TOMS RIVER — About 75 percent of the dunes on beaches on one township's beaches were destroyed but is already working to replace what was lost as more damage reports come in from this week's nor'easter.

Toms River's Department of Public Works and Engineering said that access to some beaches was closed after several walkovers were also found to be damaged.

Mayor Tom Kelaher said the water did not break through into Ortley Beach.

"The township has an emergency contract in place with Cardinal Construction to import sand as soon as possible. We hope to be moving sand in the next day or so, working first in Ortley Beach then moving to Normandy Beach,"Kelaher said.

The Army Corp of Engineers is scheduled to begin a beach replenishment in the spring, but until that project is complete, Kelaher said the township is "committed to protecting private property and businesses from storms and flooding."

Kelaher said he has spoken to the state Department of Environmental Protection about assistance to help with the cleanup. Township Administrator Paul J. Shives told the Asbury Park Press he estimated repairs to cost about $500,000.

The state Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday said an initial check of 95 of its survey points found that 73 suffered no damage or just minor damage, with "significant damage" in Beach Haven and Holgate. Spokesman Bob Considine expected the complete report to be ready on Friday.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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