Boyd Seeks U.S. Funds for Artificial Reef

As winter approaches, and with it another year of erosion to the shores of Seal Beach, Councilman Shawn Boyd is ready to revisit a project that for years he has sought federal funds for.

“I’ve been on the phone with our Washington lobbyists all week,” Boyd said Thursday. “We’re looking for more congressional funding.” The project Boyd is seeking money for is the construction of an artificial offshore reef that would have three-fold benefits, he said.

“It would slow the erosion of the sand, improve wave action” and create a great surf break, Boyd said.

In addition to protecting the beach, a surf break could create good conditions for surfers and windsurfers, Boyd said.

The Army Corps of Engineers recently studied beach erosion and possible solutions, concluding that the construction of the artificial reef could slow damage to the beach. The project would cost $7.2 million but could reduce the city’s expense for importing sand to replenish the beach after heavy storms and high tides.

Every five years the city has to import 175,000 cubic yards of sand to protect the beach. Two years ago, the city imported the mass of sand from Palmdale, a costly undertaking funded in part by the city and the naval base with additional federal grants.

The reef would be made from a polyethylene pipe or another synthetic material that would be anchored to the ocean floor 200 feet offshore. Steve Badum, director of Public Works, said he favors the project if it can stymie beach erosion but that many other factors have to be looked at.

“It’s not simple,” he said. “We have to look at the water quality. If there’s not as much circulation, the quality can worsen.”

He said the erosion at Surfside is caused by waves bouncing off the jetties at the nearby naval base.

Badum said that if the reef was built, the sand berm the city constructs each year might not even be necessary. Councilman Boyd said the project would not cause environmental problems.

Louise Roug can be reached at (714) 966-5977

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Saving Sunset Beach

A 1,200 foot-long-artificial reef has been proposed at Sunset Beach to reduce beach erosion. A closer look:

Tension straps hold pipes together

Chain connects tension straps to anchor

High-density hole pipes filled with concrete

Space frame is hollow

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Reporting by: LOUISE ROUG