Coastal Sand Dune Systems

Picture: A damaged frontal dune home at Hunnewell Beach in Phippsburg. MGS File Photos by J. T. Kelley, (1983)

Related page: Please see the NRPA Page for rules, forms, and contacts related to activities in Coastal Sand Dune Systems.

Introduction

Unlike most terrestrial systems, the coastal dune system moves over the landscape and across property boundaries. This migrating dune system is difficult to preserve. However, it needs to be protected and restored. A healthy dune system protects property by reducing the energy of storm waves. It is the best defense against coastal flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise. It provides tremendous economic benefit to the local economy. A healthy coastal sand dune system is also the least costly way to maintain a recreational beach for future generations.

Legislative Report

Protecting Maine's Beaches for the Future (2006). A report of the Beach Stakeholder's Group.

Recent Previous Rulemaking (History)

2005 - 2006 Rulemaking

4/20/2006: Chapter 355 approved (final approval) by BEP. Final rule.
Resolve, Chapter 175, approving rules (with amendments) (effective 4/10/2006). Draft showing required amendments.
PL 2003, Resolve 130. Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 355: Sand Dune Rules, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection (emergency, effective date 4/14/2004).
Provisionally adopted Chapter 355, November 17, 2005. Basis statement.
DRAFT Chapter 355; notice form (hearing information); memorandum.
PL 2003, Ch. 130. An Act Concerning the Adoption of Coastal Sand Dune Rules (off-site). (effective 5/13/2003).

2003 - 2004 Rulemaking

Testimony (DEP)
Proposed draft committee amendment to LD 1849 from DEP.
Proposed draft amendment to the Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA) from DEP.
Graphics (jpgs). Large -- take time to load. (1) 1983 and 1988 rules, (2) 2003 provisional rules, (3) 2004 proposal.
LD 1849, Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 355: Sand Dune Rules, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection. (off-site)
Text of Chapter 355 provisionally adopted by the Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) on June 19th to repeal and replace existing chapter. Basis statement. For additional related materials see the L&W Rulemaking Page.
Presentation from MGS on Dune Property Damage
Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA), 480-A et. seq. (off-site)

picture: houses elevated on posts

Photo: Phippsburg. After neighboring homes were destroyed by waves in 1983 (see photo top of page), other homes were moved landward and elevated on posts. S.M. Dickson (1989).

Definitions

"Coastal sand dune systems" means sand and gravel deposits within a marine beach system, including, but not limited to, beach berms, frontal dunes, dune ridges, back dunes nd other sand and gravel areas deposited by wave or wind action. Coastal sand dune systems may extend into coastal wetlands. 38 MRSA 480-B(1)

The term "sand dune system" is used interchangeably with the terms "beach system, " coastal sand dune," "coastal sand dune system," and "dune system". The statutory definition of "coastal sand dune systems" in 38 M.R.S.A. Section 480-B(1) applies equally to all these terms. Sand dune systems include sand deposits within a marine beach system which have been artificially covered by structures, lawns, roads, and fill. Sand dune systems also include all vegetation which is native to and occurring in the system. 06-096 CMR 355(1)(W)

Link

Piping Plover--overview, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (off-site).

Wells Beach. DEP File Photo by Bill Bullard (2003)