Emergency dredging at Port of Kalama’s TEMCO grain elevator, aimed to ensure safety and smooth sailing, is set to begin this week, the port said in its latest release.
The majority of dredged material will be placed in-water along the beaches at Ahles Point and the southern half of Rasmussen Park.
“Port of Kalama day use parks will remain open for recreation. Should beach placement occur, work areas of the beach will be temporarily closed and signage will be placed to alert visitors,” according to the official announcement.
Increasing challenges
“With the 100+ degree days we’re experiencing it’s hard to remember that grueling wet winter we endured. But the impact of the winter’s heavy precipitation and higher than usual river flows have reached the Port of Kalama marine terminals and shoreline,” said the port.
The high raging rivers of spring have produced a much larger volume of sediment flowing along the bed of the Columbia River, which has caused increasing challenges for river traffic and commerce.
Usual routine dredging would start in the fall, but due to recent navigation challenges to vessels at the port, immediate action is required.
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