BLUE HER N

THEAR UND THE COLONY April

2014 IssuePublication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Stephanie Johnson .................sjohnson@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Brooke Phillips ...................... bphillips@debordieucolony.orgAdministrative Assistant

Architectural Review Board ............................... 843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ............................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB AdministratorGrounds Maintenance ...................................... 843.436.3333David Sapp ......................... dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance ManagerCommunity Safety “Safety & Security” ................ 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz .......................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyAmanda Elliott ..........................aelliott@debordieucolony.org

Member & Commerical Services (decals & barcodes)

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Wilson Lowery .................................wilson1@sccoast.net Director

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

DeBorDieu Colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Friday, May 2nd 6 to 9 PM – End of Year Party at the Homeof Reene & Bob FlowersAlways a fun, popular event….bring an appetizer for all to enjoy! Drinks and entrees will be provided. We will reminisce about the programs we have enjoyed, and would appreciate your ideas for the coming year. We hope to see you there!If you have any questions, please contact:Martha Adams via email: madams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reene Flowers via email: reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

At the March 15, 2014 meeting of the DeBordieu community board, Wilson Lowery, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, discussed the need for a strategic plan to address the beach and the future implications of the actions taken, or not taken, by our community.

Three technical options for dealing with our eroding beach include: 1. Do nothing. This will result in the beach continuing to erode leading to the loss of homes and infrastructure in the future. There is the likelihood that portions of DeBordieu Boulevard will be destroyed resulting in loss of access to homes in certain areas. Should these losses occur, there will be a decline in property values and a decrease in future demand for DeBordieu properties.

2. Renourish the beach with sand each 6-8 years. This provides protection for properties, infrastructure and property values for a period of time and will enhance the environment for marine life for a few years. However, the life span of this approach is limited and it is costly and costs are likely to increase over time.

3. Install groins and renourish beach as required, probably every 10-12 years. This approach will provide

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is the volunteer sea turtle nest protection project for our 5+ miles of beach. We are one of 30 volunteer projects along the South Carolina coast operating under the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Each season volunteers gather for a spring training workshop prior to May 15 when early morning surveys begin. This year we will meet Sunday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the beach in front of the Beach Club. This will be a chance for volunteers to brush up on their nest finding skills by practicing on several simulated nests. Afterwards, we will have a brief meeting on the Blue Heron deck. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer is welcome to attend!

Please visit our website, sponsored by DeBordieu Real Estate, at www.debordieuscute.org. Once the season begins, there will be daily updates along with photographs.

Hopefully when this issue of the Blue Heron reaches you, our spring will be in full bloom. And, along with the freshness of the season, we can move on to new endeavors within DeBordieu. The vote on removal of Section 22 from our Declarations and Covenants is behind us. I appreciate the analysis that went into the Board’s decision making process and trust we will have a smooth transition to the new openness for listing properties for sale. We look forward also to continuing a strong relationship with DCRE.

The Board continues to believe that our most urgent and important issue is that of protecting our beach. We simply must get this project going before we incur additional erosion damage. You will receive ongoing information concerning our efforts to develop the most cost effective short term solution as well as a long term strategy which we hope will avoid future emergency type proposals.

I strongly encourage you to examine the beach so you can see what is occurring and to advocate with your neighbors who have been reluctant to support renourishment. In the long run, one thing is certain, doing nothing will be the most expensive option. Respectfully, Dick Rose

Message From the DCCA President

Home and Garden

S.C.U.T. E.

Beach Strategic Options2014 DeBorDieu Colony BoarD anD Committee assignments

Phone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704 dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Community Board BriefsThe following are highlights from the DCCA March/April Board Meetings:

Approved:-2014 Insurance Premium for $63,677.-Wilson Lowery to fill the unexpired term of Claire Yarborough who resigned in March.-Proposed real estate agent access policy.-Funding proposal for 2014 beach restoration vote to be sent out in mid-April.

Reported:-Formulated new Public Affairs Committee.-Presented the 2014 slate of five members for election to the Board of Directors.-Accepted the resignation of Claire Yarborough.

Note: The March 15 and April 5 meeting minutes are subject to change, as they have yet been approved. Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org.

a more stable beach environment, thereby increasing protection for properties, infrastructure, and values for a longer period of time. The initial costs for this option will be higher but less costly over 15-20 years. There will be opposition from some organizations outside DeBordieu, which will likely result in litigation to try to prevent the installation of groins.

In summary, there is no permanent solution for the eroding beach other than systematic beach restoration. If we are going to preserve DeBordieu the way we have known it for the past thirty years, our community needs to come to an agreement on which of these alternatives we are going to pursue.

Three options for dealing with our eroding beach include:

1. Do nothing. The protection of infrastructure and ensuring access to properties will be very costly. The community association will have to spend money protecting access to properties within DeBordieu as long as possible. The cost to maintain access is expensive and might require the board to use emergency or other rights to nourish a portion of the beach to protect access, which would be even more expensive. Destroyed homes and the loss of infrastructure will result in the loss of property values and reduced demand from future buyers. There is the risk of litigation against community members for failure to protect the assets and amenities of DeBordieu, including the loss of homes and undeveloped lots. Since the level of reserves is likely insufficient to provide funding for these additional costs, future boards are likely to raise assessments by the maximum amount of 10% per year for a number of years to ensure adequate funding is available to protect the community. This option is likely the most expensive over the long term.

