LMT To Be Protected by Taraval Style Seawall

By rejecting managed retreat for the LMT, SFPUC is opting for a riskier path,

one fraught with high maintenance, to address Sloat erosion.

Greetings Surfriders,

We had a very informative chapter meeting last month. Thanks to all who attended. Ben Grant provided a nice summary of the Ocean Beach Master Plan while Bob Battalio brought us up to speed on the alternatives analysis study for the Lake Merced Tunnel (LMT).

It looks like SFPUC is going to go thru with building the Ocean Beach Master Plan’s buried seawall for the Tunnel. Engineer Bob Battalio explained that the models support the ability to protect the LMT with the low profile seawall thru 2100. However, the amount of sand dune replenishment needed to maintain the beach looks to be significantly high, especially after 2050. The Alternatives Analysis report is not finalized for publication yet, but when it is we will post a copy so you can check over the details.

While we are glad to see the City moving on a plan to clean up and restore the beach, we still contend that it is worth the investment to remove the LMT from the erosion hazard area now, and not sometime after 2050 when the cost will be much greater.

As surfers we know all too well the character of the nearshore environment at Ocean Beach. If anything, it is wildly unpredictable, subject to extreme energy, and thoroughly unforgiving. Leaving the LMT so close to the surf zone is a risky choice.  We can only hope the design works as well as the models say it will and preserves the beach.

Thanks for checking in!

Alternatives Analysis Phase Complete

Public access and wildlife habitat stand to gain from a restored beach at Sloat.

Greetings Surfriders,

During the holidays we had received word that the Alternative Analysis Report for the Lake Merced Tunnel is complete. After weighing a relocation alternative for the 14 Foot Diameter pipe, SFPUC management has apparently decided to keep the structure where it is - and to build the Ocean Beach Master Plan protection device. This would be a “Taraval” style seawall.

At our chapter meeting on February 6^th (Sports Basement 1590 Bryant Street 7pm), we will hear from ESA engineer Bob Battalio who worked on the AAR.  Also, in attendance will be Benjamin Grant, SPUR Ocean Beach Master Plan Project Manager. We encourage all members, activists and supports to attend this meeting and ask questions about the results of the report.  Thanks for checking in!

The 2017 Campaign In Review

Excellent surf has graced the Sloat shoreline this month.

Dear Surfriders,

In 2017 our Chapter activists and supporters put in a lot time attending meetings, signing petitions and providing comment letters in support of the Local Coastal Plan Amendment (LCP).  The LCP essentially greenlights Sloat restoration and promotes future managed retreat planning for the rest of the Ocean Beach shoreline. We wish to commend everyone that helped with the campaign thus far.

What's next on the roadmap to Restore Sloat?

• 2018 Near-Term Improvements.  

New temporary parking arrangements for beach access south of Sloat are due to begin construction this year.  A walking/jogging path will be included in the project.

• Alternatives Analysis Report (AAR)

The AAR is for the long-term restoration / protection project that was outlined in the Ocean Beach Master Plan. The AAR will include a relocation option weighed for the Lake Merced Tunnel.  Surfrider has advocated that the City look into this option as it may bring the most long-term benefits in term of infrastructure security, beach restoration and cost effectiveness.

• The Conceptual Engineering Report (CER) Phase

Following on the heals of the AAR, a preferred project will be selected. The CER will be the initial engineering specs. for the long-term plan.

• 2019 Environmental Review: 

By 2019, a period of Environmental Review / CEQA (CA Environmental Quality Act)  determination will begin for the long-term project.

• 2020 Coastal Commission Permitting

The final stop before construction of the long-term plan will include a Coastal Commission permit application which is due to be heard by 2020.  If all goes well, we can see the a Sloat restoration project break ground in 2021.


That's it. As always, thanks for checking in.

Happy Holidays!

Please consider joining the Surfrider Foundation today and help us reach our goal of raising $500,000 by December 31st!

Sharp Park Seawall Permit Approved

The beautiful beach fronting Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica

In a major set-back for beach preservation in Pacifica, the Coastal Commission approved an "after the fact' permit for the seawall that protects the Sharp Park Golf Course.

On Wednesday November 8,  Commissioners officially legalized the 2013 seawall enhancements despite years of missed deadlines and incomplete documentation by SF Rec. and Park. An article in the Courthouse News Report covers the hearing well.

Judging from the Commissioner's comments, the key reason the seawall and the recent armoring work was approved was the belief that, without the seawall, the local neighborhood would flood.  Unfortunately,  there is no study or other substantial evidence to support this claim found in the staff report or anywhere else that we can find.

As we have commented before, the reason managed retreat uses the word "managed" is to allow for project adaptations such as flood protection for nearby neighborhoods - or habitat relocation work for endangered species. At Sloat, managed retreat means that we recognize that some form of structural protection will be needed to protect the Oceanside Treatment Plant and associated infrastructure. Contrary to the view of some of our detractors, we are not environmental extremists.

