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.
Where will construction occur?
| Tentative Construction Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Pre-Construction Meeting | 30 June |
| Contractor mobilization | July |
| Anticipated first day pumping in Reach 1 | 27 July |
| Reach 1 nourishment duration | 50 days |
| Anticipated first day pumping in Reach 2 | 18 September |
| Reach 2 nourishment duration | 45 days |
| Anticipated first day pumping in Reach 3 | 10 Nov |
| Reach 3 nourishment duration | 45 days |
| Demobilization | December |
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.
What will construction look like?
How is this project funded?
The City has received $1.5 million of the total $5.3 million requested in state funding for the major beach renourishment project. An estimated $27 million will come from local sources, including funds raised by the Wild Dunes Community Association, to complete the work. The amounts of each contribution are still to be determined.
All other City beach restoration efforts are being funded through a combination of the City's Beach Preservation Fund, Wild Dunes Community Association (WDCA) contributions, and state and federal sources.
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.
View Coastal Science and Engineering's presentation of June 2026 to City Council ➜
Updates
