Homosassa Spring, Florida

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) planned to dredge an approximately 5-acre area within Homosassa Springs State Park in Citrus County, Florida.  Dredging activity was designed to increase the water column for manatee utilization and for sediment overburden removal.  Dredging activities associated with the project had the potential to impact submerged cultural resources within and adjacent to the river channel.

Due to the potential for submerged cultural resources (e.g., historic shipwrecks, submerged prehistoric sites, etc.) in the vicinity, and in compliance with Federal legislation, DEP contracted Environmental Services Inc., of St. Augustine, Florida, to conduct underwater investigation at Homosassa Springs that consisted of a Phase I, auger-type survey using a 4-inch water injection dredge.  The objective of the Phase I testing was to determine the presence or absence of artifacts in the subsurface sediments.  Additional investigations included Phase II evaluation to determine areas of avoidance or mitigation when potentially significant cultural resources were encountered to evaluate their significance with reference to the eligibility criteria of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

ESI helped obtain regulatory approvals from the Florida Division of Historical Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection.  

Induction Dredge of Spring

Underwater view of induction dredge