2. One time assessments each 6-8 years. This option would be the continuation of our past practice dating back to 1998. It is a slow and divisive approach. Some property owners are faced with a financial challenge to pay these large assessments in a short period of time. Our by-laws restrict the borrowing amounts in excess of $500,000 in additional funding; thereby limiting access to short-term funds in an emergency. Loans above this amount require a 2/3 vote approval from community members. Additionally, there are always corrosive debates about the allocation of costs among property owners.

3. Annual beach assessments. This alternative would include an annual payment each year by all property owners for preserving the beach. These funds would be deposited in a separate account to be used only for beach stabilization. All property owners would pay a community-wide base assessment. Those owners more exposed to erosion and benefiting more from preserving the beach would pay a premium in addition to the base assessment.

The conclusion of this presentation was that our community needs to decide which course of action we will take with the beach. Once that decision is made, we need to agree on a funding mechanism. There are financial consequences for each of the three alternatives. The community association board has asked for additional work and for Wilson to return with specific recommendations prior to the Annual Meeting.

Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)Beach Restoration Summary Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)So far we have discussed basic facts about our beach and the option of “doing nothing”. This article provides you with facts about beach restoration methods. The Finance and Long Range Planning Committee will publish an article about funding options. Remember, we will follow up these articles with an open forum conference call.

Beach Restoration SummaryBeach restoration gives us something positive to show for our investment – A beach that: people can enjoy, supports turtle nesting, results in higher property values across the community, provides better protection against storms, keeps houses from falling in the ocean and the list goes on and on.

Beach restoration addresses the lack of sand on the beach. Restoration involves either the placement of sand alone on the beach or a combination of sand with other erosion control methods.

•Sand: Pumping sand from the ocean onto the beach is a viable option. Other options (e.g., sand scraping, trucking, pumping sand from the inlet) cannot be permitted, do not work for our erosion pattern or are pretty much impossible to execute.

•Structures: - Beach Hardening: All of these structures (e.g., seawalls,

revetments) are illegal in South Carolina for our situation. More importantly, beach hardening does not result in a “beach”. - Retention: Groins are a potential option. Groins significantly extend the life of a beach project but require a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration Special interest groups, like the CCL and The Sierra Club, will bring litigation to challenge our right to use groins. Other methods such as breakwaters are rendered ineffective by state laws.

Table #1 provides a high level overview of the individual methods, legal limitations, a rough idea of cost and the potential for litigation. This is based on our research and input from a wide range of individuals, institutions and published materials.

Near term, we only have one option to restore our beach – “Sand only”. We currently have a permit for this type of project and can move forward as soon as this year with beach restoration. Long term, “sand with groins” provides the best economical and environmental option.

The estimated investment for a “Sand Only” or “Sand with groin” project most likely has not changed since they were last estimated at around $9.5M and $11.5M respectively.

How much will the cost to maintain our beach increase? The cost to pump sand on to the beach is largely driven by demand and the current backlog of projects is strong. So the current cost is inflated. Could it go down if the backlog dries up? Don’t know. For sure the cost to operate the dredge (e.g., labor, gas) will increase based on inflation.

Beach Restoration DetailsBefore we discuss options, remember that:

• The flow of sand (erosion) is largely from the north “downstream” to the south – parallel to our beach

• Coastal science is not exact. We have tried to present the facts as the majority sees them

SandThere is lots of great material on the complex subject of beach restoration. So rather than create a new textbook, let’s work through each of the primary restoration methods at a high level. If there is a knockout punch for a method, let’s discuss it and move on. If you have questions after this, we can have an open dialog.

Primary methods include:

Trucking In Sand: A quick pass might make this seem like this is a viable option. However it is difficult, expensive, and hard on our infrastructure. A tri axle dump truck holds around 25 cubic yards. If we need 640,000 cubic yards, we need over 21,333 loads. If trucks run up and down our streets for 10 hours a day with a load showing up every 10 minutes, the project would take 355 days

to complete. During that time, our roads would be in disrepair, heavy equipment would remain on the beach to move the sand once it is placed there, homes will be covered in sediment and the roads will be dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. Additionally, trucked sand erodes faster than sand placed hydraulically. This has been proven by numerous scientific studies on beaches around the country. When sand is pumped hydraulically, it settles more naturally, more as it would if being transported by waves. Dry sand dumped on the beach has not been compacted by water and thus, erodes faster. Back Passing: Back passing is when you pump sand from a downstream inshore location “up stream”. While the method is legal, the source of our sand would be the north inlet/beach areas, which makes permitting impossible since these areas are protected. Plus it doesn’t support our desire to be environmentally friendly. No permit – not an option.

Sand from North Inlet: This is essentially the same option as moving sand from the ocean to our beach, just a different sand source. North Inlet might provide slightly lower cost sand and there is plenty of it. However, permitting would be hard and costly because areas of North Inlet are protected by state and federal laws. Litigation by special interest and environmental groups is assured. This option ends up being more expensive.

Sand from our approved sand source: Sand is hydraulically pumped from an approved site out in the ocean to our beach. This is the method we used in 2006 and have continued to propose. We currently have a permit based on this method.

Structures

Coastal engineers recommend the strategic use of sand trapping structures (e.g., groins) on a limited basis to increase the life of beach restoration projects. To obtain a permit to include these structures would require the community to make a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration. Special interest groups, like the CCL and Sierra Club will most likely bring litigation to challenge our right to use structures.

