Posted on January 7, 2026
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. — Efforts remain ongoing to fix heavy erosion issues that are causing concern on the Isle of Palms.
Despite not having a major weather event last year, the beachfront city still saw some damaging impacts. “We’ve had these king tides, we’ve had pretty significant northeast winds that drive the tides higher than what’s stated, or what’s expected,” Mayor Phillip Pounds explained.
Current erosion conditions on the island’s northern portion have lead to the city upping renourishment efforts by two years.
“We’ll do this in 2026. Our hope is that it’ll last at least 8 years,” Pounds said.
The work, which if permits are in place in time, could start in the late spring, early summer. The project is estimated to cost the city around $25 million.
And that’s not the only project impacting the island.
“The projects going on right now include permitting for a major beach renourishment project that includes placement of about 2 million cubic yards of sand on the north and south end of the island. Also, the Corps of Engineers is currently placing sand on the south end of the island as part of beneficial use projects,” explained Steven Traynum, the president of Coastal Science and Engineering, a consultant being used by the city.
No matter where the erosion is on the island, fixing it is a big deal.
“So beach nourishment is incredibly needed right now at the city,” Traynum continued. “The south end a couple of years ago had some uncharacteristic erosion that occurred. It was very traumatic.”
The Army Corps of Engineers’ work at Breach Inlet is a federal project that doesn’t cost the city anything. However, to keep up with the Wild Dunes efforts and future renourishment projects, Mayor Pounds says IOP will need help.
He’s been speaking with lawmakers about that potential funding.
According to Pounds, keeping the beach lifestyle in good health is key to the city’s survival. “It’s our engine. Economic engine for sure.”
