BEACH EROSION COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes February 15, 2001

Member Attendees:

Guest Attendees:

PURPOSE OF MEETING: To consider a wave-erosion issue on the north shoreline of Tybee Island, and to review the status of studies underway pertaining to Beach Erosion.

1. The three Guest Attendees indicated they were concerned about increased erosion being experienced at the north shoreline of Tybee Island, and they provided their informal data portraying their observations of wave action resulting from passing ships on selected days in the period of mid November to mid February. After considerable discussion, the Beach Erosion Committee determined that the committee will recommend to the SEG that "Ships' Wave Erosion on North Tybee Island" be added to the list of issues in the Matrix (in the SEG Operating Guidelines). It was noted that should the SEG accept the committee's recommendation, that the issue would then be considered by the Beach Erosion Committee to determine if it would develop a scientific study outline on this issue which would address the possible incremental impact of ship wave erosion resulting from a deeper harbor channel. It was noted that larger ships using a deeper channel might result in fewer ships, etc., and that the incremental impact might be plus or minus. It was also reported that the City of Tybee Island is assisting State Representative Burke Day to obtain State Funding to mechanically move sand from an accreted shoreline area to the eroded shoreline area to address the current erosion issue on the north beach shoreline.

2. Bo Ellis, from ATM, reported that the major Beach Erosion Study that addresses wave and current impacts on the region covering 10 miles to the north and 10 miles to the south of the Savannah river is nearing completion, with a draft report expected in March. The draft report will then undergo the Review contained in the Study Plan. Erik Olsen was nominated by the City of Tybee Island as a reviewer. Clark Alexander was nominated by GA. DNR as a reviewer. Both will be requested to conduct the review. The Savannah District COE will also provide a nominee for the review.

3. Larry Keegan, from Lockwood Green, reported that the Grain Size Study was still in the initial phase of accomplishment, whereby research was being done to identify what policies, enforceable rules, and other requirements exist pertaining to grain size of dredged materials affecting beneficial use alternatives, and what was the basis for such determinations. It was noted that ecological effects as well as recreation and storm protection effects need to be considered, and that the study itself may likely serve as the basis for new policies, rules, and related requirements pertaining to beneficial use of dredged materials as a function of dredged material characteristics and other variables, especially pertaining to the Savannah Harbor expansion and maintenance projects.

4. Bill Bailey, of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reported that a preliminary Scope of Work, titled "Evaluation Of Beneficial Uses Of Sediments Excavated From The Outer End Of The Navigation Channel To Fields Cut For Maintenance Of The Savannah Harbor Navigation Project", has been distributed for review and comment. It was noted that this study was one of four studies recommended by the SEG to the GPA and USACE, and that some of the study data and results will be useful in a companion study relating to the beneficial use of dredged materials from harbor deepening. Federal funds amounting to $500,000 have been approved for this study, which will be completed approximately 17 months from initiation.

(2-18-01)