2008 Woodie Awards
Breakwater's future discussed
Vince Camfield
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: News
A local business group met on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Frenchy's Bistro to discuss the future of Long Beach's breakwater, more specifically, the most eastern structure, which spans about 2.2 miles and helps protect the Alamitos Peninsula from potential flooding. An offshore breakwater is a man-made structure designed to reduce wave action, ultimately reducing coastal erosion.
For years, environmentalists, along with avid surfers, have demanded change be made to the breakwater, directly blaming it for stagnant pollution [via the Los Angeles River] and beaches lacking waves. Opposition counters that any modifications would subject homes and businesses along the Alamitos Peninsula to flooding, as well as possibly interfering with the port's interests.
In July of 2007, the Long Beach City Council approved a $100,000 reconnaissance study to explore the cost-effectiveness of reconfiguring the Long Beach Breakwater. The city chose the well-known marine engineering firm of Moffat & Nichol to exclusively conduct studies to improve water quality, as well as restore recreational surfing.
The city is hoping its findings will push federal funding to perhaps modify the breakwater, although it may be a difficult task considering the convoluted nature of federal regulations. In order for any significant changes to occur to the breakwater, the city must get federal approval since the structure is not the property of the city, but of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Among the speakers at the Tuesday gathering was Gordana Kajer, vice chair of the Surfrider Foundation; Bud Johnson, former member of the Long Beach Marine Advisory Commission; and Preston Smith, Alamitos Peninsula resident and community leader.
Each speaker had the opportunity to present their interests on the future of the breakwater to a crowd of about 30 or so local residents and business owners. The forum served as an overview of dissenting views on the breakwater.
Kajer was the first to present, and played a 10-minute video montage of the breakwater's negative affects on our beaches. The video included photos from the 1930s, where the beaches were littered with local residents as well as tourists. It also revealed how Long Beach was once a preeminent location for surfing, due to he shoreline's rolling waves.
For years, environmentalists, along with avid surfers, have demanded change be made to the breakwater, directly blaming it for stagnant pollution [via the Los Angeles River] and beaches lacking waves. Opposition counters that any modifications would subject homes and businesses along the Alamitos Peninsula to flooding, as well as possibly interfering with the port's interests.
In July of 2007, the Long Beach City Council approved a $100,000 reconnaissance study to explore the cost-effectiveness of reconfiguring the Long Beach Breakwater. The city chose the well-known marine engineering firm of Moffat & Nichol to exclusively conduct studies to improve water quality, as well as restore recreational surfing.
The city is hoping its findings will push federal funding to perhaps modify the breakwater, although it may be a difficult task considering the convoluted nature of federal regulations. In order for any significant changes to occur to the breakwater, the city must get federal approval since the structure is not the property of the city, but of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Among the speakers at the Tuesday gathering was Gordana Kajer, vice chair of the Surfrider Foundation; Bud Johnson, former member of the Long Beach Marine Advisory Commission; and Preston Smith, Alamitos Peninsula resident and community leader.
Each speaker had the opportunity to present their interests on the future of the breakwater to a crowd of about 30 or so local residents and business owners. The forum served as an overview of dissenting views on the breakwater.
Kajer was the first to present, and played a 10-minute video montage of the breakwater's negative affects on our beaches. The video included photos from the 1930s, where the beaches were littered with local residents as well as tourists. It also revealed how Long Beach was once a preeminent location for surfing, due to he shoreline's rolling waves.
Be the first to comment on this story