Sarasota News Leader
December 13, 2013
Page 40
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When audience member Jim Johnson of
Siesta Key asked about the specific type of
design planned for the groins, Engle of the
Corps explained that it is called a "terminal
structure." In response to a later question,
DavisShaw said the groins would not be
permeable.
In an interview with the News Leader in early
April, DavisShaw noted, "I think there's a lot
of improvement in technology [regarding the
design of groins], so they are better able to
address the needs" of the areas where they
are placed.
Siesta Key Association President Catherine
During the Dec. 5 meeting, Engle displayed
Luckner welcomes the audience on Dec. 5.
an aerial view of a groin placed at Blind Pass
Photo by Rachel Hackney
adjacent to Treasure Island in Pinellas County. impact of the groins on the downdrift flow of
However, an audience member pointed out sand to Siesta Key.
that structure is south of the channel, while
the groins on Lido will be north of Big Pass. He added, "This is the first of the public
meetings."
Engle responded that the groins planned for
Lido are "meant to do the same thing," as the In his questions, Patten also referenced a
one at Blind Pass, drawing laughter from the segment of the Inlet Management Plan that
outlined a number of significant environmenaudience.
tal concerns any dredging proposal for Big
"How can you propose anything now if you Pass must address, including impacts on seadon't know the risk?" another audience mem- grass, essential fisheries, birds, manatees and
ber asked. Patten made a similar point later water quality.
in the meeting: "Shouldn't we conduct these Patten told Mora, "I'm pretty baffled that a
assessments before we design a plan and not project of this size go to this point without
after we design a plan?"
ever having a public hearing or a peer review."
"This is not set in stone," Mora responded. When Mora later said the Inlet Management
"This has to go to the State of Florida to be Plan was vetted through public meetings, a
approved."
chorus of "No's" came from the audience.
Mora emphasized that the Corps study to If the Corps had to find another source for
be released early in 2014 would address the the new Lido sand other than Big Pass, Mora
