‘Sconset Beach Geotube Project
Protecting the historic ‘Sconset beach neighborhood and public infrastructure from the impacts of erosion via a data-driven and proven system of geotubes since 2014.
Managing Erosion on ‘Sconset Bluff
Storm surges, rising seas and extreme weather have put one of Nantucket’s most historic resources at risk. In recent decades, erosion along unprotected sections of ‘Sconset Bluff has averaged 3-4 feet per year, with up to 10 feet of erosion occurring in years with multiple large storms.
Together, a group of residents considered a variety of options for protecting not only ‘Sconset Bluff, but the historic neighborhood it abuts, the public Baxter Road and access to Sankaty Light.
Protecting ‘Sconset Bluff
Since the winter of 2014, a 900-foot section of ‘Sconset Bluff has been protected by four 45-foot circumference geotextile tubes made from high strength, woven polypropylene sewn are covered with a thick cover of sand designed to erode during storm events and support the health of nearby beaches.
In subsequent years, the projected has been improved via planted vegetation and a drainage system to limit the impact of surface runoff. The Geotube system has proved incredibly effective at limiting the risk of erosion, with no measurable impact on nearby beaches due to a design that includes sand covering the geotubes, placed to mimic natural sand movement trends.
Recognizing the importance of protecting and preserving ‘Sconset Bluff, Baxter Road and access to Sankaty Light, the Town is now working with third party experts at Arcadis in a formal partnership with SBPF.
This is to modify the pilot project based on its performance over the past 9 years into a sustainable system to protect the entire bluff from the end of Baxter Road at the Sankaty Light House property to the point at which erosion has begun at 59 Baxter Road.
Privately funded, the project was undertaken in conjunction with the town of Nantucket due to the importance of protecting Baxer Road. Over the past several years, multiple efforts have been launched to support the extension of the geotubes to protect the full 3000 feet of ‘Sconset Bluff as originally anticipated.
This model was supported by a third party study by Arcadis and a compromise proposal was reached by a working group comprised of Town Officials and SBPF representatives. Unfortunately, that proposal was rejected by the Conservation Commission and the SBPF informed the Town of Nantucket that it would no longer maintain the project.
Project Benefits
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Minimal erosion along the protected area of the Bluff – far less then what would have occurred had the area not been protected by the Geotubes.
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Studies by SBPF saw no negative impact on nearby beaches (no additional erosion or other impacts).
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Costs were managed by private homeowners, while the town continued to benefit from tax revenues associated with the protected homes.
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Baxter road and public infrastructure (water and sewer lines, etc.) were maintained.
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Easy access to the historic Sankaty light.
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Historic homes and a longstanding community were protected.
SBPF And Its Mission
The ‘Sconset Beach Preservation Fund is led by a group of ‘Sconset residents who shared a desire to protect this historic neighborhood, town infrastructure and individual properties.
Together, the SBPF sought to identify ways to protect and preserve 'Sconset Beach and Bluff and ultimately 'Sconset Village itself, that are environmentally responsible, collaborative and resilient to climate change and sea level rise.
Our Guiding Principles
No. 1
Address the long-term impact of erosion at ‘Sconset Beach and Bluff.
No 2.
Rely on scientifically sound options to protect and preserve the area.
No 3.
Act financially responsible, leveraging private funding to support preservation and town infrastructure.
No. 4