About Terminal Groins

• A terminal groin is a sediment management structure that reduces beach erosion by retaining a predetermined amount of sand before it reaches the inlet. Once the sand forms an "accretion fillet" to protect the shoreline, sand generally continues its normal flow by moving over, through or around the structure.
• Terminal groins are designed to be relatively unobtrusive - they are limited in length and built as low as possible to the waterline.
• A terminal groin is not a sea wall, that runs parallel to the beach. Terminal groins are low-lying structures and are typically located at the shoulders of an inlet and run perpendicular to the shoreline. They do not run parallel to the beach and are not considered coastal armoring like sea walls.

The Benefits of Terminal Groins

Terminals groins will significantly reduce beach erosion, reduce the frequency of beach nourishment projects and slow the migration of inlets. These structures can enhance public recreation areas by creating wide sandy beaches and reduce the amount of sediment in inlets to help recreational boaters and fisherman maneuver through inlets.

A proven track record: These erosion control structures have a proven track record in North Carolina and are widely used in coastal states around the nation. There are two existing terminal groins in North Carolina — at Fort Macon (Beaufort Inlet) in Carteret County and at the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge (Oregon Inlet) in Dare County - that have successfully slowed beach erosion without the type of adverse impacts predicted by many. Currently only Oregon and North Carolina do not allow new terminal groins.

No impact on the natural beauty of our coast: Terminal groins are designed to be relatively unobtrusive. The only currently permitted management tools at inlets are sandbags, which are unsightly and environmentally unfriendly. Sandbags often impede public access and enjoyment of the beach strand as well as impairing the rebuilding of a wide, sandy beach. A terminal groin would restore a wide, sandy beach, enhancing public access and enjoyment while also improving environmental habitat.

Environmental protections remain in place: A comprehensive Environmental Impact Study would be required before the construction of any terminal groin could be approved. The EIS process allows significant public input from all stakeholders and end-users. The proposed statute also requires long-term monitoring of the structure’s performance.

More Information

Click here to review a presentation about terminal groins.

"Terminal Structures: Definitions, Processes and Examples" a presentation given to the Meeting of North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission Morehead City, NC February 11, 2009

In The Reality of Shifting Inlets in One Small Community on our Coast, Mayor Debbie Smith discusses the impact on Ocean Isle Beach.

Review pictures and information about the Terminal Groin on South Amelia Island, Nassua County, Florida.

Current North Carolina Terminal Groins are shown and discussed in this PDF.

The Fort Macon, North Carolina Terminal Structure is shown in this PDF.

Read the Ediorial by Harry Simmons, mayor of the Town of Caswell Beach.