Jetties: Jetties are very large long structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They are used for navigation purposes only, to keep sand out of shipping channels and create a safe harbor for vessels. A good example is the jetty at the Georgetown Inlet. The use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be appropriate. Hence, a permit for the use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be granted

Breakwaters: A breakwater runs parallel to the beach and is designed to absorb the energy of the waves that hit it. They are generally constructed of rock or concrete. Breakwaters work best in milder wave climates and when the erosion pattern is perpendicular to the beach.

Wave dissipation systems are a hot topic but currently are not legal. They protect the upland from wave energy and help stop landward erosion (hold the line). There are two ways to apply wave dissipation systems as a long-term solution or as temporary protection against weather events. Wave dissipation systems work when there is perpendicular erosion and can trap sand behind the structure. Hence they are not a long-term solution for extending the life of a restoration project at DeBordieu. Potentially they could be used as a temporary protection for a storm. The “wave dissipation” wall at Wild Dunes (see picture #1) or Living Shorelines Solutions (see picture #2) are examples.

SC has very strict laws that regulate the use of structures. Presently, the use of a breakwater alone would only be legal at DeBordieu if it were built a considerable distance out into the ocean from the bulkhead, rendering them ineffective.

Since breakwaters are hard structures, we should expect legal action by special interest groups trying to block their use.

Groins: Groins are often confused with Jetties. Groins are smaller shorter structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They have very different purposes. Groins trap or slow sand transport on one side, and if designed properly allow for sand to pass through or around to the downdrift beach. Groins would slow the erosion and increase the life of a restoration project.

There is a downside to groins, which is why they are used on a limited basis and require a commitment to ongoing beach restoration. When the erosion pattern is parallel to the beach and the groin sticks out into the ocean by itself with little or no sand around it, the groin may increase erosion directly downstream. However, employing a number of science-based techniques can mitigate the potential for increased erosion downstream. For example:

• When restoring the beach, sand is placed on the beach further out than the groin so accretion occurs to offset the potential of increased erosion (as shown in the 2014 January Edition of The Blue Heron Beach Renourishment article, Chart #1).

• The sand on the beach is replaced at regular intervals to assure a balance between accretion and erosion. A groin permit must be coupled with placing sand on the beach and a long-term commitment to beach restoration to assure that downstream impacts are mitigated.

• Appropriately designing the groin (low profile, or permeable) can also balance the transfer of sand downstream while retaining sand upstream.

The law also requires strict monitoring of the surrounding beach and if erosion accelerates downstream, the groin must be reconfigured or removed and the adversely affected beach would be restored through beach nourishment.

From the beginning, DeBordieu Colony has been a beach community. Beach restoration is the only coastal management tool that directly addresses the problem causing erosion – a lack of sand. Structures slow the loss of sand; however they do not eliminate the need for future restoration maintenance. Retreat can be more environmentally damaging, wrought with litigation and potentially more expensive that restoration.

Carter UtzigBeach Committee Chair

Table #1 Summary of Key Restoration Methods

Wave Dissipation System ( Picture 1)

Breakwaters ( Picture 2)

Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)Beach Restoration Summary Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)So far we have discussed basic facts about our beach and the option of “doing nothing”. This article provides you with facts about beach restoration methods. The Finance and Long Range Planning Committee will publish an article about funding options. Remember, we will follow up these articles with an open forum conference call.

Beach Restoration SummaryBeach restoration gives us something positive to show for our investment – A beach that: people can enjoy, supports turtle nesting, results in higher property values across the community, provides better protection against storms, keeps houses from falling in the ocean and the list goes on and on.

Beach restoration addresses the lack of sand on the beach. Restoration involves either the placement of sand alone on the beach or a combination of sand with other erosion control methods.

•Sand: Pumping sand from the ocean onto the beach is a viable option. Other options (e.g., sand scraping, trucking, pumping sand from the inlet) cannot be permitted, do not work for our erosion pattern or are pretty much impossible to execute.

•Structures: - Beach Hardening: All of these structures (e.g., seawalls,

revetments) are illegal in South Carolina for our situation. More importantly, beach hardening does not result in a “beach”. - Retention: Groins are a potential option. Groins significantly extend the life of a beach project but require a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration Special interest groups, like the CCL and The Sierra Club, will bring litigation to challenge our right to use groins. Other methods such as breakwaters are rendered ineffective by state laws.

Table #1 provides a high level overview of the individual methods, legal limitations, a rough idea of cost and the potential for litigation. This is based on our research and input from a wide range of individuals, institutions and published materials.

Near term, we only have one option to restore our beach – “Sand only”. We currently have a permit for this type of project and can move forward as soon as this year with beach restoration. Long term, “sand with groins” provides the best economical and environmental option.

The estimated investment for a “Sand Only” or “Sand with groin” project most likely has not changed since they were last estimated at around $9.5M and $11.5M respectively.

How much will the cost to maintain our beach increase? The cost to pump sand on to the beach is largely driven by demand and the current backlog of projects is strong. So the current cost is inflated. Could it go down if the backlog dries up? Don’t know. For sure the cost to operate the dredge (e.g., labor, gas) will increase based on inflation.

