Beach Nourishment & Preservation

Beach Nourishment Bulldozer on the Beach

This page provides information on current and upcoming Beach Nourishment Projects, as well as the Beach & Inlet Management Plan for long term beach nourishment, and the CRC Beach Management Plan, in response to the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s (CRC) rules on the static vegetation / development line.

Please click the tabs below for more information on each topic:

CURRENT BEACH NOURISHMENT PROJECTS

NOTE: There are NO currently active or upcoming beach nourishment projects underway at this time.

Details and updates on any active or future projects scheduled within the next 4-6 months will be posted on this page as they become available.

Beach Nourishment Project History

Provided below is a graphic which shows the timing, locations, and sand amounts (in cubic yards) of all beach nourishment efforts dating back to 2001.

OakIslandNourishmentHistory

BEACH & INLET MANAGEMENT PLAN

ABOUT

The Beach & Inlet Management Plan is the ongoing effort by the Town of Oak Island to provide long-term, managed solutions for the care and maintenance of the public beach and inlet areas.

this page provides information on the current progress of the plan, a full history of the plan's timeline, and tools to help better understand how the it would affect residents, property owners, and visitors to Oak Island.

NOTE: To view information on currently active beach nourishment projects, visit: www.OakIslandNC.gov/SAND.

PURPOSE

The sand dunes and public beach areas of Oak Island are vital to the protection of homes, businesses, wildlife, and the economy of the Town. To ensure they continue providing that protection for years to come, they must be respected, maintained, and re-nourished regularly.

The Beach & Inlet Management Plan was established in order to provide a multi-year strategy that addresses the common challenges of beach erosion. The Plan works to do this in a way that is comprehensive, yet financially responsible.

FUNDING

Beach nourishment projects represent some of the largest financial planning commitments within the Town of Oak Island. Several options for long-term funding of the Beach & Inlet Management Plan have been explored by the Town Council, with the Option 1 (of 3) model chosen as the approved funding method.

CLICK HERE to view presentation materials on the various funding options presented

Click on the image below to view funding details on Options 1:

Assumptions of Option 1:

Unencumbered General Fund (Balance) not to exceed 25%.
Accommodations Tax (Both Funds 45, 46) estimated to be 75% of the total annual budgeted amount.
The remaining 25% shall be used for operational type items.
Any unused funds within the 25% shall remain in both Funds 45 and 46 and placed into Fund Balances.
County revaluation will effect the FY 2023-2024 Budget, which anticipates approximately 20% - 30% increase.
Growth assumptions figured at 2%. Sand Tax of $.05 for FY 22-23 then an adjusted amount equivalent to $.06 with anticipated tax revaluations for FY 2023-2024 going forward.

Benefits of Option 1:

No increase to Sand Tax Rate.
No Bond or Borrowing required.
Beach Nourishment and on-going projects are included.
Growth projections could gain resulting in decrease General Fund Transfer amount.
Decision on General Fund Transfer occurs in FY 2024 / 2025 for funding allowing additional time to account for actuals.

Risks of Option 1:

Growth projections and/or Brunswick County revaluation projections less than anticipated.
Potential increase in General Fund Transfer.

TAXPAYER IMPACTS of Option 1:

No Sand Tax Rate Increase.
Brunswick County revaluation expected to impact property values in FY 2023 / 2024.

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

The Beach & Inlet Management Plan has been previously referred to by names such as the "Beach Nourishment Master Plan," or simply the "Beach Management Plan." The Plan has been in development for a significant amount of time. Most recently, throughout the Fall / Winter of 2020, into the Spring of 2021, the Council has held meetings with with financial consultants, DEC Associates, Inc., based out of Charlotte, NC. Prior to the most recent meetings with DEC Associates, the development timeline for the Plan includes:

