Issue

Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization

From ActCoastal

Month June
Year 2022
Summary On Wednesday, the Coastal Commission approved a major public works project proposed by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to construct bluff stabilization structures and over half a mile of seawall along the Del Mar Bluffs to protect the blufftop railway. The permit duration is limited to 30 years, at which time the shoreline armoring must be entirely removed. SANDAG has committed to relocating the railway by 2035. The project also includes substantial public access improvements as mitigation for the project including addressing the longstanding need for a designated rail crossing and formal beach accessway in the project area. The commitment to relocating the rail is so dramatic and so well documented in the permit that the Surfrider Foundation supports the project as a special case study in phased relocation in light of sea level rise. SANDAG has expressed the consistent message and firm commitment that it is a willing partner in this plan for managed retreat. The project was approved unanimously.
Outcome Green Dot.png
Outcome Description Commissioner Paloma Aguirre, city council member of Imperial Beach, remarked that this project is a good compromise and pointed out that, “It’s a temporary fix and sea level rise is something we will have to address much quicker than expected.” Commissioner Matt O’Malley indicated he would support increasing the public access mitigation if possible.
Why You Should Care While this project permits half a mile of seawalls for the next 30 years, it also paves the way for a large-scale relocation of the railway. This is an example of phased adaptation and relocation in light of sea level rise.
Image Del mar bluffs 5.png
Decision Type Consistency Determination
Staff Recommendation Approval with Conditions
Staff Report https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2022/6/W7b/W7b-6-2022-report.pdf
Lobbyist/Agent
Opposition to Project
Coastal Act Policies Chapter 3

Voting Detail for Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization


Individual vote detail for Issue: Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization
CommissionerVote
Linda EscalanteAbsent for Vote
Steve PadillaGood Vote by Alternate
Donne BrownseyGood Vote
Dayna BochcoGood Vote
Mike WilsonGood Vote
Roberto UrangaGood Vote
Effie Turnbull-SandersGood Vote
Katie RiceAbsent for Vote
Caryl HartGood Vote
Sara AminzadehGood Vote by Alternate
Meagan HarmonAbsent for Vote
Carole GroomAbsent for Vote


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