Continual Beach Renewal Is Costing Millions-How About A Permanent Solution (Sarasota: cost, engineers)

[PITTSTON2SARASOTA]

Do you think we should continually renew our beaches and watch the sand wash away with the next storm? Or do you think we should find a more permanent solution, even though the initial cost will be higher?

[SoFLGal]

What is you idea for a more permanent solution, Pitt?

[PITTSTON2SARASOTA]

Some methods overseas have been effective. They have used interlocking concrete (jacks) like spiky balls at various angles to the local currents. These barriers do not stop water flow just redirect it and absorb some of the current's power.Subsequently more sand falls out of the water in a somewhat controlled manner...being deposited where the erosion seems to be the worst. This method is not the do-all solution...but works with nature and substantially reduces erosion. No solution is "permanent" in the strict sense since nature will win over any man-made structure...in the long run.

[jvelte]

Originally Posted by PITTSTON2SARASOTA

Some methods overseas have been effective. They have used interlocking concrete (jacks) like spiky balls at various angles to the local currents. These barriers do not stop water flow just redirect it and absorb some of the current's power.Subsequently more sand falls out of the water in a somewhat controlled manner...being deposited where the erosion seems to be the worst. This method is not the do-all solution...but works with nature and substantially reduces erosion. No solution is "permanent" in the strict sense since nature will win over any man-made structure...in the long run.

Check out Ventura Marina Harbor in California. They attempted to redirect nature's course back in the 60s using this method and it has been a nightmare, costing big $$$$ to maintain.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by jvelte

Check out Ventura Marina Harbor in California. They attempted to redirect nature's course back in the 60s using this method and it has been a nightmare, costing big $$$$ to maintain.

They replenish the beaches in Maryland and Delaware all the time pumping sand to the beaches from 10 miles out. It is a continual process, but has been sustained over time, and I think it has been an effect way of doing it. I believe it is constantly being analysed by the Corp of Engineers, and if another process would work as well, and be as cost effective - they'd do that.