January 12, 2016: Approved hiring Peter Ravella Consulting to provide a plan for funding beach nourishment
February 15, 2016: Preview of beach plan presented by Moffatt & Nichol
May 10, 2016: Approved contract with Moffatt & Nichol for beach monitoring; approved contract with O’Brien Gere to secure a shallow draft inlet dredging permit for the Town
June 3, 2016: Presentations from Moffatt & Nichol, Beach & Inlet Committee
June 14, 2016: Motion to increase tax rate by five cents to raise funds for beach nourishment failed; approved beach monitoring contract with Moffatt & Nichol; set tax rate at revenue-neutral, 29 cents, with 1.5 of that earmarked for sand
July 14, 2016: Joint meeting with Beach & Inlet Committee, no action taken
September 13, 2016: Approved Memorandum of Understanding with the Corps of Engineers for the Wilmington Harbor Project
October 8, 2016: Hurricane Matthew
October 13, 2016: Directed Johnny Martin with Moffatt & Nichol to work with Corps of Engineers re: Oak Island and the Wilmington Harbor Project
January 4, 2017: Special Meeting – Moffatt & Nichol presentation
January 10, 2017: Approve moving forward with post-Hurricane Matthew FEMA Emergency Dune Project
March/April 2017: Began post-Hurricane Matthew FEMA Emergency Dune Project
March 14, 2017: Presentation from DEC Associates on methods for funding beach nourishment
April 18, 2017: Update on FEMA emergency dune project – Moffatt & Nichol
May 23, 2017: update on beach projects – Moffatt & Nichol
June 5, 2017: Johnny Martin with Moffatt & Nichol presentation on long-term beach nourishment options; discussion with DEC Associates regarding funding methods
June 13, 2017: motion to use DEC recommendation to increases taxes 10 cents for beach nourishment did not get a second and the motion died; motion to set tax rate at 31 cents with 2 cents earmarked for sand passed; motion to approve $2,995,000 contract with Moffatt & Nichol for beach nourishment plan approved
November 14, 2017: Update from Moffatt & Nichol on beach projects
December 2017 - March 2018: finished post-Hurricane Matthew FEMA Emergency Dune Project
February 13, 2018: Approved $99,860 amendment to Moffatt & Nichol contract for work on FEMA Emergency Dune Project
May-June 2018: Wilmington Harbor dredging/sand placement on east end
June 12, 2018: motion to set tax rate at 34 cents with 5 of that earmarked for sand failed; motion to set tax rate at 31 cents with 2 cents earmarked for sand passed
July 10, 2018: Update from Moffatt & Nichol on all beach projects
August 14, 2018: Approved scope of work for Moffatt & Nichol re: 2019 / 2020 Beach Nourishment Project (the Turtle Habitat Restoration project, delayed until winter 2020 / 2021)
September 14, 2018: Hurricane Florence
January 8, 2019: update from Johnny Martin re: beach projects; approve contract for engineering services (Moffatt & Nichol) for 2019/2020 (now the 2020/2021) FEMA Beach Nourishment Project
January 22, 2019 (annual retreat): discussed beach nourishment funding methods, no action taken; staff to reach out to Doug Carter again about Municipal Service Districts
February/March 2019: AIWW crossing dredging/sand placement on west end
May 14, 2019: update from Moffatt & Nichol re: beach projects
June 11, 2019: motion to set tax rate at 28 cents, with 3.85 of that earmarked for sand passed
September 5, 2019: Hurricane Dorian
November 12, 2019: update from Moffatt & Nichol re: beach projects
January 13, 2020: consensus from Council to re-bid the 2019/2020 FEMA beach nourishment project for the 2020/2021 season
March 10, 2020: approved contracting with DEC Associates to consult regarding funding beach nourishment
May 2020: Corps dredging of the inlet and place sand in an offshore “hot spot” off the west end
June 2020: contract approved for 2021/2021 beach nourishment – FEMA project approved following Hurricane Matthew in 2016
June 10, 2020: Approved 28-cent tax rate with 3.85 cents of that rate going toward sand
August 3-August 4, 2020: Hurricane Isaias
September-October 2020: Emergency dune push, 68^th East to the west end
November 10, 2020: Presentations from Moffatt & Nichol and DEC on the master plan for beach nourishment and potential funding methods
Winter 2020/2021: Sand displaced by storm sifted and replaced on beach, starting at Middleton and going west to 30^th Place West
January 2021: Corps of Engineers AIWW crossing dredging project placed sand on west end
January 29, 2021: action to direct staff to contact the Local Government Commission regarding pursuing special obligation bonds to fund the Town’s portion of the upcoming FEMA beach projects
February 9, 2021: action to move forward with establishing a Municipal Service District for the purpose of acquiring the special obligation bonds (to view this meeting CLICK HERE).
March 16, 2021: special Council meeting with engineers and DEC Associates to discuss master plan for beach nourishment and funding; Council voted to move forward with funding beach nourishment through assessments in four zones, with the amounts and zone boundaries to be determined (to view this meeting CLICK HERE).
April 6, 2021: the Town Council held a special called meeting, for the purpose of receiving questions and comments regarding the Beach Nourishment Master Plan (to view this meeting, CLICK HERE).
April 13, 2021: the Town Council approved the establishment of four (4) Beach Benefit Zones (previously referred to as "Service Districts") to which assessments will be applied (to view this meeting, CLICK HERE).
April 23, 2021: During a special called meeting on Thursday, April 22, 2021, the Town Council agreed to delay further decisions on the assessment percentages for the Beach Nourishment Master Plan until January 2022.
July 14, 2021: During their July 13 regular meeting, the Town Council appointed the members to the Ad Hoc Beach Nourishment Committee. As noted in the original proposal for creating the citizens' advisory committee, its purpose is to "create a mechanism that captures civic engagement" and allows for residents to provide research and input into discussions of future beach nourishment.
August 30, 2021: Council Approves Two (2) additional meetings of the Ad Hoc Beach Nourishment Committee.
September 14, 2021: During their regular meeting, the Town Council received the final report from the Ad Hoc Committee for Beach Nourishment. The report was delivered as part of a presentation by Committee Chair, Rick Barry, and detailed the research, findings, and recommendations of the Committee to the Council. To watch the presentation by the Committee, CLICK HERE.
November 16, 2021: It was announced that the Town of Oak Island will receive $20 Million in matched funds from the State of North Carolina, to aid in beach nourishment efforts.
December 16, 2021: During a special called meeting, the Town Council received a presentation from engineering firm, Moffatt & Nichol, containing an overview of all present and upcoming beach nourishment projects. To view the entire special meeting and presentation, CLICK HERE.
December 14, 2021: The Town Council voted unanimously to rescind their previous actions taken on March 16, 2021 and April 13, 2021, regarding funding options. This decision comes as a result of the $20 million in matched funds announced by the state of NC on Number 16, 2021. To view the decision during the December 14 meeting, CLICK HERE.
January 31, 2022: The Town Council held a special meeting, for the purpose of identifying funding, discussing enforcement, and receiving public input on the Beach Master Plan. To view the entire special meeting CLICK HERE.
February 21, 2022: The Town Council held a special meeting, for the purpose of identifying funding, discussing enforcement, and receiving public input on the Beach Master Plan. To view the entire special meeting CLICK HERE.
March 22, 2022: The Town Council held a third special meeting, in which the Council was presented with three (3) funding models to pursue for the Beach Master Plan. To view the entire special meeting CLICK HERE.
April 12, 2022: During their regular meeting, the Town Council voted to approve the Option 1 model for funding the Beach Master Plan, which was presented to them on March 22 special meeting. To view this portion of the regular meeting CLICK HERE.

