2023 Beach Nourishment Project Recap: Strengthening Stone Harbor's Coastal Resilience

August 1, 2023

As of July 28, 2023, the dredging and beach fill portion of the 2023 Beach Nourishment Project was completed by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company. As a result, all beaches are accessible daily and the parking lot at 123^rd Street is open. The much-needed beach fill now offers residents and visitors an enhanced coastal experience.

Project Overview: This joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor was intended to strengthen the shoreline’s protection from coastal storm events. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company was awarded a $28.8 million contract to conduct the beach fill project in Avalon and Stone Harbor. It involved dredging sand from the Townsends Inlet borrow site, pumping it through a series of pipes onto the beaches, and grading it into an engineered dune and berm template.

As a result of the project, Stone Harbor received over 700,000 cubic yards of sand, resulting in wider beaches and, more importantly, a carefully engineered dune and berm structure to mitigate damage from storms.

Based on preconstruction surveys, the beach fill template was adjusted, and Stone Harbor received sand in three specific areas:

From 80th Street to 87th Street
From 89th Street to 115th Street, with slight narrowing at 96th and 97th Streets and a tapered approach at the start and finish points.
From 119th to 127th Street groin

Progress and Delays: The project started on April 17th at the north end of Avalon and progressed southward. Weather conditions and mechanical maintenance caused some delays, and the project eventually commenced in Stone Harbor on June 6^th. Dedication to the project remained steadfast while crews worked 24/7 through June and July.

On July 17, 2023, the dredging and beach fill project was successfully completed with an impressive 727,755 cubic yards of sand placed on Stone Harbor beaches. Subsequently, the demobilization operation cleared all beaches, crossovers, and parking lots, and concluded on July 28, 2023, restoring full accessibility. The contractor will return in the Fall for dune grass planting to finish the project completely.

The Borough of Stone Harbor is grateful to residents and visitors for their patience and support throughout this project. The completion of the beach nourishment project not only enhances our beaches but also reinforces our dunes, providing essential protection to our coastal community.

Below are video and photos of the project provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Click here for Beach Nourishment Video

Video Credit: Peter Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers