technology Development

Nationwide, United States

Anchor QEA is working alongside the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on all coasts of the continental United States (including the Great Lakes) to develop a framework for design and construction of Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) and to promote Engineering-with-Nature (EWN) and BU tools and techniques across all USACE Districts. Features of our work include the following:

• Developing a unique framework to assist ERDC and USACE to conceptualize NNBF/EWN/BU projects so that communities vulnerable to flooding, sea level rise, and storm surges can incorporate nature-based approaches into their resiliency strategies
• Collaborating with Mobile, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, and Buffalo Districts as EWN “Proving Grounds” and assisting in the development of EWN projects specific to each region
• Developing system-wide landscape architecture based EWN/NBS concepts in collaboration with Dredge Research Collaborative (DRC)
• Providing hydraulic and coastal modeling support for the various EWN concepts to test their efficacy
• Collaborating with USACE Headquarters and ERDC (under the Dredging Operations Environmental Research program) to support the chief of engineers’ BU goal of using 70% dredged material beneficially by the year 2030
• Assisting ERDC researchers on EWN/BU research and development topics including publication support for technical (guidance) reports and technical notes

Mobile District: Engineering With Nature Proving Ground

Mobile, Alabama

Anchor QEA is working alongside the USACE Mobile District, ERDC, and a team of engineers, scientists, and landscape architects to identify projects that address local and regional coastal and fluvial flood risk management challenges. The strategy includes approaching these challenges with technical and process-oriented solutions to synthesize natural and cultural values and phenomena for a system-wide focus on innovative NBS. Select features of our work include the following:

• Collaborating with stakeholders in the region to identify potential projects
• Developing NBS/EWN concepts for projects in the region that would make system-wide impacts over longer-term including, BU of dredging material, river diversion and reconnection, regional sediment management approaches, innovative shoreline restoration approaches, and NBS/EWN concepts for enhancing the overall habitat and environmental functions of coastal bays and estuaries, focusing on BU of dredged material, where feasible
• Using numerical modeling to simulate and test the effectiveness and resiliency provided by NBS/EWN concepts
• Development of a regional and national EWN “Project Ideas” handbook for use by USACE staff and key stakeholders

USACE Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study

Great Lakes Region

Anchor QEA is working closely with the USACE Great Lakes Districts (Chicago, Detroit, and Buffalo) as part of the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study and developing project ideas to incorporate EWN/NNBF and BU principles for short- and long-term solutions.

Work is being conducted with the Districts and local stakeholders, along with reviews of the entire Great Lakes shorelines to identify vulnerable shorelines where EWN/NNBF and BU can be used to provide resiliency with consideration to regional sediment management objectives, system-wide (shoreline) projects, and—where feasible—large-scale, regional EWN projects with innovative technologies for actual construction. We are doing the following:

• Building upon previous regional research to assess challenges and opportunities for each District to develop “needle-mover” EWN/NNBF and BU projects
• Conceptually developing potential projects for each District and substantiating proof-of-concepts for a select subgroup of conceptual project designs using the principles of landscape architecture and engineering, including coastal and/or hydraulic modeling
• Developing a Great Lakes EWN Playbook with specific strategies for implementation of EWN/NNBF components

Legacy Site Restoration 

Brunswick, Georgia

This site consists of 760 acres of vegetated tidal marsh and tidal creeks within the Turtle River Estuary. Anchor QEA worked with Honeywell, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the State of Georgia to conduct site investigations, engineering design, and implementation of a restoration plan to remediate 24 acres of the marsh system that were historically impacted by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mercury, lead, and dioxins.

This project utilized more traditional remediation material with clean engineered fill while considering methods to preserve the benefits of the natural environment. As part of the overall site restoration plan, Anchor QEA developed a thin-layer cover (TLC) application (a variation of the TLP concept), placing approximately 6 to 9 inches of material over the marsh to address potential risks from low levels of chemicals of concern and accelerate natural recovery and restoration.

Other components included dredging 11 acres of tidal channels—to remove up to 32,000 cubic yards of sediment—and restoration through placement of approximately 20,000 cubic yards of clean backfill. After three years, the marsh areas that received the TLC are demonstrating vigorous natural vegetative recolonization and recovery.