For a look at what a quality managed retreat alternative could be, check out this peered reviewed study of Sharp Park.

While we are disappointed with the Coastal Commissions ruling on this issue, there will be a time to revisit the Sharp Park Golf Course seawall permit in the future.  Rest assured, Surfrider will continue to fight for this coastal treasure at every pass.

Permit Sought to Legitimize Sharp Park Seawall

The future shoreline of Pacifica: A pile of rocks or a sandy beach?

Greetings Surfriders,

A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Sharp Park Golf Course seawall has been submitted by SF Rec and Park to the Coastal Commission. The application includes the 2013 unauthorized boulder additions we chronicled in this campaign blog.

Coastal armoring has already decimated large stretches of the beach in Pacifica. It's time to say enough is enough!

The  CDP is coming up for a vote at November’s Coastal Commission hearing which will be on Wednesday, November 8th at Bodega Marine Lab in Bodega Bay. It is the first item on the agenda for the meeting.

See link below for Coastal Commission hearing details:

https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2017/11

To help derail this CDP, please send an email or printed letter to the Commission.  

Here is a simple comment letter to use as a template:

RE: Agenda Item 9A Application No. 2-17-0702 (San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Pacifica)

I visit/surf/hike/fish our local Bay Area beaches, including the beaches of Pacifica. The Coastal Commission should deny this permit due to the extensive damage seawalls have already done to the town's shoreline.  Climate change and sea level rise will only intensify erosion rates in the years ahead.  If the Sharp Park Golf Course seawall is allowed to remain, the beach will eventually be driven under water. Instead of seeking permission to maintain a seawall, San Francisco should decommission the golf course and back a plan to restore beach and the lagoon wetland. Please reject this CDP.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

Email to: NorthCentralCoast@coastal.ca.gov

Printed mail needs to be received by Friday November 3rd. Send to:

California Coastal Commission 

North Central District 

45 Fremont Street Ste 2000 

San Francisco, Ca 94105 

Re: Application No. 2-17-0702 (San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Pacifica)

Of course, if you can attend the hearing on Wednesday November 8th, please do!  To comment, arrive no later than 8am to fill out a speaker card. 

Thank you for fighting to preserve our local beaches!

LCP Amendment Passes Unanimously

October means the surf season is back in full swing. Sloat north lot

Greetings Surfriders,

The Local Coastal Plan amendment passed through unanimously at the SF Planning Commission hearing on October 5th.  Thanks to all who sent in a comment letter in support of managed retreat for Sloat.  Here's an excerpt from our remarks:

The reason there is an erosion challenge at south Ocean Beach was because the original shoreline was filled in by more than 200 feet in this area. The erosion is due to the ocean's  attempt to regain it natural position...

In the big picture, the filling in of our City’s shorelines is now coming back to haunt us.  Along our bay waterfront and now at Ocean Beach, the payment is coming due.  The difference is that at Ocean Beach we have 30 foot waves barreling in from the North Pacific threatening our infrastructure.

The LCP amendment is important, because it meets this reality head on.  In essence, the City is moving toward a smarter policy of shoreline management by adding more distance between the water and threatened shoreline development. This is a move that also restores public access to the water and the beach's natural ecosystem.
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To help advance the cause of Sloat restoration, please sign our petition.

SF Planning Set to Vote on New Erosion Policy for Ocean Beach

This summer, a beach has re-emerged at the erosion hotspot.
Unfortunately, it will almost certainly erode this coming winter.
Photo: Ocean Beach Surfer Paul Lewis 

Greetings Surfriders,

In order to build a project that addresses beach erosion at Sloat, zoning laws for the Ocean Beach shoreline need to be updated.  This is what the Local Coastal Plan (LCP) amendment process is about.  The LCP is now up for final approval.

As you may be aware of, Surfrider has been heavily engaged in the drafting of the LCP.  The zoning rules for erosion management will have a major impact on the preservation of the beach south of Sloat as well as greater Ocean Beach.

The Local Coastal Plan (LCP) hearing and vote is set for October 5^th at SF Planning Department.  Please attend if you can; or send in a comment letter now.  Here is a basic message:

Climate change and sea level rise will only exacerbate erosion rates at Ocean Beach.  In order to preserve the shoreline south of Sloat and greater Ocean Beach, long-term planning based on managed retreat should be the preferred strategy.  Sand replenishment is a temporary solution to coastal erosion, not a permanent fix. 

For more information on the LCP amendment,  please visit:  http://sf-planning.org/local-coastal-program-amendment.

To comment on the LCP,  please send an email letter to:

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Maggie Wenger
LCP Amendment Project Manager
SF Planning Department
maggie.wenger@sfgov.org
(415) 575-9126

PS: Pease sign and share our petition if you haven't yet!