RSM project wins 2007 Top Restored Beach Award

22 Jun 07 -- Vicksburg, Miss. -- A project under ERDC's Regional Sediment Management (RSM) Program in CHL recently received honors by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The ASBPA named the Perdido Pass, Ala., habitat restoration project one of America's Top Restored Beaches.

Perdido Pass received the award following successful efforts by federal, state and local authorities to address the effects of erosion on downdrift beaches and to restore habitat lost to Hurricane Ivan.

Since 1971, all material dredged from the federally authorized Perdido Pass Channel was placed in various disposal areas outside the littoral system. ERDC's RSM Program demonstrated that alternative placement options would maximize retention of sediment in the system while helping to nourish downdrift beaches.

Hurricane Ivan struck this area in September 2004, causing extensive erosion damage to the Florida Point beach on the east side of the pass. Due to collaborative efforts and relationships developed in the RSM project, a multi-agency team quickly established a plan and tackled the environmental restoration of Florida Point. Approximately 560,000 cubic yards of sand were dredged from the shoaled navigation channel and placed on Florida Point.

In less than two-and-half months after completion of the restoration effort, the area was again inhabited by nesting least terns, black skimmers, nesting sea turtles and the vegetation started reestablishing itself.

"The RSM Program is honored to receive ASBPA's Top Restored Beach award," Dr. Jeff Waters, national RSM program manager, said. "The improved management of Perdido Pass and adjacent beaches has acted to improve sand-bypassing efficiency allowing return of sand to the littoral system. In the long-term, this regional approach will aid in maintaining wider beaches providing greater storm protection and numerous environmental benefits such as increased habitat for endangered sea turtles, beach mice, various shore birds and many other beach dwelling organisms."

The Corps of Engineers refers to RSM as an approach for managing sediment as a resource in context of the nation's river and coastal systems. RSM strives for balanced, sustainable solutions. Corps' activities are impacted by sediment management actions that affect the transport, removal and deposition of sediment. Examples include dredging and placement; building structures that divert or trap sediment; erosion protection for riverbanks, shorelines, lake and seabeds, and channel bottoms; and sand and gravel mining for construction or other purposes.