14 May 2010
Shoreham Port is working with Southern Water and Brighton & Hove City Council to solve three problems in one project.
In addition to the normal shingle transfer from west to east across the harbour entrance over 13,000 tonnes of beach material is being shifted from Black Rock to Southwick Beach.
Southern Water constructed a new surface water outfall on the beach at Black Rock four years ago and since then they have had problems with rising beach levels causing blockages.
Brighton & Hove City Council is also keen to manage the beach levels along its coastline, and this project assists in combating the loss of shingle by long shore drift from west to east.
The scheme is being funded by Southern Water and Shoreham Port with help from Brighton & Hove City Council on the practical aspects of the work. It should also benefit the Marina by reducing the amount of beach material moving past their entrance.
Deputy Port Engineer, Brian Rousell, said "This is a great example of public bodies working together for the benefit of local people and businesses. By carefully managing the beaches we are reducing the risk of coastal flooding and damage to property all the way from the Port to the Marina."
The beach levels will be monitored over the coming months to see if this project needs to be repeated alongside the regular operations of the Port.
