The Surfrider Foundation is committed to ensuring public access to beaches, as well as preserving recreational opportunities and precious coastal resources. As representatives of the Delaware Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, we are concerned that the quality and safe use of some of our state’s most heavily used beaches at the Indian River Inlet could be further imperiled if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ repair work is limited to the insufficient fixes that were discussed at a Feb. 15 meeting, when far more is needed. At the public information session, the Army Corps provided an overview of the planned repairs at inlet. While the planned work is necessary, it falls short of what is needed to keep Indian River Inlet beaches and recreational access secure and safe for current and future state park users. We have three main concerns.
First, during last week’s meeting, the Army Corps did not commit to restoring the north jetty to its design length, or even to restoring some of the length and height that has been lost from the ocean end due to deterioration. This gives us pause, as these jetties help minimize loss of sand into the inlet, preserving both the beach and navigational amenities.
Second, the Army Corps did not commit to mitigating the loss of sand (beyond repairing and restarting the pump system) from the north inlet beach that has occurred while the sand bypass system has been shut down the past several years. We do not think the resumption of sand bypass will be adequate to mitigate the large sand deficit and erosion that several years of sand bypassing inactivity has had on the north beach.
Third, the Army Corps likewise did not commit to participating in the removal of dangerous debris from the beach while it has heavy equipment on site this year. This debris has led to serious cuts and other injuries to park users. The chronic erosion caused by the inlet jetties’ blockage of littoral drift of sand contributed to the road failure in 2012, and to the continuing exposure of dangerous debris. As such, we believe it makes sense for the Army Corps to participate in the ongoing debris remediation, and it will have the means to do so while its contractor is on site removing other structures.
We appreciate the challenges that the Army Corps and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control face, and are heartened that an in-person meeting is planned for this spring. We will continue to engage with the Army Corps throughout this process, and inform our members and the general public about further developments.
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