CRC BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In July 2022, the NC Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) adopted new regulations that repealed the ability for coastal communities to utilize a "Development Line" as the setback measurement line for beachfront development. Going forward, in order to allow for regulatory flexibility for oceanfront construction setbacks, towns will need a Beach Management Plan approved by the CRC, that demonstrates a local commitment to maintaining beach nourishment projects.

In August of 2022, the Town Council approved a contract with engineering firm, Moffatt & Nichol to assist the Town in preparing a plan. this plan was submitted to the CRC, who approved it on June 15, 2023 with an effective date of July 22. CLICK HERE to view the Final Agency Decision.

As a result, the 60’ setback for beachfront properties is measured from the first line of natural and stable vegetation. In addition, houses cannot be any further seaward than the most landward adjacent house. This is determined by the rooflines/overhangs of the adjacent houses. Exceptions allowed in the 60’ setback such as detached decking, pools, etc. (each with their own set of restrictions) are allowed seaward of adjacent houses.

Below are links to the CRC Beach Management Plan and its four Appendices, which were approved by the CRC:

PROGRAM HISTORY

JULY 22, 2023: The Town's CRC Beach Management Plan went into effect.

JUNE 15, 2023: The CRC Beach Management Plan was approved by the the NC Coastal Resources Commission (CRC).

