Cape Cod Coastal Resilience

ICM was engaged by a private client on Cape Cod to assess shoreline vulnerability and provide schematic-level recommendations for coastal protection. The study considered seasonal and storm-driven erosion, future sea level rise, and practical construction and maintenance constraints.

Project Details

• Client: Private client

• Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

• Date: 2024

About This Project

The Challenge

The beachfront dune system and adjacent properties face ongoing erosion from seasonal conditions and extreme storms, with future risk elevated by sea level rise. The client sought options that improve protection to the dunes and vegetation, reduce routine maintenance activities and cost, and reduce coastal erosion hazards to the residential properties.

The Solution

ICM completed a schematic design report and provided several potential options. Recommendations were intentionally flexible and scalable, ranging from soft measures to support the dune and beach, to targeted enhancements and upgrades that improve day-to-day performance, through to regional sand management strategies where appropriate. The package included schematic layouts, order-of-magnitude costing considerations, and planning guidance to inform next steps with local approvals specialists.

“We focused on clear choices that balance performance, buildability, and approvals so the client can move forward with confidence.” - Aaron Salyer, ICM

Services Provided

• Data review and coastal processes assessment

• Shoreline vulnerability screening

• Options analysis and concept development

• Schematic layouts and order-of-magnitude cost considerations

• Planning guidance for approvals and implementation staging