Pamlico Sound Hydrodynamic Model

North Carolina

Anchor QEA has extensive experience partnering with entities for coastal and riverine restoration in North Carolina and has demonstrated experience in developing reliable and calibrated hydrodynamic models with detailed grid structure so that the environmental parameters of interest can be reliably predicted and confirmed.

Anchor QEA developed a 3D hydrodynamic and salinity model of Pamlico Sound which was used to evaluate the effectiveness of oyster reef restoration in the Sound using various substrate types. This model domain covers all of Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound. Tides and salinity are specified at inlets, and the model incorporates spatially and time-varying wind, evaporation, and precipitation as well as freshwater inflows.

This model can be used to identify applicability of various NBS/EWN/BU concepts for the region that have maximum regional impact for coastal resilience and ecological benefit and to subsequently design these systems to maximize longevity.

Lake Adger Maintenance Dredging

Lake Adger, North Carolina

Anchor QEA worked with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to design and permit the dredging of Lake Adger’s navigation channel. With no viable option identified for off-site disposal of the dredged sediment, a solution that used dredged sediment to enhance and expand existing wetlands was developed.

As a portion of the engineering design and construction oversight, Anchor QEA performed hydrodynamic modeling to serve the following three functions: 1) confirm that no-rise conditions were met; 2) assess the structural integrity of the proposed wetland; and 3) assess potential for modifying flow channels of the Green River to minimize future dredging needs. The modeling of the Green River resulted in a cost-effective approach to the overall project.

Eastpoint Federal Navigation Channel Beneficial Use

Franklin County, Florida

USACE wanted to evaluate BU alternatives for the Eastpoint Federal Navigation Channel using NNBF (EWN). The project included developing alternatives, cost estimates, comparative analysis and final design, and specifications for the selected alternative. 

Anchor QEA performed geotechnical investigations, coastal engineering analyses, alternatives analysis, design for BU cell and dredging, plans, and specifications. The sandy BU berm was designed to achieve stability by incorporating a long slope toward the bay, aligning with the natural movement of sediment in the area while containing dredged material to create marsh along the existing rock jetties protecting the navigation channel.

Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline

Hancock County, Mississippi

Hancock County Marsh was formerly the fastest-eroding marsh in Mississippi, with erosion losses from 3 to 10 feet per year.

To preserve and protect existing habitat, the Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline project consists of three restoration components: 7.5 miles of living shoreline that uses a segmented rock breakwater, 46 acres of subtidal reef, and approximately 46 acres of marsh.

This living shoreline design achieves both wave energy reduction and re-establishment of habitat along the coastal area, thereby providing protection to the shoreline and providing aquatic sanctuary for decades to come. Ongoing biological monitoring results demonstrated active benthic recolonization in the living shoreline, wave dissipation, sedimentation behind the living shoreline and new marsh growth.

Deer Island Marsh

Biloxi, Mississippi

Anchor QEA, working with the Port of Gulfport and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, expanded the BU marsh on Deer Island. We are the designer of record for rebuilding sections of the existing marsh and living shoreline systems damaged by Hurricane Katrina and expanding the site along the north shoreline to support the port restoration program and state BU law.

Our team developed sediment testing criteria to comply with state BU law and coordinated construction and placement alternatives with the state and federal Beneficial Use Group (BUG). The BUG wanted to create habitat diversity and options to enhance the area with future dredged material placements from the port. This collaboration yielded cost saving to permit and develop the site for current and future uses.

Beneficial Use Concept Planning, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management

Jackson and Harrison Counties, Mississippi

Anchor QEA plans and conducts reconnaissance-level field investigations for proposed Mississippi BU sites, including investigations of Pelican Key, Tennessee Gas Pipeline, and Railroad Corner. We have supported conceptual-level layouts, developed artists’ renderings, and worked with the MDMR BU program to conduct public workshops with regional stakeholders and community leaders. Using existing model results, geophysical data from adjacent projects, and environmental studies for endangered species, the team worked with MDMR to develop the concepts.

