The long Federal groins emplaced at Westhampton Beach in the 1960s resulted in accelerated erosion downdrift. The severe nor'easter of December 11-12, 1992 brought the issue to a climax as approximately 200 houses were destroyed and two new inlets were cut through the barrier beach. A lawsuit resulted in tapering of the groin field by shortening the two most westward (downdrift) groins as well as a long-term commitment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for beach renourishment. Two similarly-constructed Federal groins in East Hampton continue to cause erosional problems.
