CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Dune and Wetlands Board has tabled an application from Bay Creek Development seeking approval for a proposed aquatic barrier intended to prevent floating vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay from washing ashore on the community’s North Beach.
Board members said they were not prepared to move forward with the request after determining the application packet lacked sufficient information, including details on whether the system would be tested through a pilot or trial period before full installation.
Members also said they would like additional input from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and other state and federal resource agencies before considering approval.
The proposed project would install a floating aquatic barrier between the existing breakwaters along North Beach. The system is designed to deter large mats of floating aquatic vegetation while still allowing water, sand, and wildlife to move freely through intertidal areas.
According to application materials, the barrier would consist of 9-inch-diameter closed-cell, high-density polyethylene foam log booms connected by 5/16-inch stainless steel cable at the top and 3/8-inch galvanized steel chain at the bottom. A black PVC-coated polyester mesh skirt, weighted with ballast, would hang below the floating booms to block excess vegetation while permitting tidal flow.
The barrier would be designed to rise and fall with the tides and would include a gate system to allow swimmers, kayakers, and other recreational users to pass through to open water beyond the breakwaters.
Project materials would be transported by boat using existing walkways and beach access points, according to the proposal. The contractor would install stainless steel fasteners and metal anchors at each end of the breakwaters, along with wooden poles to create the gated access system.
Bay Creek representatives stated the system could be installed seasonally, deployed ahead of severe storms, or maintained permanently. If the barrier proved ineffective, it could be removed quickly.
The proposal indicates the installation would not require clearing, grading, or excavation and would not involve heavy machinery within shoreline or buffer areas, which developers said would help minimize impacts to intertidal habitats.
Despite those assurances, board members said they were not comfortable advancing the application without clearer documentation on system performance, environmental review, and agency consultation.
The application will remain tabled until additional information is provided and reviewed by the board.
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This has got to be the dumbest idea ever proposed! Doubtful it will work in any capacity and it will be a maintenance nightmare with extremely high costs. A gate for swimmers and kayaks – lol. The water in the area behind the jetties is about ankle deep on a good day and will be non existenced after the proposed beach replenishment. I wonder what Bay Creek HOA board member will benefit the most, financially, from the contract to install and maintain this money draining proposal? How high will those HOA dues go? 🤣
Wow, some silly folks are unhappy because nature is making their version/vision of nature unkempt.