The department said the recent repairs and installation of rock armour at Bulwer Avenue, described as an 'emergency measure', came ahead of a more long-term solution in a few years' time.
It was responding to comments from environmentalist Vic Froome who said that some sea defence designs could be better thought through and that the States needed to listen more to nature experts when looking at what measures to introduce.
Environment, however, said it had not lost sight of the impact of coastal flooding, associated with sea level rise and climate change at Bulwer Avenue.
A spokesman said St Sampson's was top of the priority list following Environment's coast defence flood risk report in 2013, with a feasibility study already under way. Feasibility studies for two other key east coast locations, Belle Greve and Les Banques, would follow within the next two years.
'The department's board and Treasury and Resources were aware that this repair was a stop-gap measure and it is important to note that the rock armour is a "no regrets'' option as the States retains the flexibility to remove it to re-use elsewhere or to re-build/re-develop from this point as necessary.
'To have significantly increased the level of protection at Bulwer Avenue now would have used resources the States needed elsewhere when, in two or three years' time, a more long-term solution should be achieved.'
Environment also responded to suggestions made by Mr Froome for repair work at Bulwer Avenue.
