The Collier County said in its latest announcement that the Clam Pass maintenance dredging project officially started yesterday.
Last week, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners declared that emergency conditions existed at Clam Pass and authorized staff to move forward with a contract with Donald Dachuk Tractor Service to mechanically dredge the pass.
Recent record rainfall and severe storms in the Gulf of Mexico have contributed to inlet instability. The storms pushed a portion of the ebb shoal onto the beach, creating a spit that pushes the inlet to the north. In addition, wave action has eroded a portion of the upland beach causing a steep escarpment that will require re-grading to a more natural slope, the county said.
To avoid further impacts to Clam Pass, engineering firm Humiston & Moore recommended excavation of the recently formed spit, which will restore the inlet channel to its original permitted location, refilling the channel that has meandered, and re-grading the inlet banks to the original permitted design.
Weather permitting, contractors will work during daylight hours only until dusk seven days a week. The project is expected to be completed in less than 30 days.
The entire project is expected to cost $112,100, including engineering, permitting and other fees.
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