Surfside Feasibility Study Phase 2

Summary

This project updated a study initiated in Cycle 4 and completed in Cycle 5 which evaluated the factors contributing to the accelerated erosion rates of the gulf-facing shoreline adjacent to Beach Drive at the Village of Surfside Beach, examined feasible structural and/or non-structural engineered solutions to stabilize that segment of shoreline for the next 25 years and identified the preferred alternative to reduce erosion and minimize sand loss. Since the initial phase of the study was completed, the impact of Hurricane Ike, tides associated with Tropical Storm Ida and high tides during the fall of 2009 have caused further erosion of the beach and damage to the revetment and Beach Drive, creating an emergency situation. Consequently, the GLO requested that the study provider reevaluate the identified preferred alternative with more stringent performance criteria in order to further reduce shoreline erosion, prevent sediment loss from the beach and preclude negative impacts to recreational use of the beach and nearshore. The results of this update were utilized by the GLO in formulating an emergency erosion response strategy for the Village of Surfside.