Long Beach Island, NJ Beach Nourishment Project

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the worlds waves, oceans and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research, and education. Protecting recreational resources and teaching others that a breaking wave is a natural resource is central to our mission.

Long Beach Island, New Jersey (LBI) is an 18-mile long barrier island. Visitors are drawn to the islands natural beauty and world-class beaches. In fact, the islands year-round population of 8,000 residents can grow to 140,000 during the summer season. (Unger, 2003) According to Congressman Jim Saxtons website, tourism, rentals, shops, restaurants and recreational fishing are the key industries on the island.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is planning to perform a beach nourishment project on Long Beach Island, NJ. Similar projects have been completed in Monmouth County, NJ. The new beaches built in Monmouth County measured 100 feet wide and were 10 feet higher than the preexisting beach. (Feeney, 2003) The dry beach was extended far into the surf zone, and a steep slope was created at the waters edge. Jetties (or groins) were buried in sand.

With jetties and sandbars covered in sand, Monmouth County swimmers, surfers, fishermen and divers all experienced negative effects. Bathers often found themselves in deep water just a few feet from shore, and lifeguards had to save more lives. All surf breaks were destroyed, causing dangerous crowding at non-replenished beaches. The abundant marine habitat found around jetties was buried, leaving fewer fish and fewer options for surf fishermen. Divers could no longer dive on near-shore wrecks. Some of the wrecks covered in sand were of historical importance.

We do not want this to happen to Long Beach Island. It is our belief that the loss of LBIs surf breaks would not only impact surfers, it would be a major blow to LBIs economy. Surfers not only support the numerous surf shops on LBI, they rent summer homes and patronize restaurants and gift shops. The same can be said for the other recreational users, such as fishermen and divers. If they no longer visit LBI, many of the islands key industries will lose significant business.

We therefore support the investigation of alternative nourishment techniques and designs that aim to alleviate the problems described in this petition, while providing adequate storm protection. Dune nourishment, in combination with contour nourishment is one viable option. This method puts sand back into the littoral system and will provide protection to beachfront properties. Sand is placed on the dune, and along the existing contour of the beach. This technique aims at preserving the beachs natural slope. As a result, surf breaks are better preserved and the dangerous shelf is eliminated. The Surfrider Foundation worked cooperatively with the National Park Service, DEP, USACE, and Congressman Frank Pallone to solve the erosion problem on Sandy Hook while protecting the world-class wave of Sandy Hooks Big Cove. We urge you to work cooperatively with The Surfrider Foundation to find a solution agreeable to all.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2000 is a federal law requiring beach nourishment projects such as this to consider the impacts on recreation. We urge the elected officials of Long Beach Island to investigate alternative design profiles. Please remain open to the concerns of recreational groups such as surfers, fishermen, divers and swimmers. These groups have an intimate connection to our beaches, and only want the best for New Jerseys coastal community.

(For a full list of references contact Joe Mairo at [email protected])