solutions to coastal erosion

Solutions to coastal erosion problems

• hard solutions : seawalls and revetments
• soft solutions : sand management and beach replenishment
• retreat from the littoral zone : relocation of threatened facilities

erosion is never a problem until coastal construction is threatened

Solutions to coastal erosion: Hard solutions

• advantages: property is protected
• disadvantages: beach is lost, adjacent beaches are affected, loss of recreational resource
• cost: $millions + long term maintenance

Solutions to coastal erosion: Soft solutions

sand management and beach replenishment:

• advantages: maintains the recreational beach
• disadvantages: temporary and costly - requires ongoing replenishments
• cost: $100,000’s + long term maintenance

Solutions to coastal erosion: Retreat

• advantages: beach is allowed to naturally adjust to changing conditions
• disadvantages: real estate must be set aside as open space
• cost: long term costs are less than "hard" or "soft" protection