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New Report Says Santa Barbara Could See Significant Impacts Of Sea Level Rise In As Soon As A Decade

Santa Barbara's East Beach is one of the parts of the city's coastline which could be heavily impacted by sea level rise, according to a new report.

Parts of a South Coast city’s popular oceanfront boulevard could be hit by storm waves and ocean flooding in as little as a decade, according to a new report on sea level rise.

The sea level rise adaptation plan looks at some of the potential impacts on the City of Santa Barbara. The report says the city could face more than six feet of sea level rise by the year 2100, and recommends actions to deal with the issue.

The study says while the impacts of sea level rise have been minimal so far, the rate is now accelerating. The impacts include things like bluff erosion, and increased storm and tidal flooding.

It suggests that by 2030, storm waves could create coastal flooding on parts of Cabrillo Boulevard.  And, it says that parts of Santa Barbara’s coastline will experience long-term bluff erosion.

Recommendations include increased sea level monitoring, adding sand berms or dunes at East Beach, Ledbetter Beach, and Arroyo Burro Beach, and relocating or flood-proofing sewer mains.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
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