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PermalinkThursday, April 5, 2007
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Aired 4/19/09
New research may help San Diego county officials find offshore sources of sand to restore thinning beaches without disturbing the natural balance of supply. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.
A major beach restoration project six years ago pumped more than two million cubic yards of sand on several county beaches. Officials want to replace that sand again. Beaches in Encinitas, Solana Beach and others are losing sand because the natural processes to replenish it are blocked by development.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography researchers have finished an underwater survey that shows how sand builds up along Southern California's continental shelf. The new data shows offshore areas where sand can be taken -- its sand stays offshore and doesn't flow back onto beaches.
Officials in several county cities are waiting for the completion of a federal study before they can move ahead with plans to dredge sand from offshore and pump it back on local beaches.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
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