COASTAL CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP
Workshop presentations by experienced professionals:
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Coastal Geology – erosion and sea level rise; Graham Geise, Coastal Geologist
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Engineering – critical design principles; John Bologne, Coastal Engineering
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Architecture – design elements and materials; Joy Cuming, Architects Studio ltd
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F.E.M.A. – A and V zone restrictions: Fred Vanderschmidt, FEMA
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Environmental Permitting – MESA, Ch 91 and 310. CMR; Gordon Peabody, Safe Harbor
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MA Flood Hazard Management: Eric Carlson
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Septic systems – Innovative alternatives (I.A.) for coastal use; Emily Beebe, RS
This collaborative, interdisciplinary workshop is being offered at no charge.
Safe Harbor and OCEAN (Outer Cape Environmental Awareness Newsletter) are co-sponsoring this program as part of an Outer Cape Environmental Advocacy Initiative. One of Safe Harbor’s core beliefs is that resource protection is best achieved through education and understanding.
Our coastal land represents only 17% of the U.S. but is home to over 50% of the population. Development contributes to the annual loss of nearly 20,000 acres of coastal habitat. One of our critical goals in this workshop is to explore proven as well as innovative techniques and planning tools to reduce stress on coastal ecosystems, while allowing for development. A second, almost equal goal, is to identify the critical linkages between our presenters.
Additional considerations may include:
- minimizing human impacts
- protect sustainable economy in coastal communities
- protect public access
- respect cultural and historic use of shoreline
- increase watershed protection
- support restoration of indigenous vegetation buffer zones
- redirect excess nutrients
- control pollution sources
- address invasive vegetation
People and resources need each other to survive. Deterioration of habitat leads to reduction in the coastal economy. Sustainable alternatives should always be explored to settle conflicts with our coastal resources. By 2025, it has been predicted that up to 25% of our watersheds will be impervious.