Starkey Channel 5 Bank Stabilization (PID 004135A)

Starkey Channel 5 is a manmade channel flowing east to west that connects Lake Allen to the Lake Seminole Bypass Canal and is maintained by Pinellas County. This project will address restoration requirements for a ±2,100 linear foot segment of the channel, contained within a 70-foot-wide easement that includes a 10- to 15-footwide maintenance berm along its northern embankment. The grass covered maintenance berm along its northern bank is used for equipment and vehicle access by the County, whereas the southern bank is heavily overgrown by trees and vegetation and is difficult to access.

The banks of the existing channel consist of loose sand that has little or no cohesion and has experienced soil stability failure and erosion for decades. Proposed improvements to the channel shall include creation of more gradual bank slopes for soil stability and incorporation of bank hardening to prevent erosion. Other considerations shall be given to incorporate methods for reducing and trapping sediments in the channel by using sediment sumps or plunge pools to promote easier maintenance and improve downstream water quality.

Starkey Channel 5 flows westward from Lake Allen to a discharge structure under 118th Avenue N. The channel then connects to triple 48-inch pipes under the CSX railway crossing into the project area and discharging westerly past Starkey Road through a 10’x8’ box culvert. Channel 5 has three major crossings (one at 118th Avenue N, one at the CSX railroad crossing, and one at Starkey Road). Changes to existing crossings or structures are not within the scope of the project.