Beach Restoration DetailsBefore we discuss options, remember that:

• The flow of sand (erosion) is largely from the north “downstream” to the south – parallel to our beach

• Coastal science is not exact. We have tried to present the facts as the majority sees them

SandThere is lots of great material on the complex subject of beach restoration. So rather than create a new textbook, let’s work through each of the primary restoration methods at a high level. If there is a knockout punch for a method, let’s discuss it and move on. If you have questions after this, we can have an open dialog.

Primary methods include:

Trucking In Sand: A quick pass might make this seem like this is a viable option. However it is difficult, expensive, and hard on our infrastructure. A tri axle dump truck holds around 25 cubic yards. If we need 640,000 cubic yards, we need over 21,333 loads. If trucks run up and down our streets for 10 hours a day with a load showing up every 10 minutes, the project would take 355 days

to complete. During that time, our roads would be in disrepair, heavy equipment would remain on the beach to move the sand once it is placed there, homes will be covered in sediment and the roads will be dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. Additionally, trucked sand erodes faster than sand placed hydraulically. This has been proven by numerous scientific studies on beaches around the country. When sand is pumped hydraulically, it settles more naturally, more as it would if being transported by waves. Dry sand dumped on the beach has not been compacted by water and thus, erodes faster. Back Passing: Back passing is when you pump sand from a downstream inshore location “up stream”. While the method is legal, the source of our sand would be the north inlet/beach areas, which makes permitting impossible since these areas are protected. Plus it doesn’t support our desire to be environmentally friendly. No permit – not an option.

Sand from North Inlet: This is essentially the same option as moving sand from the ocean to our beach, just a different sand source. North Inlet might provide slightly lower cost sand and there is plenty of it. However, permitting would be hard and costly because areas of North Inlet are protected by state and federal laws. Litigation by special interest and environmental groups is assured. This option ends up being more expensive.

Sand from our approved sand source: Sand is hydraulically pumped from an approved site out in the ocean to our beach. This is the method we used in 2006 and have continued to propose. We currently have a permit based on this method.

Structures

Coastal engineers recommend the strategic use of sand trapping structures (e.g., groins) on a limited basis to increase the life of beach restoration projects. To obtain a permit to include these structures would require the community to make a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration. Special interest groups, like the CCL and Sierra Club will most likely bring litigation to challenge our right to use structures.

Jetties: Jetties are very large long structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They are used for navigation purposes only, to keep sand out of shipping channels and create a safe harbor for vessels. A good example is the jetty at the Georgetown Inlet. The use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be appropriate. Hence, a permit for the use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be granted

Breakwaters: A breakwater runs parallel to the beach and is designed to absorb the energy of the waves that hit it. They are generally constructed of rock or concrete. Breakwaters work best in milder wave climates and when the erosion pattern is perpendicular to the beach.

Wave dissipation systems are a hot topic but currently are not legal. They protect the upland from wave energy and help stop landward erosion (hold the line). There are two ways to apply wave dissipation systems as a long-term solution or as temporary protection against weather events. Wave dissipation systems work when there is perpendicular erosion and can trap sand behind the structure. Hence they are not a long-term solution for extending the life of a restoration project at DeBordieu. Potentially they could be used as a temporary protection for a storm. The “wave dissipation” wall at Wild Dunes (see picture #1) or Living Shorelines Solutions (see picture #2) are examples.

SC has very strict laws that regulate the use of structures. Presently, the use of a breakwater alone would only be legal at DeBordieu if it were built a considerable distance out into the ocean from the bulkhead, rendering them ineffective.

Since breakwaters are hard structures, we should expect legal action by special interest groups trying to block their use.

Groins: Groins are often confused with Jetties. Groins are smaller shorter structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They have very different purposes. Groins trap or slow sand transport on one side, and if designed properly allow for sand to pass through or around to the downdrift beach. Groins would slow the erosion and increase the life of a restoration project.

There is a downside to groins, which is why they are used on a limited basis and require a commitment to ongoing beach restoration. When the erosion pattern is parallel to the beach and the groin sticks out into the ocean by itself with little or no sand around it, the groin may increase erosion directly downstream. However, employing a number of science-based techniques can mitigate the potential for increased erosion downstream. For example:

• When restoring the beach, sand is placed on the beach further out than the groin so accretion occurs to offset the potential of increased erosion (as shown in the 2014 January Edition of The Blue Heron Beach Renourishment article, Chart #1).

• The sand on the beach is replaced at regular intervals to assure a balance between accretion and erosion. A groin permit must be coupled with placing sand on the beach and a long-term commitment to beach restoration to assure that downstream impacts are mitigated.

• Appropriately designing the groin (low profile, or permeable) can also balance the transfer of sand downstream while retaining sand upstream.

The law also requires strict monitoring of the surrounding beach and if erosion accelerates downstream, the groin must be reconfigured or removed and the adversely affected beach would be restored through beach nourishment.

From the beginning, DeBordieu Colony has been a beach community. Beach restoration is the only coastal management tool that directly addresses the problem causing erosion – a lack of sand. Structures slow the loss of sand; however they do not eliminate the need for future restoration maintenance. Retreat can be more environmentally damaging, wrought with litigation and potentially more expensive that restoration.

Carter UtzigBeach Committee Chair

Table #1 Summary of Key Restoration Methods

Wave Dissipation System ( Picture 1)

Breakwaters ( Picture 2)

Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)Beach Restoration Summary Beach Restoration Summary (Continued...)So far we have discussed basic facts about our beach and the option of “doing nothing”. This article provides you with facts about beach restoration methods. The Finance and Long Range Planning Committee will publish an article about funding options. Remember, we will follow up these articles with an open forum conference call.

