Pallone Announces Changes to Jetty Notching Plan for Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment Project

Deal Lake Flume Also Discussed at Follow-up Meeting with Fishermen

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) hosted a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to revisit concerns previously expressed by fishermen, surfers and recreational users regarding the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment project. Today’s discussion followed up on an April 2014 meeting that Pallone hosted with concerned citizens after the Army Corps released their initial draft proposal for the replenishment project.

Originally, the Army Corps had planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, in response to the first meeting, the Army Corps presented a revised plan today that will only notch three groins within the project area. The Corps announced that they will not be notching the groins at the end of Whitehall Ave. in Deal, Roseld Ave. in Deal, and Cedar Ave. in Allenhurst.

There was also discussion at today’s meeting of constructing shallower notches than originally planned in order to allow access across the notches during low tide. The Army Corps is examining the possibility of that option with the three groins in Deal that will be notched, including Phillips Ave., Deal Casino, and South of Deal Esplanade near Marine Pl.

“I agree with the concerns that many have voiced with respect to notching the groins in this area and the impacts that it may have on recreational fishing,” said Congressman Pallone. “This new plan is a compromise with the Army Corps. I want to thank all the fishermen and other residents who took the time to submit comments and voice their concerns throughout this process.”

The Deal Lake Flume was also discussed at today’s meeting with Congressman Pallone. The Army Corps agreed to install an electronic gate which would allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand. All parties agreed that there was no need to extend the Deal Lake Flume farther into the ocean. Instead, there would be improved monitoring of the sand placement by the Corps during the project to avoid any excessive placement of sand in the area of the flume.

Today’s meeting also confirmed that the Army Corps will insist that towns maintain existing beach access points and parking areas and will explore the possibility of new access points in the project area from Lake Takanassee to Deal Lake.

The contract for the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment Project is expected to be awarded in October or November 2014 and work will start soon after, weather permitting.

Pallone Statement on Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment Project

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement regarding the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment Project. Pallone’s statement comes in response to a rally held in Asbury Park on Friday, March 21 where residents gathered to voice concerns over plans to replenish a 3.5 mile section of beach stretching from Lake Takanassee in the Elberon section of Long Branch to Deal Lake in Loch Arbour.

“I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding the Elberon to Loch Arbour Beach Replenishment project. First, I encourage all of you here today to formally submit your concerns and comments on this project in writing if you have not done so. The best method to do this is to email your concerns to Jenifer Thalhauser at Jenifer.E.Thalhauser@usace.army.mil. The deadline to submit comments is Wednesday, March 26, 2014.

Many of you in attendance have reached out to me to express your concerns with the proposed project. I understand your concerns with respect to notching the groins in this area and the impacts this may have on recreational fishing. I am discussing this issue with the Army Corps of Engineers and trying to find a resolution that does not negatively impact fishermen in the area.

I have also heard concerns regarding sand building up in the Deal Lake Flume, causing a blockage of the flow between the lake and ocean. I have raised this issue with the Army Corps and they are planning monitor the flume and clear any sediment buildup that occurs throughout the project. We will also look at the possibility of reconfiguring the placement of sand in the area adjacent to the flume. One long-term solution may be to extend the Deal Lake Flume to limit the amount of sand that can block its flow.

The buildup of sediment in Deal Lake from Superstorm Sandy is another issue that must be addressed. I am pleased that $1 million in federal funds has been allocated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to remove sediment from the lake. I understand this will not address all of the sediment buildup in the lake and will look into the possibility of additional state funds for this work.

I look forward to working with all of you as this important project progresses. Please feel free to reach out to my office with your concerns throughout this process. Thank you.”