Michael E. Trudnak 2 of 2
11/13/2011
Sand Source Investigations, Various Locations, Florida (2001 – 2008) –– Conducted several sand source investigations for various government entities throughout Florida including the Eglin Air Force Base/Okaloosa County/Destin Sand Source Investigation (2006 – 2008), Walton County Sand Source Investigation (2005 – 2007), Walton County/Destin Sand source Investigation (2002 – 2003), and Venice Beach Sand Source Investigation (2001 – 2002). Projects included development of geophysical and geotechnical data collection and analysis programs to locate beach quality sand reserves for future beach management activities. Fieldwork included reconnaissance and detail phase subbottom seismic and bathymetric surveys, cultural resource surveys (side-scan, magnetometer, and sub-bottom seismic surveys), and vibracore collection. Projects included characterization of native beach sand and potential borrow material, overfill analysis, and design of borrow area dredging templates. Projects collected and analyzed hundreds of cores and identified over 25,000,000 cy of beach compatible sand.
Rollover Pass Closure, Galveston County, Texas (2009 – Ongoing) — As project manager and lead coastal engineer, currently directing the design and permitting phase of a project to close a man-made inlet. Work to date includes an environmental and engineering literature review, site observations, field data collection (bathymetry, water quality, tide elevations, and flow velocities), coastal processes analysis and sediment budget development, numerical modeling to evaluate the potential effects of Rollover Pass closure on inland water hydraulics and salinity, preparation of an Environmental Assessment, development of the engineering plan to close the pass (fill volume and sediment quality requirements, borrow site locations, existing structure demolition and/or removal requirements, and closure methodology), preparation and submittal of a Department of the Army permit, public workshops, and coordination with state and federal agency staff.
Post-Hurricane Assessment and Recovery Efforts, Florida — Assisted various government entities throughout Florida to assess hurricane impacts and design, permit, and construct emergency restoration projects. Designed the Martin County Emergency Dune Restoration Project in 2005 following Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne and assisted the county with design and costs issues associated with FEMA-approved projects. Assisted Walton County and Destin following Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis with post-storm beach assessments and design and permitting of dune restoration projects. Responsibilities included analysis of pre- and post-storm MHW shoreline positions and beach volume calculations; development of project plans and specifications, bid administration assistance; construction observation services; and local, state, and federal agency coordination.
Ft. Pierce Inlet Sand Bypassing Feasibility Study, St. Lucie County, Florida (2002 – 2005) — Evaluated the feasibility of implementing a sand bypassing project to bypass 130,000 cy/yr to the erosional hotspot downdrift of Ft. Pierce Inlet. The analysis examined historic and present beach survey data, collected and analyzed vibracores, and delineated sensitive habitats including seagrass beds to identify potential sand sources containing beach-compatible sand. Evaluation of coastal processes involved longshore transport calculations and modeling shoreline evolution in response to sand tightening the north jetty. Evaluation of sand bypassing alternatives addressed technical feasibility, effectiveness, environmental impacts, and costs.