Description
As drivers travel near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, they may notice concrete pyramids and wonder what they are. Crews recently started putting them in the water with the goal of protecting the environment and the coastline from erosion.
The "wave attenuation devices," also known as "WADs," aim to reduce wave action to mitigate erosion, while allowing seagrass to grow and providing habitat for sea life.
Seabirds could also perch on the WADs and eat fish away. Those watching the project call it a "win-win" for its purpose. The WADs are placed about 300 to 400 feet offshore, according to FDOT District One drainage design engineer Brent Setchell who explained how they work previously in March.
"During some past hurricanes, the wave action would splash up on the road and deteriorate the asphalt there," Setchell said.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pyramid-manatee-county-environment-erosion-wave-attenuation-devices/67-63326ece-6905-49fc-9d81-31f85b0354d6
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