2001 beach benefits short-lived
By: DAVE DOWNEY - Staff Writer | ∞
Jeremy Briggs picks his way over cobble on the beach at Terra Mar in Carlsbad south of Tamarack Beach Wednesday.
BILL WECHTER Staff Photographer
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NORTH COUNTY ---- It was nice while it lasted. When the San Diego Association of Governments dredged up enough sand from the ocean bottom to fill Qualcomm Stadium and piped it onshore in the summer of 2001, San Diego County had some of the finest beaches around.
From Oceanside to Imperial Beach, once-narrow beaches suddenly were 25 to 100 feet wider than they were before the association spent $17.5 million and spread 2 million cubic yards of the fine material along six miles of the county's coastline.
But it didn't last. Winter arrived and storm swells battered the coast. And the manufactured beaches were swept back out to sea.
Within a year, most had thinned by 20 feet to 60 feet, according to a report by Gary Griggs, director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. Most shrank more the following year.
"We're back to pre-project conditions, which aren't very good," said Steve Aceti, executive director for the Encinitas-based California Coastal Coalition, an advocacy group representing coastal cities and counties. "We're back to cobble."
In some places, it was alarming how fast the sand disappeared.
At Torrey Pines State Beach, site of one of the largest replenishment efforts, the sand stayed put for seven months. Then, on Thanksgiving Day 2001 10-foot waves erased the revamped shoreline in hours, Griggs said.
The 2001 lesson
But all was not lost, Aceti said.
From its inception, the exercise was intended to be a demonstration project that would serve as a guide for the entire state and offer lessons on how to better compose future local projects, he said. Aceti said officials knew from the outset the sand was not going to last forever and that more would be needed at regular intervals of several years.
But Mark Massara, a San Francisco attorney and California coastal programs director for the Sierra Club, said the project demonstrated that artificial sand replenishment is an exercise in futility.
"What it showed is that these beach nourishment projects are like taking public taxpayer dollars and throwing them into the sea," Massara said. "The lesson learned is that nourishment alone will not protect San Diego beaches longer than the first day of moderate surf."
A small, grassroots taxpayer group has similar concerns.
"SANDAG is supposed to be building roads," said Richard Rider, chairman of the San Diego County Tax Fighters. "But, instead of making it easier for people to get to the beach, they are throwing money into the ocean. You can't get a more egregious example of misuse of taxpayer money than that."
The association is San Diego County's regional transportation and planning agency, but it also handles housing, energy and beach restoration. Its 2001 project was financed with $16 million in state and federal grants and $1.5 million from coastal cities.
County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, chairwoman of the California Coastal Coalition and a Del Mar resident, said she sharply disagrees the expense was inappropriate.
"It is an expensive proposition," Slater-Price said. "But if you look at all the things that we spend money on ---- and large amounts of money on ---- I think this can be construed as a reasonable investment."
Aceti agreed. Greater amounts have been poured into local wetlands restoration and other projects that benefit the environment, he said.
An economic engine
Massara contends that beach restoration actually harms the environment because bulldozers run up and down the beach, trampling crabs, plants and other organisms.
"It is the equivalent of destroying the beach in trying to save it," he said.
Aceti countered that the 2001 project created new habitat and surveys have shown there are more shore birds and grunion now as a result.
Aceti also maintained that beaches are a worthy tax-funded endeavor because, in many respects, they are collectively the driving force behind California's huge economy.
"It's what people think of when they think of California," Aceti said.
And scientists say North San Diego County is at a disadvantage when compared to Orange and Los Angeles counties, which are sheltered by Santa Catalina Island. North County beaches are among the state's narrowest because they take the full brunt of winter storms.
"What we need to do is to help nature," said Jim Bond, Encinitas mayor and co-chairman of the association's shoreline preservation committee. "We need to replenish sand that gets lost from the beach on a regular basis, just like we sweep our streets on a regular basis."
According to a recent study by the state Department of Boating and Waterways, two-thirds of Californians visit a beach at least once a year. Visits by residents and tourists alike pump more than $60 billion a year into California's economy, with 10 percent of that landing in North County. That's equal to half of the state-government budget.
