BEACON

Kelp Anchor Demonstration Project

Purpose:

Description:

1. At the end of 2010, BEACON agreed to accept the Lead Agency role in delivering an innovative project to demonstrate a method to re-establish kelp in Goleta Bay.
2. The method was developed by Mr. Bob Kiel of the Seattle Aquarium and consists of the insertion of 212 three-foot long (2-inch square) granite columns that are water-jetted into the sandy sea bed of Goleta Bay. Four to six inches of the column will protrude above the bottom providing an immovable and environmentally benign "toe-hold" for kelp spores to attach.
3. The re-establishment of a kelp bed in Goleta Bay is considered an environmental benefit to marine life as well as a recreational opportunity and is consistent with BEACON’s mission.

Status:

1. Funding for permitting efforts has been provided by BEACON.
2. Funding for materials and installation has not currently been identified. BEACON staff will work with Mr. Kiel to pursue outside funding grants.
3. The estimated cost to install the anchors and perform post project monitoring is in the order of $15,000.

1. As a research project that does not result in serious or major disturbances to the environment, the Kelp Anchor Demonstration Project is considered environmentally exempt.
2. BEACON approved a Categorical Exemption under CEQA in 2010.

1. BEACON staff has secured the necessary permits required for the demonstration project.
2. An approved permit has been issued from the California Coastal Commission.
3. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) has issued a permit covering California Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries (NMFS).
4. A lease has been approved by the California State Lands Commission.
5. The conditions of the permits require post project monitoring.

Issues/Action:

1. Secure construction funding.
2. Install Kelp Anchors.
Monitor Kelp Anchors.

Amendment to the Coastal Regional Sediment Mangement
Plan (CRSMP)

Purpose:

Description:

1. BEACON’s Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan (CRSMP) was adopted by the Board in January 2009. The Plan identifies policy, strategy and capital projects between Point Conception and Point Mugu.
2. The Plan recommendations at the time of preparation were comprehensive and established the foundation of a BEACON implementation plan for the next twenty years. However, due to a lack of completed studies at the time, the Plan did not take into account Sea Level Rise and Storm inundation.
3. In 2010 BEACON approved a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the recommended capital projects in the CRSMP. The approved Programmatic EIR will help BEACON secure future grant funding for capital projects and establishes a basis for future project specific environmental reviews.
4. Ventura County sponsored the preparation of a Sea Level Rise and Storm Inundation Study in 2013 and the County of Santa Barbara anticipates completion of a similar study for its southern coastline by spring of 2015. Once the Santa Barbara study is complete, the BEACON coastline from Point Conception to Point Mugu will have coastal and storm impact flooding inundation data available for use. With the availability of the Sea Level Rise and Storm Inundation data for the two counties, BEACON staff is recommending a full assessment and ultimately an Amendment of the approved BEACON CRSMP. The main objectives of this effort will be to:
• Assess the effect of projected SLR, and storm event inundation on the BEACON Coast and assess strategies for both protection and adaptation and all beach locations.
• Assess the benefits of the Capital Projects, Studies and Policy efforts currently identified in the CRSMP and recommend whether they should remain in the Plan, be modified, or deleted.
• Identify and evaluate other Capital Projects or Programs for inclusion into an amended CRSMP.
• Identify and evaluate other Studies and Policy efforts for inclusion into an amended CRSMP. In order to initiate the process to amend the CRSMP, BEACON has secured the services of Marc Beyeler of MBA Associates. Marc worked for over twenty years with the Coastal Conservancy and now offers consulting services for coastal projects. Marc will assist BEACON staff in assessing the scope of work to amend the CRSMP and develop a grant application template for funding.
• Coordinate with BEACON Member Agencies and ensure alignment with Local Coastal Plans.

Status:

Issues/Action:

1. Complete assessment of scope of the Amendment to CRSMP.
2. Pursue and secure grant funding for the Amendment to the CRSMP.

Debris Basins Project

Purpose:

Description:

1. From a sand transport perspective, by far the largest source of sediment to the BEACON coast is from our creeks and rivers. However, this natural process is often obstructed by debris basins. As a result, BEACON staff has communicated with the Flood Control Districts of Santa Barbara and Ventura to discuss the potential for removal or modification of existing debris basins.
2. Both Flood Control agencies have plans in place for such projects, however, complete funding has not been identified. As a result, BEACON has proposed a cooperative initiative to seek grant funding to support such projects from the perspective of the benefit of additional sediment on the coast. The following broad strategy has been defined:
• The Flood Control Districts to provide locations, sediment quantities, project costs, and schedule information for removal/modifications of existing debris basins.
• BEACON to research grant funding opportunities.
• BEACON and the Flood Control Districts to reach consensus on scope of projects to be included in grant proposals.
• BEACON to prepare and submit grant proposals.

