Chadwich Beach, N.J. Residents Complain Rebuilt Dune Is Ugly, Smelly
CHADWICK BEACH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Some Jersey Shore residents have complained that their newly rebuilt dune stinks.
As CBS 2's Don Champion reported, residents of Chadwick Beach just north of Seaside Heights say their normally picturesque beaches have been ruined by dark, smelly sand.
Resident Bill Krick said his daily walks along the beach have been stained.
He's among residents bothered by the sand used for a new dune.
"It's not the beach. Usually, we have nice white sand and softness. This looks like almost roadfill," Krick told Champion.
Beyond the dark color, some have even complained about the rotten egg smell the sand gives off.
Champion reported he did not get a whiff of the offending aroma on Wednesday, but waterfront homeowner Judy Fieseler said she's heard complaints.
"Just people walking by, some were happy, some were not happy," she told Champion.
Fieseler, whose home survived superstorm Sandy without any major damage, said she doesn't mind the sand.
The town of Toms River built the dune using sand dredged from the nearby Barnegat Bay. Town officials got permission from residents to build the dune.
"We just are happy to have something that will keep the water from coming back," Fieseler told Champion.
Despite concerns, state environmental protection officials said the sand has been tested for safety and that the color is only temporary.
In a statement, a representative said the sand "meets DEP standards, which require at least 90 percent sand content. The sand appears darker because it is very saturated and has some natural organic material in it from sitting at the bottom of the bay."
Officials say the color and smell will go away over time and added sunlight will help bleach the sand.
Krick is hoping that happens sooner than later.
"It's kind of ruining the beauty of the beach," he told Champion.
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