Plum Island Erosion

Plum Island Center has seen excessive erosion in the past three years with some severe storms. In past years the erosion was mainly offset by the dredging of the mouth of the Merrimack River by the Corps of Engineers every few years with the resultant sand deposited just off shore. With the natural motion due to tide and current the eroded beach would be restored. Recent loss of the Buzzotta Cottage and the threat to other properties, has brought Federal,State and local officials together seeking guidance and solutions to the problem. Plum Island Aerodrome was utilized as Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency(MEMA) personnel were transported by Mass Air National Guard helicopter to the area to meet with Newbury and Newburyport officials. The Helo crew shown in the photo are CW5 McCabe (pilot) CW4 Ivers(copilot) and SFC Sparrow(Flt. Engineer).