State/Federal Partnerships to Identify Sand Sources along the East and Gulf Coasts

The Minerals Management Service Sand and Gravel Program provides for access to sand, gravel, and shell resources on the Outer Continental Shelf through negotiated agreements provided that the resource is used for Federal, state, or local government shore protection, beach restoration, or coastal wetlands restoration projects. In 1994, Congress amended the OCS Lands Act authorizing the program. In 1998, Congress passed legislation waiving all fees for the Federal resources conveyed under the 1994 OCS Lands Act amendments. Beginning in the early 1990's, the Minerals Management Service began working with coastal states along the east and gulf coasts of the United States to identify sources of sand that can be used for coastal erosion purposes. These partnerships were and continue to be active because state geologic scientists are pursuing the need to identify those sources of sand that are compatible for beach nourishment and hurricane protection projects. Companion environmental studies are also being conducted by environmental scientists so that sand resources identified in these sites can be made available to state and local communities in a timely manner. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the activities and the results of the active MMS/State sand cooperatives in Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Results and use of the companion environmental studies that are conducted will also be discussed.