Oregon Shores testified and provided written comments to the hearing on the application by the SeaRidge Condominiums in Depoe Bay for a massive riprap revetment. The hearing took place on Aug. 14. The decision by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) staff is due within 45 days.

In a rare turn of events, the hearing on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3051 took place through a “Director’s Initiative,” meaning that OPRD staff members were concerned enough about the potential impacts of the proposed revetment, which would occupy 600 feet of shoreline, standing 24 feet high and 42 feet wide, to call for a hearing themselves, rather than wait for the public to demand one.

In announcing the hearing, OPRD stated that the department must “determine if the granting of such permit would in any way be detrimental to the interests and safety of the public and to the preservation of the natural resource, scenic, recreational and economic values of the ocean shore,” in accordance with state regulations.

The hearing explored a number of issues, including:

  • Whether there are reasonable alternatives to the proposed design or construction methods that would better protect the ocean shore, including recreation, scenic, and natural resources;
  • Whether the proposed project was designed to avoid and minimize damage to, and retain the scenic attraction of, the known ancient forest remnants at the site;
  • Whether the proposed shoreline armoring would deflect waves onto neighboring properties and increase erosion there; and
  • Whether it would be possible to move the condos back rather than damage the public shoreline.

Regardless of the final decision, it is encouraging to see OPRD give a shoreline armoring project such a close degree of scrutiny.

Written by: Phillip Johnson, Shoreline and Land Use Manager

Photo: Erosion at Searidge condos by Loren Nelson

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