Indian River Inlet, Del. — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control started testing its sand bypass system Monday. The project will continue through August as crews pump sand from the south side of the inlet to the north side to help rebuild beaches and protect infrastructure. Beach visitors at Delaware Seashore State Park have been alerted about temporary closures and safety precautions during the operation. DNREC asks people to avoid the area while pumping is underway. The sand bypass pumps have been offline for three to four years as they were upgraded from diesel engines to electric motors. Testing will be conducted Monday through Thursday on July 14-17, July 21-24, July 28-31, and August 4-6. Pumping will run daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. DNREC says the operation mimics natural coastal sand movement, which is vital for maintaining beach width and preventing erosion, especially following storms. This work supports the long-term resilience of Delaware’s shoreline.
