2.0 Alternatives Considered
During beach replenishment activities, a 100-foot buffer zone would be maintained between the operational
area and open public beaches. The contractor selected to perform the beach building operations would
provide and maintain safety measures in the vicinity of the receiver sites including fencing, barricades, and
flag personnel as necessary.
Offshore Closures/Coordination with Commercial Fishermen
In addition to onshore restricted access, an offshore area would be restricted to allow proper anchoring
of the dredge and pumping operations and protect public safety. Each of the dredge locations would be
publicized via a U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners. Within that larger area, the Notice to Mariners
would identify that a 500 foot buffer must be maintained around the active dredge equipment. That 500
foot buffer would vary throughout the day as the active dredge location shifted within the overall dredge
area. A 500 foot restricted buffer would also be provided around the mono buoy where the hopper dredge
(if used) would connect to the discharge line. The Notice to Mariners would also identify the radio
frequency used by the dredge operator to allow other boat operators to coordinate directly with the
operator. This would be particularly useful around the mono buoy where the buffer may only be necessary
for the few hours in a day where it would be utilized. When not in use, the buffer would not be necessary
and boating activity could occur nearby.
A pro-active effort would be made to coordinate with the commercial fishermen in advance of dredging
and during dredge operations to avoid conflicts and fishing gear loss. Transit corridors for the dredge
would be defined in consultation with a representative of the commercial fishermen and this transit corridor
would also be noticed. Transit corridors would be defined from the harbor to the dredge location and from
the dredge area to the mono buoy (if used). The noticing process for the transit corridor and dredge
location would involve Notice to Mariners, written notices to local fishing representatives, posted notices
in local harbors, and incorporation of these notices into a project website. The website would include a
current overall project schedule with on-going and soon-to-be-initiated project events. This website would
serve the general public as well.
At the initiation of dredge activities, an observer would be aboard the dredge to document any fishing gear
in the noticed transit or dredge areas. Gear within these areas, if damaged or destroyed, would not require
compensation. If gear outside of the noticed dredge areas or transit corridors is damaged or destroyed,
compensation would be the responsibility of the contractor.
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
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