Introduction
San Elijo Lagoon, one of Southern California’s critical coastal wetlands, is slated for a significant channel dredging operation aimed at restoring natural water flow, improving ecological balance, and enhancing flood resilience. After months of careful planning, equipment retrofitting, and transport logistics, crews are now preparing for around-the-clock dredging work to remove approximately 70,000 cubic yards of accumulated sand from the lagoon’s main channel.
This large-scale environmental dredging effort is part of a broader initiative to maintain the lagoon’s ecological health and to sustain its value as a vital estuarine habitat for wildlife and a recreational resource for the public.
From San Diego Bay to San Elijo: A Dredge’s Journey
The dredge selected for this project underwent extensive modifications and retrofitting in San Diego Bay. Designed to perform high-efficiency sediment removal with minimal disruption to aquatic life, the dredge was then disassembled and transported in parts to San Elijo Lagoon. Cranes were used to carefully lower each section onto the banks of the lagoon, where crews reassembled it onsite.
Prior to operation, the dredge underwent a series of rigorous diagnostic tests. These tests were crucial to earning approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the Dredging Quality Management (DQM) program—a national standard for ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant dredging practices. With the certification successfully obtained, the project is now poised to enter its operational phase.
Addressing Equipment Challenges Before Launch
During the final phase of testing, it was discovered that one of the hydraulic cylinders responsible for controlling the depth of the cutterhead—an essential component of the dredging system—had been damaged during transport. The cutterhead plays a key role in loosening and removing sediment from the lagoon’s main channel.
The damaged hydraulic cylinder was quickly transported to a nearby repair facility. Project engineers confirmed that the repair process was progressing smoothly and that reinstallation was scheduled for the following day. If all remaining tests proceed as planned, full-scale dredging operations are scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 19.
Around-the-Clock Channel Dredging Operation
Once underway, the channel dredging project will operate 24/7, removing a total of 70,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment. The focus will be on clearing the main waterway between the Nature Center and the railroad bridge, where years of sediment buildup have hindered tidal flow and reduced the lagoon’s capacity to manage stormwater.
The extracted sand will be transported via a network of floating and submerged pipelines to a designated placement site near the Chart House Restaurant. This process utilizes water from the lagoon itself to facilitate the efficient movement of sand with minimal environmental impact.
Running the operation around the clock will allow the team to complete the project within a compressed timeline, reducing the risk of extended disruption to both the environment and local visitors. Noise and light mitigation strategies are in place to minimize the impact on nearby communities from continuous operations.
Environmental Dredging for Ecosystem Health
Unlike traditional dredging, focused solely on navigational efficiency, this initiative is a prime example of environmental dredging—a technique aimed at restoring ecological balance and improving water quality. San Elijo Lagoon is home to dozens of native bird species, fish, and plant communities that rely on steady tidal exchange and open water flow for survival.
Over time, sediment accumulation has restricted water movement, leading to stagnant conditions, reduced oxygen levels, and the proliferation of invasive plant species. Removing excess sediment from the channel will help restore the lagoon’s natural hydrology and reestablish a healthier environment for wildlife.
The dredging work also plays a vital role in climate adaptation. By enhancing water flow and expanding the lagoon’s storage capacity, the project will reduce the risk of coastal flooding during high tide and storm events—an increasingly urgent concern in the face of sea-level rise.
Commitment to Safety, Precision, and Compliance
The USACE DQM certification process ensures that the dredge operates within strict parameters, transmitting real-time data on sediment removal rates, equipment positioning, and environmental conditions. This oversight helps prevent over-dredging, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and promotes transparency throughout the project.
In addition to the Corps’ oversight, state and local environmental agencies are also monitoring the project to ensure minimal disturbance to sensitive habitats and nearby communities.
Looking Ahead
As San Elijo Lagoon prepares for this ambitious dredging operation, the project stands as a model of sustainable coastal management. By combining modern dredging technology with environmental stewardship and community transparency, the effort highlights how infrastructure maintenance and ecological restoration can be mutually beneficial.
Upon completion, the lagoon will experience improved water circulation, enhanced wildlife habitat, and greater resilience to climate impacts. Visitors to the Nature Center and nearby walking trails can look forward to a healthier, more vibrant lagoon that will continue to support both biodiversity and public enjoyment for years to come.
This channel dredging project not only marks a milestone in lagoon restoration but also exemplifies how well-coordinated environmental dredging can produce lasting benefits for ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities alike.