Surfer's Beach erosion study continues

6 years later, $1 million in studies:
erosion continues, and "its complicated".

Half Moon Bay Review/Mark Noack, 3/18/15.  "Cost of incomplete erosion study surpasses $1M".

  

"To many observers, the best way to halt erosion at Surfer’s Beach is obvious: Take the sand built up on the east end of Pillar Point Harbor and use it to nourish the depleted shore on the other side of the breakwater.

Since 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been studying this very idea with the hope to open up $5 million in federal funds to pay for it. Now, six years in, that analysis and environmental report remain incomplete, but their costs continue to mount.

This week, Army Corps officials reported they have spent more than $1 million so far on the erosion analysis, albeit with little to show the public as a result. Half of this expense is being covered by the San Mateo County Harbor District, which is acting as the local partner for the study.  .... Rather than wait, local officials have begun to look elsewhere for help. Harbor District officials have put forward Surfer’s Beach for a pilot program to study beach replenishment through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."   Read article.

Note photograph by Bill Murray, Half Moon Bay Review, 10/23/13. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh