Clam Bay Hydrodynamic Modeling & Analysis

Naples, Florida

Coastal and Environmental Assessment of Proposed Enhancement to Estuarine Systems

  Humiston & Moore Engineers (H&M) is providing technical assistance to an environmental consulting team working to manage and enhance the Clam Bay Estuarine System. The inefficient flushing of the bay system is causing water quality problems, fish kills, and areas of dying mangroves. H&M provided hydrodynamic modeling of Clam Bay to evaluate the dependence of water levels in the bay on freshwater inflow into the estuary.  A two dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed and calibrated to model the existing conditions and assess the effectiveness of various alternatives.  The modeling and analysis evaluated the effects of proposed enhancements to the bay system on water levels within the bay system, stability of the inlet and impacts on adjacent coastal areas.   This information is to be correlated with salinity data and biological data on the vitality of the mangrove community in an effort to determine how retention of freshwater in the inner bay system may be related to mangrove health.

Model Grid detail at Clam Pass

Key Project Elements

• Hydrodynamic modeling

• Model Calibration

• Alternative analysis

• Inlet impact analysis

Click image to view animation of a 24-hour average  tidal circulation

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