INDIAN RIVER INLET, Del. - The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's sand bypass testing began on Monday. Work will continue into August.
Beach visitors at Delaware Seashore State Park were notified of temporary closures and safety restrictions as DNREC begins testing equipment that they say "helps move sand from one side of the inlet to the other to restore and protect our beaches."
While that's happening DNREC advises that people steer clear of the area and in the busy season that doesn't sit right with some beachgoers like Christian Sanchez.
"I think it's good they're doing it. This beach has had a little bit of issues with the erosion the past couple years, but they probably should have waited for, another time that summer," said Sanchez.
Tacarro Sample says she has seen this play before and isn't sure it really works.
"I don't think sand is the answer. We just had a bunch of sand put out last year. It's just going to waste money. They have to figure out a different plan for it," said Sample.
However, that's not entirely true. What was done last year is not what is being done this year.
According to DNREC, these pumps have been offline for three to four years while undergoing a conversion from diesel to electric power.
DNREC says this testing is important because "moving sand this way is necessary for maintaining a healthy beach and protecting infrastructure from erosion, especially after storms."
According to DNREC, the bypass system will operate on the following schedule: July 14–17, July 21–24, July 28–31, and Aug. 4–6. Each Monday through Thursday, pumping will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During these periods, large volumes of sand will be moved through high-pressure pipes from the south side of the inlet to the north side. The operation is designed to mimic natural sand movement along the Atlantic Coast, maintain beach width, protect infrastructure and improve coastal resilience. The system had been offline for several years before receiving new pumps and an electric motor.