​Five Things You Should Know About the NJ Back Bays Study

Mantoloking, NJ following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. (Photo by Greg Thompson - US Fish & Wildlife Service)

In recent years, coastal storms have had a heavy impact on the North Atlantic coast of the United States.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was tasked in 2013 - just after Superstorm Sandy, which caused $37 billion in damage to New Jersey alone - with investigating measures to manage future flood risk “in ways that support the long-term resilience and sustainability of the coastal ecosystem and surrounding communities, and reduce the economic costs and risks associated with flood and storm events.”

Initial work led to recommendations for massive storm surge barriers along the New Jersey Atlantic shoreline. However, the USACE recently released a New Jersey Back Bays (NJBB) Feasibility Study that provides a different roadmap for protecting lives, property, and ecosystems across this vulnerable region.
 
Here’s what everyone should know about the plan:

Superstorm Sandy devastated many towns along New Jersey's bay and ocean shorelines. (Photo by Greg Thompson - US Fish & Wildlife Service)

1. NJ’s Back Bays Are Vulnerable to Flooding
During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, back bay flooding caused devastating damage, that in some communities exceeded the impact of direct ocean storm surges. If left unaddressed, NJ’s back bay communities face an estimated $2.6 billion in annual damages due to future storms and rising sea levels.
 
2. The Plan Covers a Lot of Ground
The feasibility study covers a vast area: 950 square miles of interconnected waterways and 3,500 miles of shoreline spanning 89 municipalities.
 
3. Massive Flood Gates Are Out
Earlier proposals included installing storm gates at inlets such as Manasquan, Barnegat, and Great Egg Harbor. These large-scale structural measures were removed from the current plan due to their high cost, environmental concerns, and challenges in modeling their impacts.
 
4. Nature-Based Solutions Are In
One of the standout recommendations is the restoration of 217 acres of salt marshes using dredged material. These marshes act as natural sponges, absorbing storm surges and reducing flood risk. By enhancing these habitats, the plan not only protects human communities but also bolsters ecosystems that are vital for wildlife and fisheries.
 
5. What’s Next: Federal Review and Funding
The release of the feasibility study is just the beginning. The plan still requires final approval by the Army Corps, funding from Congress, and coordination with local governments. If greenlit, implementation could take up to 11 years, focusing on elevating homes, floodproofing critical infrastructure, and restoring marshlands. Public support and awareness will be crucial to turning these plans into reality.
 
The December 2024 feasibility study offers a clear vision for how to make the New Jersey Back Bays more resilient against future storms. Whether through nature-based solutions or targeted infrastructure improvements, these efforts aim to safeguard communities while respecting the region’s environmental heritage.

Let’s work together to support these vital initiatives!

---