Geological history

Richard C. “Dick” Gilmur Shoreline Restoration and Kayak Launch
5002 Marine View Drive, Tacoma

The area is geographically situated on the northern extent of the Puyallup River delta in the Puget Lowland.

Topography and geology were formed during the late Pleistocene, following the advance of several glaciations that originated from Canada and extended between the Cascade and Olympic mountains into the Puget Lowland.

The Osceola Mudflow deposited approximately 2.5 billion cubic yards of eroded mud and alluvial sediments to the embayment shoreline. Recently eroded embankments have unearthed a somewhat less than natural layer within the alluvium stratification as photographed:

Translation

In 2011, the Port restored a stretch of shoreline along Marine View Drive to provide habitat for the birds and wildlife that live along the storm-scoured shore on the east side of Commencement Bay.

When the Port constructed the Dick Gilmur Shoreline Restoration and Kayak Launch, the bank was designed to erode into Commencement Bay to mimic the natural process of “feeding” the shoreline from the bluff above Marine View Drive. The road is “starving” the shoreline by blocking natural deposits from the bluff.

During the last rain and wind storm, the bank gave way (kaboom!) and revealed a layer of old roofing material previously unidentified during the habitat site’s construction.

We’ve since cleaned up the roof shingles and other debris from the shoreline. We plan to replace the bank with the intent that it will erode within the next five to 10 years as it continues to feed beaches down current.

The kayak launch is one of our public access sites that provide a place to enjoy the beauty of our region and the jobs that help sustain.