Park Hyatt Resort Coastal Flood Hazard Study, St. Kitts, West Indies
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ATM, a Geosyntec company, completed a coastal hazard risk evaluation to inform the siting and design of a new Park Hyatt luxury hotel and resort on the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts.

We conducted a coastal engineering assessment and investigation of coastal flood hazards that could potentially affect the subject property. The coastal hazard analysis, which focused on the potential effects of passing tropical storms and hurricanes, was conducted to determine recommendations for coastal development setbacks and building elevations. The end product of the analysis included estimates of hurricane flood hazards and a flood map of the project area similar to those provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the U.S. These maps provide base flood elevations (BFEs) for the 100-year (i.e., 1 percent chance of occurring in any year) flood plain and also indicate wave hazard zones. Based on the BFEs, minimum finished floor elevations that included factors to accommodate sea level rise and a freeboard were provided.

Our tasks included a site assessment, coordination of bathymetric surveys, and numerical modeling of storm surge and wave conditions under 100-year return period hurricane conditions. Our staff developed a FEMA CHAMP model and analysis for wave runup and setup effects, assessed beach erosion potential with SBEACH model, and evaluated historical shoreline erosion. A report was prepared summarizing recommendations for coastal setbacks, design flood levels, and building-finished floor elevations. Recommendations were also made for beach improvements and a coastal monitoring plan was developed for future maintenance and management.