Innovative Coastal Projects: Adapting to a Changing Gulf
The Gulf of Mexico’s coastline presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, requiring tailored solutions that go beyond conventional coastal project approaches. At HDR, we have embraced the intricacies of this dynamic environment, turning obstacles into opportunities for innovation. By collaborating closely with our clients and partners, we’ve been able to develop adaptive strategies that not only protect and restore critical habitats but also set new benchmarks for coastal resilience and sustainability.
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Dickinson Bird Island II: Nurturing Avian Habitats Through Innovation
In 2013, the Galveston Bay Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local stakeholders collaboratively embarked on an ambitious mission: to create bird rookery islands in the Dickinson Bay area of southeast Texas. We were brought in to assess three potential sites, conducting thorough surveys and benthic and geotechnical investigations to understand the existing conditions. The findings led to the selection of two sites, each tailored to support different bird species — shore nesting birds and upland or shrub nesting birds.
Through a rigorous alternatives analysis, we developed conceptual designs for these habitats. The upland bird nesting island, Dickinson Bird Island II, or DBI2, was chosen for funding through the Natural Resources Damage Assessment program, a legacy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This marked a significant milestone, as the project shifted to a new location that required additional investigations, assessments and meticulous planning to ensure suitability.
Our team has spearheaded the design and permitting of an 8-acre island, engineered to support both upland and shore bird habitats. From regulatory approvals to construction oversight, we were involved in every phase, ensuring that the project met its ambitious environmental goals. By May 2022, the island was complete, with thousands of trees planted to foster shrubby habitats for upland nesting birds. The success of this project exemplifies how targeted, adaptive measures can create thriving ecosystems.
Rockefeller Refuge: A Beacon of Coastal Protection
The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, a 71,000-acre sanctuary established in 1920, is one of the nation’s most vital natural research laboratories. Home to diverse species, including migratory birds, fish and alligators, the refuge has faced relentless shoreline erosion, losing over 15,000 acres since its inception. The urgency of this situation prompted a multiagency collaboration, led by the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, to undertake the $34 million Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stabilization project.
This project posed a formidable challenge: The soft clay soils and lack of sand in the littoral system rendered traditional shoreline protection methods ineffective. Our team was instrumental in exploring and testing alternative solutions, culminating in the selection of a lightweight aggregate core breakwater, proven through a $7 million demonstration project.
The breakwater, now standing as a robust defense against coastal erosion, protects one of the most biodiverse habitats in the U.S. The project’s success is a testament to overcoming adversity — securing funding, working in challenging Gulf conditions and enduring severe weather, including Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Despite these challenges, the project not only was completed on budget but also was extended by an additional mile, thanks to cost savings during construction. The project stands as a model of resilience and ingenuity in coastal protection.
Pensacola Bay Living Shoreline: Revitalizing Urban Coastal Ecosystems
Located along the urban shoreline of Pensacola Bay in northwest Florida, Project GreenShores Site II represents a forward-thinking approach to coastal restoration. Led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, this project aims to restore 9.2 acres of salt marsh habitat and 3.5 acres of oyster reef breakwater as part of the broader Natural Resource Damage Assessment recovery efforts following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Our role was critical in the early stages, conducting detailed field investigations that informed the design of low-crested breakwaters. These structures are engineered not only to protect the newly restored salt marsh but also to enhance reef development for bivalves and other invertebrates. The project navigated numerous challenges, including identifying a suitable borrow site, working within a historically significant area and balancing ecological benefits with community expectations.
Completed in April 2022, this project has transformed a once-degraded urban shoreline into a vibrant, resilient ecosystem. The Pensacola Bay Living Shoreline project highlights the importance of integrating environmental restoration with community engagement, creating a sustainable model for future urban coastal projects.
A Legacy of Coastal Innovation
These projects are just a glimpse into the work we are doing along the Gulf Coast, where the unique characteristics of each site demand tailored, innovative solutions. Our engineers and scientists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of environmental processes. The result is a portfolio of projects that not only meet but often exceed the environmental and community goals set by our partners. This commitment to innovation and excellence is at the heart of our approach to coastal engineering, setting new standards for resilience and sustainability in the face of a changing world.
