Guide to shoreline stability

Environmental Science

guide to shoreline stability - research Proposal

GUIDE to SHORELINE STABILITY

There are many aspects to shoreline construction that must be given due consideration in the shoreline project and these include both natural and manmade factors along shorelines. As well there are regulatory and licensing factors that are critically important to understand in making sure the individual or company has obtained proper licensing and met required registration and regulatory provisions prior to beginning work on a shoreline construction project.

The objective of the research proposed in this study is for the compilation of a research guide specifically for use of government officials, which lists the available options and associated costs of installation, repair and the effectiveness of each option.

SIGNIFICANCE

The significance of the study is vested in the need for such a guide due to erosion of shorelines which is both natural and that perpetrated by humans. Furthermore, in some areas of the world scientific data indicates that sea levels will rise in some areas of the world thereby creating an urgent need at some future point for quickly accessible information in this area of knowledge in order that best practice be instituted and not lessened due to lack of quickly accessible and dependable information.

PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The methodology proposed in this study is one in which a qualitative review of literature will be conducted in this area of study in what will be a synthesis of the available literature in terms of processes, techniques, costs, guidance, and regulatory and licensing information available in this area of study relating to shoreline protection and shoreline construction.

BACKGROUND of SHORELINE PROCESSES and EROSION PROBLEM

The work entitled: "Factors Affecting Shoreline Stability" published in the Appraisal of Chronic Hazard Alleviation Techniques journal states that the factors which affect the stability of shorelines "...occur over a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. They involve a complex combination of interactions between geologic, oceanographic, and to a less extent, biologic processes." (nd) the temporal scale is measured time in years, months, and days while the spatial scale measures by depth or deepness in meters, and kilometers. The U.S. Department of Commerce: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean & Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) states that shoreline planning 'can be a valuable tool for managing shoreline erosion impacts in the coastal environment.

SHORELINE PROTECTION TECHNIQUES

Developing a shoreline management plan allows the designation of the levels of development as well as stabilization of the shoreline and the method appropriate based upon the designation of the shoreline segment. The plans can be just one part of a larger plan for management or the plans may be of the nature of stand-alone plans for management. (ORCM, 2007) According to OCRM it is a requirement that in Washington "local governments must develop Shoreline Master Plans to balance land use and preservation within 200 feet of the shore." (2007) it is important to note the following as well related in the report: "The type of environmental designation then dictates how much and what type of development and land use(s) are allowed, including what type of shoreline stabilization structures (if any) are allowed." (OCRM, 2007) the work of Jeffree Stewart entitled: "The Art & Science of Assigning Shoreline Environment Designations: In Shoreline Master Program Updates" states that the Shoreline Management Plan guidelines "require a high level of environmental protection (no net loss) but do not specifically direct a local government in how to achieve this result." (Stewart,

Stated as the basis for designation of shoreline which is to "provide a systemic, rational, and equitable basis upon which to guide and regulate development within specific shorelines reaches..." are: (1) inventory/characterization; and 2) shoreline use analysis. (Stewart, nd)

GUIDANCE for SELECTION AMONG SHORELINE PROTECTION TECHNIQUES

The designation of the appropriate measure that should be taken on each shoreline has a 'stated purpose' which has as its basis the WAC 173-26 Guidelines. (Stewart, nd) the various shorelines are designated "on specified criteria" and as well "development limitations and conditions for allowed uses are specified." (Stewart, nd) Stewart states that policies and regulations are developed for each designation..." And that these are reflective of "the specific purpose, per Guidelines." (nd) it is noted that state recommended classification may be modified by local governments. Two key citations apply in designation of criteria:

1) Characterization of ecosystem-wide functions; and 2) Preferred Uses. (Stewart)

Broad goals of designation include:

1) Reserving appropriate waterfront lands for water-dependent and water-related uses, and public access;

2) Designation based on current conditions (structures/uses/clearly) regardless of previous SMP designation; and 3) Integration for consistently with overlapping land use plans; and (4) ensure protection of ecologically intact shorelines. (Stewart, nd)

Stewart states that in some circumstances "existing uses and properties may become non-conforming with regard to the regulations and master programs should include provisions to address these situations in a manner consistent with achievement of the policy of the act and consistent with constitutional and other legal limitations." (nd)

REQUIRED PERMITS for CONSTRUCTION

The Environmental Protection Agency Shoreline and Streambank Stabilization Guidelines relates best management practices based upon location and type of shoreline or streambank land is under consideration. Rules and regulations relating to coastal use and development may be found in the Code of Federal Regulations: 36 C.F.R. Part 327 -- Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Water Resource Development Projects Administered by the Chief of Engineers. The "Water Resources Development Act of 2002" Report 107-117 of October 2, 2002 states amendments to the original act. The Water Resources Development Act of 2002 sets out the guidelines in the United States regarding land use and specifically land and resource preservation and designation criteria. Other governing laws include:

Section 14 of the Flood Control Act of 1946, Public Law 79-526, as amended (33 U.S.C. 701r); and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347; hereinafter "NEPA") and Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1341)

For projects relating to streambank erosion it is stated that the government: "...shall develop and coordinate as required, an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact or an Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, as necessary, to inform the public regarding the environmental impacts of the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347; hereinafter "NEPA"). However, the Government shall not issue the solicitation for the first construction contract for the Project or commence construction of the Project using the Government's own forces until all applicable environmental laws and regulations have been complied with, including, but not limited to NEPA and Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1341).

Regulatory programs are located in each state with offices for permits, notices, appeals, district boundary and mitigation needs. The listing for these regulatory programs can be located online the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers website. The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), makes the provision of: "...national leadership, strategic direction and guidance to state and territory coastal programs and estuarine research reserves." (2008) Furthermore OCRM works with state and territory coastal resource managers in various ways. The activities of OCRM fall under three legislative articles: