Hydrodynamic, Wave, and Sediment Transport Modeling

 Blue Coast staff led the modeling team on the project to develop and implement a three-dimensional unsteady tidal hydrodynamic and salinity model for the Big Quilcene River and Estuary to inform design and selection of proposed restoration alternatives to reconnect portions of the floodplain at the estuary mouth. The primary purpose of the modeling was to address concerns about impacts to extensive shellfish beds within the estuary. Work included review of oceanographic data collected for the model calibration, model grid development, model calibration (water levels, salinity, and currents), development of model boundary conditions, completion of model simulations, and synthesis and reporting of model results. Blue Coast staff assisted HCSEG with presenting results of the modeling work to project stakeholders. Blue Coast is currently in the scoping phase (as a subconsultant) to complete additional hydrodynamic modeling and provide design support for 30% design. 

 Blue Coast are the design engineers for this stream and habitat restoration project. Blue Coast has developed a 1-dimensional (1-d) HEC-RAS model of Martha Creek to estimate velocities and, water surface elevations and water depths in the existing creek channel, then used the model to design a new open channel which is optimized for low and high flows. Blue Coast also calculated wind-waves and longshore drift at the outlet of Martha Creek to determine the design elements required for the creek to maintain the tidal channel into Port Susan Bay. Blue Coast used ArcGIS to develop a 2-dimensional (2-d) design conditions model which incorporates the 1-d hydraulic model output and 2-d water level mapping to illustrate tidal inundation of the project design and that there is no additional flood risk to upstream or adjacent properties being created by the project. In addition, the 2-d design conditions model is being used to incorporate habitat features such as large wood, tidal pools, and vegetation. The project was constructed in August 2020.

 Blue Coast provided services to Kitsap County Parks to provide emergency assistance to control coastal flooding at Point no Point Point County Park and surrounding private properties. The project is also developing designs for a long-term solution. The project involved inundation mapping and modeling. Blue Coast managed subconsultants on the project that provided permitting and landscaping services.  

 Blue Coast is working with Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group to conduct the feasibility and design to restore tidal influence to the historic salt marsh at Point No Point.  Blue Coast has conducted a detailed coastal processes assessment to quantify water levels, wind-waves, and the effect of these hydrodynamic forces on the shoreline along the park. In addition, we have completed a geomorphic evaluation and sediment transport study to understand sediment supply and rates of accretion and erosion at the site.  These processes will play an important role in the design of a self-sustaining open tidal channel. The project has also included a review of ground water, surface water, and archaeological resources at the site. A conceptual design has been developed to accommodate the park uses, to maintain or enhance sediment transport, and restore salt water influence to the marsh, while maintaining access and preventing impacts to the adjacent structures. 

 Blue Coast completed a feasibility study and preliminary design and is currently working on final restoration design for a restoration project at Norwegian Point Park along the shoreline where Finn Creek enters Admiralty Inlet. Blue Coast is supporting completion of state and federal permit applications for this project. Work will be conducted by Blue Coast Engineering LLC (Blue Coast) as the prime consultant, with support from three sub-consultants, Waterfront Environmental (WE), Pacific Surveying and Engineering, Inc (PS&E), and Aspect Consulting LLC (Aspect) on behalf of Wild Fish Conservancy Northwest (WFC).  Kitsap County (County) will also provide support by collecting survey data for this project and the nearby culvert replacement project.