Mobilization was to begin this week for the commencement of a stormwater abatement and control project at the Louse Point Road parking area and beach access in Springs.
“Significant erosion at the inlet has caused deterioration of the north sand dune and has resulted in excess asphalt overhanging the top of the dune,” according to East Hampton Town’s website. “Lack of stormwater detention has also caused erosion of the parking area and walking paths.”
Excess pavement overhanging the dune is to be removed and the area stabilized through revegetation with native plantings. The parking area is also to be regraded to include a berm to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion to the dune by directing water to flow to a pervious parking area, where washed quartz and crushed gravel will replace the asphalt millings installed last year by the Highway Department as a temporary fix. Walking paths are also to be stabilized and improved.
“The need and efficacy of a bioretention area will be explored for the east side of the parking lot,” according to the town.
The Accabonac Protection Committee helped to formulate the plan, according to a letter from the committee to members, “making sure that measures were taken to maintain the natural setting of the area. Much of the work will involve the restoration of sand dunes, grass, and shrubs at the Point.”
Parts of the area will be cordoned off by a six-foot-tall fence, the committee wrote, and the area may not always be accessible. The project is scheduled to be completed by the early spring.
