The Endless Battle With Erosion: Surf City’s $19.3 Million Beach Nourishment Project

The Endless Battle With Erosion:

Surf City’s $19.3 Million Beach Nourishment Project

Surf City, NC, a picturesque coastal town on Topsail Island, is no stranger to the effects of coastal erosion. With the ever-present threat of storms and rising sea levels, the town has long grappled with maintaining its shoreline. Now, a major effort is underway to combat beach erosion and protect the community through a nearly $19.3 million beach nourishment project.

The Need for Beach Nourishment

Coastal erosion has been a persistent issue in Surf City, with powerful storms continuously wearing away the beachfront. Left unchecked, this erosion can jeopardize homes, businesses, roads, and vital infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, the Coastal Storm Risk Management Nourishment Project—commonly referred to as Beach Nourishment—has been initiated. This effort aims to replenish the eroding shoreline, providing a protective buffer that helps absorb wave energy and reduces the likelihood of severe flooding.

Project Overview

The upcoming nourishment project will add approximately 60 feet of beach, stretching from the Topsail Beach line to 1,000 feet north of the Surf City Pier. The sand for this effort will be dredged from Banks Channel on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Surf City. Once the contract is awarded, heavy equipment will be mobilized to dredge beach-compatible sand and pump it onto the shoreline through large-diameter pipes. The pumped sand, transported as a water/sand slurry, will be carefully shaped by bulldozers to match the designated beach profile.

While construction is ongoing, safety fencing will be installed around active work zones. These fenced-off sections will be temporarily closed to the public, but once the sand is in place and graded, beachgoers will regain access to the newly replenished areas.

Funding and Challenges

The journey to this critical nourishment project has not been without hurdles. The initial feasibility study was completed in 2010, followed by the design phase in 2014. Funding for construction was secured in 2019, with the project originally intended to include both Surf City and North Topsail Beach. However, North Topsail Beach withdrew in 2021, which led to additional bureaucratic delays. To continue using funding allocated under the Disaster Relief Act (DRA) of 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had to conduct a General Reevaluation Report (GRR) to designate Surf City as a standalone project.

This adjustment delayed progress significantly. However, in 2023, the USACE Wilmington office secured an additional $1 million in funding specifically for Surf City. As of early 2024, project managers are still awaiting the final approval of the GRR, which is necessary for the Assistant Secretary of Civil Works of the U.S. Army to move the project from an investigative phase to full-scale construction.

Projected Timeline and Long-Term Commitment

The current timeline anticipates a December 2025 start date, with sand placement expected to take approximately thirteen months. Beyond the initial construction phase, the project is designed for a 50-year duration, with scheduled re-nourishments every six years. Additionally, if a major storm causes severe erosion, emergency nourishment efforts will be carried out to restore the beach.

Environmental Considerations

Preserving the delicate coastal ecosystem is a key concern throughout the nourishment process. The USACE has implemented measures to minimize disruption to local wildlife, particularly sea turtles. These efforts include limiting nighttime lighting to avoid disorienting nesting turtles and employing trained turtle observers who will identify and, if necessary, relocate nests in accordance with environmental regulations. In the long term, the project aims to expand nesting habitats, ultimately benefiting the region’s sea turtle population.

Community Access and Public Engagement

Despite the scale of the project, efforts are being made to ensure that public access to the beach remains available throughout construction. While a 1,000-1,500-foot section will be active at any given time, designated pathways will allow beachgoers to navigate around construction zones safely. The public is also encouraged to stay informed and provide feedback. A public information meeting hosted by the Corps of Engineers will be held next week to discuss the project’s progress, findings from the draft General Reevaluation Report, and the anticipated environmental impacts.

Looking Ahead 

While Surf City residents and visitors will experience some temporary inconveniences during construction, the long-term benefits far outweigh these short-term disruptions. The beach nourishment project is not just about enhancing recreational spaces—it is a crucial effort to protect Surf City’s homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the relentless forces of nature.

As Surf City embarks on this ambitious endeavor, the town stands as a testament to proactive coastal management, ensuring that its beautiful shores remain resilient and inviting for generations to come