April 13, 2023: During a Special Called meeting, the Town Council voted unanimously to approve the Beach Management Plan at the recommended level of 1.359M cubic yards, at a projected cost of $33M, and to direct Moffat & Nichols and staff to submit the plan to the NC Coastal Resources Commission.

March 14, 2023: During the Town Council's regular meeting, Council will consider of a proposed Beach Management Plan to be Submitted to the Coastal Resources Commission

October 4, 2022: During the Town Council's regular meeting, Council voted to postpone the decision to approve a Beach Management Plan for 100 days, to allow for closer review the plan proposed by Moffatt and Nichol. If Council decides to approve the plan after the 100 days, then it could be presented at the next CRC meeting, potentially on April 27, 2023.

August 16, 2022: During the Town Council's regular meeting, a presentation was given by engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol, outlaying the impacts from the Coast Resources Commission (CRC) ruling, and possible response actions from the Town. Council approved a contract with engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol for preparation of a Beach Management Plan necessitated by the CRC's adoption of rules repealing the Development Line. CLICK HERE to view the initial CRC rules change notification letter.

INITIAL NOTICE (August 8, 2022): A recent rule change from the State’s Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) affects oceanfront development on Oak Island:

On July 21st, the North Carolina Rules Review Commission approved the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission’s (CRC) proposed repeal of the Development Line and subsequent rule changes to beach front development under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) program. These regulatory changes went into effect August 1^st and apply to any permits applied for on or after this date.

As a result of the Development Line removal, the CRC is reverting back to the pre-project vegetation line (previously known as the "1998 static line") for the most seaward point for ocean front development. CAMA setbacks will be measured 60 feet landward from the more restrictive of the two lines: the pre-project line, or the first line of stable and natural vegetation as it exists at the time of development. No principal structures will be allowed within the 60’ setback.

The CRC’s new beachfront development rules do allow for the potential that the Town may develop a Beach Management Plan (previously known as a Static Line Exception). Once approved by the CRC, this plan allows for regulatory flexibility for oceanfront construction setbacks where beach communities demonstrate a local commitment to maintaining beach nourishment projects. In order for this plan to be approved, the Town is required to develop a long-term (minimum of 30 years) beach maintenance plan. The plan also must address anticipated maintenance event volume triggers and schedules, long-term sand needs, and annual monitoring protocols, as well as identification of financial resources and/or funding sources necessary to fund these long-term nourishment activities. It is anticipated that the long-term nourishment plan the Town and our engineers, Moffatt and Nichol, have been working on for the last two years will provide sufficient information for the development of the Beach Management Plan.

It is important to note that as CAMA is a state-run program, these rule changes were proposed and approved at the state level. The Town of Oak Island recognizes the potential hardships these new rules can present for beachfront property owners and is actively working with the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) to obtain approval of a Beach Management Plan. Once the Town has a Beach Management Plan in place (i.e. approved by the CRC), setbacks would be measured from the vegetation line at the time of development, and not the more restrictive setback that would be measured from the Pre-Project Line (subject to a “no farther seaward than adjacent neighboring structure” provision). Any questions or concerns regarding these rule changes can be relayed to DCM and the area DCM Field Representative, Patrick Amico at 910-796-7425.

During the August 16 Town Council meeting, Doug Huggett and Sam Morrison from Moffatt and Nichol presented options moving forward in applying for the Town’s Beach Management Plan. CLICK HERE to download the presentation materials.

SAND DUNES & BERMS INFORMATION

This page presents information related to the sand dunes found on the beach areas of Oak Island, including information on the requirements and enforcement for dune preservation.

WHAT IS A DUNE?

Sand dunes are geologic features located between the ocean / beach and any man-made development (homes, businesses, etc.). There are actually several ways to define just what a dune is; but regardless of how it is defined, all dunes serve a similar purpose of helping to protect nature, development, and people. Much more than just "piles of sand," dunes have been proven to provide protection to coastal areas from waves and erosion from severe storms (such as hurricanes).

As with almost every beach in the world, the dunes here on Oak Island are in a constant state of change. Hurricanes, construction, and normal wind erosion all work to constantly reshape what we see today.

NOTE: Many places on this website will use the term "Sand Berms" when referring to areas that may seem like dunes. According to the regulations provided to the Town from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, beach berms are long narrow ridges of loose material (in this case, sand), which do not have vegetation. Regardless of the term used, both of these features should be treated with resect, and used only in the appropriate methods outlined on this page.