Beach Restoration SummaryBeach restoration gives us something positive to show for our investment – A beach that: people can enjoy, supports turtle nesting, results in higher property values across the community, provides better protection against storms, keeps houses from falling in the ocean and the list goes on and on.

Beach restoration addresses the lack of sand on the beach. Restoration involves either the placement of sand alone on the beach or a combination of sand with other erosion control methods.

•Sand: Pumping sand from the ocean onto the beach is a viable option. Other options (e.g., sand scraping, trucking, pumping sand from the inlet) cannot be permitted, do not work for our erosion pattern or are pretty much impossible to execute.

•Structures: - Beach Hardening: All of these structures (e.g., seawalls,

revetments) are illegal in South Carolina for our situation. More importantly, beach hardening does not result in a “beach”. - Retention: Groins are a potential option. Groins significantly extend the life of a beach project but require a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration Special interest groups, like the CCL and The Sierra Club, will bring litigation to challenge our right to use groins. Other methods such as breakwaters are rendered ineffective by state laws.

Table #1 provides a high level overview of the individual methods, legal limitations, a rough idea of cost and the potential for litigation. This is based on our research and input from a wide range of individuals, institutions and published materials.

Near term, we only have one option to restore our beach – “Sand only”. We currently have a permit for this type of project and can move forward as soon as this year with beach restoration. Long term, “sand with groins” provides the best economical and environmental option.

The estimated investment for a “Sand Only” or “Sand with groin” project most likely has not changed since they were last estimated at around $9.5M and $11.5M respectively.

How much will the cost to maintain our beach increase? The cost to pump sand on to the beach is largely driven by demand and the current backlog of projects is strong. So the current cost is inflated. Could it go down if the backlog dries up? Don’t know. For sure the cost to operate the dredge (e.g., labor, gas) will increase based on inflation.

Beach Restoration DetailsBefore we discuss options, remember that:

• The flow of sand (erosion) is largely from the north “downstream” to the south – parallel to our beach

• Coastal science is not exact. We have tried to present the facts as the majority sees them

SandThere is lots of great material on the complex subject of beach restoration. So rather than create a new textbook, let’s work through each of the primary restoration methods at a high level. If there is a knockout punch for a method, let’s discuss it and move on. If you have questions after this, we can have an open dialog.

Primary methods include:

Trucking In Sand: A quick pass might make this seem like this is a viable option. However it is difficult, expensive, and hard on our infrastructure. A tri axle dump truck holds around 25 cubic yards. If we need 640,000 cubic yards, we need over 21,333 loads. If trucks run up and down our streets for 10 hours a day with a load showing up every 10 minutes, the project would take 355 days

to complete. During that time, our roads would be in disrepair, heavy equipment would remain on the beach to move the sand once it is placed there, homes will be covered in sediment and the roads will be dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. Additionally, trucked sand erodes faster than sand placed hydraulically. This has been proven by numerous scientific studies on beaches around the country. When sand is pumped hydraulically, it settles more naturally, more as it would if being transported by waves. Dry sand dumped on the beach has not been compacted by water and thus, erodes faster. Back Passing: Back passing is when you pump sand from a downstream inshore location “up stream”. While the method is legal, the source of our sand would be the north inlet/beach areas, which makes permitting impossible since these areas are protected. Plus it doesn’t support our desire to be environmentally friendly. No permit – not an option.

Sand from North Inlet: This is essentially the same option as moving sand from the ocean to our beach, just a different sand source. North Inlet might provide slightly lower cost sand and there is plenty of it. However, permitting would be hard and costly because areas of North Inlet are protected by state and federal laws. Litigation by special interest and environmental groups is assured. This option ends up being more expensive.

Sand from our approved sand source: Sand is hydraulically pumped from an approved site out in the ocean to our beach. This is the method we used in 2006 and have continued to propose. We currently have a permit based on this method.

Structures

Coastal engineers recommend the strategic use of sand trapping structures (e.g., groins) on a limited basis to increase the life of beach restoration projects. To obtain a permit to include these structures would require the community to make a long-term commitment to fund beach restoration. Special interest groups, like the CCL and Sierra Club will most likely bring litigation to challenge our right to use structures.

Jetties: Jetties are very large long structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They are used for navigation purposes only, to keep sand out of shipping channels and create a safe harbor for vessels. A good example is the jetty at the Georgetown Inlet. The use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be appropriate. Hence, a permit for the use of a jetty at DeBordieu would not be granted

Breakwaters: A breakwater runs parallel to the beach and is designed to absorb the energy of the waves that hit it. They are generally constructed of rock or concrete. Breakwaters work best in milder wave climates and when the erosion pattern is perpendicular to the beach.

Wave dissipation systems are a hot topic but currently are not legal. They protect the upland from wave energy and help stop landward erosion (hold the line). There are two ways to apply wave dissipation systems as a long-term solution or as temporary protection against weather events. Wave dissipation systems work when there is perpendicular erosion and can trap sand behind the structure. Hence they are not a long-term solution for extending the life of a restoration project at DeBordieu. Potentially they could be used as a temporary protection for a storm. The “wave dissipation” wall at Wild Dunes (see picture #1) or Living Shorelines Solutions (see picture #2) are examples.

