 |
|
Methodology
Erosion Response
Erosion response is a measure of how well a state's policies and procedures limit
the extent of shoreline armoring. This indicator serves as a means of bringing
attention to the states that are taking proactive roles in beach preservation.
For example, are statewide oceanfront construction setbacks used to site new
development? When existing development is damaged during a storm does a state
prohibit reconstruction or provide incentives for relocation? Before permitting
shoreline stabilization does a state require: that there is demonstrated need
via geo-technical reports with content standards; that alternatives to armoring
are fully explored; and that potential adverse impacts and cumulative effects
are taken into account? Does a state have stringent 'emergency' provisions in
this regard? If a state can answer 'yes' to most of these questions then its
rank is high and if the answers are mostly 'no' then its rank is
low. Ideally the rank in this indicator area will correlate with that
of shoreline armoring: A state with a high rank in erosion response will typically have
a high rank in shoreline armoring.
Possible quantitative measures include the number of new structures located within
setback areas, number of damaged structures reconstructed in identified erosion
zones, number of instances where alternatives to 'hard' shore protection were
employed, the number of shoreline structures permitted under 'emergency' provisions,
and the number of permits for shoreline structures reviewed, approved or denied.
We have found that such information is rarely available.
|