The report shined the spotlight on North County in a case study, which said 8 million people visit beaches from Del Mar to Oceanside annually, or twice as many as vacation in Yosemite National Park. Encinitas' Moonlight Beach is the area's most popular, with annual attendance around 2.3 million.
With an already narrow shoreline, the report said there is a danger that attendance will fall by half or more if area beaches continue to wither away. And the beaches' contribution to the economy could fall from $6.6 billion a year to $3.7 billion.
Rider doesn't buy the argument that stretching the beaches is an economic must for the county.
"The problem is with their assumption that, if we don't do this, people are just not going to go to the beach," Rider said. "Well that's just silly." People will continue to visit, he said, whether the beach is narrow or wide.
Nothing but cobble
Frustrated with the narrow, heavily eroded beaches at places such as Solana Beach and Encinitas, officials on the association's shoreline preservation committee in recent months have been lobbying for a second project like the one in 2001.
Recently, the association estimated the cost of such a project at $25 million. It would target the same beaches as last time: Oceanside, north Carlsbad, south Carlsbad, Batiquitos, Leucadia, Moonlight, Cardiff, Fletcher Cove, Del Mar, Torrey Pines, Mission and Imperial.
Rob Rundle, principal regional planner, said there would be a few modifications. For example, the agency would avoid using the very-fine-grained material that landed at Solana Beach ---- and quickly washed away.
Aceti said the project could be tackled in 2009 or 2010, if the agency can secure needed money. Officials are setting their sights on obtaining a share of proceeds from the $5.4 billion Proposition 84 bond measure voters approved in November.
Area officials also are exploring funding options ranging from a sales-tax increase to beach parking fees to hotel taxes.
Massara, the attorney and Sierra Club coastal director, said a second project would be a mistake.
"It doesn't get to the root of the problem," Massara said. "And that is that our beaches are being suffocated by coast-side development ---- bluff-top housing, sea walls, dams and harbors."
A comprehensive approach
What is needed, he said, is not another replenishment project but a comprehensive approach that halts construction of sea walls, restores sediment-laden rivers to their natural state, gradually moves existing development back from the surf and leaves coastal bluffs alone.
"Bluffs do not fail," Massara said. "Bluffs do what they are supposed to do, and that is they crumble and nourish the beach. We need bluffs to crumble if we want sandy beaches. You will never wind up at a (permanent) state of sandy beaches by buying sand."
Aceti acknowledged a comprehensive approach is needed. But he said one cannot undo coastal development already in place and one has to start somewhere.
As for the bluffs, Aceti maintained that by themselves they do not provide nearly enough sand to fortify local beaches. That, he said, should be obvious from Torrey Pines beach, which is narrow despite being in a state park devoid artificial barriers that prevent eroding-bluff sand from reaching the beach.
Rundle said eventually the agency could stabilize the San Diego County coastline, to where it remains at a steady, robust size ---- shrinking in winter and expanding again in summer. But he said that will take fortifying the coastline with up to 30 million cubic yards of sand ---- 15 times the amount spread in 2001.
While officials contemplate a long-term solution, Aceti said in the meantime the region needs to do another project before conditions get worse.
"It's kind of like painting your house," he said. "Instead of just painting over the recent coat and doing touch-up, if you wait too long you have to start all over again."
Contact staff writer Dave Downey at (760) 740-5442 or ddowney@nctimes.com.
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Ask wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:14 PM:What a joke, thanks SANDAG for wasting our money. The agency that tries to be everything, is simply a money WASTING group!!!
Resident wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:19 PM:Thanks SANDAG!! Europe has been replenishing their beaches for years.
Au Natural wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:43 PM:The sand tube in Del Mar was supposed to keep sand on the beaches. That was in the 70s. Dredging is for the birds. It spends money we aren't going to have (think Iraq war costs). Maybe a moratorium on rebuilding on the coast, and let the sand replenish itself from falling bluffs.
Sandy McSpensive wrote on Mar 18, 2007 12:24 AM:Im seasick & tide to sea those washed out sand of a beaches coasting money. Sandags current mission might be for a swell porpoise, but they are sure floundering a lot of clams.
