Coastal Bluff Geology

Brunsing Associates, Inc. is recognized by the California Coastal Commission and the Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino coastal planning departments. BAI has helped numerous clients obtain the necessary permits to build on coastal bluffs. BAI has performed bluff setback studies, taking into account sea level rise issues. Where appropriate, BAI has provided integrated design/build services to complete bluff stabilization projects from concept to completion, often under severe time, weather, and tidal constraints.

From Tomales Bay to north of Westport, BAI has assisted residential and commercial developments along the Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts. BAI has provided bluff Stability and geotechnical design criteria for numerous hotels and Inns including the Sacred Rock Resort, North Cliff Hotel, Timber Cove Inn, Harbor House Inn, Albion River Inn, The Inn at Newport Ranch, Wharfmasters Inn, Breakers Inn, and the Elk Cove Inn to name a few.

BAI has extensive experience in harbor development including Bodega Bay and Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. In Bodega Bay, we uncovered the San Andreas Fault near the Sandpiper Restaurant, we investigated marina improvements for the Porto Bodega development, we investigated the harbor tidal flats for the proposed Bodega Harbor Coast Boardwalk, we performed studies for two other structures within the tidal zone and we sampled soils (from a boat) outside a boat launch ramp to be dredged, as well as the dune sands where the dredged soils will be placed.

In Noyo Harbor, we investigated a new building for the US Coast Guard, the old Grader Fish Building foundations, a marina boat launch ramp, and the soils within the existing dredge materials storage pond. We also investigated a new, bluff edge deck for the Noyo River Lodge and additions for the Harbor Lite Lodge. We performed a study of the Georgia Pacific property bluffs for the City of Fort Bragg.

For the State of California, BAI completed the Marconi Cove (Tomales Bay) Environmental Study, Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Preserve bluff study, a museum building for the Point Arena Lighthouse facility, and a bluff trail for the Glass Beach development.