The first phase of a major beach nourishment project in Avalon and Stone Harbor has been completed.
The beach fill project in Avalon was completed Tuesday, January 29th at 4:30am; a larger project on the Stone Harbor beachfront is scheduled to begin on or about April 12th, 2013. A final walkthrough inspection of the Avalon portion of the project will be conducted on February 1st.
“We are very pleased with the quality of work conducted during the Avalon phase of this important project ”, Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi said. “The Borough now has both a protective and recreational beachfront for the remainder of the winter storm season and for the upcoming spring and summer tourism season”.
This beach fill project was authorized by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection with partnership from both Boroughs, as well as Norfolk Dredging Company of Norfolk, Virginia. The dredge “Charleston” pumped 302,000 cubic yards of sand from a borrow area in Townsend’s Inlet onto the Avalon beachfront from the 8th Street jetty down to the 25th Street beach. The dredge is en route to a project in Fire Island, New York and will return to Stone Harbor during the second week of April to pump 420,000 cubic yards of sand onto the Stone Harbor beachfront. The second phase of this project is scheduled to conclude prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
This beach fill project on the Seven Mile Beach replaces a protective beach that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in August, 2011 and by Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012. Both communities were spared significant damage during Hurricane Sandy thanks in part to its extensive work on its engineered beach and dune management system. Avalon completed its very first beach fill project following Hurricane Gloria in 1987.
“ Every single job on the Seven Mile Beach is a direct result of sand being on the beachfront ”, Mayor Pagliughi said. “The beach not only provides from coastal storms, but also is the economic engine for Avalon and the rest of the county. Beach fill projects are investments that pay huge dividends to the entire State of New Jersey”.
Norfolk’s dredge “Charleston” is expected to return to Stone Harbor during the second week of April. Approximately 420,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed from 92nd Street south to 114th Street, and from 119th Street south to the terminal groin. The Stone Harbor beach fill project is scheduled to be completed before Memorial Day weekend, 2013. Various dune, crossover, dune grass, and sand fence work is also part of the Seven Mile Beach nourishment project.
“ This project assures that our residents and visitors will have a spacious beachfront to enjoy for the upcoming summer season ”, Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters said. “ Stone Harbor’s rental properties and business district are already in great shape for the spring and summer season. This beach fill project ensures another tremendous vacation experience on the Seven Mile Beach in 2013”.
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Press Release, February 1, 2013