Boston Globe — Crews bringing in 30,000 tons of sand to protect Salisbury Beach from erosion

A view of Salisbury Beach.BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF

Dec 12, 2024

By Travis Andersen — Crews began installing about 30,000 tons of sand Monday along portions of Salisbury Beach that were badly eroded by nor’easters in January and February, according to state Senator Bruce Tarr’s office.

In a statement, Tarr said a bid from Georgetown-based T Ford Company Inc. to fortify the barrier beach was accepted and the project launched after Monday’s high tide.

“This project is an important step toward protecting Salisbury Beach and its surrounding areas,” said Tarr, a Gloucester Republican whose district includes the beach. “By deploying critical sand volumes, we are reinforcing the beach’s ability to shield homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure from storm damage.”

After last winter’s nor’easters, oceanside property owners on the north side of the beach spent $600,000 in early March to replenish the dunes for protection against impending storms. But within just three days, only half of the 15,000 tons of new sand was intact. By early April, almost all of the sand had scattered across the beach or into the Atlantic.

“We are living in a very dynamic time, when changes to our environment, and particularly our shorelines, are presenting unique challenges for communities like Salisbury,” Town Manager Neil Harrington said in the statement. “The town, working with our legislative delegation and our Congressional partners, is committed to seeking funding for long-term, sustainable solutions for maintaining the vitality of Salisbury Beach.”

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