Engineering solutions, such as shoreline hardening through use of sea walls or sandtraps such as groins and breakwaters, can protect coastal property, but usually at high costs to both property owners and taxpayers. Beach nourishment has fewer side effects but requires a commitment to replace sand every few years or after major storms.
Costs can be even higher, and usually are a public expense.
The Committee on Coastal Erosion Zone Management of the National Academy of Sciences has recommended similar setbacks for all U.S. coastlines. With the cost of beach nourishment deemed unacceptable, shoreline setbacks and relocation of erosion-threatened buildings are the only options. The intent is to avoid the problem initially and retreat from erosion as it threatens the building. A civil engineer, Rogers has been dealing with issues of coastal hazards and in particular erosion issues for a good number of years. He has testified before Congress on erosion issues and served as a consultant to FEMA as well.