Anchor QEA has developed a design for the 28,000-lf containment berm for restoring the Pelican Key barrier island. BU dredged material from the future federal navigation channel widening and deepening project will be used to create 900 acres of marsh habitat. We have completed geotechnical analysis, analysis of wind and wave action of the existing site conditions, and permitting. We also performed salinity modeling of the Mississippi Sound to determine impacts the island may have on changes in salinity in the vicinity of the site during typical conditions and extreme freshwater inflows associated with openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

Anchor QEA also investigated several potential BU sites near the Pascagoula River and developed conceptual designs for a BU site that will provide needed dredged material capacity for industries in the area. We routinely advise program managers and support their efforts with the regional Beneficial Use Group (BUG) and USACE under Section 214 authorization.

Nueces Delta Shoreline Protection and Restoration

San Patricio, Texas

This project was aimed at protecting and stabilizing 0.75 mile of the Nueces Delta shoreline in the back bay of Nueces Bay, west of Corpus Christi Bay. Primarily low-lying coastal marshes, it is subject to erosion from wind and water, relative sea level rise, and sediment deprivation.

Anchor QEA prepared an alternatives analysis report to optimize the design and provide a cost-benefit analysis of shoreline protection materials, potential breakwater alignments, and cross-shore location for review by USACE and the Texas General Land Office. This work included a topographic and hydrographic survey, an analysis of site-specific wind and wave action, coastal numerical modeling, breakwater design, development of feasibility-level construction cost estimates, bid phase services, and construction management.

Greenwood Island Beneficial Use Expansion

Pascagoula, Mississippi

As part of the RESTORE-funded Enhancing Opportunities for Beneficial Use of Dredge Sediments in the Mississippi Sound project, Anchor QEA designed a 2-mile rock containment to create a BU site for restoring 210 acres of coastal marsh using dredged material. The Anchor QEA team performed coastal modeling of the existing conditions and proposed BU expansion; developed conceptual designs; performed bathymetric surveys, geotechnical borings, and cultural resource surveys; and prepared permits, 100% design drawings, specifications, and an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost.

Bid assistance, contractor selection, and construction management are also complete. The design phase of the project is under budget due to Anchor QEA’s efficiency in preparing the permits, basis of design reports, and final design. Additionally, the construction phase was completed in 2023 $6 million under budget.

North Sandy Pond Barrier Island Restoration

North Sandy Pond, New York

North Sandy Pond, at the center of an ecosystem of dunes, beaches, and sandbars, is protected from the lake by 3 miles of beaches and connects to Lake Ontario through a narrow inlet. The shoreline in front of North Sandy Pond experienced heavy beach erosion due to record-high lake levels and wind-driven waves in 2017 and 2019. Anchor QEA provided coastal engineering and restoration services in support of the North Sandy Pond Resiliency Project.

Our team performed coastal engineering evaluations, including development of management alternatives and conceptual designs such as beneficially using dredged material, to develop a resilient shoreline and protect the barrier beach system. We also provided technical review of final design and procurement and contract documents on behalf of the Town of Sandy Creek, New York.

Little Beaver Island

Grand Island, New York

Erosive forces, including high-velocity currents, wind-driven waves, and ice scour, prevented the establishment of coastal wetland habitat and led to extreme bank erosion and property loss along approximately 1,000 feet of shoreline and nearshore habitat in Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island.

In 2018, Anchor QEA was brought on to establish and implement habitat improvement designs to create and restore riparian and coastal habitat, address erosive forces, and improve coastal resiliency. Anchor QEA developed all associated plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates for the project design. We also provided construction contract administration for Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

Salt Marsh Restoration Design for Sunken Meadow State Park

Audobon, New York

Anchor QEA was selected by Audubon New York (and its partners Save the Sound and New York State Parks) to design the restoration and enhancement of an approximately 400-acre tidal marsh on the north-central coast of Long Island. The marsh has experienced restricted tidal flow since an earthen berm was breached in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy. The restricted tidal flow led to marsh degradation, which converted portions of the former salt marsh to brackish and freshwater marsh.

The Anchor QEA team (including Princeton Hydro) developed a site-specific hydrodynamic model (to assess coastal processes), engineering designs (including plan drawings, specifications, and cost estimate), a long-term management plan, and a Quality Assurance Project Plan.

Shooting Island Living Shoreline

Ocean City, New Jersey

Shooting Island is a wetland island providing protection to back-bay communities from flooding and storm surge. The island has been experiencing significant shoreline loss due to ongoing erosive processes and sea level rise—as well as damage from Hurricane Sandy—and needed to be restored.

