Recently, Michels Construction has been diligently executing dredging activities at Wells Harbor as part of the Federal Navigation Project. Their efforts have resulted in the removal of over 60,000 cubic yards of sand from the harbor, contributing to the expansion of the beach by more than 1,100 feet.
The primary objective of the Federal Navigation Project is to eliminate 107,000 cubic yards of sand and reconstruct 2,400 feet of beachfront, aiming to enhance the area’s navigational capabilities and recreational appeal.
Furthermore, discussions are underway between the Town of Wells, Maine, and Michels regarding additional dredging of the town’s harbor area once the Federal contract is completed. This additional operation would involve removing another 23,000 cubic yards of sand from the inner harbor, with the material also being deposited on Drake’s Island Beach.
Currently, the equipment deployed in the harbor includes the Dredge Cadiz, an Ellicott 360 HP cutterhead suction dredge with a 12-inch discharge pipe, and the Dredge Valor, an Ellicott 760 HP cutterhead suction dredge equipped with a 16-inch discharge pipe.
By leveraging Michels Construction’s expertise and the state-of-the-art equipment utilized in this project, Wells Harbor is poised for significant improvement in its navigational infrastructure and coastal landscape.