Press Releases

August 30, 1999
Beach Erosion Study by E.L.I.C.C.A. and Southampton College Presented Sept. 17

Professor Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach," Discusses New Booklet titled The Hamptons' South Shore: A History of Beach Changes and Storm Impacts

Contact:
Joe Dionisio
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

Southampton, NY -- The results of the first phase of a multi-year study of beach erosion in the Hamptons have been published in a new booklet, The Hamptons' South Shore: A History of Beach Changes and Storm Impacts, to be released by E.L.I.C.C.A. and presented by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman on Friday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Avram Theater at Southampton College of Long Island University.

The Eastern Long Island Coastal Conservation Alliance, Ltd. (E.L.I.C.C.A.) and the College are collaborating on the research, which generated the data for the booklet. Admission to the presentation is free. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. For information call 516-287-8407.

After Dr. Leatherman discusses the findings in his booklet, there will be a question-and-answer session. Researchers on the multi-year project include Leatherman, a world-renowned coastal scientist and a visiting professor at the College, marine science professor Dr. Sandra Shumway, and 1999 Southampton College graduate Doug Christel.

The Hamptons' South Shore: A History of Beach Changes and Storm Impacts features numerous old photographs, maps, storm photos, and surveys that have been made available by concerned East End residents.

"We received a terrific response from the community, which gave us new perspectives on Long Island's coastal changes," said Dr. Leatherman. "Our study will continue for several more years, so we still welcome materials from the public."

Year 2 of the E.L.I.C.C.A. project will examine the numerous methods of beach restoration and shoreline stabilization. These include soft approaches (beach nourishment and dune building), semi-hard (sand bags, geotubes, subsurface dune restoration systems) and hard approaches (seawalls, bulkheads, groins, offshore breakwaters, jetties).

Year 3 of the study will involve site-specific analyses of the Hamptons' shoreline and applications of beach restoration approaches.

The Southampton College/E.L.I.C.C.A. partnership began in November 1998. E.L.I.C.C.A. Ltd., a not-for-profit corporation, was formed by citizens concerned with the quality of life in The Hamptons.

Dr. Leatherman is director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research & International Hurricane Center in Miami. He has written or edited 14 books, including the recently published America's Best Beaches. He also appears frequently on NBC's Today Show.

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