SC has very strict laws that regulate the use of structures. Presently, the use of a breakwater alone would only be legal at DeBordieu if it were built a considerable distance out into the ocean from the bulkhead, rendering them ineffective.

Since breakwaters are hard structures, we should expect legal action by special interest groups trying to block their use.

Groins: Groins are often confused with Jetties. Groins are smaller shorter structures that run perpendicular to the shore. They have very different purposes. Groins trap or slow sand transport on one side, and if designed properly allow for sand to pass through or around to the downdrift beach. Groins would slow the erosion and increase the life of a restoration project.

There is a downside to groins, which is why they are used on a limited basis and require a commitment to ongoing beach restoration. When the erosion pattern is parallel to the beach and the groin sticks out into the ocean by itself with little or no sand around it, the groin may increase erosion directly downstream. However, employing a number of science-based techniques can mitigate the potential for increased erosion downstream. For example:

• When restoring the beach, sand is placed on the beach further out than the groin so accretion occurs to offset the potential of increased erosion (as shown in the 2014 January Edition of The Blue Heron Beach Renourishment article, Chart #1).

• The sand on the beach is replaced at regular intervals to assure a balance between accretion and erosion. A groin permit must be coupled with placing sand on the beach and a long-term commitment to beach restoration to assure that downstream impacts are mitigated.

• Appropriately designing the groin (low profile, or permeable) can also balance the transfer of sand downstream while retaining sand upstream.

The law also requires strict monitoring of the surrounding beach and if erosion accelerates downstream, the groin must be reconfigured or removed and the adversely affected beach would be restored through beach nourishment.

From the beginning, DeBordieu Colony has been a beach community. Beach restoration is the only coastal management tool that directly addresses the problem causing erosion – a lack of sand. Structures slow the loss of sand; however they do not eliminate the need for future restoration maintenance. Retreat can be more environmentally damaging, wrought with litigation and potentially more expensive that restoration.

Carter UtzigBeach Committee Chair

Table #1 Summary of Key Restoration Methods

Wave Dissipation System ( Picture 1)

Breakwaters ( Picture 2)

BLUE HER N

THEAR UND THE COLONY April

2014 IssuePublication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Stephanie Johnson .................sjohnson@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Brooke Phillips ...................... bphillips@debordieucolony.orgAdministrative Assistant

Architectural Review Board ............................... 843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ............................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB AdministratorGrounds Maintenance ...................................... 843.436.3333David Sapp ......................... dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance ManagerCommunity Safety “Safety & Security” ................ 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz .......................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyAmanda Elliott ..........................aelliott@debordieucolony.org

Member & Commerical Services (decals & barcodes)

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Wilson Lowery .................................wilson1@sccoast.net Director

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

DeBorDieu Colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Friday, May 2nd 6 to 9 PM – End of Year Party at the Homeof Reene & Bob FlowersAlways a fun, popular event….bring an appetizer for all to enjoy! Drinks and entrees will be provided. We will reminisce about the programs we have enjoyed, and would appreciate your ideas for the coming year. We hope to see you there!If you have any questions, please contact:Martha Adams via email: madams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reene Flowers via email: reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

At the March 15, 2014 meeting of the DeBordieu community board, Wilson Lowery, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, discussed the need for a strategic plan to address the beach and the future implications of the actions taken, or not taken, by our community.

Three technical options for dealing with our eroding beach include: 1. Do nothing. This will result in the beach continuing to erode leading to the loss of homes and infrastructure in the future. There is the likelihood that portions of DeBordieu Boulevard will be destroyed resulting in loss of access to homes in certain areas. Should these losses occur, there will be a decline in property values and a decrease in future demand for DeBordieu properties.

2. Renourish the beach with sand each 6-8 years. This provides protection for properties, infrastructure and property values for a period of time and will enhance the environment for marine life for a few years. However, the life span of this approach is limited and it is costly and costs are likely to increase over time.

3. Install groins and renourish beach as required, probably every 10-12 years. This approach will provide

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is the volunteer sea turtle nest protection project for our 5+ miles of beach. We are one of 30 volunteer projects along the South Carolina coast operating under the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Each season volunteers gather for a spring training workshop prior to May 15 when early morning surveys begin. This year we will meet Sunday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the beach in front of the Beach Club. This will be a chance for volunteers to brush up on their nest finding skills by practicing on several simulated nests. Afterwards, we will have a brief meeting on the Blue Heron deck. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer is welcome to attend!

Please visit our website, sponsored by DeBordieu Real Estate, at www.debordieuscute.org. Once the season begins, there will be daily updates along with photographs.

Hopefully when this issue of the Blue Heron reaches you, our spring will be in full bloom. And, along with the freshness of the season, we can move on to new endeavors within DeBordieu. The vote on removal of Section 22 from our Declarations and Covenants is behind us. I appreciate the analysis that went into the Board’s decision making process and trust we will have a smooth transition to the new openness for listing properties for sale. We look forward also to continuing a strong relationship with DCRE.

The Board continues to believe that our most urgent and important issue is that of protecting our beach. We simply must get this project going before we incur additional erosion damage. You will receive ongoing information concerning our efforts to develop the most cost effective short term solution as well as a long term strategy which we hope will avoid future emergency type proposals.

