Long-term Erosion at Ocean Beach
(October 15, 2004)
The City and County of San Francisco, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) are seeking public comments on the range of alternatives being considered to provide a long-term solution to erosion problems along Ocean Beach from Sloat Blvd. south to Fort Funston. This area has experienced considerable erosion during winter storm events over the past decade. Parking lots and ramps providing beach access have been damaged, and portions of the Great Highway and City wastewater facilities are threatened.
The City and County of San Francisco recently received a $1.1 million grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways. This funding will allow the San Francisco Department of Public Works (DPW)--in partnership with USACE and GGNRA (a unit of the National Park System)--to define and evaluate a range of long-term potential solutions to the Ocean Beach erosion problems. Alternatives to be evaluated include potential construction of an off-shore reef or breakwater, construction of hard or soft structures on land (either at the location of the existing bluff or further inland) and Managed Retreat (which could result in rerouting southbound traffic along the Great Highway).
To obtain more information about this project, go to: www.sfoceanbeach.org.
Contact:
Mark Westlund (415) 355-3714