This project is a result of the January 2024 storm event that was declared a federal disaster.
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this Project is to provide an emergency dune along Old Orchard Beach by restoring the dune system in areas not currently at elevations to protect against a 5-year storm event with sand from an upland borrow source. The restoration will provide resiliency to the coastal shoreline while protecting the structures and infrastructure adjacent to be beach for up to a 5-year storm event.
The project area includes:
The engineers identified two areas for sand replacement in the frontal dunes:
- Fill Area 1 is a 400 ft section on the southern most end of the Project area near Porter Road and New Salt Road. This area lost up to 4.5 ft sand. Sand will be placed above the highest astronomical tide (HAT) line to elevation +15.6 feet NAVD88 in Fill Area 1.
- Fill Area 2 is a 2,700 feet section between the Atlantis Motel and the northern extent of Wavelet St. Sand will be placed above the highest astronomical tide (HAT) line to up to pre-storm elevations (+12 ft NAVD88)
Proposed Schedule
In Maine, dune activities must be performed between October 1 and March 15. Assuming all permits are received, this Project is expected to be completed between October 1, 2025 and November 30, 2025.
Click here for the link to the Project Summary Report from the Anchor QEA Engineers
Construction Update – October 2025
The government shutdown has delayed the construction of this project. Old Orchard Beach is leading the way as the first of the regional berm projects to near completion of FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) review with one final step left to complete —consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding shorebird protection under the Endangered Species Act, which is expected to conclude by November 1, 2025, however with the government shutdown this may be delayed. Once USFWS concurrence is received, the EHP review will be finalized.
While early coordination efforts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) aimed to streamline the process, FEMA has since moved forward independently with agency consultations. These are progressing steadily, and all berm projects are expected to clear the EHP queue by December 2025.
The Town has met with the contractor and the Director of York County EMA, Art Cleaves, to coordinate the construction schedule and determine Town assistance where needed. As mentioned previously once USFWS concurrence is received, the EHP review will be finalized, and permits will be issued so construction can begin. We are still within the construction window for dune activities of October 1 and March 15.
Please check back for further updates.