Falmouth’s Dredging Dilemma
In the latest dredging news online, Falmouth’s town staff is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a county dredge, stressing that its prompt appearance by week’s end is crucial for completing the much-needed dredging within the state and federally designated timeframe, which concludes at the month’s end.
Failure to receive the Cod Fish II, the smaller of Barnstable County’s two dredges, on schedule could mean certain waterways will have to endure until August, when the dredging window reopens. Currently, various water passages, including the Great Pond Channel interior, the inlet between the jetties, Green Pond Inlet, and the Bournes Pond approach, are awaiting dredging.
Regulatory Hurdles and Permitting Delays
Regulations from state and federal authorities prohibit dredging in Falmouth from January 15 until the beginning of August, aiming to safeguard local wildlife. Falmouth also contends with other Cape towns for dredging time, further complicating scheduling. Permitting issues have been the primary cause of delays in the dredging process.
Town Manager Michael Renshaw described the situation as a “perfect storm” of permitting delays during a recent meeting with the select board on March 11. Falmouth’s comprehensive dredge permit expired on October 31, 2022. Despite starting the renewal process in a timely manner, delays from the US Army Corps of Engineers in issuing the permit have significantly disrupted the dredging schedule.
Harbormaster Gregg Fraser emphasized the annual necessity of dredging waterways like Great Pond and Green Pond, which consistently accumulate sediment in navigational trouble spots. Other areas, including Eel Pond, Menauhant, Falmouth Harbor, and the Bournes Pond approach, also require regular dredging.
Despite the Cod Fish II being available in Falmouth in November, delays persisted due to the pending permit approval. This, coupled with mechanical issues, prompted the dredge operators to relocate to other towns with urgent dredging needs.
A waiver was eventually secured in December from the Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection, permitting dredging outside the typical seasonal window. However, harsh winter weather and further mechanical setbacks hampered progress.
Efforts have been made to extend the town’s dredging waiver, giving Falmouth until March 31 to complete all six days of dredging. Optimism remains high if the Cod Fish II arrives by the week’s end, allowing for crucial equipment adjustments before dredging commences.
The current location of the Cod Fish II off the coast of Sandwich is hampered by unfavorable weather conditions, delaying its journey to Falmouth. Once the dredge arrives, additional time will be needed for equipment preparation, including the use of cranes to facilitate navigation under town bridges.
Challenges and Complications
With a looming deadline for the dredge operators to move to Mashpee for another project, there’s a risk that the approach to Bournes Pond might not be dredged. Efforts are underway to address policy recommendations to mitigate future dredging delays, with regional collaboration across the Cape being considered.
Residents’ frustrations were echoed by Board Vice Chairman Edwin Zylinski II, who emphasized the need for clarity regarding damage caused by the lack of dredging. Board Member Douglas Brown suggested that affected mariners should seek compensation from their insurance companies due to the limitations in suing a town or county for such issues.
In conclusion, Falmouth’s dredging efforts are at a critical juncture, with the timely arrival of the Cod Fish II being paramount for completing the overdue dredging work within the established timeframe.