June 8, 2026 - The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has approved the City of Isle of Palms' request for dredging and beach renourishment along the island's shoreline. The permit is valid for five years.
Contractor Marinex is expected to begin setting up equipment and staging areas in late June, with sand pumping expected to get underway shortly after the Fourth of July. Construction is anticipated to advance at approximately 25,000 to 30,000 cubic yards of sand per day, roughly 100 to 300 feet of shoreline progress daily.
Project Timeline
Work will be completed in three phases moving along the beach with all timings subject to changes due to weather and other factors:
- Early July through Mid-August — Reach 1: Sand placement begins near Mariner's Walk and progresses northward to Ocean Point Drive.
- August through Early September — Reach 2: Work continues near the Wild Dunes Property Owners Beach House and moves southward to 56th Avenue.
- Mid-September through November — Reach 3: Sand placement starts at the midpoint between 5th and 7th Ave., extending northward to the pier and then southward to Breach Inlet.
All dates are estimates and subject to change. Visit the City's beach webpage for live project status.
Sea Turtle Protection
Nighttime monitoring will be conducted along active construction areas to protect sea turtles during nesting season. Should a turtle attempt to nest, crews will impose a buffer zone around the female to ensure she can complete the process safely and undisturbed.
The Beach Stays Open
The beach will remain accessible to the public throughout construction. Sand walkovers will be installed so beachgoers can safely cross pipes and reach the water. Only the active construction zone will be cordoned off.