Shoreline stabilization helps protect vulnerable coast
The Bogue Sound shoreline at Fort Macon State Park needed stabilization and restoration. Ongoing erosion continued, with no significant accretion of material. Additionally, in recent years, tropical storms have caused rapid, short-term erosion that has increased overall erosion rates. The shoreline extends from the USCG base to Tombstone Point at the confluence of Fishing Creek and Fort Macon Creek (Bogue Sound), which is approximately 2,654 linear foot stretch of shoreline.
Quible & Associates, P.C., (now WithersRavenel) worked closely with the state park. They also worked with the nonprofit sponsor, North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF), throughout the project. They led tours for university classes to support education.
WithersRavenel’s role
Our team designed, permitted, and oversaw construction of an offshore sill. It was built to reduce waves and protect the shoreline from further erosion. We strategically placed gaps and openings in the sill system to allow collection of sand from longshore transport. Earthwork for the project included importing compatible sand fill to reshape a slope. The work started at the top of a landward-moving erosion escarpment. We planted native vegetation ranging from emergent plants to transitional wetland-upland planting to upland grasses along the slope and strand plain beach areas.
Project installation was completed in December 2024. Now, bi-annual monitoring has begun and will extend through 2027.
CAMA permitting process
WithersRavenel worked on the permitting process. This made it possible to get a CAMA Major Permit. It also made it possible to get a 401 Water Quality Certification. It also made it possible to get a US Army Corps of Engineers General Certification. These approvals were issued through the “291 Procedure” (Federal Authorization). The federal authorization included preparation of an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment and associated coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (PRD Section).