Emergency North Wildwood Bulkhead Installation to Combat Erosion Crisis

Photos by Dan Robinson and PJ Hondros

The coastal town of North Wildwood, New Jersey, is currently facing a severe erosion crisis, exacerbated by recent storms and hurricanes.

In a collaborative effort between the City of North Wildwood and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), an emergency authorization has been granted for the installation of a protective bulkhead.

This vital project aims to safeguard the North Wildwood Beach Patrol headquarters from further erosion, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time.

Over the past few weeks, relentless swells and northeast winds generated by passing storms and hurricanes have wreaked havoc on the North Wildwood beaches. The situation was further exacerbated by a full moon, which pushed the limits of nature’s power.

Even as the spring storms had already removed more than half of the dune protecting the shoreline, the recent storms completely wiped out the remaining dune, leaving only a small buffer of dry sand between the mighty ocean and the vulnerable lifeguard stands.

In response to this dire situation, a collaborative project between North Wildwood and the NJDEP was initiated last week—the installation of a protective bulkhead around the North Wildwood Beach Patrol headquarters.

While it’s not the massive bulkhead that North Wildwood desperately needs to secure its coastline, this project will create a barrier around the lifeguard station located at 15th and the beach. The goal is to provide immediate protection to this crucial structure and its personnel.

The bulkhead installation project is expected to last approximately one month, during which time it will serve as a critical defense against potential breaches from the ocean.

Once completed, the North Wildwood Beach Patrol headquarters will have fortified protection along its south and east flanks, reducing the risk of erosion-induced damage.

Mayor Patrick Rosenello of North Wildwood has noted a slight improvement in the relationship between the city and the NJDEP—a welcome change from recent disagreements.

While the bulkhead installation is excellent news for the North Wildwood lifeguard stand, it’s essential to note that this project does not extend protection to areas just south of the station, primarily encompassing 13th and 14th streets.

According to the NJDEP, constructing a bulkhead in these areas would disturb the dune, which plays a vital role in organically protecting that part of the island. However, there is hope on the horizon.

The Army Corps of Engineers has plans for a future project that aims to fortify the dunes throughout the entire Wildwoods area. Unfortunately, this project is not scheduled to commence for another 18 to 24 months, leaving the vulnerable areas in limbo for some time.

In conclusion, the emergency installation of the North Wildwood bulkhead around the Beach Patrol headquarters is a crucial step in safeguarding the town’s coastline against erosion. While it’s not a comprehensive solution, it provides immediate protection for a vital structure.

Also See: Beesleys Point Power Plant Smokestack Demolition Announced

As future projects take shape, there is optimism that the entire Wildwoods area will benefit from enhanced coastal defenses, securing the region against the forces of nature.