City Links with Stockton Coastal Research; Estimated Savings $2 Million

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ According to city officials, North Wildwood has agreed to a contract with Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center for the purpose of sand “back-passing.” As of April 5, a corrected contract amount about $140,000 was amended in a resolution from the March 21 council meeting. As the city continues to repair and replenish its north-end beaches, concerns for ecological impacts and costs are being addressed. 
On April 5 the Herald contacted Dr. Stewart Farrell, director of the Coastal Research Center.
Originally from Asbury Park, Farrell taught at Stockton University for 45 years before joining the center. According to Farrell, the “story” goes back to 2009 when North Wildwood partnered with the state for financial assistance after storms damaged its beaches, 75 percent of state monies along with 25 percent from the city paid for the repairs.
Farrell explained that eligibility for federal and state funds is awarded to a municipality if damages reach the standards of Category “G.”
Farrell also said that the hydraulic pumps, already in place after 2009, were able to assist North Wildwood during the storms of 2011 and, later, after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
By pumping in the washed-out sand, sand was “recycled” in a new system called “back-passing.”
Trucks, delivered to haul the pumped-in sand, could operate and complete the project for under $50,000, saving taxpayers and city funds of approximately $2 million. “It’s much more beneficial and cheaper,” said Farrell.
Sand is hauled from Wildwood Crest and Wildwood; according to Farrell, sand that once buried Wildwood’s outfall pipes is removed and returned to the beaches of North Wildwood. Thus both municipalities benefit.
Since the ravages of Winter Storm Jonas (2016) and recent winter storms, over 100,000 cubic yards of sand have been returned to North Wildwood.
With a permit in hand, the project will continue. “We’re bringing it back,” Farrell said.
However, sand is not just “dumped” all over the beach, according to Farrell.
A design template is in place, allowing surveyors and other officials to see where and how to place the sand.
Other shore communities including Avalon have used the back-passing system from the research center.
Farrell said the center is seeking a permit to use the system in Brigantine.