Changing the Paradigm of Response to Coastal Storms

Permanent Link:: http://dpanther.fiu.edu/dpService/dpPurlService/purl/FI15060319/00001

Material Information

Scope and Content:: Federal, state, and local agencies mounted a massive preparation and response to post– tropical storm Sandy, which made landfall along the northern New Jersey coast on 29 October 2012. The data collected and knowledge gained in response to Sandy are unprecedented and provide critical information to agencies, local emergency responders, and coastal managers and planners. The traditional response to extreme coastal storms such as Sandy is to restore beaches, close breaches in barrier islands, and rebuild infrastructure swiftly. For a variety of reasons, including access, safety, and future risk reduction, this response can be necessary and justifiable. On the other hand, barrier islands are dynamic, and landward movement can result in increased resiliency of the barrier system. In addition, there are numerous benefits of breaches, such as enhanced bay circulation, improved water quality, and creation of habitat for wildlife. In a unique coastal management approach, a breach in Fire Island, N. Y., remains open more than 6 months after the storm. The breach is being carefully evaluated and monitored by a multiagency group, balancing increased risk to infrastructure and human safety with benefit to the natural environment. This is an unparalleled management approach along a developed coastline and could serve as an option for response to future storms.

Source Institution:: Florida International University
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