I strongly encourage you to examine the beach so you can see what is occurring and to advocate with your neighbors who have been reluctant to support renourishment. In the long run, one thing is certain, doing nothing will be the most expensive option. Respectfully, Dick Rose

Message From the DCCA President

Home and Garden

S.C.U.T. E.

Beach Strategic Options2014 DeBorDieu Colony BoarD anD Committee assignments

Phone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704 dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Community Board BriefsThe following are highlights from the DCCA March/April Board Meetings:

Approved:-2014 Insurance Premium for $63,677.-Wilson Lowery to fill the unexpired term of Claire Yarborough who resigned in March.-Proposed real estate agent access policy.-Funding proposal for 2014 beach restoration vote to be sent out in mid-April.

Reported:-Formulated new Public Affairs Committee.-Presented the 2014 slate of five members for election to the Board of Directors.-Accepted the resignation of Claire Yarborough.

Note: The March 15 and April 5 meeting minutes are subject to change, as they have yet been approved. Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org.

a more stable beach environment, thereby increasing protection for properties, infrastructure, and values for a longer period of time. The initial costs for this option will be higher but less costly over 15-20 years. There will be opposition from some organizations outside DeBordieu, which will likely result in litigation to try to prevent the installation of groins.

In summary, there is no permanent solution for the eroding beach other than systematic beach restoration. If we are going to preserve DeBordieu the way we have known it for the past thirty years, our community needs to come to an agreement on which of these alternatives we are going to pursue.

Three options for dealing with our eroding beach include:

1. Do nothing. The protection of infrastructure and ensuring access to properties will be very costly. The community association will have to spend money protecting access to properties within DeBordieu as long as possible. The cost to maintain access is expensive and might require the board to use emergency or other rights to nourish a portion of the beach to protect access, which would be even more expensive. Destroyed homes and the loss of infrastructure will result in the loss of property values and reduced demand from future buyers. There is the risk of litigation against community members for failure to protect the assets and amenities of DeBordieu, including the loss of homes and undeveloped lots. Since the level of reserves is likely insufficient to provide funding for these additional costs, future boards are likely to raise assessments by the maximum amount of 10% per year for a number of years to ensure adequate funding is available to protect the community. This option is likely the most expensive over the long term.

2. One time assessments each 6-8 years. This option would be the continuation of our past practice dating back to 1998. It is a slow and divisive approach. Some property owners are faced with a financial challenge to pay these large assessments in a short period of time. Our by-laws restrict the borrowing amounts in excess of $500,000 in additional funding; thereby limiting access to short-term funds in an emergency. Loans above this amount require a 2/3 vote approval from community members. Additionally, there are always corrosive debates about the allocation of costs among property owners.

3. Annual beach assessments. This alternative would include an annual payment each year by all property owners for preserving the beach. These funds would be deposited in a separate account to be used only for beach stabilization. All property owners would pay a community-wide base assessment. Those owners more exposed to erosion and benefiting more from preserving the beach would pay a premium in addition to the base assessment.

The conclusion of this presentation was that our community needs to decide which course of action we will take with the beach. Once that decision is made, we need to agree on a funding mechanism. There are financial consequences for each of the three alternatives. The community association board has asked for additional work and for Wilson to return with specific recommendations prior to the Annual Meeting.

BLUE HER NTH

EAR UND THE COLONY April 2014 Issue

Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY

Blanche Brown .........................bbrown@debordieucolony.orgAMS, CMCA General Manager

Stephanie Johnson .................sjohnson@debordieucolony.orgExecutive Administrator

Brooke Phillips ...................... bphillips@debordieucolony.orgAdministrative Assistant

Architectural Review Board ............................... 843.527.5033Meg Wilcox ............................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org

ARB AdministratorGrounds Maintenance ...................................... 843.436.3333David Sapp ......................... dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org

Grounds Maintenance ManagerCommunity Safety “Safety & Security” ................ 843.527.4931Mike Grabarz .......................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org

Chief of Community SafetyAmanda Elliott ..........................aelliott@debordieucolony.org

Member & Commerical Services (decals & barcodes)

GATEHOUSEPhone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532

Dick Rose .....................................1highhill@gmail.comPresident

Glynn Alexander .............................glynn196@aol.comVice President

David Kossove ..............................phiusa@bellsouth.netSecretary

Marianne Mackey ............mariannemackey@ymail.comTreasurer / Finance

Jim Christian .................................jimc174@gmail.comDirector

Jim Cooper ............................james.cooper@gmail.comArchitectural Review Board

Mason Hogue .......... mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.comLegal & Regulatory

Wilson Lowery .................................wilson1@sccoast.net Director

Bill Owen ................................bill@owenrealestate.comInfrastructure

Bill Rentz ................................creekman2001@aol.comGrievance

Dick Schwab .................................rschwab@sccoast.netDirector

Carter Utzig ................cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.netBeach

DeBorDieu Colony

181 Luvan BoulevardGeorgetown, SC 29440www.debordieucolony.org

Friday, May 2nd 6 to 9 PM – End of Year Party at the Homeof Reene & Bob FlowersAlways a fun, popular event….bring an appetizer for all to enjoy! Drinks and entrees will be provided. We will reminisce about the programs we have enjoyed, and would appreciate your ideas for the coming year. We hope to see you there!If you have any questions, please contact:Martha Adams via email: madams@sccoast.net or 527-7740Reene Flowers via email: reebuck1@aol.com or 436-0119

At the March 15, 2014 meeting of the DeBordieu community board, Wilson Lowery, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, discussed the need for a strategic plan to address the beach and the future implications of the actions taken, or not taken, by our community.

