By Hank Russell
The Town of East Hampton has received permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) authorizing the next phase of coastal restoration at Ditch Plains Town Beach in Montauk.
This phase of the project allows for the placement of up to 20,000 cubic yards of upland-sourced, beach-compatible sand along 2,220 linear feet of shoreline. The work is to be carried out in accordance with plans prepared by Coastal Science & Engineering and LKMA, officially approved by the DEC on July 21.
The project has been authorized under the DEC’s Tidal Wetlands and Coastal Erosion Management programs. The permits are valid through July 20, 2030 and include requirements for site signage and formal notification before and after construction.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, the town underwent a two-phase dune and beach recovery project at Ditch Plains in June 2024. 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 second phase consisted of recovering the dunes in order to protect the Ditch Plains neighborhood from breaches, flooding, and damage to homes and infrastructure. This phase was crucial for ensuring the recovery of the coastline, according to the town. In August 2024, the state gave the town $2.5 million for the project, LILP previously reported.
“Ditch Plains has always been an important part of life in Montauk. It is a place where generations have come to surf, swim, and spend time together,” said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. “This work is part of how we show up for Montauk. We are protecting its shoreline, supporting its economy, and caring for the neighborhoods and natural beauty that make it such a special place.”
“This project is an important part of our work to protect our community in the face of climate change,” said Deputy Supervisor Cate Rogers. “By restoring the dunes at Ditch Plains, we are helping to preserve homes, infrastructure, and public access while preparing for the increasing risks posed by stronger storms, sea level rise, and coastal erosion.”
This work builds on the Town’s June 2024 beach recovery project, which restored sections of Ditch Plains Beach damaged by recent storms. That first phase included the placement of 5,800 cubic yards of DEC-approved sand to restore recreational use of the beach ahead of the summer season. This upcoming phase focuses on rebuilding and reinforcing the dune system to further strengthen coastal defenses.