The state of Florida enforces strict guidelines regarding the minimum depth of water for a shoreline or underwater construction project. To determine the depth of water in a given area, a bathymetric survey can be used.
What is a Bathymetric Survey?
A bathymetric survey uses an underwater topographic map to determine the depth of water in a particular area. Surveys evaluate the average low tide depths for an area, combine it with the elevation of the sea bottom, and find the minimum depth of water at low tide. The state of Florida requires that the minimum water depth acceptable for many projects is four feet deep at low tide, which can be determined by a bathymetric survey. 4’ of water at the average low tide is considered legal navigable depth for a vessel by the State of Florida.
These surveys can also analyze the surrounding shorelines, tides, currents, and wave patterns of a particular area to create a working model of the area’s features.
Projects That Require a Bathymetric Survey
The use of a bathymetric survey might be required when undergoing a number of projects, commonly including:
Dredging
Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of the sea. Obtaining proper permits and preparing to undergo a dredging project can be time-consuming and will require you to gather symmetry data. This includes a bathymetric survey to determine the depth of the water you are dredging and to make sure there are no obstacles such as seagrass in the way. This survey also calculates the amount of yards to be removed.
Docks
Often times a bathymetric survey will be required for applications to build docks on the open ocean. This is because on open water shorelines the water depth gradually decreases until dry land. The agencies want to make sure that you are building your dock out long enough out into the water so that where your dock ends and where you will be parking your boat there is at least 4’ of water to achieve the legal navigable depth. If you don’t figure out where the -4 water depth is ahead of time, oftentimes you end up having to redesign your project to achieve this requirement which costs time and money.
Contact Rapid Permits
Understanding the requirements for a shoreline construction project can help you to better plan future projects and get them underway much more quickly. If you’re looking to begin construction in the Florida Keys, Rapid Permits and Engineering is happy to help determine if the use of a bathymetric survey will be necessary for your project.
Contact us today or call 365-916-1400 to book an appointment and get started!
