NORFOLK, Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District team conducted pre-storm coastal inspections on seven areas of beaches throughout Norfolk and Virginia Beach before Hurricane Erin made landfall.
Experts from Norfolk District’s Civil Works, Project Management and Hydrology and Hydraulics departments assessed multiple areas on the Willoughby beach in Norfolk, and the Resort, Croatan and Sandbridge beaches in Virginia Beach in coordination with local partners at the City of Virginia Beach.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has more than 50 specially-trained response teams and cadres who perform a wide range of public works and engineering-related missions.
Every year, USACE deploys hundreds of people to provide technical engineering expertise and to promote capacity development at home and abroad.
The USACE conducts pre-storm coastal inspections as a crucial part of disaster preparedness and risk management efforts. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to flooding from storms.
U.S. coastlines provide social, economic, and ecosystem benefits to the nation. Pre-storm coastal inspections are vital in coastal risk reduction and resilience by doing the following:
- To identify potential vulnerabilities and deficiencies in flood control structures. Pre-storm inspections help to identify any existing weaknesses or damage to structures like levees, dams, seawalls, and other flood protection infrastructure that could compromise their effectiveness during a storm.
- To assess the overall integrity and readiness of coastal defenses. By examining coastal areas and their defenses, USACE can gain an understanding of how well they might withstand the anticipated impacts of an approaching storm.
- To advise local officials on needed maintenance or repairs before a storm hits. If deficiencies are found, USACE can recommend necessary actions to address them, potentially preventing larger failures or mitigating their consequences during the event.
- To inform flood fighting efforts and resource allocation during a storm. Knowing the condition of coastal infrastructure helps USACE to better coordinate emergency response plans, including where to deploy resources like sandbags, pumps, and personnel.
- To support the efficient and effective response and recovery efforts. By identifying potential problems and taking preventative measures, USACE can contribute to a more rapid and successful recovery in the aftermath of a storm.
- To provide insight on damaged areas caused by storms for Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) projects rehabilitation. Under the Corps Rehabilitation program, USACE can provide repairs for damages to eligible federal or non-federal Flood Risk Management Projects and federal CSRMS projects if the repairs are beyond the normal operations and maintenance, physical, and financial capabilities of the project sponsor who owns and maintains the project.
Pre-storm coastal inspections help USACE to be better prepared, respond more effectively, and ultimately reduce the risk and impact of coastal storms on lives and property.
The USACE is part of the federal government’s unified national response to emergencies as the lead agency for public works, engineering, and coordination of long-term infrastructure recovery.
When disasters occur, USACE teams and other resources are mobilized from across the country to assist our divisions, districts and offices to deliver response missions.
The Norfolk District is prepared and ready to respond to natural disasters and overseas contingencies.