There’s been lots of talk about different aspects of the documents released by Lens architects last Friday. Yet, it was the evolution of the underwater feature, from where the "Lens" originally got its name, into a "habitat enhancement feature" that caught our eye. 

In what looks to be a public/private joint effort, The City of St. Pete, Tampa Bay Watch and Janicki Environmental, have submitted an ERA grant proposal to NOAA for an estuary habitat restoration project as part of the design. The underwater feature would look to restore approximately three to five acres of seagrass habitat and bay bottom while also providing a learning experience for visitors.

The current pier design, according to the supporting documents submitted by the city, shades 230,000 square feet of bay bottom, threatening habitat health under environmental requirements. The new design for the underwater feature will utilize 40 percent (610 pilings approx) of the existing 1,500 pilings and reduce shaded areas by 50 percent. The purpose of using already existing piles is to minimize demolition, which would further inhibit restoration of the estuary. Florida Limestone will be added to the pilings to promote a structural habitat for the growth and advancement of native species.

The feature will include seagrass restoration to be implemented no more than eight feet below the surface in a sand/shell bottom with riprap and seawall protection. “Seagrass plantings along the seawall in areas previously shaded by the old pier will increase connectivity with adjacent existing seagrass beds along the shoreline,” according to the Schematic Design Book 3.

The objective of the restoration project is to improve the ecological function of the area while providing a public resource for education about our local estuary and restoration efforts, climate change and marine science. We’ve been told the structures are similar to what’s used to create an "oyster bed habitat." As seen in the diagram below, a corridor will also be left for larger marine life, such as manatees, to pass through. 

“The Learning Steps,” located in the center of the Lens design, is a small amphitheater that will give students and other groups close observational access as well as video and a web portal with information about the underwater feature. Because downtown St. Pete is a part of Pinellas County Blueways, kayaks will be available for rent and able to pass through the center of the Lens design. 

In light of the fact that water clarity will detract from the viewing experience, it is also a goal of the project to include specific technology that will allow visitors to monitor the underwater feature. Synoptic camera monitoring will be used to document species population and utilization of the structural features. Hydrophones, special microphones adapted for water, will be used to monitor the sounds associated with the spawning of species. Other marine life will be observed using biotelemetry, a group of listening devices that can track animals that have been tagged with sound emitting devices.

Overall, the project is estimated to cost $1,463,757 (federal share $950,000/non-federal share $513,757). The costs break down to: Stabilization and preparation of existing piles ($150,000), schematic design of feature ($50,000), Fabrication, installation, and post-construction monitoring of the structural habitat units ($800,000), construction of the Learning Steps ($140,000), underwater lighting ($80,000), UACE administrative oversight ($100,000), soft costs ($143,757).

The updated Schematic Design book released by project architect Michael Maltzan will be discussed at the May 2 meeting of the St. Pete City Council. The meeting will be held at 8:30am at City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N. Second Floor.

If you like this story, "Like" us on Facebook to stay updated.