Plan to stabilize LI beaches from erosion laid out

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to stabilize LI beaches from hurricane surges and the endless pressure of erosion offers alternatives from placing thousands of houses on pilings to building up beaches before a storm hits or, in some cases, responding only if Fire Island is breached by the waves.

Officials put forth the broad concepts of the long-awaited Fire Island to Montauk Reformulation Plan, aimed at shoring up an 83-mile stretch of coastline against future storms. It could affect residents living in and around Fire Island and the Great South Bay.

The hearing, the first of three presentations coming at the end of a decades-long process, was held at the Fire Island National Seashore in Patchogue to give residents an opportunity to look over plans and offer comments. Between 20 and 30 residents attended along with representatives of concerned groups.

Vic Consiglio, of Operation SPLASH, a volunteer organization that has been cleaning up the Great South Bay, said the Corps should consider creating more inlets in the barrier beach to allow better flushing of the bay and improve water quality.

"They are aware of the situation in the bay. They are looking for a compromise between flushing out the bay and protecting the shoreline. That's a good thing," Consiglio said.

Displays showed different aspects of the plans and how over 50 years, storm damage would total more than $2 billion.

Some showed areas where 4,400 structures, mostly houses, from Lindenhurst to Shinnecock Hills, are in a theoretical 10-year floodplain. One recommendation calls for those houses to be elevated - put up on pilings - at a cost of $400 million to $570 million.

There were plans that call for the preventive buildup of beaches and others that recommended responding only when breaches occurred.

Over time, experts said, Long Island's Atlantic beaches are steadily losing sand - from one to 20 feet per year. About $20 million has been spent so far on the study since it was first authorized in 1980. Ultimately, the plan will lay out a 50-year strategy for managing coastal erosion.

Once presentations are finished and written comments are received, the Corps of Engineers and other federal, state and local agencies will review them. A final version is expected to be completed in 2011 or 2012, officials said. Additional hearings are Sept. 28 in Chancellor's Hall on the Southampton College campus and Sept. 29 in the Montauk Fire House at 12 Flamingo Avenue. Both will run from 4 to 8 p.m.

With Chau Lam

Hurricane preparations

Things to do to be ready for a possible hurricane:

• Create a "go-kit"
• Make copies of family documents and keep them in a waterproof container
• Keep cash handy
• Fill vehicles with fuel
• Volunteer for the Red Cross
• Listen to local officials
• Know potential evacuation routes and emergency contact information
• Learn first aid, CPR
• Practice a communication plan with your family

- MICHELINE MARONI