Hermine may threaten coastal area amidst replenishment plans

Hermine is top of mind for many here on Delmarva. With storm surge and flooding there is concern about what will happen to our coastal areas.

Some beaches and dunes around the Peninsula are still in less than optimal shape because of past storms.

Coastal areas were hit hard by a winterstorm in January, which destroyed sand dunes meant to protect buildings and boardwalks during severe weather.

47ABC caught up with Michael Powell, Environmental Program Manager for DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Program on Friday. According to Powell, beaches are in good shape overall because of the relatively calm summer.

Powell says beach replenishment efforts are on schedule set to begin later this fall with the Army Corps Of Engineers beginning with Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach. That work includes not only repairing the dunes but widening the beach.

As the damage currently stands, it is expected to take about a month or two.

With the effects of Hermine expected to march across Delmarva, Powell says they are preparing for the possibility of more beach erosion and dune damage.

One of the most important tips is that now is the time to make sure you’re familiar with your flood insurance coverage, according to Powell.

“Evacuate if there’s an order to do so come back, assess whether your property has been damaged and if you have flood insurance, which we highly recommend for people in flood prone areas to do, to make a claim if you believe you’ve been damaged,” he explains.

Earlier this year, officials including Senator Tom Carper mentioned “tens of millions of dollars” have gone into building protective dunes all over Delaware; however, it is unclear how much these projects will cost.

47ABC reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers on Friday. They were not immediately available for a comment.

Powell says Bethany and South Bethany Beach is expected to get more sand in 2017.