Army Corps completes dredging project at Isle of Palms

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, officially finished two dredging and sand placement projects on the Isle of Palms on Sunday.

The Breach Inlet Beneficial Use Projects moved about 700,000 cubic yards of beach-quality sand from the Corps’ routine maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to nourish the Isle of Palms coastal system.

“These projects represent a major step forward in the beneficial use of dredged material in our state,” Jacob Kyzar, project manager, said. “It’s not waste—it’s a valuable resource and our goal with these projects is to provide multiple benefits to the area.”

The project advanced the corps’ navigation mission on the waterway in one of the most troublesome shoals for mariners. The Breach Inlet project’s main purpose is to ensure the long-term, safe navigation of the waterway. Instead of storing the dredged material elsewhere, the Corps used the sand by strategically placing it in the intertidal zone between 2nd and 10th Avenue on the Isle of Palms. This method allows natural wave and tidal action to wash, sort and gradually distribute the sand along the beach profile, enhancing the shoreline.

Innovative approach

“We’re pleased to complete a project that advances our navigation mission, enhances the natural environment and provides a major economic benefit to our local partners,” Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, Charleston District commander, said. “The innovative approach we used on this was challenging; however, the lessons we learned will help pave the way for more efficient projects. Additionally, the City of Isle of Palms has been an incredible partner.”

Unlike a traditional beach renourishment, which builds a wide, dry-sand beach, this project placed sand below the high-tide line at no additional cost to the City of Isle of Palms. The waterway operations and maintenance program largely paid for the project.

“The Army Corps of Engineers has been a good partner, and this was hopefully the first of many smaller sand placement projects the island can benefit from in future years,” Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds said.

The Charleston District worked closely with the City of Isle of Palms and state regulatory agencies throughout the project to protect coastal resources.