News Flash

Jan. 7, 2020 - Hampton’s Public Works Department has devised a way to add sand to Buckroe Beach and save taxpayers more than $100,000 at the same time. 

The stormwater team has been working on a project to retain more water and reduce flooding at Indian Creek in the Wythe area. As part of that project, they arranged for dredging the creek. Rather than disposing of the dredged material, they suggested using it to replenish the sand at Buckroe Beach. The dredging contractor deposited the sand from the creek bottom into a pile on Buckroe Beach (because some people carelessly dispose of bottles and other things, there was still some trash in the dredged sand). 

As part of the city’s plan, the contractor sifts through the dredged material to remove debris (even large natural debris) before spreading it onto the beach. However, there was a period over the weekend and early Monday when residents noticed the debris in the sand and became concerned, not knowing that part of the process included sifting and cleaning. Public Works noted the concern and plans to fence off areas during future sand replenishment efforts.  In the meantime, Public Works said the new sand will look considerably darker than the regular sand on the beach, but it will naturally lighten after two to three weeks under the sun. 

Residents are reminded to properly dispose of trash and other materials, because they can get into local waterways, polluting the water for both people and animals. Concerned residents are invited to work with the Hampton Clean City Commission. To learn more, visit www.hampton.gov/cleancity.