2026 Offshore Renourishment Project
The city is planning a beach renourishment project as part of the City’s long-term Comprehensive Beach Management Plan. Up to 2.5 million cubic yards of material will be placed along 19,200 linear feet of beach (1.7M in Wild Dunes and 800K on the southern end of the Island.)
The nourishment will be separated into three separate reaches and involves construction of a dune and a berm.
The material will be dredged from an offshore borrow site located around ~2 miles southeast of the Island Pier.
Alternatives Analysis
The Isle of Palms City Council has voted to hire Foth/Olsen to conduct a study of the City’s beach restoration strategy.
Bringing in a new contractor could introduce fresh and innovative approaches aimed at extending the longevity of future sand placements, reducing the frequency of large scale restorations.
Any recommended alternatives would need to be implemented within a few years of the 2026 restoration project to help maximize the lifespan of the newly placed sand.
Construction Forecast Map
Why do we renourish our beach?
A wider beach and restored dune system serve as a natural barrier against storm surge, erosion and flooding, helping protect people, property and public infrastructure. Renourishment also preserves recreational space for beachgoers, supports the island’s tourism economy and provides habitat for sea turtles, shorebirds, plants and other coastal species.
| Tentative Construction Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Pre-Construction Meeting | 30 June |
| Contractor mobilization | July |
| First day pumping in Reach 1 | 27 July |
| Reach 1 nourishment duration | 50 days |
| First day pumping in Reach 2 | 1 September |
| Reach 2 nourishment duration | 45 days |
| Anticipated first day pumping in Reach 3 | 1 Nov |
| Reach 3 nourishment duration | 45 days |
| Demobilization | 15 December |
How is this project funded?
So far the City has received $1.5 million of the total $5.3 million requested in state funding for the major beach renourishment project. This will offset the cost of renourishment for reach 3.
| Volume of Sand (CY) | Cost ($) | Share of Total Project Cost (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach 1 & 2 (North End) | 1,700,000 | 15,224,865 | 68 |
| WDCA | 8,069,179 | 36 | |
| City IOP | 7,155,687 | 32 | |
| Reach 3 (South End) | 800,000 | 7,164,643 | 32 |
| WDCA | 0 | 0 | |
| City IOP | 5,664,643 | 32 | |
| SC State Grant | 1,500,000 | ||
| TOTAL | 2,500,000 | 22,389,508 | 100 |
On the north end (reaches 1 and 2) the City will be contributing 47% and the Wild Dunes Community Association (WDCA) is contributing 53% of the cost.
On the south end (reach 3), the City is covering the complete cost.
So in total (across reaches 1, 2, and 3), The City will be covering 64% of the total cost of this project, while WDCA contributes 36% of the total cost.
The 47/53 split for the north end was determined by using the reported gross income for short term rental licenses and business licenses for the 2025 license year. The Parties agree that this percentage in 2025 was 47% from members of the Association and 53% from all other properties outside of the association
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the beach be closed?
No. Beach renourishment work will take place in sections of approximately 300 yards at a time.
In most cases, pedestrians will be able to walk around the fenced work area. The only exception may be during temporary dune construction activities, when access around a work zone could be briefly restricted.
Beachgoers will also be able to safely cross the dredge pipeline using sand ramps to access the ocean.
Will the project be loud or disturbing at night?
This project will require heavy machinery operating around the clock. Residents may notice some light and backup alert sounds during nighttime hours. Work is expected to progress at a rate of 100–300 feet per day, so any disturbances in your area should pass within a night or two.
Why is the project starting during the summer season?
Beginning construction during the summer proved to be the most cost-effective approach. By moving forward during this timeframe, the City saved approximately $10 million compared to alternative construction schedules.
Engineering Plans and Technical Data
All templates are subject to change.
Google Earth: View a map of dune construction and sand placement by station number
View Coastal Science and Engineering's presentation of June 2026 to City Council ➜
Updates
