NJ Beach Replenishment Developments

[bababooey]

Might as well post these up as they happen. I have a feeling most of you surf guys will get screwed.


Judge denies bid to delay beach project

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS ?€? November 21, 2008

TRENTON ?€” A federal judge on Thursday rejected a request by the Jersey Shore chapter of the Surfrider Foundation seeking to delay a $9.3 million beach replenishment project in Long Branch until the sand retrieved from the ocean floor could be tested for hazardous substances.

U.S. District Judge Mary L. Cooper, sitting in Trenton, denied Surfrider's motion for a preliminary injunction even as the Army Corps of Engineers began site preparation work for the project which was delayed for years while Long Branch's Congressional delegation tried to cobble together funding from the Bush administration.

"We will go on with the case, but Surfrider Foundation did not prevail today," wrote John Weber, Northeast regional manager for the group, in an e-mail. Surfrider had sought a preliminary injunction to block the project until the Army Corps would test the sand, and Weber said attorneys arguing the case for the government made technical points and did not center on issues related to the safety or health-worthiness of the dredged material.
"We find it perplexing that the government will probably spend more money paying lawyers to fight our request than it would spent to simply perform the tests we seek," Weber said.

Lawyers James Sullivan and Michael Hall, arguing for Surfrider, made comparisons to a replenishment project in Surf City, in which the dredged material brought up old munitions, requiring a $17 million project to rid the beach of the hazards.

Weber said Surfrider does not believe that will happen in Long Branch ?€” and the dredges will be fitted with baskets to prevent that ?€” but that the Surf City incident illustrates the Army Corps cannot know what is in the material, even if it carefully evaluates it in advance.

Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., has said the project is expected to take three months to complete and will replenish the beaches, beginning at Cedar Avenue and then heading north toward Howland Avenue.

The work began despite the filing of a lawsuit two weeks ago by the Surfrider Foundation to delay the replenishment until the sand, which will be pumped from the ocean floor near Sandy Hook and transported to Long Branch, could be tested for contaminants. The sand is located near several sources of pollution and wastewater, including outfall from New York Harbor.

The pumping is expected to begin Dec. 1 and take about 45 days, ending on or about March 14, at a cost of $9.3 million, including $5.3 million from the federal government. The state Department of Environmental Protection is paying $1.06 million for the experimental design to help keep surfers surfing and to make the beach safer, officials said.

Surfrider wanted the Army Corps of Engineers to do a chemical study of sand that it is to dredge from an area near Sandy Hook, which is adjacent to a section where shellfishing is prohibited because of high levels of fecal coliform.

"It is not a matter of holding back progress" said Surfrider's William P. Rosenblatt, a former mayor of Loch Arbour, who added fellow executives in Deal and Allenhurst expressed a concern in having the sand tested years ago. "This is an important public safety issue."

Rosenblatt said authorities are relying on a nearly 20-year-old environmental impact statement for the Long Branch project and that there has not been a chemical study performed on the sand.
"To view sand as an infinite public resource, we know that is not the case," said Rosenblatt. "Ultimately, we might need to put sand on beaches where there are" emergent issues.

The city, which bonded for its share of the project's cost several years ago, paid about $740,000, said city Business Administrator Howard H. Woolley Jr. However, the DEP's Benjamin Keiser said the city's cost could be as low as $729,000. Final figures will be available at the conclusion of the project, Woolley said.

[gjb1969]

our gov makes no sense just put the sand ther and let the next guy worry carma will come back on them all

[captnemo]

Millions of development dollars in Long Branch real estate. Faced with the choice of protecting that or fishermen's spots, fishermen will lose out every time.

[cowherder]

It will be so lame if they cover those jetties.

[hookset]

How do you feel about the restoration of beaches?

July 07, 2009

$209 Million Spent on NJ Beach Restoration

New Jersey's crown jewel of 127 coastline miles spans from Sandy Hook to Cape May and attracts visitors from all over the world. Especially now in a sagging economy, beaches remain one of the most cost-effective forms of natural recreation (usually costing less than the price of a movie ticket) and provide economic and environmental benefits as well.

Since the early 1990s, the Army Corps of Engineers has spent more than $209 million on beach replenishment programs along the Jersey Shore to combat continuing beach erosion caused by global warming, rising sea levels, as well as an abundance of ports, inlets and navigation channels.



In the past, New Jersey surfers criticized the way beach replenishment was implemented because the projects sometimes created a straight shoreline that destroyed wave action needed for good surfing (the best waves are generated by the natural curve of a shoreline carved by ocean currents). Surfer organizations in the state have now hired a company to keep an aerial record of the beach over the next year, and a team of students from Stevens Institute of Technology will measure the rate of erosion and sand migration.

The recreational benefits of beach restoration are available to everyone. But along with that are environmental benefits that are extremely important to the continued viability of several endangered species such as the sea turtle and piping plover. Beach restoration projects turn eroded beaches into sandy breeding grounds for these species, and provide vital habitat and nesting areas.
As for the economic benefits, beaches are the state's number one tourist destination and the beach season provides job opportunities and increased revenue. Furthermore, restoring beaches with healthy dune systems protects infrastructure and human lives from hurricanes and storm surges- drastically reducing the amount of damage incurred during a major storm.

