Draft Permit issued for Blind Pass project

By DREW WINCHESTER, dwinchester@breezenewspapers.com

The Blind Pass maintenance dredging project has cleared another obstacle by obtaining the Notice of Intent and Draft Permit.

The permit was a major landmark for the long gestating project as well as for the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD), who have been working for three years on the permitting process.

“The permitting process has been the greatest obstacle in moving forward with the Blind Pass project,” said CEPD Administrator Alison Hagerup. “By issuance of this draft, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP) is basically stating that all outstanding technical and environmental issues have been resolved. And the project can move forward to the construction phase.”

Hagerup did note that although the issuance of the draft permit was “huge,” there are still “I’s that need to be dotted, and T’s that need to be crossed” before a final permit can be issued.

“There are still a lot of little details that need to be worked out. It doesn’t mean we can begin digging tomorrow, but it means we can move ahead with final plans for the dredging.” Hagerup added.

The CEPD is now in the process of engaging an engineer to formulate the final plans, which will be the documents used to hire a dredging company to do the actual digging of the pass.

Once the final plans exist, dredging companies will start bidding for the opportunity to work on the project. The bids are reviewed by a bid collection committee, comprised of Lee County and FLDEP staff. The committee will then make the decision on the winning bid based on cost and qualifications.

“By the time we go out to bid for a dredger things will be happening very quickly.” Hagerup said. “We anticipate getting bids from dredgers in July or August.”

If everything stays on track, dredging could start by early fall, according to Hagerup. She did stress, however, that when dealing with multiple governmental agencies, there is potential for delays, but that she and the rest of the Blind Pass team are doing everything in their power to “keep this train on the track.”

For more information on the Blind Pass Dredging Project, contact the Captiva Erosion Prevention District at 239-472-2472.

is potential for delays, but that she and the rest of the Blind Pass team are doing everything in their power to “keep this train on the track.”

For more information on the Blind Pass Dredging Project, contact the Captiva Erosion Prevention District at 239-472-2472.