Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Coastal Engineering Solutions
Coastal Engineering Consultants (CEC) is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in coastal engineering, environmental permitting, and ecosystem restoration. Founded over 40 years ago, our team of scientists, engineers, and environmental specialists delivers innovative solutions that balance ecological preservation with infrastructure development. We provide comprehensive services from initial concept planning to construction management, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.Our expertise in coastal modeling, sediment transport, and habitat restoration has supported large-scale projects across the Gulf Coast, Florida, the Caribbean, and internationally. CEC's commitment to technical excellence and environmental stewardship has established us as a trusted partner for public and private sector clients seeking sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
Services
Coastal Engineering
Ecosystem Restoration
Environmental Permitting
Hydrographic Surveys
Marina Design
Coastal Modeling
Wetland Mitigation
Storm Surge Analysis
Dredging Projects
Shoreline Protection
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in coastal engineering and environmental permitting.
- Our multidisciplinary team integrates engineering, science, and regulatory compliance for holistic solutions.
- We prioritize innovative designs that minimize environmental impacts while maximizing project performance.
- Our proven track record includes landmark projects like the Scofield Island Restoration Initiative.
- We maintain long-term partnerships with regulatory agencies to streamline permitting processes.
What people say
Proven track record
Innovative designs
Regulatory compliance experts
Environmental stewardship
Services
Coastal Engineering
CEC provides comprehensive coastal engineering services addressing erosion control, storm protection, and infrastructure development. Our team designs beach nourishment projects, seawalls, and inlet management systems while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With decades of experience in federal and state-regulated projects, we deliver solutions that balance community needs with ecosystem preservation through advanced modeling and construction management.
Ecosystem Restoration
Specializing in wetland and coastal habitat restoration, CEC implements projects that recreate natural processes and enhance biodiversity. Our services include mangrove restoration, marsh creation, and barrier island rehabilitation using sediment transport analysis and hydrodynamic modeling. We've completed over 22 million cubic yards of restoration projects, including Louisiana's Pass Chaland initiative, combining technical innovation with regulatory compliance to achieve long-term ecological benefits.
Environmental Permitting
CEC's permitting experts navigate complex federal and state requirements for coastal projects. We secure Department of Army permits, Florida Environmental Resource Permits, and NEPA documentation while conducting wetland delineations and endangered species assessments. Our proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and mitigation planning ensures timely approvals for projects ranging from marina developments to large-scale ecosystem restoration initiatives across the Gulf Coast region.
Coastal Modeling
Our coastal modeling services utilize advanced software like ADCIRC and MIKE21 to simulate wave dynamics, sediment transport, and storm surge impacts. CEC's team conducts 1D-3D modeling for shoreline change prediction, flood risk assessment, and restoration performance evaluation. This data-driven approach supports evidence-based design decisions for projects requiring precise hydrological analysis, including navigation channel maintenance and coastal infrastructure resilience planning.
Hydrographic Surveys
CEC performs high-precision hydrographic surveys using bathymetric, side-scan sonar, and seismic technologies. Our geospatial data collection supports dredging projects, borrow area assessments, and habitat mapping. With thousands of miles of survey experience, we provide critical baseline information for coastal engineering projects, ensuring accurate design parameters and regulatory compliance through detailed sediment analysis and sub-bottom profiling.
People
Michael T Poff
President
Michael T Poff, a licensed Professional Engineer, leads CEC's strategic direction with over 30 years of coastal engineering experience. He oversees technical operations and client relations, maintaining the firm's commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible solutions while ensuring project delivery excellence.
Greg Grandy
Project Manager
Greg Grandy manages Louisiana coastal restoration projects, including the Scofield Island initiative. With expertise in sediment transport and regulatory coordination, he ensures technical accuracy and compliance in large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts across the Gulf Coast region.
Kris Thoemke
Environmental Scientist
Kris Thoemke leads environmental compliance and permitting services, specializing in wetland assessments and endangered species consultations. Her work ensures projects meet federal and state regulations while maintaining ecological integrity through science-based mitigation strategies.
Mark Kincaid
Marina Design Lead
Mark Kincaid directs waterfront development projects, combining engineering expertise with environmental sensitivity. His team delivers marina and dock designs that balance functionality with ecological preservation, supported by in-house diving inspections and hydraulic modeling capabilities.
Questions
What coastal engineering services does CEC offer?
CEC provides beach nourishment, erosion control, inlet management, and storm protection systems. Our services include design, permitting, and construction management for coastal infrastructure projects.
How does CEC approach ecosystem restoration?
We use natural process mimicking techniques, including wetland creation and barrier island rehabilitation. Our methods combine sediment analysis, hydrodynamic modeling, and regulatory compliance for sustainable outcomes.
Can CEC handle international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in the Caribbean and provide technical consulting globally, leveraging our expertise in coastal processes and environmental regulations.
What permitting services are available?
We secure federal (Army Corps), state (e.g., Florida ERP), and local permits. Services include NEPA documentation, wetland delineations, and endangered species consultations.
How does CEC ensure project compliance?
Through continuous monitoring, regulatory coordination, and adaptive management. Our team maintains relationships with agencies to address compliance challenges proactively.
What's CEC's experience with large-scale projects?
We've managed over 22 million cubic yards of sediment projects, including Louisiana's barrier island restoration initiatives using Mississippi River sand.