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This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) reviews the development of a Regional Sediment Management (RSM) implementation strategy for Mobile Bay, AL. The objective of this strategy is to bring lessons learned through application of RSM and Engineering With Nature (EWN) principles and practices in the coastal environment to a broader perspective for sediment and related environmental management planning for Mobile Bay, specifically the placement within Mobile Bay of maintenance material dredged from the Mobile Harbor navigation channel. The Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) RSM demonstration project concluded in 2003 (Rosati et al. 2001 [rev. 2004]). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Atlantic Division (SAD), Mobile District (SAM), continues to implement into District practice the RSM lessons learned from those NGOM studies. RSM is a systems-based approach for collaboratively addressing sediment-related issues within a regional context. RSM seeks to support sustainable solutions for more effective use of littoral, estuarine, and riverine sediment resources in an environmentally sensitive and economically efficient manner.

ERDC/CHL CHETN-XIV-41 April 2015 Regional Sediment Management (RSM) Strategy for Mobile Bay, Alabama by Larry Parson, Nathan Lovelace, Elizabeth Godsey, Kevin Reine, and Joseph Gailani PURPOSE: This Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) reviews the development of a Regional Sediment Management (RSM) implementation strategy for Mobile Bay, AL. The objective of this strategy is to bring lessons learned through application of RSM and Engineering With Nature (EWN) principles and practices in the coastal environment to a broader perspective for sediment and related environmental management planning for Mobile Bay, specifically the placement within Mobile Bay of maintenance material dredged from the Mobile Harbor navigation channel. The Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) RSM demonstration project concluded in 2003 (Rosati et al. 2001 [rev. 2004]). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Atlantic Division (SAD), Mobile District (SAM), continues to implement into District practice the RSM lessons learned from those NGOM studies. RSM is a systems-based approach for collaboratively addressing sediment-related issues within a regional context. RSM seeks to support sustainable solutions for more effective use of littoral, estuarine, and riverine sediment resources in an environmentally sensitive and economically efficient manner. BACKGROUND: Mobile Bay is the terminal repository of sediments transported downstream from several riverine systems. SAM maintains the federally authorized Mobile Harbor Navigation Project (MHNP). The majority of the MHNP consists of the 45-feet-deep by 400-feet-wide Mobile Bay ship channel extending northward from the mouth of Mobile Bay for 29 miles to the mouth of the Mobile River (Figure 1). Material in the Mobile Bay channel consists of fine grain sediments, with some sand located in the upper channel reaches near the lower end of the Mobile River. From its conception in the early 1800s, the majority of material dredged fro

A comprehensive numerical modeling study was undertaken to support the barrier island restoration plan as part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program. Hydrodynamic, wave, sediment transport, and water quality numerical modeling was conducted to evaluate the effect of Camille Cut closure on circulation and water quality of Mississippi Sound; the combined effect of Camille Cut and Katrina Cut closures on circulation and water quality of Mississippi Sound; reduction of storm wave energy at the mainland Mississippi coast as a result of closing Camille Cut; and optimization of nearshore placement of sand in the littoral zone. Water quality modeling of Mississippi Sound was conducted to determine potential impacts from proposed actions in the Ship Island area using the Curvilinear Hydrodynamic 3D model (CH3D) and the water quality model (CE-QUAL-ICM). Although water quality changes were observed for the alternatives modeled, the impact of Ship Island degradation or restoration does not significantly alter system wide circulation and water quality conditions. However, the condition of Ship Island has localized effects on circulation and water quality. The changes in storm wave energy at the mainland Mississippi coast as a result of Ship Island degradation and restoration were quantified through the application of an integrated coastal storm modeling system. Results indicate that the closure of Camille Cut and Ship Island restoration have the potential to reduce storm waves at the mainland coast. The C2SHORE model was applied to numerically predict the morphological response and sand fate for a selection of proposed alternatives. Results indicate that the Camille Cut restoration fill survives higher-frequency storms (such as the 1-yr and 10-yr events), but is breached during the lower-frequency 500-yr event modeled., The original document contains color images. Prepared in collaboration with the Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS and USACE, Jacksonville District, Jacksonville, FL.

ERDC TR-13-12 Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program; Evaluation of Barrier Island Restoration Efforts Engineer Research and Development Center Ty V. Wamsley, Elizabeth S. Godsey, Barry W. Bunch, Raymond S. Chapman, Mark B. Gravens, Alison S. Grzegorzewski, Bradley D. Johnson, David B. King, Rusty L. Permenter, Dorothy H. Tillman, and Michael W. Tubman September 2013 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) solves the nation’s toughest engineering and environmental challenges. ERDC develops innovative solutions in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the Army, the Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and our nation’s public good. Find out more at www.erdc.usace.army.mil. To search for other technical reports published by ERDC, visit the ERDC online library at http://acwc.sdp.sirsi.net/client/default. ERDC TR-13-12 September 2013 Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program; Evaluation of Barrier Island Restoration Efforts Ty V. Wamsley, Raymond S. Chapman, Mark B. Gravens, Alison S. Grzegorzewski, Bradley D. Johnson, David B. King, Rusty L. Permenter, and Michael W. Tubman Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory US Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 Barry Bunch and Dorothy Tillman Environmental Laboratory US Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 Elizabeth S. Godsey USACE, Jacksonville District 400 W Bay Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 Final report Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Prepared for US Army Corps of Engineer District, Mobile 109 Saint Joseph Street, Mobile Alabama 36602 ERDC TR-13-12 ii Abstract A comprehensive numerical modeling study was undertaken to support the barrier island restoration plan as part of the Mississippi Coastal Improve-ments Program. Hydrodynamic, wave, sediment transport