Our responsibility as Town residents and visitors, is to help ensure these features don't experience negative impacts from human interaction.

PRESERVATION

Sand dunes and berms serve a vital role in the protection of people, wildlife, and both natural and man-made features. These are protected places, and should be treated with care and respect.

To help preserve the sand dunes and berms, which in turn preserve our way of life, please use only the designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided by the Town.

NOTE: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or any other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and berms, except in designated access areas is PROHIBITED.

CLICK HERE to view all Beach & Water Access Locations

ENFORCEMENT

Dune protection is provided under section 14 of the Town Code of Ordinances. Violation of these rules can result in warnings, and even citations with fines starting at $100 for the first offense, $200.00 for the second offense, and escalating to a criminal offense after second violation at the officer's discretion.

The ordinance is enforced by the Oak Island Police Department through its officers and Beach Services Unit (BSU) staff.

NOTE: To report dune, parking, or beach safety violations as they happen, please call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number 910-253-7490 to have police officers or BSU staff respond.

PROTECTION & RECOVERY

One of the unfortunate facts of being perfectly situated along the coastline of the Carolinas is that damage from major storms is an ever-present threat. A hurricane, nor'easter, or even strong thunderstorms can cause severe damage to the precious, vital defense the dunes provide. The Town utilizes a number of resources to prevent and rebuild from damage due to storms or other emergency events.

Beach Nourishment is pivotal in helping to prevent further impacts to property and wildlife, by increasing the total volume sand available on the beach and in the dunes. The process uses dredge pumps and pipeline to add sediment onto eroded beach areas, while also building the dunes height and / or mass. This process allows sand to shift and move with waves and currents.

CLICK HERE to view information on all current Beach Nourishment Projects

Sand Sifting & Redistribution is a process that works to rebuild dunes that have been damaged or destroyed by storms or other emergency events. Following the impacts of Hurricane Isaias in August 2020, the Town immediately began an emergency dune push, to temporarily rebuild the dunes which had been completely destroyed by the storm.

The remaining sand that was washed onto the streets, was then collected into large piles. From there, storm debris was sifted from the sand, which was then redistributed back onto the beach. The entire project lasted from mid November 2020, to late February 2021. Below is a time-lapse video showing two months of the sifting process:

RESOURCES & PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

The Town utilizes several public-private partnerships with local civic and non-profit organizations, to help ensure our dunes and beaches stay health and clean. If you would like to learn more about the dunes or the beaches themselves, as well as the wildlife they help protect, just visit any of the following resources:

What is Beach Nourishment?

Beach Nourishment is defined by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as "the adding of sediment onto or directly adjacent to an eroding beach."

In Oak Island, this is typically seen in the process of "dredge" ships just offshore, which scoop u sand from the ocean floor, and send it through pipes onto the beach areas. From there, heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators move the sand and help shape the profile of the beach and surrounding sand dunes or berms.

Depending on the amount of sand to be moved, the process can usually take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Other than emergency erosion repair following a natural disaster such as a Hurricane, most all Beach Nourishment Projects are performed during the less busy seasons of Winter and early Spring.

Why is Beach Nourishment Important?

As the USACE also notes, "a wide, nourished beach system absorbs wave energy, protects upland areas from flooding, and mitigates erosion. The beach provides a buffer between storm waves and landward areas, and it can prevent destructive waves from reaching the dunes and upland developments. When sediment is naturally moved offshore from a nourished beach, it causes waves to break farther from the shoreline, which weakens their energy before reaching the shore."

Preforming beach nourishment at regular intervals has the same benefits as a maintenance schedule for any manmade or natural feature. It helps to enhance the accessibility to all, whilealso preserving property and a natural habitat for the plants and animals that call the dunes system "home."

Beach & Dune Preservation

Sand dunes and berms serve a vital role in the protection of people, wildlife, and both natural and man-made features. These are protected places, and should be treated with care and respect.

To help preserve the sand dunes and berms, which in turn preserve our way of life, please use only the designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided by the Town

NOTE: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or any other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and berms, except in designated access areas is PROHIBITED.

For complete information, along with an interactive map of all designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations, CLICK HERE.