Status:

1. The Flood Control Districts have some funding currently assigned to their debris basin removal/modification projects. BEACON will submit Grant Applications to supplement these existing Flood Control District funds.
2. The Flood Control District have agreed that they will fund any local match requirements of successful grant applications.
3. The total cost to construct all debris basin removals/modifications in both Counties is estimated to be in the order of $10M.

Issues/Action:

1. Meet with Flood Control Agencies to review planned projects and prioritize projects from the standpoint of maximum benefit to sediment transport.
2. Prepare consensus scope of projects for Grant Applications.
3. Submit Grant Funding applications.

Oil Piers Artificial Reef Project

Purpose:

Description:

1. Under the National Shoreline Erosion Control Development Program, Section 227, the US Corps of Engineers funds projects that demonstrate innovative methods for shoreline protection through the continental US.
2. For the Southern California region, a contract was awarded to ASR Ltd. in August 2003 to design on an innovative beach protection project at Oil Piers Beach in Ventura County.
3. The rock revetment-backed beach at Oil Piers has narrowed considerably due to shoreline erosion since the demolition of the Mobile Oil Piers in 1998.
4. The selected innovative technology was a coastal erosion abatement structure to retain beach nourishment with minimal impact to the adjacent shoreline. The project entails an artificial reef consisting of large sand filled geotextile fabric containers located a short distance offshore of the beach and the associated sand nourishment placed between the reef and the beach.
5. The project will accomplish the following objectives:
• provide shelter to the currently eroding beach;
• retain beach nourishment in the form of a salient;
• cause no detrimental impacts to down drift beaches as sediment is free to pass alongshore between the offshore reef and the beach;
• enhance recreation including a surfing break, a diving site and increase beach width for shore-based recreation;
• provide increased habitat for a wide range of marine flora and fauna, thereby enhancing environmental resources; and,
• not interfere with the public’s use of the beach or nearshore area or otherwise introduce a safety hazard beyond that which previously existed with the former oil piers.
6. The design, environmental permitting and construction of the project is estimated to cost approximately $7M.
7. BEACON is the local sponsor for the Project and has committed to maintaining the project for a period of five years following installation.

Status:

1. The Section 227 Program expired in October 2006 and was re-authorization in 2009 under Section 103.
2. This project is entirely funded by the US Corps of Engineers. Funding for design, environmental, permitting has been obligated.
3. Funding for fabrication and installation still requires a funding appropriation from Congress.
4. As the local sponsor, BEACON is eligible for $100,000 of ExxonMobil mitigation fees when BEACON takes responsibility for the beach and access road through the State Lands permit area.

1. The US Corps of Engineers completed an environmental document in 2004.
2. Due to a delay in funding in 2004, it was determined that, following completion of a new design in 2010, a new environmental document would be required.
3. The USACOE have been preparing a new Administrative Draft Environmental Document but completion has been delayed due to funding.
4. BEACON will initiate a series of meetings with interested groups prior to release of the Draft Environmental Document.
5. A timeline for environmental approval has not been established.

1. The US Corps of Engineers initially awarded a contract to ASR for design in 2002.
2. The design work began in August 2003 and was completed in 2004.
3. In 2005, Federal Funding stalled on the project and no further work occurred until 2007. With the addition of new funding and an assessment of similar projects that have been recently completed around the world, the USACOE decided to have ASR re-do the design. This re-design commended in 2008 and was completed in 2010.

1. The US Corps of Engineers is responsible for securing all required permits.
2. Permits are required from the County, State Lands, & RWQCB. No permits have been secured to date.
3. State Lands requires that BEACON assume the beach lease which would require BEACON to maintain the beach and access roads. BEACON has agreed to assume the beach lease upon installation of the facility.

1. The USCOE and BEACON have executed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) defining the Operations and Maintenance responsibilities of the completed project.
2. Construction (fabrication/installation) is estimated to cost approximately $6M. Due to delays in funding appropriations, the project construction is on hold. The soonest construction could begin is summer of 2016.
3. Removal of the artificial reef, if required, will be the responsibility of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Issues/Action:

1. Completion of Administrative Draft Environmental Document.
2. Public outreach.
3. Funding for Installation and Construction.

