Results of Palm Coast Saltwater Canal Study Delivered

City of Palm Coast staff, alongside Taylor Engineering, delivered a comprehensive update on the saltwater canal study during the City Council workshop meeting on August 8th. The canal system was initially installed in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Currently in the first of three phases, the consultant has undergone an in-depth assessment to understand the current state of the canal system. The results may lead to design, permitting, and construction phases, as directed by City Council. 

In the update provided during the meeting, it was explained that the initial investigation by Taylor Engineering delved into the canals' history, design, and permit records, involving collaboration with Palm Coast staff and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Firstly, Taylor Engineering researched the canals' historical records and design documents. The absence of previous permits was noted, as the canals were constructed before the FDEP's establishment in 1993. Furthermore, original design documents revealed a substantial canal depth of 8.77 feet, more than the 6 feet typically recommended for similarly sized canals.

A thorough bathymetric survey was also conducted, mapping the canal system. This assessment found that most are in good condition despite the canals being installed over 50 years ago. However, some regions exhibited signs of shoaling, meaning the water is becoming shallower. 

Finally, an aerial survey was also conducted, revealing potential shoreline erosion throughout the expansive canal network. This aerial survey documented over 200 points of interest earmarked for subsequent in-depth analysis.

If the project were to progress, obtaining regulatory approvals would have a crucial impact, including determining the allowable depth for dredging in collaboration with the FDEP. The assessment of potential funding options is also in progress, though it is encountering difficulties due to the limited availability of public access points to the canals. Taylor Engineering noted that most funding sources focus on public access areas which would not apply to dead-end residential canals. 

Around 13 miles of canals have depths of less than 6 feet at the center line. The estimated cost of dredging this area could fall between $10 to $20 million and take roughly 12 months to begin the process. No funding source has been identified, should this project be greenlighted. 

City Staff and Taylor Engineering closed their presentation with recommendations for Phase 2 of the study, which involved collaborating with FDEP to determine the cost of a permitting process, how deep the dredging should go, and prioritize areas based on how frequently they are used and the impact on residents. This phase is currently unfunded for fiscal year 2024. 

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