Earle NWS Phase 2 (JLUS)

Abstract

Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle and the surrounding communities suffered considerable damage during Superstorm Sandy. Continued flooding, coastal erosion and other storm related damage continue to occur during significant Nor easters and other coastal storms. Flooding along major access roads has worsened over time impacting storm evacuation routes and access to NWS Earle s Waterfront facility for employees during storm events. Ware Creek is in danger of opening a new channel closer to the pier which could impact the operation of the Navy s facilities and mission. Coastal Resilience Projects, such as thin layer sediment disposition on marshes, constructing living shorelines (i.e. oyster reefs), dune system development or expansion, and the development of maritime forest areas would improve stormwater management and reduce coastal storm damage. This would limit encroachment and civilian-induced impacts on the operational efficiency of the Naval facilities. Post Sandy, several communities to the south of Monmouth County that underwent significant damaged experienced rebuilding with more intense development. Protecting the existing communities in the Earle Military Influence Area with coastal resilience projects could help to maintain existing compatible land uses and open spaces to minimize impact to the operational mission. This grant would seek to insure civilian investments in coastal resilience do not encroach on the installation. A study will identify potential sites for coastal resilience projects, prioritize the projects with the most benefit to installation operations, develop preliminary plans and identify the necessary permits needed for implementation. The proposed projects would be aimed at increasing the sustainability and resilience of NWS Earle facilities and navigational channels; enhancing USACE shore protection projects; and protecting the local communities that are within the NWS Earle Military Influence Area or are served by USACE projects. The plan could potentially identify locations where clean, suitable sediments from federal channel dredging efforts may be used for such projects as beach nourishment or thin-layer wetland deposition offering two-fold positive impacts.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 04, 2020
Source ID
HQ00051810041

Entities

People

  • Linda Brennen

Organizations

  • Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
  • Office of the Secretary of Defense

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Military Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space