Seabiscuit wrote on Mar 18, 2007 4:13 AM:Rundle has the right idea - and would cost less than the Iraq war is costing taxpayers in one day.
Better use of funds wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:43 AM:Spend the money to buy, raze, and create a regional park along the bluff top like the bluffs in Del Mar. Replace bluff top development with bluff top parks. That would solve the problem, restore the coastal to its former glory and increase tourism 10 fold. Create a county wide assessment district to pay for the improvements. Or hike up the sales tax and Hotel tax. The result would create a natural state of the bluffs which is the right thing to do with a regional park and amazing views open to the public. Start now and we'll have it done in 50 years.
Tim wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:49 AM:One needs only look at Ocean City NJ where a beach replenishment PLAN, combined with an increased setback for building in the southern part of that town has significnatly increased the sand area. Granted it is a different coast and there are different forces in play, but you are either in or out of beach replenishment. This dabbling by SANDAG is a waste of money. I personally would rather see them in.
Environmentalist wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:52 AM:Hey Sandag - thanks for your contribution to global warming. Spending all that money and spewing exhaust fumes from dreging and sand moving equipment.
BOB wrote on Mar 18, 2007 7:03 AM:SANDAG and the money grab,it's obscene what they are allowed to get away with. Steve Aceti is a sand mercenary who makes his money lobbing for sand on the beaches, no bias there right? I noticed Dave Downey didn't talk to geologists or biologists for this story. NC Times readers deserve better reporting.
Did you fell that? wrote on Mar 18, 2007 7:15 AM: Did you feel that? It was the old SANDAG nudge on our wallets - some what delayed. What is the old adage, it's like shovelling sand into the ocean. Let us face it; unless we can change the path of the moon from east to west to west to east, we on the west coast will have substandard beaches when compared to those of the east coast. so there you go SANDAG, your work is laid out for you. However, try to do it in a no-cost to the taxpayer mode.
Surfer wrote on Mar 18, 2007 7:28 AM:Bluff replenishment works fastest when there is no sand on the beach to start with, so that isn't the only answer. On the other hand repeated sand replenishment that costs 10s of millions of dollars is folly. We got lucky that the last few years have seen lame swells. One good season will wipe out all the sand. As for Aceti, remember where he gets his paycheck. Some beaches have a lot of sand, some of it in the surf zone but it will push back up in the summer swells. It is not all cobble. For pictures of all the sand, discussion of aceti, and why too much sand can ruin surf breaks google "leucadia blog"
Sandy wrote on Mar 18, 2007 8:35 AM:What God has put asunder, let no man put together.
The Economy? wrote on Mar 18, 2007 8:59 AM:Geeze, seems like "it's for the economy" is the lame fallback excuse for government to stick their hands into the taxpayers' pockets just like "it's for the children" is the excuse for squandering money on schools. Even a moron would know that if the $60 million doesn't get spent going to the beach, then it will get spent on something else. The economy won't know the difference and it won't be any worse off because of it.
Randy wrote on Mar 18, 2007 9:02 AM:SANDAG still hasn't finished Highway 76, after promising to do so in TWO separate TransNet bonds! How about finishing Highway 76?
Vista Granny wrote on Mar 18, 2007 9:03 AM:Pictures taken of my family in the 80's show Carlsbad beach streching far out to sea. It also shows a small bluff, easily climbed by people from three to eighty three, leading to the beach. Yes, there were paths worn in those little bluffs, and the ground squirrels were probably happily tunneling through them, but I'll bet they helped in creating sand. Today, the Carlsbad beach is all fixed up, with a cement retaining wall, etc. But, the fun of going there is diminished. I suppose that is just the cost of "progress."
surfer wrote on Mar 18, 2007 9:10 AM:Sandy, God didn't cause the problem.
Cobble wrote on Mar 18, 2007 9:18 AM:Cobble beaches are beautiful! One of my favorite east coast beaches in NH, is all cobble stones that make a wonderful noise each time the waves come in and retreat--it is like music to hear the wash and rolling stones. Some people like to lay and stay put on a sandy beach--but that isnt everybody. The whole world shouldnt be an engineered artificial enviornment. Let the sand go and the cobbles roll.
