Storm in Atlantic could impact beach re-nourishment projects

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — As meteorologists track the system in the Atlantic, town leaders react to the possible impacts to current beach re-nourishment projects.

One project that just wrapped up last week, re-nourishing the beach in Oak Island on the 6600-block of West Beach Road. Town Manager Tim Holleman says the homes that were falling into the ocean have now been declared stable. Holleman said 220,000 cubic yards of sand was added to the area to protect erosion. The storm headed our way could change that, he said.

“You know hurricanes or any weather event are always detrimental to the beaches,” Holleman said. “So we will monitor it and hope that Mother Nature is kind to us and doesn’t take too much sand away. But there’s always a possibility that some of this will be eroded away.”

Holleman added the town isn’t worried about what could be lost in the storm.

“If you have a plan, or a plan to do more projects over a 30 year period, it’s not such a worry or a concern because you know there’s going to be replenishment coming up in the future,” Holleman said. “So as long as it’s and you have a project or repeat of the project, you should not worry about that erosion.”

He added they have also been in contact with county officials and other town leaders about putting a plan in place, if the need arises.