by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Planning Commission on July 22, 2025, unanimously approved maintenance dredging of the Sanibel River from Junonia Street east to the Beach Road Weir. The application was submitted on behalf of the City of Sanibel by Dana Dettmar of the city’s Natural Resources Department.
The project will hydraulically dredge approximately 77,666 square feet of the Sanibel River to an average depth of -5.11 feet mean low water by removing approximately 5,500 cubic yards of much material. The dredged material will be dewatered/stored in adjacent uplands and then hauled off-island to a disposal location that will be approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The purpose of the maintenance dredge is twofold: to remove organic muck to improve water quality and to increase stormwater capacity.
“This is a project meant for storm water management improvement,” said City Principal Planner Kim Ruiz.
Commissioner Ken Coulter commented, “It’s a mess back there. I’m glad they can do it.”
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful area,” Commissioner Erika Steiner added. “I’m happy to see it dredged and help with storm water management in the area. It’s a beautiful stretch of the river, so I’m glad you’re doing it.”
Commissioner Kate Sergeant said this is a good example showing the city can protect the environment as well as protect property owners.
Jordan Levi Varble of Johnson Engineering, who is also working on the city’s storm water management project, said as a result of this dredging, there will be less roadway flooding at the weir, increased storm water capacity, and it will take longer to fill up.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit has been issued, but the city is awaiting the permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Dana Dettmar of the city’s Natural Resources Department, said the city does not expect there to be a problem with issuance of that permit.
This project has received $1 million from a state grant, and $1 million from a federal grant.
Four conditions were attached to the Planning Commission’s approval:
1. A copy of the Army Corps of Engineers permit must be submitted to the city prior to commencement of the dredging project.
2. The project must be conducted in a manner that maintains compliance with all conditions of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Resources Permit and Army Corps of Engineers permit.
3. If any unanticipated impacts occur to the shoreline and/or vegetation, the impacts will be mitigated in accordance with FDEP grant agreement deliverable requirements: The Slough banks will be restored through contouring/grading and native vegetation installation as needed.
4. Dredge activities shall not cause disturbance to active waterbird nests.
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