Laserfiche WebLink
40 <br />i <br />2.0 STORM PROTECTION BENEFITS <br />2.9 DATA COMPILATION AND BENEFITS METHODOLOGY <br />Project benefits associated with storm protection and erosion losses were <br />generated for properties that front on the ocean. Benefits were calculated for <br />properties within the immediate project area that will benefit from the placed sand <br />and sand retaining structures. The storm protection benefits derived from a <br />beach nourishment project reflect the engineering design features of the projects. <br />The initial beach restoration project benefits are based on a 30 -year project <br />horizon. Storm protection benefits to upland properties are based on the <br />prevention of land loss; the prevention of damage to major habitable structures; <br />and, the anticipated cost savings realized by not having to maintain or repair the <br />existing seawalls fronting individual properties (including both private and public). <br />Benefits are a direct result of the presence of a wide, sandy beach that acts as a <br />buffer against both normal annual erosion and destructive storm waves resulting <br />from hurricanes and nor'easters. <br />One can assume that oceanfront property owners will take whatever actions are <br />in their own economic interest to protect their properties from yearly landward <br />erosion. These actions by the oceanfront property owners will also provide <br />protection to the more landward property owners in the absence of a beach <br />restoration project. Therefore, no direct storm protection benefits are ascribed to <br />non -oceanfront properties. If a portion of a property is located on the ocean.. then <br />a storm protection benefit is ascribed. <br />Historic erosion data and beach profile survey data were used to evaluate <br />erosion rates and present structure vulnerability within the project area (refer to <br />the BPP). Structure vulnerability of oceanfront "developed" parcels is considered <br />a function of length of the seawall or revetment, mean High water line, mean <br />