Ocean Shores Update

In response to the erosion caused by a severe storm in 1995 that threatened condominiums in Ocean Shores, a 850 foot rock sea wall was built to shield the condominiums but ultimately damaged the surrounding dunes. As a temporary measure, contractors installed long sandbags or geotubes on 700 feet of beach, that have lasted for over 15 years (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/coast/erosion/oc_shores.html).  During the December 2014 wind storm, large waves and high tides ripped open the geotubes, resulting in  Ocean Shores Mayer Crystal Dingler declaring an emergency and  appealing to the state for assistance (http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/ocean-shores-mayor-declares-emergency-after-erosio/njcgf/). 

The City of Ocean Shores is concerned the condition at the southern end of the geotube has become critical, and will not adequately protect properties from a potential breaching of the dune and flooding during the next fall-winter season.  On May 5, the City of Ocean Shores hosted a meeting with environmental consultants and state agency representatives to discuss potential  short, medium and long-term emergency shoreline erosion protection measures including:

·        Capturing sand using sand fences;
·        Investigating the potential development of a geobag revetment;
·        Emergency measure focused on beach nourishment; 
·        Beginning the process of implementing the strategy of jetty rehabilitation this fall.                                     

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled in June to review plans and to develop a strategy. For more information about this project, please contact CHRN members Bobbak Talebi, Jamie Mooney or Jessie McGrath.