Federal Authority for Regional Sediment Management (RSM) Projects

Purpose:

Description:

1. Our coast provides enormous recreational and economic benefits and houses a massive range of ecological resources. However, the California Coast is under severe threat from:
   • Coastal erosion
   • Storm damage
   • Coastal environmental impacts
   • Ability to maintain harbor navigation channels
   • Sea level rise
2. The answer to these threats is the implementation of Regional Sediment Management (RSM) solutions that include:
• Recognize coastal sediment as a natural resource
• Maintain and enhance the natural sand (sediment) supply in the coast
• Ensure regular small-harbor dredging and improve beneficial reuse of sediment (i.e., use of dredged sand from harbors)
• Link coastal sand needs with availability
• Undertake beach nourishment projects and consider other innovative technologies to maintain our coastal beaches
3. Implementation of RSM projects is expensive and requires Federal funding to be viable. However, with the exception of harbor dredging, there are no specific Federal Authorities (funding authorizations) in place to fund RSM projects. Regional Sediment Management Projects can result in a systems approach to a sustainable and resilient California Coast.
4. Over the past eight years, nine separate regions along the California Coast have prepared Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plans (CRSMP) that define appropriate projects and policies to address regional challenges. BEACON adopted its CRSMP at the end of 2009. As a result, California is ready to act.
5. In 2013, BEACON spear-headed a state wide effort to secure approval of a new RSM-focused Federal Authority. Specific language was prepared and vetted through the US Corps of Engineers and endorsed by the California Resources Agency and the office of the Governor. BEACON’s lobbyist working in concert with the Governor’s Office, attempted to push the proposed language through Congress and have it included in the 2013 Water Resources Development Act (WDRA) Bill. Unfortunately this effort was not successful.
6. However, a new WRDA Bill is under consideration. The State of California has an opportunity to pursue either a State or National focused Federal Authority for RSM Projects for the next WRDA Bill.

Status:

1. BEACON had secured grant funding from the State in 2012 to develop WRDA language and develop a strategy for implementation. This funding has now been exhausted.
2. No additional funding has been secured.

Issues/Action:

1. Coordinate with California Resources Agency and office of the Governor on a strategy to introduce Federal Authority language for RSM Projects for the next WRDA Bill.
2. Coordinate with the offices of our local US House Representatives to discuss strategy to introduce Federal Authority language for RSM Projects for the next WRDA Bill.
3. Coordinate with the offices of California’s US Senators to discuss strategy to introduce Federal Authority language for RSM Projects for the next WRDA Bill.
4. BEACON Board to consider expenditure of BEACON funds for Lobbyist Services.

Redesign of the South Central Coast Beach Enhancement Program (SCCBEP

Purpose:

Description:

1. The previous SCCBEP program approved in 2005 allowed for the deposition of suitable sand onto selected beaches in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Five year permits were secured to allow (subject to available source sand and funding) annual nourishment at the following six selected beaches:
• Goleta Beach (Santa Barbara County)
• Ash Avenue Beach (City of Carpinteria)
• Oil Piers (County of Ventura)
• Surfers Point (City of Ventura)
• Oxnard Shores (City of Oxnard)
• Port Hueneme Beach (City of Port Hueneme)
2. In 2010 the permitting expired. During the five year period permits were utilized twice, both at Goleta Beach.
3. The expired SCCBEP was not cost effective and therefore BEACON is currently assessing whether and how to redesign the program into a simpler and more streamlined program.
4. Key program elements that BEACO|N staff are considering include:
• Better coordination/streamlining with Permitting Agencies
• Evaluation of destination beaches
• Restricting sand sources to local harbor sand traps
• Redesign within the context of BEACON’s effort to Amend the Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan (CRSMP)
• Twenty year permit durations

Status:

1. Currently BEACON has minimal funding reserves dedicated to the assessment of a new SCCBEP.
2. The initial step for BEACON Staff will be to meet with Santa Barbara and Ventura County Flood Control Agencies as well as local Harbor Districts to discuss sand sources. Following this, BEACON Staff will meet with Coastal Commission Staff to discuss the potential redesign of the SCCBEP.
3. When all meetings have been completed, Staff will bring the topic back to the BEACON Board for direction.
4. If the BEACON Board directs Staff to proceed, BEACON Staff will pursue Grant funding in the amount of $250,000. 5.
5. Upon securing new grant funding, a new evaluation and selection of destination beaches will need to be carried out.
6. The effort to re-design the SCCBEP will be performed in conjunction with the effort to Amend BEACON Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan (CRSMP). The CRSMP is BEACON blueprint for the future and takes into consideration capital projects, policy initiative, studies and regional strategy for the next 20 years.

1. The new SCCBEP will require permits for all selected destination beaches from:
• Relevant local jurisdictions (Counties or Cities)
• State Lands Commission
• Regional Water Quality Control Board
• California Coastal Commission
• US Army Corps of Engineers
2. BEACON will be setting up initial meetings with permitting agencies to secure input during the new SCCBEP re-design process.

Issues/Action:

1. Meetings with the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Flood Control Districts and with local Harbor Districts.
2. Meeting with the Coastal Commission staff.
3. Strategy assessment within the context of the CRSMP Amendment project.
4. Direction from the BEACON Board.
5. Pursue Grant Funding.
6. Meetings with relevant Permitting Agencies.