BEACH REPORT NOV 2011 - St Francis Bay Residents Association

It is a full 2 years since I first installed the Danish PEM system on our beach. There have been regular GPS surveys done by independent professional surveyors every 2 months during that time to monitor and record the results. The GPS readings (182 points in total) are taken in exactly the same position, directly above every one of the initial filter installation points, each time. This ensures the utmost accuracy. In November 2008 we started with a measured volume of beach sand in the target area of 41841.6m3. This increased during favourable conditions to in excess of 80000m3. Portion of that accumulated buffer is eroded during the winter storms each year, which is to be expected. The average volume in 2009 after the winter storms, stood at 47123m3. This year, 2010, the surveys show we are left with an average volume of 62086m3, again after the winter weather has done its worst! This is already 50% up on the November 2008 base datum, and is visibly increasing with settled weather. There can surely no longer be any doubt that the system is working. Remember the Danes contract is only to stop erosion. Historically our beach recorded a nett loss of 40000m3 to 60000 m3 every year, for years before the PEM installation. Not only has this erosion been completely stopped, but we are slowly rebuilding the beach, as an extra bonus, at absolutely no extra cost. Attached is a survey graph showing the beach volumes as measured every 2 months over the past 2 years. The storm erosion in winter each year is clearly seen. In the past that sand was completely lost to the beach. Assisted by PEM this no longer the case, the beach quickly rebuilds to a positive level.

Let us hope this trend continues for years to come, though, of course, there is no guarantee with nature. Thanks to all of you, and to Paddy and Joe, who have supported and assisted the PEM beach effort.