Orange County Sand Compatibility and Opportunistic Use Program

The Orange County Sand Compatibility and Opportunistic Use Program is designed to streamline the implementation of beach nourishment projects by securing regulatory approvals and environmental clearances in advance, enabling rapid response when suitable sediment sources become available. The initiative targets 25 coastal receiving sites and 10 inland stockpile sites along the Orange County coastline, spanning the Cities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Dana Point, and San Clemente, with the primary goal of restoring eroded beaches and enhancing coastal resilience. All beach nourishment activities under the program must adhere to a stringent, science-based framework that incorporates sediment and water quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other recognized authorities to ensure ecological safety and regulatory compliance. The program is managed by Orange County with key oversight provided by a dedicated team including Regulatory Permitting Manager Giles Matthews and Senior Planner Virginia Gomez, who are responsible for coordinating permitting and planning efforts. Kim Garvey of Moffat & Nichol serves as the project manager for execution support. The initiative is structured to maximize efficiency by eliminating redundant permitting delays, allowing immediate use of opportunistic sand without compromising environmental integrity. The program’s forward-looking approach establishes a proactive regulatory foundation for coastal protection efforts, ensuring that emergency or timely beach restoration can occur swiftly when conditions align, while maintaining full compliance with state and federal environmental guidelines.