The Minerals Management Service: continental shelf sand activities 2003

Over a decade ago the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and coastal states recognized that the outer continental shelf (OCS) sand resources represent a viable and critical source for protection of the Nation´s shores and wetlands. Because of this strategic view to the future, the MMS/State cooperatives have identified over 2 billion cubic yards of sand resources, and the MMS has conveyed over 20 million cubic yards of sand for 14 shore protection projects. MMS is able to convey these resources when they are needed because in addition to locating and characterizing the resources, it has also done the environmental studies and analysis necessary to ensure that the sand can be removed without significant impact to the environment.