1. (a) Due to the loss of natural features, such as habitat and the ability of the shoreline to move and adapt naturally to coastal hazard events that results from constructing a wall in tidal waters/wetlands, and due to the reflection and redirection of wave energy that can have an adverse effect on surrounding properties and ecology, the department shall not approve the installation of a wall unless required to protect public infrastructure in situations where a softer stabilization technique is shown to be impracticable.

2. (b) The following shall apply to any application to install a wall to stabilize a tidal shoreline:

   1. (1) Walls shall be permitted only if there is insufficient space to cut back slopes to eliminate the need for a wall;

   2. (2) The applicant shall provide:

      1. a. Cross-section and plan views of the proposed installation; and
      2. b. Plans that clearly show the relationship of the project to fixed points of reference, abutting properties, and features of the natural shoreline;
   3. (3) The face of a project shall be angular, not smooth, to minimize reflected wave energy;
   4. (4) Fill shall be allowed only to the extent necessary to achieve structural stability;
   5. (5) Weep holes shall be provided to allow seepage of groundwater and to promote slope stability; and

   6. (6) Walls shall:

      1. a. Not reflect or re-direct currents or wave energy towards adjacent wetlands, structures, or neighboring properties, or otherwise contribute to erosion; and
      2. b. Be concave on the seaward side to reflect wave energy where practicable.

Source. #12806, eff 12-15-19