EVALUATION OF A BEACH DEWATERING SYSTEM: NANTUCKET, USA

Abstract

A commercial multi-segmented beach dewatering system became operational December 1994 on the eastern shoreline of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA. The objective of the installation was to cost-effectively stabilize a critically eroding reach of shoreline with minimal environmental impact. To assess the potential for wider use of beach dewatering in coastal erosion management, a comprehensive and independent monitoring program was developed and implemented to objectively evaluate the beach dewatering project. Observational methods and analyses are discussed relative to the ability to differentiate between the influence of the dewatering segments on beach response, in contrast to 'natural' shoreline response to coastal processes. Economics, measurement needs, measurement accuracy, and temporal and spatial resolution of data acquisition are discussed and evaluated.