Anchor QEA led the planning and permitting, shoreline and wetland restoration and design, field data collection, and construction management for the living shoreline at Shooting Island to protect the habitat and the community from further damage.

The island had the largest living shoreline at the time in New Jersey, and the team developed a sustainable solution for long-term protection of the marsh edges using innovative techniques such as oyster castle installation and low crested sills. Now a model for other towns, this project also involved engagement with regulatory agencies and public meeting attendance to educate the community.

Chesapeake Mid Bay Islands Engineering and Erosion Prediction Modeling Studies

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

The Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service, and the USACE Baltimore District are undertaking studies to determine the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of protecting, restoring, and creating aquatic intertidal wetland and upland habitat for fish and wildlife at mid-Chesapeake Bay islands. Anchor QEA staff led a geomorphologic and numerical evaluation of shoreline change for James Island and Barren Island within this region.

Quantitative estimates of historical and future shoreline change were performed using several methods, including historical shoreline position analysis, historical island planform analysis, a marsh islands erosion model, and the application of coastal engineering models (STWAVE and GENESIS).

Through this evaluation, a systematic analysis was developed to evaluate shoreline planform changes during longer time periods. The results of this study were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed restoration plans, particularly longshore transport rates and tidal gut sedimentation. Finally, the model results were used to identify critical shoreline areas that may require special attention.

White Creek Beneficial Use Dredging and Muddy Neck Wildlife Refuge Habitat Restoration 

Ocean View, Delaware

Anchor QEA, as part of a JV team, conducted sediment beneficial reuse alternative analysis and site characterization, led regulatory and stakeholder meetings, developed contract design documents, and provided construction oversight for this navigational dredging and wetland restoration project within Delaware’s Inland Bays. This is the first large-scale TLP marsh restoration project in the state of Delaware.

As part of our beneficial reuse analysis for the associated navigational dredging project, we identified several projects for Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control to partner with Delaware State Parks, Sussex County, and Center for Inland Bays (a USEPA National Estuary Program) to provide coastal resiliency while also providing marsh platform enhancements to improve habitat quality.

Alternatives for BU that were explored included a variety of beach, living shoreline, and marsh platform restoration options. Ultimately, restoration of the expansive Muddy Neck Marsh Complex of the Assawoman Wildlife area via TLP of dredged material was selected.

Section 1122 Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Pilot Project

San Francisco, California

Anchor QEA conducted hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling to support the selection of a pilot site to examine the ability of tides and currents to move the dredged sediment placed in the nearshore environment to existing marshes, making them more resilient to rising sea levels. Ultimately, our model was used to identify the most appropriate site for a pilot study and to evaluate different sediment placement strategies. The concept of having environmental systems distribute the sediment is known as a “sediment engine” and represents an innovative solution to problems associated with sea level rise that is being considered in other regions as well.

South San Diego Bay Salt Pond and Otay River Restoration

San Diego, California

The Otay Floodplain and Salt Works Salt Ponds are located along the southern shores of San Diego Bay. As part of a mitigation agreement for the development of a desalination plant along the California Coast, Poseidon Water agreed to design and implement a restoration program by converting former salt ponds into marsh and intertidal habitat as well as an upland improvement program to add green infrastructure, including bioswales for capturing and treating stormwater prior to discharge into the marsh areas. Poor drainage has historically resulted in flooding of this area.

Anchor QEA led the design, permitting, and stakeholder coordination for this multiyear restoration project and will now oversee its construction. In addition to preparing the engineering design package, Anchor QEA also led several geotechnical and chemistry studies and conducted extensive hydraulic modeling to determine the best locations for the recharge areas.

Chehalis River Basin Strategy

Lewis, Thurston, Grays Harbor Counties, Washington

Anchor QEA is leading a team of consultants in the preparation and analysis of a comprehensive set of long-term actions to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the 2,400-square-mile Chehalis Basin as part of the Chehalis Basin Strategy.

To date, Anchor QEA inventoried the basin and authored and managed the completion of the Programmatic State Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a project-specific EIS, and numerous technical studies, including studies assessing hydrologic and hydraulic conditions, geomorphic and sediment transport, water quality, fish population and habitat, wetland, and wildlife inventory, land use, economic conditions, and cultural resources.