The beaches of the Commonwealth and the sites of projects that are consistent with the beneficial use of dredged material, as defined in § 28.2-100, shall be given priority consideration as sites for the disposal of that portion of dredged material determined to be suitable for such use. The Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources shall have the responsibility of determining whether the dredged material is suitable for beach nourishment or whether the dredged material is suitable for projects that are consistent with the beneficial use of dredged material.

1987, cc. 220, 231, § 21-11.16:1; 1988, c. 891; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401; 2026, c. 908.