Three technical options for dealing with our eroding beach include: 1. Do nothing. This will result in the beach continuing to erode leading to the loss of homes and infrastructure in the future. There is the likelihood that portions of DeBordieu Boulevard will be destroyed resulting in loss of access to homes in certain areas. Should these losses occur, there will be a decline in property values and a decrease in future demand for DeBordieu properties.

2. Renourish the beach with sand each 6-8 years. This provides protection for properties, infrastructure and property values for a period of time and will enhance the environment for marine life for a few years. However, the life span of this approach is limited and it is costly and costs are likely to increase over time.

3. Install groins and renourish beach as required, probably every 10-12 years. This approach will provide

DeBordieu & Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. is the volunteer sea turtle nest protection project for our 5+ miles of beach. We are one of 30 volunteer projects along the South Carolina coast operating under the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Each season volunteers gather for a spring training workshop prior to May 15 when early morning surveys begin. This year we will meet Sunday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the beach in front of the Beach Club. This will be a chance for volunteers to brush up on their nest finding skills by practicing on several simulated nests. Afterwards, we will have a brief meeting on the Blue Heron deck. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer is welcome to attend!

Please visit our website, sponsored by DeBordieu Real Estate, at www.debordieuscute.org. Once the season begins, there will be daily updates along with photographs.

Hopefully when this issue of the Blue Heron reaches you, our spring will be in full bloom. And, along with the freshness of the season, we can move on to new endeavors within DeBordieu. The vote on removal of Section 22 from our Declarations and Covenants is behind us. I appreciate the analysis that went into the Board’s decision making process and trust we will have a smooth transition to the new openness for listing properties for sale. We look forward also to continuing a strong relationship with DCRE.

The Board continues to believe that our most urgent and important issue is that of protecting our beach. We simply must get this project going before we incur additional erosion damage. You will receive ongoing information concerning our efforts to develop the most cost effective short term solution as well as a long term strategy which we hope will avoid future emergency type proposals.

I strongly encourage you to examine the beach so you can see what is occurring and to advocate with your neighbors who have been reluctant to support renourishment. In the long run, one thing is certain, doing nothing will be the most expensive option. Respectfully, Dick Rose

Message From the DCCA President

Home and Garden

S.C.U.T. E.

Beach Strategic Options2014 DeBorDieu Colony BoarD anD Committee assignments

Phone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704 dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org

Community Board BriefsThe following are highlights from the DCCA March/April Board Meetings:

Approved:-2014 Insurance Premium for $63,677.-Wilson Lowery to fill the unexpired term of Claire Yarborough who resigned in March.-Proposed real estate agent access policy.-Funding proposal for 2014 beach restoration vote to be sent out in mid-April.

Reported:-Formulated new Public Affairs Committee.-Presented the 2014 slate of five members for election to the Board of Directors.-Accepted the resignation of Claire Yarborough.

Note: The March 15 and April 5 meeting minutes are subject to change, as they have yet been approved. Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org.

a more stable beach environment, thereby increasing protection for properties, infrastructure, and values for a longer period of time. The initial costs for this option will be higher but less costly over 15-20 years. There will be opposition from some organizations outside DeBordieu, which will likely result in litigation to try to prevent the installation of groins.

In summary, there is no permanent solution for the eroding beach other than systematic beach restoration. If we are going to preserve DeBordieu the way we have known it for the past thirty years, our community needs to come to an agreement on which of these alternatives we are going to pursue.

Three options for dealing with our eroding beach include:

1. Do nothing. The protection of infrastructure and ensuring access to properties will be very costly. The community association will have to spend money protecting access to properties within DeBordieu as long as possible. The cost to maintain access is expensive and might require the board to use emergency or other rights to nourish a portion of the beach to protect access, which would be even more expensive. Destroyed homes and the loss of infrastructure will result in the loss of property values and reduced demand from future buyers. There is the risk of litigation against community members for failure to protect the assets and amenities of DeBordieu, including the loss of homes and undeveloped lots. Since the level of reserves is likely insufficient to provide funding for these additional costs, future boards are likely to raise assessments by the maximum amount of 10% per year for a number of years to ensure adequate funding is available to protect the community. This option is likely the most expensive over the long term.

2. One time assessments each 6-8 years. This option would be the continuation of our past practice dating back to 1998. It is a slow and divisive approach. Some property owners are faced with a financial challenge to pay these large assessments in a short period of time. Our by-laws restrict the borrowing amounts in excess of $500,000 in additional funding; thereby limiting access to short-term funds in an emergency. Loans above this amount require a 2/3 vote approval from community members. Additionally, there are always corrosive debates about the allocation of costs among property owners.

3. Annual beach assessments. This alternative would include an annual payment each year by all property owners for preserving the beach. These funds would be deposited in a separate account to be used only for beach stabilization. All property owners would pay a community-wide base assessment. Those owners more exposed to erosion and benefiting more from preserving the beach would pay a premium in addition to the base assessment.

The conclusion of this presentation was that our community needs to decide which course of action we will take with the beach. Once that decision is made, we need to agree on a funding mechanism. There are financial consequences for each of the three alternatives. The community association board has asked for additional work and for Wilson to return with specific recommendations prior to the Annual Meeting.