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 City of Solana Beach
Section 3
Shoreline and Coastal Bluff Management Strategies Draft MEIR
Environmental Impact Analyses
dominant, cause of any continuing negative consequences associated with the continuing
approvals of shoreline protection structures, as the Coastal Commission would continue to
approve such structures. Thus, as with Alternative 1, the City would have broad discretion as to
whether to undertake any role in carrying out policies that might mitigate the effects of
continuing Coastal Commission approvals.
Alternative 3 Sand Replenishment and Retention Program
This alternative would entail efforts to restore and replenish the beach. Short-term impacts
would temporarily affect recreation and public access in specific areas, due to temporary beach
section closures. Retention construction would be offshore and would potentially directly impact
offshore recreation on a temporary basis. Indirect impacts to surfing could occur if the retention
structure interfered with wave patterns in the surf zone. SANDAG's Regional Beach Sand
Retention Strategy (SANDAG 2001b) report recognizes potential loss of surfing opportunities
with the construction of breakwaters and possible improvement to surfing at nearby groins,
which would require further study. Construction of artificial structures, such as a reef, in the surf
zone could pose a public safety hazard to swimmers, surfers, and boaters.
However, long-term impacts to recreation and public access would be beneficial because any
increase in the amount of sand on the beach will provide for an increase in long-term
recreational activities, and more beach width for lateral access. It is important to note that
140,000 cubic yards of sand replenishment, as implemented in June 2001, was beneficial, yet
not nearly enough sand to fully replenish all of Solana Beach. Cumulative impacts associated
with sand retention structures such as groins and breakwaters include erosion on a downdrift
beach unless beach nourishment is continual. Design features such as pre-filling the updrift
beach and short groin fields that allow sand to bypass and flow downdrift would lessen this
impact; however, these mitigation measures alone would not reduce cumulative impact below a
level of significance. Sand replenishment alone would not have significant cumulative impacts
to adjacent beaches as discussed in Section 3.1.
Mitigation
Loss of surfing opportunities resulting from the construction of breakwaters could be mitigated
with the construction of a separate artificial surf reef, for the sole purpose of enhanced surfing
opportunities. Potential mitigation measures to reduce safety impacts to swimmers, surfers, and
boaters from the construction of reefs could include public education, increased lifeguard patrol
services, and clear and effective signage (SANDAG 2001b). Other impacts would be beneficial
to recreation and public access under this alternative; therefore, no mitigation is necessary. The
funding for construction of an artificial surf reef would have to be worked out in connection with
federal and state agencies, as well as SANDAG, as part of a larger program to replenish and
retain sand along the coast. At this point it is impossible to predict whether, given likely
limitations on any state, federal, or regional funds, the mitigation of impacts on surfing
opportunities will be a priority on a par with other demands for limited funds.
Project No. 323530000
Page 3-56
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