The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New England District has revealed more details about the upcoming dredging project aimed at restoring the Wareham Harbor Federal Navigation Project (FNP) in Wareham, Massachusetts. This essential work is designed to maintain safe navigation conditions while boosting the local economy.
Dredging Project Overview
USACE is proposing the mechanical dredging of approximately 58,000 cubic yards (cy) of predominantly silty material, with a minor amount of sand (around 600 cy), from the federal channel.
Timeline and Working Conditions
The dredging process is expected to take approximately three to four months. Operations will run 24/7—24 hours per day, seven days a week—during the designated window from September 15 to January 15 of the year(s) when funding becomes available.
Details of Wareham Harbor Federal Navigation Project
Channel Dimensions and Structure
The Wareham Harbor FNP stretches over 2.4 miles, running from the river’s mouth to the Route 6 bridge. The channel is authorized to a depth of 9 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), plus an additional 1-foot allowable over-depth. It consists of various reaches, including:
- 125-foot wide entrance channel at Cromeset Neck Reach
- 125-foot wide Quahaug Bar Reach
- 250-foot wide Parkwood Beach Reach
- 100-foot wide Inner Harbor Reach adjacent to Wareham waterfront
Purpose and Importance of the Dredging
The primary objective of this dredging effort is to restore the channel to its authorized dimensions, ensuring safe navigation for vessels in the harbor.
Current Navigation Challenges
Recent surveys have revealed that some sections of the channel have been reduced to depths as shallow as 3.4 feet MLLW. The accumulation of sediment (shoaling), combined with the current vessel drafts, has hindered navigation, creating potential safety risks.
Economic Significance of Wareham Harbor
In addition to addressing safety concerns, this dredging project is critical to the town’s economy. The harbor serves as a significant economic driver, supporting tourism and local industries. Safe and navigable waters are essential for maintaining the harbor’s status as a vital tourism hub and promoting ongoing economic growth for Wareham.
Ensuring Safe Navigation for All Vessels
The restoration of the channel will facilitate safer, more efficient passage for vessels of all sizes, enhancing the harbor’s operational capacity and supporting the local economy.