The Department of Environmental Protection has inspected nearly all of the state’s coastal beaches and dunes following the nor’easter that hit New Jersey Oct. 12 and 13. A preliminary assessment, the DEP said, indicated notable erosion occurred along several reaches of the coast, especially south of Manasquan Inlet.
The DEP said coastal beaches had already felt the impact of Hurricane Erin, Hurricane Imelda and offshore Hurricane Humberto; storms do not have to make landfall to have a serious impact on the beaches.
This nor’easter, identified by the dates of the storm only, resulted in more heavily sloped erosion, several groins becoming exposed or more exposed, and more frequent wave run-up to upper beaches and seawalls and to or into the dunes. Wave run-up, the DEP explained, is the maximum vertical extent to which storm waves wash over a shoreline or up to a coastal protection structure.
The DEP said wind-blown sand upland of the beach and debris along beaches was widespread, as was damage to fencing and crossovers.
The DEP identified five coastal regions that were assessed for storm impact: Monmouth County – Oceanfront – Sea Bright to Manasquan; Northern Ocean County – Point Pleasant Beach to southern Seaside Park; Long Beach Island; Brigantine, Atlantic County, through Ocean City, and Strathmere through the city of Cape May.
Heavy erosion was identified in Ocean City between First and 11th streets, with new and additional dune scarping or dune loss in that entire stretch and with wave run-up under the boardwalk at Fifth and Sixth Street. Some areas of new and additional dune crossover damage were also reported in Ocean City. Areas of vertical dune scarping in excess of 5 feet in height were also observed in the city, as was wave run-up to and into the dunes or to the upper beach throughout the rest of the region.
The DEP reported moderate to major sloped erosion throughout, with new and additional dune scarping or dune loss being reported in northern Strathmere (Upper Township), Avalon and North Wildwood. The agency confirmed what was reported by Upper Township, that approximately two blocks, between Seaview and Seacliff avenues, experienced total or near-total dune loss, resulting in wave run-up and overwash on nearby streets.
Some areas of new and additional dune crossover damage were reported at locations including Strathmere, Avalon and North Wildwood. Areas of vertical dune scarping in excess of 10 feet in height were reported in Strathmere and Avalon and in excess of 5 feet in height in North Wildwood. At the Oct. 14 Upper Township Committee meeting, at least one resident reported that individuals ignored barriers and signs at closed beaches and slid down the scarped dune, adding to the erosion.
As reported by municipal officials, there was evidence of notable tide/wave run-up and ponding in Wildwood – up to and under the boardwalk – and to the dunes in Wildwood Crest. Wave run-up to and into the dunes or to the upper beach occurred throughout the rest of the region.
A final Coastal Storm Survey & Damage Assessment report, once completed, will be posted at https://dep.nj.gov/wlm/drec/ce/coastal-storms.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherad.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
