FPL Intake Canal Turtle Net Barrier Feasibility Study
Florida Power and Light (FPL) wished to determine the feasibility of repairing or replacing the protective turtle net barrier across the intake canal at the St. Lucie Nuclear Facility Plant. Taylor Engineering evaluated the barrier net and determined that the design is inadequate. Sediment and seaweed block net openings, and increase loads on the net and support structure. At low tide, the net deforms and traps turtles. Taylor Engineering provided three conceptual alternatives to replace the existing net.
Alternative 1 required removing the existing structure and installing new piles, floating docks, and ramps. Alternative 2 required removing damaged piles, installing new piles and a fixed walkway, and reusing the existing net. Alternative 3 required removing the damaged piles; installing new piles, a fixed walkway, wing walls, and new anchors; and modifying the existing net.