The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Seattle District has just introduced plans to conduct the Grays Harbor maintenance dredging program in the outer harbor on June 6, with the Corps’ hopper dredger Essayons.
“The Essayons is scheduled to arrive on or about June 6 at 7 p.m. and will dredge through approximately June 18 (exact departure date to be determined),” USACE said in its release.
According to USACE, dredging will occur in the federal channel in shoaled areas of the Entrance and Pt. Chehalis reaches, between Westport and Ocean Shores. The goal is to dredge approximately 300,000 cubic yards and place the dredged material in the Pt. Chehalis disposal site.
“This dredging and disposal areas are in a narrow area and experience significant vessel traffic. Additionally, there are many crab pots and fishing in the area and the Army Corps of Engineers is asking fishermen and crabbers to move their equipment to avoid having it damaged,” said USACE in the announcement.
USACE added that all dredging and disposal areas need to be kept clear of fishing and crabbing equipment during the dredging, which will conclude on approximately June 18.