Beach Restoration Update - October 4, 2023
City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, to take action to address the beach erosion issue that we have been facing in the south end of the beach, near Breach Inlet. The City's top priority is to ensure the safety and preservation of the beach and front beach homes.
Sandbags
Council approved a budget of $250,000 specifically dedicated to the installation of sandbags. These sandbags will be placed in properties that are in emergency conditions and meet the state's threshold for approval, meaning a habitable structure or pool is within 20 feet of the erosion area. This measure aims to provide immediate support and protection to those properties most at risk.
Sand Scraping and Trucking Sand Operation
Additionally, the Council has allocated $1.250 million to continue sand scraping efforts, supplemented by trucking in beach-compatible sand. The goal is to place up to 50,000 cubic yards of sand in the affected area. By replenishing the beach with this additional sand, we hope to mitigate further erosion and stabilize the area until the completion of the beneficial use project the City is partnering with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The primary purpose of this beneficial use project is for the USACE to regain capacity in several upland dredge disposal areas along the AIWW by rehandling beach compatible sand to Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. The project involves placing approximately 550,000 – 750,000 cubic yards of sand; approximately 200,000 CY will be placed in Sullivans Island and the rest will be placed at IOP between 2nd Avenue and 10th Avenue. The City’s plan is to engage the same contractor to scrape the sand up from the surf zone into the dry sand beach and enhance the existing primary dune. This work would be done after the sand placed has been adequately cleaned by the tides. The project design is 95% complete. USACE anticipates going out for bid in October, award a contract in December, and start construction in January 2024. Our next step is to host a public meeting for the USACE to give an overview of their project, our costal engineers CSE to explain the scope of the additional beach restoration work to be done by the City and staff explain the need to obtain temporary easements from the front beach property owners through 10th Avenue. We are working on the date and logistics for the meeting and will share those details with you once finalized.
Emergency Ordinance to Allow Temporary Placement of Sandbags
Council instructed staff to draft an emergency ordinance to allow property owners to install of 1 cubic yard sandbags landward of the jurisdiction of the Office of Coastal Resource Management (OCRM). Council is expected to take action on this emergency ordinance at a special meeting next Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
The City understands the concerns and challenges that beach erosion poses to property owners. The City is committed to taking all necessary measures to address this issue promptly and effectively.