Plans for popular Obyan Beach take shape

Over the past few months, this page has highlighted inter-agency efforts to decrease stormwater runoff and sedimentation at Laulau and Obyan beaches. Recently, the Obyan project reached a milestone, with the completion of Phase I construction documents and specifications. EFC Engineers & Architects has delivered plans to CRM detailing many improvements to the site. Why should you care? Read on to find more…

Obyan Beach is one of Saipan’s most popular recreational areas for locals and tourists alike. Obyan’s well-developed reef ecosystem allows divers and snorkelers to observe a wide variety of corals, fish, and marine invertebrate species. A beautiful white sand beach and shade trees, combined with views of the reef, ocean, and neighboring Tinian Island make Obyan an ideal recreational location, and provide prime nesting habitat for sea turtles. In addition to its natural features, Obyan contains significant historical sites, such as a World War II Japanese bunker and machine gun nests; pre-Spanish era Chamorro latte stones, basalt mortar stones, slingstones; and pottery shards from the pre-Latte, Latte, and Spanish eras.

Unfortunately, Obyan faces some serious problems. Obyan’s reef ecosystem is threatened by sedimentation caused by stormwater runoff and erosion of the unpaved access road and areas adjacent to the parking lot. Lack of beach access controls allows vehicles onto the beach, damaging turtle habitat. Erosion threatens historical sites. Lack of trash receptacles encourages littering. Informational signage is needed.

Coral Reef Management, Division of Environmental Quality, Department of Public Works, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Historic Preservation Office and other Watershed Group agencies have joined forces to address these needs. The first step was to come up with a plan. CRM received grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to pay for a conceptual site improvement plan, and for engineering design of Phase I improvements. Phase 1 includes access road paving and drainage (erosion controls), and beach access improvements (stairs and trash receptacles at the existing parking lot). EFC was selected for the project, and has worked closely with CRM to address the concerns of all Watershed Group agencies. Phase II of the project will concentrate on parking lot improvements such as enhanced drainage, landscaping, a stone wall to replace the existing tire bales; and visitor amenities such as restoration of historical sites, informational signage, tables, and barbecue pits.

Unfortunately, funding has not yet been secured for construction of these improvements. However, NOAA, CRM, and the Watershed Group are all working hard to locate required funding. Phase I construction costs have been estimated at approximately $500,000. This will pay for a number of improvements. First, the road from the airport access road to the parking lot will be entirely paved. Drainage swales on both sides of the road will capture the rainwater and channel it through intermediate ponding basins. These basins will slow down the flow of the water, allowing some of the sediment to settle out as the water descends to the base of the road. The existing gravel parking area at the base of the road will become a series of three large, terraced ponding basins. The water will be captured here and can percolate through the gravel bottom of the basin, rather than rushing into the ocean. In very heavy rainstorms, water may overflow the basins, but much of the sediment will already have settled out, and a rock-lined channel will prevent erosion as the water drains to the ocean.

Meanwhile, cars will be prevented from driving onto the beach with the construction of a low stone wall at the base of the access road. Additionally, stairs will be constructed at the center and both ends of the existing paved parking lot. This will make pedestrian access to the beach easier and safer, while preventing illegal vehicle access. At each stairway, trash receptacles will also be provided.

This project will not only improve the health of Obyan’s marine environment, but will also enhance the quality of the beach for locals and tourists as well.

(This article was written by Qamar Schuyler and Tim Lang, from CRM.)