Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

DNREC seeks public feedback on proposed changes to the Beach Preservation Act

Eli Chen/Delaware Public Media

DNREC hosted a pair of public workshops in Milford and Bethany Beach on May 1 and 2 on changes to state’s Beach Preservation Act.

Last revised in 1983, the Beach Preservation Act seek to mitigate the effects of beach erosion and property damage from coastal flooding and storms. The latest draft seeks to redefine several terms in the Beach Preservation Act, including “regulated areas.” These are areas along the shore that the state can regulate construction in favor of protecting beaches, dunes and properties.

Previously, beach regulation workshops were held last November in Slaughter Beach and Rehoboth Beach. At the meetings, some residents voiced concern that the state does not consider safety for surfers, boaters and other recreationists in carrying out its beach nourishment projects.

However, DNREC scientist Jennifer Luoma emphasized that these regulations aren’t meant to address recreational safety.  

 

“The main purpose is to protect the beach and the dunes as natural resources

and in doing so, we’re also protecting structures from coastal storm damage, but it doesn’t address safety for recreational use," said Luoma.

 

Luoma added the proposed changes presented at the workshops seek to bring any development away from the shore.  

 

“Regulation of the beach preservation act--the purpose of that has not exactly been changed due to climate change and sea level rise," said Luoma. "But by keeping a step back away from the beach and dunes  and, thereby the mean high water line, we’re keeping in that philosophy of pulling construction landward."

 

A draft of the beach preservation act is currently open for public comment on DNREC’s website, with a hearing expected to be scheduled in the fall.

Related Content