The Town of Emerald Isle, NC, has just reported that the planned beach nourishment project for eastern Emerald Isle is to be considered later in October.
As stated in the report, the new, post-Florence beach profile survey work has been completed, and the new data will be analyzed by coastal engineers in the next few weeks.
After the volume of sand lost as a result of Hurricane Florence is determined, Emerald Isle will submit a claim for FEMA assistance to replace the lost sand, the Town reported.
Officials added that the Carteret County and Emerald Isle had been actively planning a significant beach nourishment project for eastern Emerald Isle that was scheduled for construction this coming winter. The bid solicitation for this work was scheduled to be released shortly after Hurricane Florence impacted Emerald Isle.
Because of the significant beach erosion caused by Hurricane Florence, the bid solicitation has been delayed until the actual Florence losses are determined.
The Town concluded that they will need to consider various issues, including the actual volume lost, the likely expansion of the project area in Emerald Isle, permit issues, timing issues, dredge availability, the typical April 30 permit deadline to complete these projects, and FEMA input in finalizing the construction scope and schedule.
A decision on the revised scope and schedule of the beach nourishment project will be made in late October.