The Town of East Hampton is getting ready to start a dune and beach recovery project at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk. This two-phase project aims to address the severe damage to the beach caused by recent storms and enhance the coastal resiliency of the Ditch Plain neighborhood.
Recent storms have significantly eroded the beach and dune system, leaving the area vulnerable to further damage and less effective at protecting the neighborhood from erosion and storm surges. The restoration project will mitigate these impacts against the increasing threats posed by climate change.
The initial phase focuses on restoring the beach to provide a safe recreational area for residents and visitors, including the placement of two lifeguard stands. The project bid for sand and sand placement was awarded to Southampton Excavation and Site Development, LLC, and work commenced on June 17, with completion expected by June 26. During this time, 5,800 cubic yards of sand will be used to restore the beach at a cost of approximately $300,000 ($52.72 per cubic yard). Compatible white sand approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has been secured for this project.
Scheduled for this fall, after the peak summer period, the second phase will recover the dunes to protect the Ditch Plain neighborhood from breaches, flooding, and damage to homes and infrastructure. This phase is crucial for ensuring the recovery of the coastline and will be completed by the engineering firm Coastal Science & Engineering, Inc.
“This first phase of restoration will ensure that our residents can enjoy the natural beauty of Ditch Plains Beach this summer,” East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said. “We could only get this done by working together with the folks who live in this community. This is how we were able to put together a thorough schedule with the contractor to minimize disruptions and ensure that the beach is ready for the summer season.”
East Hampton Town Deputy Supervisor Cate Rogers said, “It is our duty to protect our coastline and ensure that our community remains resilient in the face of climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of storms. By investing in the restoration of Ditch Plains Beach we are taking decisive action to protect and preserve our community.”
The project began on June 17, with daily working hours of 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The main staging area will be at the comfort station parking lot, which will be closed to traffic during construction hours. To ensure safety, sand fences and signage will be installed to make restricted areas, and the East Hampton Town Marine Patrol will monitor the site. Work will not take place on June 22 or June 23.
The town has allocated $1.75 million in the capital budget for both phases of this project. A request for matching funds has been sent to New York State to assist with the cost. The Town of East Hampton remains committed to working closely with our partners in state government, experts, and the community to ensure the successful completion of this essential project.