The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the release of a draft report for the Nassau County Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Study. The report outlines a ‘Tentatively Selected Plan’ framework, which includes the elevation of more than 14,000 residential structures and dry flood proofing of more than 2,500 industrial/commercial properties to reduce the risk of flood damages associated with storm surge. It’s important to note that the plan is subject to change. It has not yet been approved by higher authorities, including Congress, and has not been funded for implementation at the federal or state level. The study team prepared the draft Report to present findings, technical analyses, and outline a Tentatively Selected Plan. The document describes engineering, economic, social, and environmental analyses.

• Draft Integrated Feasibility Study & Environmental Impact Statement (August 2021)
• Public Notice (August 2021)
• News release with brief summary of Tentatively Selected Plan (August 2021)

USACE hosted virtual public meetings to discuss the report and answer questions. 

• September 29 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  • ​Click here for a link to the meeting recording
  • Click here for a copy of the meeting slides

• October 6 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
  • Click here for a link to the meeting recording
  • Click here for a copy of the meeting slides

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the public, agencies, and stakeholders are invited to provide comments by October 18, 2021. 

• Submit comments by email: PDPA-NAP@usace.army.mil
• Submit comments by mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Planning Division, Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square E. Philadelphia PA 19107

USACE hosted virtual public meetings on Sept 29, 2021 and Oct. 6, 2021. 

• September 29 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  • ​Click here for link to meeting recording
  • Click here for a copy of the meeting slides

• October 6 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.
  • Click here for link to meeting recording
  • Click here for a copy of the meeting slides

• Appendix A - Plan Formulation
• Appendix B - Hydraulics, Hydrology and Coastal 
• Appendix C - Civil Engineering
• Appendix D - Cost Engineering
• Appendix E - Geotechnical 
• Appendix F - Economics 
• Appendix G1 - Environmental (Agency Coordination & Relevant Correspondence)
• Appendix G2 - Environmental (Biological Assessment)
• Appendix G3 - Environmental (Essential Fish Habitat)
• Appendix G4 - Environmental (Fish & Wildlife Coordination Act 2b Report)
• Appendix G5 - Environmental (Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1)

The purpose of the Nassau County Back Bays feasibility study is to investigate potential ways to reduce the risk to people, critical infrastructure, and businesses caused by coastal storms such as Hurricane Sandy. The study team is investigating potential solutions that could reduce flood risk in ways that support the long‐term resilience and sustainability of communities and the environment, and that reduce the economic costs and risks associated with coastal storm damage. The team will look into the feasibility of a number of measures, which includes but is not limited to storm surge barriers, bulkheads, floodwalls, levees, seawalls, shoreline stabilization, stormwater improvements, beach nourishment, living shorelines, wetland restoration, and the elevation, floodproofing, and/or relocation of structures.