Approved by the Energy, Environment, and Water Policy Committee On March 21, 2025 
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on May 21, 2025
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 10, 2025

Policy 

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the continued operation and expansion of coastal data collection and modeling programs at the federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, ASCE supports:

  • Funding and operation of coastal research programs that focus on changing weather patterns, estuarine science, and other emerging topics.
  • The adoption of modern data collection methods, such as remote sensing, internet-based monitoring systems, and real-time data analytics to improve the accuracy and timeliness of coastal data.
  • Regular updates and expansion of coastal modeling programs and studies such as the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study. State and local government coastal data collection programs to support, amplify, and fill data gaps within federal programs.
  • Efforts to improve access to data, calculations, and models for civil engineers and other professionals.
  • Programs to increase public access and understanding of coastal data and its importance.
  • Establish a framework for periodic review and updating of coastal data collection policies to incorporate technological advances and emerging challenges.

Issue 

The essential coastal data collection programs of conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and other agencies are crucial for effective coastal zone planning, development, and the operation, maintenance, management, retrofitting and decommissioning of infrastructure. The growing number and complexity of coastal environmental issues elevate the need for expanded coastal-zone data collection and research. Issues of local, state, and national concern such as climate change and wetlands preservation increase the need for coastal data collection and research, but threats to funding and competition among these programs strains the effort to provide consistent and effective data. 

The federal government should take the lead in collecting and making available all necessary data to monitor and forecast water levels, storm surge, coastal erosion, wind, sediment transport, significant weather events, groundwater, and other coastal processes. There should be adequate funding on a continuing basis to allow for long-term data collection. 

Rationale 

Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and closure of physical infrastructure within coastal zones. A complete understanding of the current and future coastal hazards present in these locations is essential. Development of infrastructure within the coastal zone relies on accurate coastal data so that it remains functional, resilient, and safe for the intended design life of these facilities. 

Sound decisions relating to planning, design, maintenance, management, and conservation require a thorough understanding of coastal processes and hazards. Such an understanding can only be developed through observation, research, and assessment programs which provide long-term, accurate, and reliable data.

ASCE Policy Statement 330
First Approved in 1987