Home  |  About  |  Original Articles  |  Book and Surf Shop  |  Logo Goods

January 11, 2007 -

Riprap to be removed in Del Mar

Del Mar (San Diego County), is reportedly planning to remove private erosion barriers on public beaches between 17th and 29th Streets.  From the San Diego Union-Tribune article:

“I think the riprap serves to check the energy of the wave as it’s breaking . . . but as far preventing erosion, I’m doubtful,” said Pat Vergne, Del Mar’s community services director and chief lifeguard, who has observed the city’s beaches for more than 20 years.

Hany Elwany, a coastal engineer affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, concurred.

“Riprap does not prevent erosion, but it does protect property from storm damage,” he said. “Del Mar’s beaches undergo very large seasonal cycles . . . as much as 150 feet a year, and that is normal.”

 According to the article this does not impact properly engineered seawalls.

---

Interesting Sites

Beachapedia.org Beachapedia
Cal. Coastal Commission Like them or not, they are one of the biggest players around when it comes to coastal access in California.
Howling Point Your moderator’s personal site. He does have a life outside of this, as shown by the occasional gaps in posting.
Surfrider Foundation Activities and campaigns for clean water, beach access, beach preservation and protecting special places.