The United States Army Corps of Engineers, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission teamed to convert the closure of Hamilton Army Airfield into a wetland restoration area as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Act. The initial Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project Feasibility Study was completed in 1998 (USACE 1998). The Basis of Design for the Seasonal and Tidal Wetlands was completed in 2008 (USACE 2008).

The functional purpose of the Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project is to create a diverse array of wetland and wildlife habitats at the Hamilton Army Airfield parcel. This will benefit a number of endangered species as well as other migratory and resident species. The project area has subsided so site elevations must be raised in order for the wetland to function properly.

The wetland restoration project will benefit the San Francisco Bay regions because it provides a beneficial reuse site for dredged material and thus avoids the adverse environmental impacts of open water disposal. At the same time, it creates a high value wetland for habitat. The Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project is characterized by a system of levees, a large tidal wetland area, a system of seasonal wetlands (north seasonal wetland and south seasonal wetland), internal berms, and a wildlife corridor connecting the northern seasonal wetland with the southern seasonal wetland.

Photos are of North Seasonal Wetland Area

Looking North Prior to Construction

Looking South during Construction

At this conceptual stage, it is envisioned that the boardwalk would be built of timber given its naturalistic appearance. Conforming with all state and local codes, the boardwalk will include handrails on both sides, walking surface, viewing decks, and will incorporate access paths and ramps to facilitate easy pedestrian flow and handicapped accessibility. It will not feature changes in elevation to facilitate the transit of the handicapped user. All timber used in the construction of the boardwalk will be treated to prevent decay from insect attack, biological decay, ultraviolet light exposure, stress from wetting and drying, and moisture. The boardwalk will be constructed over the shoreline and shoals with none or minimal water surface underneath it.

Design Engineer with 5 or more years of experience in the engineering design of waterfront facilities and/or earth retention structures for public works projects utilizing timber, concrete, steel and other materials. Responsibilities will include structural design analysis, preparation of construction drawing using AutoCAD, and preparation of construction bid documents.

Applicants must have a California registration in Civil Engineering and preferably in Structural Engineering, and must also have good communication, organization & team member skills, and preferably client contact, report writing and marketing skills.

Noble Consultants, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages all qualified applicants to forward their resume and stated desired position or location to noble@nobleconsultants.com.

Noble Consultants, Inc. has hired Move Up Media in Laguna Niguel, CA to completely redesign and develop their website. We’re excited to show you our new look and features in 2011! The new site is scheduled to go live early January 2011.