Drifting Responsibilities
September 29, 2007 by Harold · Leave a Comment
Submitted by Tom Gleason.
Related to dredging clogged up creeks and waterways, is the issue of erosion mediation using the spoils from the dredging process. The shore line between Schoolhouse Creek and Wickhams Creek is one of many examples of the problem. The standing DEC policies stating spoils can not be deposited upstream of the littoral drift and the policy of banning new groins/jetties all but closes the door on a practical solution.
This policy does not take into account the fact that existing groins, jetties and riprap prevent littoral drift sand reaching the depleted shorelines. Sand is deflected by these structures out into the bay causing shoaling and channel obstruction. Dredge spoil deposit is the only viable solution left. If the storm is too powerful, the absence of sand buffering to absorb wave energy results in extreme erosion. When a creek/channel is pumped, doesn’t it make sense to make good use of the spoils to fight the erosion? Pumping the sand to locations flush with sand as opposed to where the sand buffering is desperately needed defies logic.
In the case of this shoreline stretch, the results of these counterproductive and conflicting policies leave no other option except to erect seawalls. All properties from Schoolhouse to Wickhams now have seawalls or have permit applications pending. The shorelines facing in easterly directions with long reaches are in crisis and desperately need remediation help before the next major storm hits. Does the responsibility of addressing such systemic problems fall on the backs of the owners? Shouldn’t the town have interest in addressing this environmental problem?
Tom,
I live on Jockey Creek Ext. in Southold. This is one of the scheduled sites for dredging this season. Presently, the barrier beach is eroding because of the deteriorating old wooden groins. The dredging although helpful will only be a “Bandaide Approach” to solving the long term problems of maintaining the barrier beach and reverse the action of tide and currents around this area. Residents in Calves Neck never had problems before, but now are faced with eroding back yards and diminishing access channels that have been redefined by nature’s new movement. Selfishly, this is why I joined SV and volunteered as a Board Member and Treasurer. I would like to organize more new members and hopefully suggest alternatives that could improve and maintain our shoreline resources.
Recently, INC Magazine published a profile on a company: Whisprwave, Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. I spoke with Mr. Dennis Smith, CEO about SV, and Jockey Creek Ext. I sent him map and the Corps of Engineering application drawings being used for the dredging. I asked for his advice and comments on how his products could be useful in this application of maintaining the barrier beach? Please consult their website (whisprwave.com) and view their technology. It might be just one of several new solutions available to help us. Let me know what you think? Thanks,
Doug Rose, Sr.
Board Member of SoutholdVoice
Doug,
I don’t think there is anything selfish about preventing property and shoreline disappearing when reasonable solutions can be brought to bear on the problem. My main concern is that the solution is comprehensive and in keeping with the esthetics of the shoreline. To date its been every-man-for-himself – reactive rather than pro-active. On our shore there used to be a low-profile, small rock jetty that was only visible at mid to low tide. It was there a long time. It did not pose a navigation hazard, was barely visible and not an eyesore – even at low tide. This structure worked very well without starving the downstream shore. I was forced to remove it in order to secure a seawall permit. The beach is now largely gone. I’m not a expert on the matter but based on my observations, modest sized semi-permeable rock structures help retard erosion without the significant down-shore sand starvation problem. I would propose that (with town/trustee/DEC backing) we stage an experiment with modest-sized, eye-friendly, eco-friendly, semi-permeable rock based structures to help retain sand. This could include replacing rotted out grandfathered groins with such structures. Then couple this effort with smart deployment of dredge spoils and where appropriate and practical, install plantings that can withstand the tidal/storm beating. Where there are existing bulkheads, mediate the “splashback” washout with rock toe-armor and sand buffering. Then publish the success or failure of these strategies and schedule site-visits.