Seal Beach declares emergency over sand loss before El Niño

Seal Beach has ratified a local emergency declaration aimed at speeding preparations for coastal erosion, sand loss and expected El Niño impacts, Voice of OC reported.

The move makes Seal Beach one of four Orange County coastal cities — along with Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente — to declare local emergencies as officials look for sand-replenishment options.

Seal Beach City Manager Patrick Gallegos first declared the emergency Sept. 22, and the City Council ratified it at its Sept. 28 meeting, according to Voice of OC. The declaration gives the city more flexibility in some contracting tied to coastal issues and directs departments to track emergency-related costs and damage.

"The purpose of this action is to put the city in a stronger position to prepare early, protect our community and respond effectively as conditions develop," Gallegos, the city manager, said at the meeting, according to Voice of OC. He said officials are "taking timely steps to protect residents, property, and public infrastructure."

City officials do not yet know the amount of sand lost or the total costs tied to the problem, Voice of OC reported. Gallegos said sand remains a priority as the city reviews possible solutions, including contractors, consultants, other cities and community input.

"We’re looking at every option. We’re hearing from contractors [and] consultants. We’re hearing from other cities [and] community members about this very important topic, and so we are listening, and we have this as a top priority," Gallegos said, according to Voice of OC.

One possible path is seeking sand through the Army Corps of Engineers, though Gallegos said that route would take longer than the city wants. Councilmember Joe Kalmick said the city should keep pressing federal officials: "In the meantime, we need to continue to lobby congress and to make sure the Army Corps has us at the top of the list for replenishment."

Public Works Director Iris Lee said the preferred sand-pumping site would be off Surfside because of compatibility and the quantity of sand there, but funding remains a challenge, Voice of OC reported. Residents can pick up sand bags at fire stations 44 and 48 and are encouraged to sign up for AlertOC and Nixle alerts.

The council is expected to revisit the emergency at least every 60 days to decide whether it should remain in effect.