Pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 22, the 1978 Genera l Assembly created the Coastal Erosion Abatement Commission to study the effects or erosion on beaches, islands and inlets of the Commonwealth and to make such recommendations as deemed necessary to prevent the further destruction of those resources. (See Appendix A.) The Commission held an organizational meeting in May, 1978 and a two-day,  combined instructional meeting and public meeting in June, 1978.  Commission members conducted various site visits in 1978 and 1979.

The Commonwealth tidal shoreline, which exceeds 5,000 miles in length, comprises a wide diversity of shores. These include the low-lying barrier islands or the Eastern Shore; the ocean front headland-barrier spit of southeastern Virginia; and the shores of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, which range from huge bluffs to tidal marshes.  All of these shore types are affected by the natural process of erosion.  Problems and issues arise when shoreline use itself causes erosion which adversely affects adjacent shoreline areas. Thus, individuals may be agents as well as victims of shoreline erosion. The extent and variety or tidal  shoreline erosion in Virginia is a pernicious problem. Mitigation of its impact is by no means a simple matter technically, legally, economically or institutionally.

Tidal shoreline erosion in Virginia poses difficult challenges to the State, to the localities, and to private citizens. Erosion can result in a loss of fastland property and improvements thereon and a loss of taxable lands. It may result in an influx or sediment into the estuarine system and small tidal creek entrances, endangering marine resources, disrupting recreational and commercial navigation, and requiring costly dredging. Severe erosion may require substantial public and private investment to protect property and structures. Shoreline erosion does supply sand to beaches fringing the Bay system and the ocean shoreline. All but the latter impact may be perceived as distinct problems.

Management of shoreline erosion involves one or a combination of two basic strategies:  (1) physical measures to inhibit the natural erosion process, such as groin fields, revetments, bulkheads, or vegetation; and (2) institutional measures to prevent or reduce victimization, such as setback lines. This report does not address the technical aspects of these shoreline erosion management strategies. (The reader is referred to the previously cited report Shoreline Erosion for this information.)

Shoreline erosion is viewed herein from the perspective of ownership. This report focuses on the role of state government on matters of public beach erosion and advisory assistance to property owners. The report includes a discussion of the Commission's findings at its site visits, a discussion of the causes and effects of shoreline erosion, and detailed recommendations for the conservation and development of public beaches and the need for advisory assistance to private property owners. The report also includes a summary of the legal issues Involved in addressing shoreline erosion, and specific legislative recommendations.

The Commission recognizes that coastal erosion is a long-standing problem or major proportions in Virginia. The Commission likewise recognizes that there is no easy solution to the erosion problem.  Accordingly, the Commission does not offer this report as a final solution to the coastal erosion problem, but rather offers this report as a starting point in an attempt to control the serious effects of coastal erosion.