City provides guidance on returning overwashed sand
The city of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department reported that storm surge from Hurricanes Milton and Helene has caused a significant amount of sand to be deposited upland on some properties along the island’s beaches.
The following is important information for property owners returning sand deposited on upland property to the beach dune system:
In accordance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Emergency Final Orders 24-2580 (Milton) and 24-2534, amended (Helene), neither an FDEP permit nor a city permit is required to return clean sand back onto the beach that has been deposited on private property by either storm.
The requirements for returning clean sand to the beach dune system include:
– “Clean sand” is defined as sand that does not have stains or odors and that is similar to the pre-hurricane beach sand in both coloration and grain size. It must be free of debris, rocks, clay or other foreign matter.
– Clean sand can be collected and placed above the high tide line (or mean high water line) on the beach and dune system.
– Sand may not be placed over any existing native vegetation or storm generated debris on the beach.
– Sand shall be returned to the beach in a manner that emulates grade and slope of the beach prior to Milton and Helene.
– Construction equipment shall not operate, and construction materials shall not be stored, in such a way as to damage or destroy the beach dune system.
– Existing beach dune topography and vegetation shall be disturbed only to the minimum extent necessary.
– If any topography is disturbed as a result, then topography shall be restored to the predevelopment elevations.
– Any native dune vegetation destroyed during the activity shall be replaced with native beach vegetation.
The FDEP, or the city on behalf of the FDEP, may bring an enforcement action against any private property owner that violates the above requirements.
Any sand that does not meet the definition of “clean sand” must be disposed of properly. Placing sand or other overwashed material onto the right-of-way of roads is strictly prohibited.
For more information, contact Joel Caouette at joel.caouette@mysanibel.com or 239-267-4726.