MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Fort Wool, Va

PROJECT DETAILS

The expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) has brought about a necessary infrastructure upgrade, but not without consequences for local wildlife. The South Island, a long-standing nesting haven for numerous seabird species, has been eliminated as a direct result of the construction project. This loss prompted the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to swiftly take action, contracting Precon Marine to establish a temporary nesting site for the displaced birds.

The South Island, before its removal, was a critical location for gulls, terns, and other seabirds, providing a safe and secluded environment for breeding and raising their young. With its disappearance, these birds faced an immediate and serious displacement challenge, threatening the viability of local populations.

Recognizing the urgency, the DWR collaborated with Precon Marine to develop an innovative solution. The plan involved placing a series of specially designed barges near Fort Wool, strategically positioned to mimic the conditions of the lost island. These barges are outfitted with features intended to encourage nesting, including gravel platforms, shallow pools of water, and minimal vegetation to replicate the open, sandy environment preferred by these seabirds.