bottom habitat with hard or rubble-mound bottom habitat has generally been 

 viewed as a beneficial impact. Structural design should seek to optimize the 

 yield of suitable habitat for biological resources. An investigation of 

 environmental impacts should also consider that some marine species may be 

 affected as a result of dredging and beach nourishment activities. Detailed 

 information on concerns relative to the environmental effects of dredging and 

 material placement can be found in EM 1110-2-5026. Additional information 

 on water quality considerations can be found in EM 1110-2-1204. 



Terrestrial resources 



Terrestrial resources include both cultural resources and natural resources 

 and wildlife. An archeological investigation should be conducted if the 

 proposed project is near a historical site, such as a lighthouse, which should 

 be protected. Impacts may occur to wildlife populations and their habitat 

 during breakwater construction. Although these effects will most likely be 

 temporary, project activities should be scheduled so as to minimize 

 disturbances to the wildlife. As with aquatic habitats, the placement of beach 

 fill must be investigated for effects on natural resources and wildlife. 



Recreation 



The impacts of a breakwater project on recreation depend on typical use of 

 the project area. Breakwaters reduce wave energy and cause a widening of 

 the beach, which is beneficial for swimming, diving, and other recreational 

 beach use activities. Breakwaters do, however, reduce opportunities for body 

 or board surfing, which may receive some local opposition. Increasing gap 

 widths may provide additional area for surfing activities. Detached 

 breakwaters can provide a hazard to beach users who may climb on the 

 structures or swim too close to them. Tombolo formation will invite such 

 activities since access to the structure is relatively easy. If navigation and 

 water access through the project area is a requirement, gaps must be included 

 in the design. Breakwaters, especially low-crested structures, should be 

 marked with navigation aids if they pose potential hazards to navigation. 



Aesthetics 



If the breakwater project is located in a recreational area, local complaints 

 of undesirable aesthetics may occur and may need to be considered as part of 

 the design. Low-crested breakwaters allow more visibility of the water and 

 may be an alternative, although wave overtopping of the structure will be 

 increased. Increased overtopping can be compensated for by decreasing 

 structural permeability, increasing structure length, and/or reducing gap 

 width. 



Chapter 5 Other Design Issues 



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