For the first time since its redevelopment nearly 20 years ago, the Department of Transport (DoT) is dredging Johns Creek Boat Harbor in Point Samson, Western Australia.
DoT Coastal Infrastructure General Manager Steve Jenkins said that the maintenance dredging campaign started in late August.
“It is one of the largest dredging projects DoT will undertake this year, costing $1.3 million and taking approximately five months to complete ,” Mr Jenkins said. “ An estimated 40,000 cubic meters of sand will be taken from the boat harbor inner basin, fairway basin and channel. Dredging operations will be restricted to Monday to Saturday for the duration of the project .”
“ The dredged material, to be pumped through a series of floating and submerged pipes, has been approved to be deposited south west of the harbor ,” added Mr Jenkins.
DoT commenced environmental planning for the Johns Creek Boat Harbor maintenance dredging campaign in 2016. The project was referred to Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to assess potential environmental impacts associated with dredging and disposal.
A Dredge Environmental Management Plan has been developed in consultation with EPA and outlines environmental monitoring, management and contingency measures that will be undertaken during the maintenance dredging campaign.
The redevelopment of the boat harbor was completed in 2000 and involved the deepening of the basin and construction of three entrance breakwaters.