Solana Beach, California – As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District advances its dredging operations and sand replenishment initiative at Solana Beach, significant progress has been achieved, positioning the project at its halfway mark.
Project Overview
The undertaking aims to counter coastal storm damage and erosion along a substantial 7,200-foot shoreline stretch. This involves constructing a 150-foot-wide beach fill utilizing 700,000 cubic yards of compatible sediment.
Operational Insights
Since commencing on January 17th, operations have remained on track for an anticipated completion by mid-March, according to Caleb Lodge, the coastal engineer overseeing the project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. The contractor, Manson Construction, has maintained a commendable pace, delivering seven or eight loads daily with minimal weather-related interruptions.
Technical Details
Utilizing the Bayport, a split-hull trailing suction hopper dredge, the contractor efficiently extracts between 15,000 and 20,000 cubic yards of sand daily from the offshore borrow site. Subsequently, the sand is transported ashore through a connected pipe for distribution along the designated shoreline stretch, facilitated by bulldozers.
Collaborative Partnerships
The project underscores collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal partners. In May, a project partnership agreement for shoreline protection for Encinitas and Solana Beach was jointly signed, marking a significant milestone.
Financial Backing
Federal funding exceeding $30 million was allocated for the initial construction of both projects in fiscal year 2022, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The total initial construction cost amounts to approximately $50 million, with a cost-sharing ratio of 65/35 between the two cities. Additionally, the project entails 13 beach renourishments over 50 years, estimated at around $417 million, with a federal-sponsor cost share of 50/50.
Visible Transformation
Despite ongoing work, the beach’s transformation is unmistakable. Initially, there was scarcely any dry beach, rendering both directions from Fletcher Cove impassable during high tides. However, significant changes are underway, indicating remarkable progress.
The ongoing dredging and replenishment initiative at Solana Beach not only addresses coastal erosion but also underscores the effectiveness of collaborative partnerships in bolstering coastal resilience. With halfway progress achieved, the project remains on track to deliver enduring benefits to the community and its coastal environment.