New legislation on the docket in the Michigan Senate could help reduce the red tape involved in finding rapid solutions to the continually rising waters of the Lake Michigan shoreline, threatening further erosion affecting communities, businesses, residents and parks along the waterfront.
State Sen. Kim LaSata recently joined leaders in St. Joseph and New Buffalo on a personalized tour of local shoreline erosion that is affecting communities along the Lake Michigan coast.
LaSata says, “Beach erosion caused by rising water levels has washed away yards of beachfront over the past two decades and has now reached a point of seriously threatening homes and infrastructure,” adding, “Property owners and local governments alike have been searching for solutions, but without proper permitting processes, they have been reluctant to proceed. The need and desire to protect and replenish natural shorelines are strong, and my legislation would help establish an official process to save our beaches, homes and infrastructure before it’s too late.”
LaSata says Senate Bill 974 would help establish a permit and regulatory process for so-called “beach nourishment” at state parks, state recreation areas, residential property locations and recreation areas owned by municipalities along Great Lakes shorelines experiencing heavy erosion.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, beach nourishment describes the practice of adding sand onto or directly adjacent to an eroding beach, providing a soft structural response allowing sand to shift and move with waves and currents.
The bill also would require the state Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment to inspect potential sites where sand would be extracted and deposited to consider public health, safety, welfare and environmental risks, before issuing or denying a permit application.
One person delighted with the prospect is New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit, who says, “This legislation would be wonderful, and an answer to our prayers.” Heit suggests, “It would help put the pieces of the puzzle together by establishing an official permitting process that will satisfy both EGLE and homeowners and local governments to pursue beach nourishment projects and overcome a horrible situation that’s been decades in the making.”
SB 974 has been referred to the Senate Natural Resources Committee, where it awaits a formal hearing.
In the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market Sen. Kim LaSata discusses beach erosion with Greg Weykamp from Edgewater Resources in St. Joseph during her recent tour.