New Jersey's coast is a resource that requires thoughtful management. Not only is beach restoration worth the investment, it is good public policy to boot.

[surferman]

These homeowners in LBI are still against having high dunes built. Even though all that damage was caused they will not sign easements. Shame on them the dunes are the only thing that saved a lot of houses. I don't wish harm on anyone but it would serve them right if the ones who won's sign the easements would lose their houses in another storm.

Cleanup Efforts on Island Houses Present Challenges
http://barnegat-manahawkin.patch.com...ent-challenges

One resident feeling pressure, he says, to sign easements for beach dunes so he can clean his property.

• By Colleen Platt
• November 21, 2012
• 7 Comments
  
  

[hookedonbass]

These homeowners in LBI are still against having high dunes built. Even though all that damage was caused they will not sign easements. Shame on them the dunes are the only thing that saved a lot of houses. I don't wish harm on anyone but it would serve them right if the ones who won's sign the easements would lose their houses in another storm.

Hey i agree if they are too stupid to see that high dunes will prevent devastation they deserve what they get. I read somewhere that the damage from Sandy will be in the billions, more than Katrina. If you want to rebuild you need to do it smarter not follow the same old pattern that didn't work before. They should not give permits to any of the owners that won't sign easements. It is not fair to spend billions in rebuilding if the things you are building again are not protected. My .02 only.

[finchaser]

they will learn when the insurance doesn't pay to rebuild any more,IMO most of them are assh_les anyway but will probably get the first beach replenishment from the army corp of moron job security program because of political contributions

[Mike O]

Took a ride yesterday from Sandyhook to Belmar, pretty devastating. Also went into Union Beach, trashed. If people want to build that close to the waters edge, they should do so at their own peril. They should realize that they cannot mess with "Mother Nature". They should also bear the responsibility on their own if it happens again, and it will, you can be sure of that. All of us on this site I'm sure have a lot of respect for the weather because it is a big part of what we do. These people should heed the warning Sandy just provided for all of us, particularly if you want to build so close to the water. Of course the local governments are worried about the tax revenue, but at what cost to the rest of us.

[DarkSkies]

A little late on posting this...sent in by Fin....

Feel free to post up any state or local meetings so we can keep tabs on any new developments...
Also any opinions or statements you feel are appropriate regarding beach replenishment....thanks folks....

[DarkSkies]

Date: July 17, 2013 9:14:07 AM EDT

Subject: BEGINNING TODAY: Sea Bright/Monmouth Beach - ACOE Emergency Beach Replenishment Project - Public Information Session: Tuesday, July 23, 6pm at Monmouth Beach School


Dear Residents,

Due to piping plover issues, the ACOE Emergency Beach Replenishment Project dredge will now start in Monmouth Beach instead of Sea Bright. The work will begin today with the staging of equipment at the north end of the Pavilion parking lot.

Pumping is expected to begin on Thursday just north of the Long Branch Beach border and proceed north to the Sea Bright border. It is anticipated that this work for the Monmouth Beach segment will take about 30 days to complete. There will be a 1,000 foot buffer section, which will move north each day as the work progresses.

We recognize that the timing of this project may present some inconveniences for our beachgoers and we apologize in advance. Obviously, the borough is anxious to accomodate the timing and needs of this project in order to have our beach replenished for the protection of our town.

Please attend the information session on Tuesday, July 23 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mayor Sue Howard, Commissioner Jim Cunniff, & Commissioner Bill McBride

Sea Bright/Monmouth Beach - ACOE Emergency Beach Replenishment Project
Public Information Session
Tuesday, July 23, 6pm
at Monmouth Beach School

Sea Bright/Monmouth Beach - ACOE Emergency Beach Replenishment Project - Public Information Session: Tuesday, July 23 at 6pm at Monmouth Beach School.

Hurricane Sandy severely impacted large portions of the northeastern United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ previously constructed beach erosion control and storm risk reduction project along the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey from Sea Bright to Manasquan was impacted with the storm causing the loss of roughly 5 million cubic yards of sand during the storm.

The renourishment in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach is being done at full federal expense and as a result of two statutory authorities: 1) the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies Act, PL 84-99 which authorizes the Corps of Engineers to repair projects after a large event like Hurricane Sandy, and 2) the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (the Sandy Relief Bill, or PL 113-2) that authorizes the Corps of Engineers to restore previously projects impacted by Hurricane Sandy to their original design profile

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection to repair and restore the Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach section of the Sea Bright to Manasquan beach erosion control and storm risk reduction project.

[DarkSkies]

When you are talking about beach replenishment, I strongly believe all previous public access should be retained.
When federal dollars are used, it becomes even more of an issue. There are places in other states where beach users do not enjoy the access we do.

There are also other states that are much more progressive than NJ has been when it comes to public access.
A good example of this is a thread started by VSdreams. I am referencing it here so folks can get a bit of a perspective on the importance public access takes on in other states. Granted, the thread below is primarily about bridges and piers,,,but the central theme of the public enjoying beaches under the Public Trust Doctrine is what I'm trying to get folks to focus on here........

