Fighting erosion at Venice Beach

A massive sand-moving mission is about to get underway at Venice Beach.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider a $1.66 million Venice Beach Refurbishment Project that would bring in earth-moving equipment to relocate 30,000 cubic feet of sand from north of the Venice breakwater to the area in front of the lifeguard headquarters. That area, half a mile south of the breakwater, suffered heavy erosion in the winter storms of 2004-5 and again last winter. The six-to-eight week project will spread a fresh layer of sand more evenly and widen the surface of the beach to increase the recreational area and better protect nearby coastal businesses and residences from flooding and storm damage.

Because the project will affect public access to the beach, it is being scheduled for the winter months when crowds are smallest.

Posted 10/7/10