Cove Beach Erosion Update March of 2024
Brigantine Works with Army Corps To Develop Long-Term Solution For Cove Beach Erosion
Over the last several months, Brigantine has experienced a series of strong coastal storms that have significantly eroded the beach along the inlet side of Brigantine’s South End Jetty.
We are losing more and more beach with each passing storm and city council is very concerned that the ongoing erosion could potentially damage the homes and city infrastructure in that area.
With the help of Congressman Van Drew, city officials were able to set up a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss how the Army Corps can help the City properly address this emergent situation.
The Army Corps response for an immediate, short-term solution is sand bags.
Although the suggestion seemed overly simple, the officials at the Army Corps explained that a long-term solution would require studies, design plans, and permitting before anything more can be done.
Although the sandbags won’t be a permanent solution, it’s an action the City can take now, which will at least slow the erosion that is taking place in the backyards of many homeowners.
The City asked the Army Corps to provide a Coastal Engineer to show where the sand bags should be located. The Army Corps was positive that they could assist us with this request.
The City will take the next steps with the Army Corps, to formalize the request for sand bags. Once we have a process in place, that information will be shared with the public.
The Army Corps let us know that the mid to long-range solution could take anywhere from 3-5 years to complete. The City will do everything in its power to speed this process along.
The City is exploring every option to slow the erosion and provide protection to all the homes and the shoreline in that area.
The City is also concerned that the loss of beach could impact 4 X 4 access during the peak summer months.
With more than 900 feet of beach gone, there will be limited space for vehicles on the beach and the police may need to restrict access from time to time due to overcrowding.
The Brigantine Beach Fee office is working to make sure the public is aware of this situation before anyone purchases a 4 X 4 permit.
They have posted signs and have included the potential for limited access on the paperwork that must be signed at the time of purchase.
The City will provide more information as soon as it's available.
