Four Seasons Resort Coastal Protection Program, Anguilla, British West Indies
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Project Objective

Geosyntec evaluated and provided solutions for coastal erosion and wave overtopping impacts that occurred along portions of the resort’s property.

Geosyntec's Scope of Services

We evaluated potential causes of and solutions to erosion and wave overtopping that was occurring along portions of the resort’s property. After completing a site assessment and a preliminary coastal engineering evaluation, we proposed alternatives for cliff and beach stabilization along a portion of Barnes Bay. We also recommended detached breakwaters to help reduce wave overtopping impacts at two locations along a rocky headland feature on the property.

We deployed a wave and current meter and developed far- and near-field numerical modeling using hindcast and site data to further evaluate the coastal processes and develop concept designs.

Notable Accomplishments

As part of the design, we implemented several numerical models including wave transformation (SWAN, BOUSS-2D), wave interaction with structures and cliff shorelines (COBRAS), and shoreline change/sediment transport (GENESIS). Design development resulted in two 140-foot-long low-crested breakwaters consisting of armor stone to reduce wave impacts at the headland, as well as four low-crested breakwaters and 15,000 cubic yards of beach fill to nourish and stabilize the eastern end of Barnes Bay. We completed preconstruction monitoring of corals and seagrass and performed coral relocations. Also, we provided limited construction-phase services including physical and biological monitoring, and technical review and coordination of the contractor's construction activities.

Note: At the time of this project, Geosyntec practitioners were contracted as ATM, which was acquired by Geosyntec.