Why did Sebastian Inlet District place sand on a section of beach south of the inlet?

The Sebastian Inlet District is responsible for bypassing sand that migrates into the inlet system to downdrift beaches per the Florida Beach & Shore Preservation Act, and conducts periodic dredging, channel maintenance and sand placement projects about every 4 to 5 years. This Upland Sand Truck Haul and Beach Placement Project is part of our ongoing implementation of the Sebastian Inlet Management Plan.

Where was sand  placed?

The project placed approximately 30,000 cubic yards of approved beach-compatible sand from an upland mine to a 1.5-mile stretch of beach that begins approximately 1,500 feet south of Ambersand Beach Park north to the McLarty Treasure Museum.

When did the project begin?

Work began on January 6, 2023 and wrapped up on February 17, 2023.

Is this project a response to sand losses caused by hurricanes Ian and Nicole?

No. This project was planned in advance of the hurricanes to support implementation of our adopted Sebastian Inlet Management Plan. Per our charter, the District is not charged with beach nourishment projects to mitigate sand losses due to storms, but we are responsible for offsetting sand interrupted by the Sebastian Inlet, which is the purpose of this project.

How was the project constructed?

An estimated 1,760 dump trucks delivered beach compatible from an upland sand mine in Fort Pierce to the designated beach access north of the project area.  The sand wasb transported and graded using heavy equipment along the project area on the beach.

Why not just pump sand from the ocean onto the beach instead of trucking it in?

We typically only dredge sand impounded by the inlet.  Given the sand quantity designed for supplemental projects, it is more economical to truck in sand then pump from an offshore borrow source.   Mobilizing a dredge and supporting pipe could be several million dollars.

What are the hours of operation?

Hours of work on the beach are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How is the project funded and what is the cost?

The project is funded by the Sebastian Inlet District through ad valorem taxes. The total project cost is approximately $1.37 million. The District is eligible and has applied for  a 50 percent cost-share match from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Beach Management Assistance Program.

How can I receive future updates on the project?

Please go to the projects page found on the District website www.sitd.us and follow us on Facebook @sebastianinletdistrict

You can also sign up to receive our newsletter. Have concerns or questions? Our phone number is (321) 724-5175 or send an email to our Public Information Associate, Ed Garland, at egarland@sitd.us