DEM says erosion a concern at Rhode Island state beaches

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — With the recent storms of rain and snow, state beaches in Rhode Island have taken the brunt of the damage.

“There is no question that along with the whole southern coastline of Rhode Island, state beaches got hammered from these recent storms,” Mike Healey from the Department of Environmental Management said.

The DEM spoke on the unfortunate trend that beaches are shrinking and stated the powerful storms could be an indicator of climate change.

“We are stock piling the sand along the end of parking lots at each beach that we are talking about,” Healey said. “We know there are going to be more winter storms and being in New England, we know there are going to be more Nor’easters before the end of the winter.”

For residents living along the coast struggling with beach erosion problems, they want help from the DEM, but the department says that comes with a cost.

“There would have to be a law enacted that would say we are going to have a beach replenishment program,” Healey said. “One thing I would say to people that beach replenishment is a big deal and it is a big cost.”

Local residents reacted to the shocking conditions of the beach.

“The last couple of storms have done the most impact on the beach that I have ever seen,” Joe Molski of Galilee said. “I have never seen that many dead animals up, I have never the beach so eroded and have such a lack of sand on it. Especially around here, this beach has a lot of sand and not a lot of rocks. Right now a lot of rocks, which is a first.”

Healey said the department has high hopes for the summer season.

He added that all states beaches will be cleaned up and ready for Memorial Day weekend.