Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley eagerly ran her fingers through the first load of sand dumped on the beach in Dana Point, marveling at the opportunity to replenish the disappearing coastline. As an advocate for preserving the area’s beaches, Foley expressed her excitement at finding ways to restore the sandy shores that have eroded over time. This initiative began with the arrival of the first of 3,000 truckloads of dredged sand at Capistrano Beach Park and Doheny State Beach on June 15, a vital step in widening and strengthening the severely damaged beaches.
Previously, these beaches provided an idyllic coastal haven with ample space for sunbathing, volleyball, and various recreational activities. However, several factors, including inland development, drought, and the construction of a nearby harbor, disrupted the natural flow of sand downstream. Additionally, powerful El Nino storms in 2015 and 2016 further eroded the shoreline, leaving the beaches vulnerable to high tides and swells. Subsequent winter storms in 2018 dealt another blow, causing significant damage to infrastructure, restrooms, and parking areas.
To rectify these issues, the county and state have been working for the past five years to develop a comprehensive plan. This plan, still under development, aims to create a living shoreline comprising boulders, cobblestones, sand, and natural vegetation to protect and preserve the beach. However, a recent discovery by Giles Matthews, the county’s senior environmental resources specialist, offered a new solution. Matthews identified a substantial supply of sand upstream in a sediment trap along the Santa Ana River, leftover from winter storms. Instead of allowing this sand to be disposed of in a landfill, the decision was made to transport it to the beach.
In the coming weeks, truckloads of sand will be transported from a holding area in Fountain Valley to Doheny State Beach and Capistrano Beach Park. Tractors will spread the sand across a span of 2,000 feet, focusing on areas in most urgent need of replenishment. Scott Kibbey, State Parks South Sector Superintendent, emphasized the severe depletion of the southern area of Doheny State Beach, which has severely limited beachgoer activities and resulted in the loss of an estimated 75 to 100 parking spots.
Restoring the beaches is not only crucial for public enjoyment but also for protecting infrastructure from the impact of waves. The erosion has already caused disruptions, as evidenced by the temporary halt of train service in San Clemente due to damage to the tracks caused by crashing waves. Environmental assessments have been conducted, ensuring the sand’s suitability and impact on local bird species. Although the project will limit public access for several months, the value of restoring the beaches and preventing further erosion far outweighs the inconvenience.
With an estimated value of $3.5 million, transportation costs for the sand are negligible compared to the benefits of protecting the coastline. Supervisor Foley envisions this project as a blueprint for future efforts to proactively manage and preserve valuable coastal areas. However, one concern looms on the horizon: the anticipated El Nino storms, which may pose a risk to the newly replenished beaches. Despite this uncertainty, the decision to utilize the available sand rather than wasting it in a landfill was deemed worthwhile.
Brett Sanders, a Civil Engineering Professor at UC Irvine, acknowledged the historical erosion caused by El Nino storms. However, he reassured that the added sand would help mitigate wave energy and potentially be redistributed along the coast. While the long-term effectiveness of the project remains to be seen, the dedicated efforts to restore Orange County’s beaches mark an important step towards safeguarding these natural treasures.
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