Plum Island Center 2007 satellite photo

Showing substantial (150') coastal dune loss compared to the 2005 photo.

Cause

2006 and 2007 spring nor'easter's and the Plum Island

Foreshore Beach profile starved for sediment due to lack of

dredging and near shore disposal creating an erosional Hot Spot

at the center island portion of Plum Island.

Erosion

A simple mathematical equation, more sand leaving an area than arriving.

Plum Island Center Island 2005 photo

Showing a much narrower beach, exposed groins compared to USGS aerial photo of 1995 Plum Island Center Island.

Cause

Foreshore Beach profile has been starved for sediment due to lack of dredging and near shore disposal. Dredging material diverted away from Plum Island in 1996 (125,000 cubic yards) and only one dredging (1999) (120,000 cubic yards) dumped near shore in 12 years.  Normally, PI would have 3-4 dredge cycles (500,000 cubic yards). A net loss to our littoral system of 380,000 cubic yards of sand.

Erosion

Is a simple mathematical equation, more sand leaving an area than arriving.

Plum Island Center Island 1995 satellite photo

Beach was 300-400 feet wider and healthy.

Cause

Dredging materials dumped near shore on a 3-4 year cycle over the previous 14 years (1981-1995) maintaining our coastal equilibrium and beach profile (Net gain of 650,000 cubic yards of sand).

Accretion

A simple mathematical equation, more sand arriving an area than leaving.