Indian Creek Seawall Project Not Compliant With Environmental Regs

Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales has notified Commissioners that the contractor installing the new seawall along Indian Creek is not in compliance with environmental policies and regulations. Morales wrote in a Letter to Commission that a review of the seawall replacement project identified areas of non-compliance that require corrective action.
 
Specifically, he wrote:

1. Sections of the seawall have been completed prior to receiving verification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
2. Sections of the seawall were installed beyond the allowed maximum distance from the wet face of the seawall.
3. Spoil piles were staged adjacent to the Indian Creek waterway not consistent with sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices.

Morales stated, “I am troubled by these findings and the lack of adherence to environmental policies and regulations. I am therefore closely studying the operations and practices in the engineering division, as well as the contractual responsibilities of our environmental consultant, Stantec, and construction contractor, Shoreline Foundation.”
 
He said changes will be made to ensure such a situation does not happen again and noted two corrective actions that have already been taken. The contractor, Shoreline Foundation, has been put on notice of the issues and directed to stop all work on the project. In addition, the improperly installed spoil piles were removed within 48 hours of notice to the contractor.
 
“I am committed to bringing this project fully into compliance as quickly as possible and my team will be meeting again with the contractor and the regulatory agencies in the coming weeks to agree on an appropriate plan of action,” Morales wrote.
 
“Rest assured that my administration is committed to investing in replacing aging infrastructure and adapting to climate change while also complying with all environmental regulations that protect the beauty and value of our natural systems. I know that the two are not mutually exclusive,” he said.
 
The overall flood mitigation project area encompasses Indian Creek Drive between 25^th and 41^st Streets. It includes installation of a new storm water drainage system with a pump station at 32^nd Street, upsizing sections of the existing storm water drainage system, elevating the roadway, and rebuilding the public seawall between 26^th and 41^st Streets. In the meantime, traffic detours are in place, making driving in the area painful. According to the project web page, the project was expected to be completed last fall.
 
Photos: City of Miami Beach