Beach Replenishment
Brant Beach, like most of Long Beach Island, has always been subject to beach erosion because it had no natural beach dunes. In the 1930s and 1940, there were efforts to build dunes by burying old cars, discarded Christmas trees, and other bulky items. A seawall was built in some sections, and long-time residents recall climbing down ladders along the wall to reach the flat area of beach.
In 1960-61, jetties, technically called groins, were constructed out into the ocean to retain beach sand.
In 2011-12, a major beach replenishment of the Brant Beach beaches was undertaken, using sand pumped from the offshore ocean bed. The Army Corps of Engineers did not need permission to build dunes from 31st to 57th street, and the work was soon completed. But from 57th Street on to Holgate, permission was needed from oceanfront owners and a few refused, citing the potential loss of their views and their property rights, which halted the project.
When Superstorm Sandy struck in October 2012, massive damage was incurred to almost all oceanfront houses south of 58th Street, where dunes had not been built. Approval from all the homeowners was finally obtained, and the replenishment was completed.
The new Brant Beach dunes have done their job. While our dunes require periodic maintenance, major storms since 2012 have had no negative impact on Brant Beach life.