The Lower Columbia Solutions Group & the Sediment Management Project at the Mouth of the Columbia River | Capitol Beach

November 18, 2020

Lower Columbia Solutions Group wins ASBPA's Wiegel Award

On The Capitol Beach, Derek Brockbank speaks with representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers, US EPA, the State of Washington and the State of Oregon -- just a few of the many members of the Lower Columbia Solutions Group -- who won this year’s Robert Wiegel Coastal Project Award from the ASBPA for the ongoing sediment management project at the mouth of the Columbia River. This “lifetime achievement award” for coastal project was presented for a series of interconnected projects that maximize the beneficial use of sediment dredged from the Federal Navigation Channel in the Columbia River. These projects include, among others, nearshore thin layer placement in multiple sites to provide sediment to naturally feed the adjacent beaches, while protecting sensitive habitat. Perhaps more impressive than the innovative projects, is that collaborative process of agency and stakeholder engagement that led to them and the robust monitoring and scientific research that ensures their effectiveness. This is a story of government and community stakeholders working together to ensure a healthy coastline that works for (nearly) everyone!

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Derek Brockbank

Derek Brockbank is Executive Director of Coastal States Organization (CSO), which represents the nation’s Coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues. With two decades of experience in Washington DC on coastal adaptation policy and organizational development, Derek is connecting state coastal management programs with federal agencies and resources in order to address the greatest coastal challenges facing society. He previously served as executive director for the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) where he led the strategic planning and outreach, government affairs, and development goals of the nation’s leading organization advocating for beach and coastal restoration. Prior to starting with ASBPA, Derek worked as campaign director for a coalition effort to restore the Mississippi River Delta and Coastal Louisiana, and was part of a gulf-wide campaign to pass the RESTORE Act, securing billions of dollars for Gulf Coast restoration. This followed up on his work with National Wildlife Federation on climate adaption. Derek grew up in New York City and got his coastal education from an early age playing on the beaches of Long Island, and kayaking and fishing in Peconic Bay.