Questioning the Science Behind New York's Storm Proofing Plans for Fire Island

An expert insists that a massive coastal engineering project in a National Park should consider different environmental impacts than a similar project along developed coastline.

1 minute read

September 14, 2014, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Graham T. Beck writes of scientific opposition to plans by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s congressional delegation to spend $207 million dredging sand off of New York’s Fire Island to spread along beaches and dunes.

An ambitious plan, to be sure, but Robert S. Young, professor of coastal geology and the director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University, argues that the plan might not even work. Professor Young is quoted in the story: "The project does not provide the storm damage mitigation and storm-surge protection that is promised, or at least the U.S. Geological Survey comments on the plan question the science behind those proposed benefits."

Young claims that the comments on the plan also include concerns that the project might do more environmental harm than good from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon.

FULL STORY: New York’s Plan to Storm-Proof Fire Island Is Deeply Flawed, Says Scientist

Friday, September 12, 2014 in Next City

Environment Infrastructure New York Fire Island Shoreline Coastal Engineering Storm Surge Barriers View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.