To Better use wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:40 AM:Get your grubby paws off my money. Sales taxes, property taxes, income taxes, estate taxes, hotel taxes, gas taxes, car registration taxes. ENOUGH! Oh and I bet you want to use eminent domain to take the property for less than what it's worth to make this bluff top park.
Not a job for SANDAG wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:45 AM:I object to SANDAG taking this on; they should focus on the herculean task of managing our (inadequate) transportation infrastructure. Use TOT taxes, and institute parking fees for coastal areas to subsidize this. The concrete barriers and walls make the shoreline look like Normandy, and seem to impinge on the public beaches.
No more taxes wrote on Mar 18, 2007 12:57 PM:They seem to have left out the part about the $1 tax proposal on hotel beds and restaurant checks, to pay for sand. No More Taxes! Let Spanos pay for it.
Protect the Bluffs wrote on Mar 18, 2007 3:28 PM:Keep my Coaster from falling in. Keep the highway open. Save the Sand. Buy it from Palmdale like Long Beach did in the 1990s. Nice heavy desert sand that will last longer and is a lot cheaper than pumped sand.
Alf wrote on Mar 18, 2007 4:27 PM:Question - We import and/or dredge up sand at a cost to the taxpayers and we fine construction for allowing sand and silt to go down the drain to the ocean and we erect sea walls to prevent the natural erosion that would, at least partially, replenish beach sand, what is wrong with this picture?
John wrote on Mar 18, 2007 5:26 PM:Surfs up folks, This is what the ocean does.
tom wrote on Mar 18, 2007 5:26 PM:i grew up on the north county beaches in the 50's . there was plenty of sand, summer and winter, but with the storms of the 70's and 80's the coastline has changed. we need need the waterways to help provide the sand the natural way and let mother nature do its thing
Alf watcher wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:37 PM:Things are not so simple. Get informed before you speak up.
Fix traffic first wrote on Mar 18, 2007 7:56 PM:This is another lame use of government dollars and time. While SD doubles in size, Sandag (or sanbag) does nothing. Double the size of the 5 south. Build the 76. Just build more freeways. If the enviromentalists don't like it they can stop having babies, lay off their illegal alien house cleaners and gardners and sell their cars and take the sprinter/trolley everywhere. SD needs more roads!
Dude wrote on Mar 18, 2007 9:40 PM:Years ago we had lots of sand. Even before pumping and the dredge. Then, the USMC built a big jetty that stoped sand migration and replenishment.
Marlinman wrote on Mar 19, 2007 4:54 PM:How about we rename SANDAG to SANDBAG!
Alf wrote on Mar 20, 2007 8:05 AM:With the exception of natural ocean currents, harsher or milder winters and the items I previously named, "Alf watcher", maybe you will enlighten me and the rest of us. Or is it your intent simply to say "Get informed before you speak up." ("Alf watcher" sounds suspiciously like the same person regarding Prop A who never explained a darned thing) and leave your vast knowledge bottled up so that you can claim superiority? Either inform or be golden in your silence. I am open to new information, are you willing to share or simply to insult?
violet wrote on Nov 28, 2007 7:56 PM:what about beach drainage?? i am not a professional, but i am working on a report right now for earth science and it seems to be more logical that these hideous seawalls and jetties. sand nourishment is widely known to only be a temporary fix, one that requires maintenance.... go to encinitas and look at all the moneybags that just HAD to have an ocean view... their fences are sticking out from the blufff. they are the problem. i say just take down that whole street and let nature reclaim herself. there is fluctuation within this earth, but everything happens for a reason and the world will end eventually... so i know that is all a ramble but that is how i feel. i love the beach. why don't we all go to the playground before we go to tge beach and bring a wheelbarrow full of sand every time to dump on the beach?? that costs nothing and if we all did it our beaches would be just fine. i guess it is jusat the price you pay to live in california. yeee fricken ha!
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