EP 1130-2-520
29 Nov 96
CHAPTER 3 - PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AT JETTIES, GROINS,
AND BREAKWATERS
3-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance on determining the appropriate level of
protection to be provided for public health and safety at USACE-maintained jetties, groins, and
breakwaters in the absence of cost sharing for recreation.
3-2. Applicability. This chapter applies to all USACE commands having responsibility for civil
works navigation functions and structures within the navigable waters of the United States.
3-3. Background.
a. The USACE currently operates and maintains 667 jetties, groins, and breakwaters in
the coastal and Great Lakes regions of the United States. Approximately one-half (318) of these
USACE structures are used by the public for recreation. This pamphlet will provide national
consistency in the procedure for determining needs for public health and safety at all USACE
jetties, groins, and breakwaters.
b. The physical nature and setting of jetties, groins, and breakwaters makes them
inherently dangerous for general public use and at the same time, attractive to fishermen and
recreationists.
3-4. Guidance. Three alternatives are provided to meet health and safety needs at USACE-
maintained jetties, groins, and breakwaters. MSC commanders shall determine which alternative
or combination of alternatives to select based upon site specific rationale.
a. No action. This "do nothing" alternative provides the lower end of a range of options,
and may be appropriate for instances where negligible safety hazards exist or public access is not
readily provided.
b. Post warning signs. Under this alternative, warning signs would be posted, regularly
inspected, and replaced as often as necessary to inform and alert the public of hazardous
conditions related to the jetty, groin, or breakwater. All signing will be in accordance with the
Sign Standards Manual, EP 310-1-6a and b. This alternative provides safety warning for public
visitors while not encouraging public use of these structures.
c. Deny entry or access. This alternative requires installation of a fence, barricade, or
other suitable construction that precludes entry or access onto jetties, groins, and breakwaters.
Before entry or access is closed to the public, consideration should be given to the extent of
public use and determination of potential hazards. Such an option, on an individual basis, may be
necessary in dealing with a particularly dangerous jetty, groin, or breakwater.
3-5. Providing other Minimum Facilities for Public Health and Safety. The policy for the
protection of public health and safety at jetties, groins, and breakwaters precludes the
construction of minimum facilities such as walkways, handrails, and sanitary facilities since these
provisions tend to encourage public use and might increase the risk to safety of the visiting public.
Where this is impractical, any such facilities will require approval by CECW-OD and
CESO.
3-1
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