Construction of Seal Beach’s sand berm has begun ahead of winter storm season

CITY OF SEAL BEACH

The City of Seal Beach began construction of its winter sand berm on Oct. 19. Work will continue through early November and residents should anticipate the presence of heavy machinery, which is used to relocate sand during construction of the berm.

• What is a sand berm? A sand berm is a raised mound, ridge or wall of sand that runs parallel to the shoreline and is used as a protective barrier against strong waves, flooding and storm surges. Seal Beach’s berm protects homes and businesses along the coast between the Anaheim Bay jetties and the pier—including the boardwalk, Seal Way and adjacent parking lots, all of which are at high risk of flooding and have flooded in the past.

• Why does the city create a berm every winter? For the past several years, berm construction has begun around October, and removal has been delayed due to the frequency of winter storms that occur as late as May.

• Why has there been so much focus on the berm this year?

El Niño weather conditions are expected to bring above-average rains and potentially powerful waves to the Southern California coastline. The sand berm is important in protecting the coastline from coastal flooding, storm surges and high tides.

The City of Seal Beach began construction of its winter sand berm on Oct. 19. Work will continue through early November.

Paul Kryczko