Pawleys Island, SC
Long-stalled restoration efforts were advanced through coordinated planning, unlocking large-scale beach and dune restoration.
At a Glance
From concept through construction, CSE led Pawleys Island with rigorous shoreline analysis, stakeholder alignment, and seamless state and federal permitting. More than one million cubic yards of compatible sand rebuilt the recreational beach, reduced overwash risk, and stabilized chronic erosion. The restored beach-dune system strengthens storm readiness and supports healthy, self-sustaining coastal processes.
Overcoming Erosion and Stalled Action
Chronic erosion and hurricane-driven breaches along the southern end of Pawleys Island left homes and infrastructure increasingly exposed to storm impacts. Despite pursuing a federal solution for more than a decade, the community saw little progress while shoreline risks continued to grow. The Town needed a clear, implementable path to restore storm protection, rebuild dunes, and stabilize one of the island's most vulnerable shoreline segments.
Fast-Tracking a Buildable Coastal Protection Solution
Comprehensive surveys and engineering analysis translated shoreline risks into a constructible restoration design focused on the island's highest-priority erosion zones. Strategic coordination with regulators and the community cleared the path for timely permitting and efficient construction sequencing. Targeted sand placement and dune rebuilding restored beach width, reduced overwash vulnerability, and supported long-term shoreline and habitat recovery.
Reestablishing Natural Defenses Along a High-Risk Shoreline
The project rebuilt a continuous beach and dune system that significantly improves storm protection for vulnerable properties and infrastructure. Newly placed sand buried long-exposed groins, improving shoreline continuity and restoring natural beach function for the first time in decades. The restored foredune system enhances habitat, supports natural sediment movement, and strengthens the island's long-term coastal resilience.
Project Transformation
See the dramatic difference our coastal engineering solutions made.
Large-scale nourishment rebuilt Pawleys Island’s beach and dunes, burying long-exposed groins and creating a wider, more protective shoreline built for long-term performance.
"Community education and local project sponsorship have given Pawleys Island greater control over the future of its oceanfront and marsh habitats."
Patrick Barrineau
CSE/Project Manager
Explore More Beach Nourishment Work
Head back to our projects to see everything under Beach Nourishment.
Explore Beach Nourishment