A dredging project slated to displace several hundred thousand cubic yards of sediment from Marina del Rey Harbor is being supported by the Federal and county authorities.
The undertaking between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and county officials was approved on November 15.
Approximately 140,000 cubic yards of clean sediment offshore will be moved to Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey and up to 75,000 cubic yards will be pumped on Redondo Beach.
This beach renourishment method will help handle the beach erosion issues.
Since part of the dredging project will take place near an outlet to Ballona Creek, there are some concerns that there could be unsafe sediment going to the beaches. The Santa Monica-based environmental organization Heal the Bay has requested the federal government to conduct additional tests to make sure that the sand headed to Dockweiler and Redondo Beach is not contaminated.
Beaches and Harbors Chief Deputy Director, Kerry Silverstrom added that $5.3 million would be provided by the government.
In addition to the clean sand that will be deposited at Dockweiler, up to 760,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment will be removed from the Marina del Rey Harbor entrance and transported by barge to the Port of Long Beach for a redevelopment project.
The commencing date of the project is January and it is completion is planned to occur the following September.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, December 1, 2011;