650-RICR-20-00-1. Red Book (version Periodic Refile, 10/09/2003 to 09/05/2013)

Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program Original Edition Page 1 Section 210.6 Section 210.6 Manmade Shorelines A. Definition Manmade shorelines are those characterized by concentrations of shoreline protection structures and other alterations, to the extent that natural shoreline features are no longer dominant. They most commonly abut Type 3, 5, and 6 waters. The presence of isolated seawalls, bulkheads, and similar structures does not constitute a manmade shoreline, as the term is used in this Program. B. Findings 1. A 1978 survey of the Narragansett Bay shoreline revealed that along 25 percent of the shore natural features have been sheathed by manmade structures. Many of these have been built since the 1954 hurricane as attempts at "erosion prevention," undertaken at great cost by private property owners. Many will not survive a major hurricane that strikes the coast from the south. Many structures are overbuilt for the control of minor erosion between major storms. 2. Manmade shorelines usually have a major impact on the appearance of the shore, interfere with public access to and along the coast, and may alter erosion-accretion processes on neighboring beaches. C. Policies 1. The Council's goals are (a) to encourage the maintenance of structures that effectively mitigate erosion and/or sustain landforms adjacent to the water, and (b) prevent the accumulation of debris along the shore where such structures are ineffective or no longer in active use. 2. The Council encourages proper maintenance of existing shoreline protection structures (see Section 300.7). 3. The Council shall endeavor to determine the ownership of abandoned and deteriorating shoreline protection structures and shall encourage the owners of such structures to restore or remove them. The Council may order restoration or removal where it finds that the structure poses a hazard to navigation, interferes with the public's right of access to and along the shore, causes flooding or wave damage to abutting properties, or degrades the scenic qualities of the area.