Boardwalk Realty, Inc

1804 Bienville Blvd. - PO Box 155

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

251-861-3992

Toll free 1-877-861-3992

Dauphin Island's Premiere Source for Quality Vacation Rentals and Property Sales

Click HERE for information on Vacation Rental Homes & Condos and Property Sales

Dauphin Island's Berm Project

What is a berm?

It is basically a man made sand dune, designed to protect the infrastructure and reduce the flooding of our island. The project was proposed over two years ago and its start has been halted time and time again. The federally funded project will add roughly 127,000 cubic yards of sand to the fast-eroding west end beach. The project area is approximately four miles in length extending from just west of the Dauphin Island pier area westward to the end of Bienville Boulevard along the southern (Gulf) shoreline.   The berm is designed to sit on top of a bench that will be constructed to an elevation of a 5 year storm surge level.  The width of the base of the bench and berm will be between 35 to 50 feet.  Height will be 11ft above sea level.  Some areas are already higher than others, in those areas they may have to build up only 6 or 7 feet as opposed to lower areas that may need more elevation.  Heavy equipment will be used to aid in construction of the berm and work could be round the clock until completion.  The project could take as long as four to six months for completion. Sea Oats and walkover areas will be created to help preserve the berm, which will begin to look more like a natural dune line as it is shaped by the elements and planted with vegetation. 

Why does Dauphin Island need a berm?

Coastal erosion has taken a devastating toll on our Island.  Due to offshore dredging practices, Hurricanes  and other environmental factors, our shoreline has diminished drastically. While an engineered beach would be the most effective in restoring the lost beach, our economy and tax base does not generate the revenue needed to easily or quickly fund what could be a project costing $20 million or more.  As a temporary measure the berm will add sand to the beaches and provide some protection for infrastructure; a little help from mother nature should allow our beautiful environment some time to heal after devastating storms like Ivan and Katrina. 

We will make every effort to keep you updated, with regular progress reports, location maps and photos of the berm project. It is our goal for you all to have a wonderful vacation experience and a beautiful shoreline on which to splash and play. We thank you for your support and love of Dauphin Island!

Click here to see updated view pictures from Boardwalk Vacation Rental Homes

Important Documents

Geoweb System Construction Package

Town-Berm Walkover and Sand Fence

Click here for links to additional information. 

Send mail to webmaster@boardwalk-realty.com if you have comments or suggestions with this site. 

Copyright © 2000 Boardwalk Realty, inc.

Last modified: April 28, 2007 10:59:59 AM