MIDDLETOWN — Public comments are being requested concerning a long-term beach maintenance program on Sandy Hook.
A cyclic maintenance program is needed to off-set the annual sand loss in an area known as the Critical Zone, according to a press release distributed by the National Parks Service (NPS).
The NPS proposes a sand-recycling system in the form of a sand slurry pipeline.
The pipeline would allow sand to be borrowed from the northern portion of Sandy Hook and pumped to the eroding southern beaches. This system would minimize adverse environmental affects by moving smaller quantities of sand typically moved under natural conditions.
The environmental assessment is posted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. The assessment is also available at designated libraries in Monmouth County. Call (732) 872-5911 for a list of libraries.
Comments on the project will be accepted until Dec. 15 and may be made online at the Web site listed above.
Written comments may be sent to Superintendent, Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 530, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732.
— Karen E. Bowes