Coastal Conservancy: Focus On The Facts In Geotube Debate

To the editor: As the community discussion about the proposed expansion of the geotube seawall on the public beach below the bluff in Sconset intensifies, let’s commit to focusing on the facts. We may agree to disagree, but at least we can do so with a common understanding of the basic facts, and with civility.

STATEMENT: The geotube installation has successfully protected a vital stretch of Baxter Road, and related utilities and homes for over a decade.

FACT: Agreed, the geotubes have done exactly what they were designed to do, stabilize the toe of the bluff. However, they have done so at the expense of the fronting beach. The narrowing (and eventual disappearance) of the fronting beach is well documented and is directly attributable to the geotubes. In addition, erosion downdrift of the current geotubes has increased significantly since the geotubes were installed in 2014, especially to the north.

STATEMENT: NCC said the “geotubes are illegal.”

FACT: Incorrect. NCC did not use the word “illegal” in reference to the geotubes. What we said is that hard structures, such as geotubes, have been prohibited in Massachusetts since 1978 because of their harmful impacts. We also stated that waivers could be granted.

STATEMENT: The geotubes are not a “seawall.”

FACT: Incorrect. The State of Massachusetts defines any structure that limits or prevents the natural movement of sediment from a bank (such as the geotubes do with the eroding Sankaty Bluff) as a “coastal engineering structure,” or CES, and cites examples, such as “seawalls, revetments, bulkheads, and Geotubes® [large sandbags].” Granted, the term “seawall” is a somewhat dated term, but the geotubes in Sconset are a seawall, nonetheless.

In closing, let us say once again, we are not scientists or lawyers. We are knowledgeable citizens, volunteers all, who care deeply about protecting Nantucket’s natural beaches, especially our public ones. We always strive for accuracy. If we are in error, we stand to be corrected. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Burton Spruce Balkind
President, Nantucket Coastal Conservancy