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ational-Access

Thanks to VS for starting that thread....

[basshunter]

When you are talking about beach replenishment, I strongly believe all previous public access should be retained.
When federal dollars are used, it becomes even more of an issue. There are places in other states where beach users do not enjoy the access we do.

This is the part that I don't agree with. The town takes federal money for the replenishment. Then it should not be charging for beach passes. I realize they have to pay the lifeguards but cmon now! Other towns in Delaware can do it with no beach fees so how come they can't in NJ?

[paco33]

I don't get it either. All that funding from the gov't and they have to gall to charge 6-8 bucks for a daily beach pass. Highway robbery.

[buckethead]

Not exactly the beach, but here is a plan to dredge the Shrewsbury river in case anyone wants to follow the progress.
8/23

OCEANPORT – Community leaders in this waterfront borough are calling on the state to dredge the Shrewsbury River after Hurricane Sandy left sediment and debris which cause flooding and navigational hazards.

Oceanport officials say the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is considering dredging the river’s secondary channels.

“I would say that the Shrewsbury river is one of the many jewels that we treasure here on the Jersey Shore,” Oceanport Councilman Joseph Irace said. “It is important to dredge not only to widen the boating channels which have gotten narrower over the years to ensure safety, but also to help the smaller creeks and tributaries in order to maintain the ecosystem and ensure the recreational pleasures we all enjoy from the river.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the river’s main channels, but the river’s secondary channels are state-owned, said Joseph DiLorenzo, a senior marine scientist with Eatontown consulting firm Najarian Associates.

“The rivers’ main navigation channels are primarily federally owned,” DiLorenzo said. “These federal channels are periodically dredged/maintained. However, many of the State-owned secondary channels also need to be dredged periodically to maintain seaward access for many boaters, and to maintain tidal exchange with the River’s upper reaches.”

DiLorenzo said the state hasn’t taken action on the secondary channels in a long time.

Hurricane Sandy left a large amount of sediment in the river’s channels, Irace said.

“Superstorm Sandy has really impacted the river, which is used by numerous residents and visitors for recreation,” Irace said. “Many enjoy boating and fishing on the river and along its banks.”

The shallower river channels raise the risk of flooding from both storm water runoff and higher tides from winter and tropical storms.

The main risk to Shrewsbury River communities, though, is to the hundreds of fisherman and recreational boaters who rely on access to the river.

“The Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers (“the Rivers”) are invaluable waterways that provide a myriad of ecological, recreational and commercial benefits to these communities,” DiLorenzo said. “Unfortunately, these waterways are subject to shoaling and siltation, and require periodic maintenance dredging to ensure safe navigation for the boating public.”

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is currently considering whether to dredge the river, a public comment period on the dredging closed this week.

[finchaser]

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse


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MANASQUAN ? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a $25.3 million beach-replenishment project from Manasquan to Belmar today , officials announced.
This is part of the Army Corps? Sea Bright-to-Manasquan beach-replenishment project begun last June to restore the coast after superstorm Sandy. The cost of the total project is $102 million and it is federally funded through the Sandy Relief Bill.
The replenishment will bring the Manasquan-to-Belmar beaches, including Sea Girt and Spring Lake, back to the levels of the Army Corps? 1997 beach-fill project in the same location.
Anthony Ciorra of the Army Corps said the beaches will be built to a height of 9.3 feet above sea level, and achieve widths of 150 to 250 feet. Approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand will be used.
The sand will be dredged from the same burrow area located 1 to 1 ?miles off the coast of Sandy Hook, he said. In total, 8 million cubic yards of sand is being restored to the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan for erosion control and storm-damage reduction.
The Army Corps has awarded the Manasquan-to-Belmar construction project to the Dutra Group of San Rafael, Calif.
?We?ve got to replenish,? said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. ?The damage (from Sandy) would have been much worse had the Army Corps great projects not been in place.?
The replenishment will move north from Manasquan to Belmar and be completed sometime in April or May. Ciorra said approximately 1,000 to 2,000 linear feet of beach will be closed off at a time as the project proceeds north.

[Monty]

Makes me want to puke

[J Barbosa]

Dibs on the contract to dredge MI the following year.

[storminsteve]

^^^ What a sweet contract. The job that keeps paying over and over again. Enough to send your grandchildrens grandchildren to college, buy some private islands to fish off of, and a fleet of sportfishers as well.
When will they stop trying to figh mother nature? Wouldn't it be better to put a sea wall along the whole area like they have in monmouth beach? Or how about putting jetties in every town and notching them so the sand can flow through freely?

[Monty]

^^^ What a sweet contract. The job that keeps paying over and over again. Enough to send your grandchildrens grandchildren to college, buy some private islands to fish off of, and a fleet of sportfishers as well.
When will they stop trying to figh mother nature? Wouldn't it be better to put a sea wall along the whole area like they have in monmouth beach? Or how about putting jetties in every town and notching them so the sand can flow through freely?

I really liked fishing the broken jettys. I guess that will be all screwed up and all the crabs and other creatures that live close to shore will be killed/buried.
A sea wall makes to much sense.