Dredging activities are scheduled to begin at Wells Harbor, Maine, in early February as part of a coordinated effort to improve navigational access while restoring protective coastal dunes along Atlantic Avenue. The work is planned to run from February 2 through February 27, weather permitting.
Dredging Scope and Sand Reuse Strategy
The project will involve the removal of approximately 7,000 cubic yards of accumulated sand from the harbor channel. This material will be reused to rebuild dunes located along the shoreline in front of Atlantic Avenue, helping return the area to conditions that existed prior to the severe coastal storms experienced in January 2024. Once reconstructed, the dunes will be planted with dune grass to strengthen their stability and improve long-term resilience against storm surge and erosion.
Project Execution and Work Schedule
Michel’s Corporation has been contracted to carry out both the dredging and the dune restoration components of the project. Operations are expected to take place seven days a week, generally between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Harbor officials have confirmed that marine traffic will continue to be accommodated throughout the project. Vessels will be allowed to transit through the work area, although dredging crews require advance notice to safely pause operations and reposition equipment. Mariners are asked to provide at least one hour’s notice before transiting the dredge zone.
Marine Navigation Safety Guidelines
Boaters are advised to proceed at the slowest safe speed to minimize wake and navigate cautiously once passage arrangements have been made. Communication with the dredging crew can be established via VHF marine radio channels 13, 16, or 71.
The work will take place within Wells Harbor as shown on nautical chart 13274 and will be performed using a dredge owned by York County. The vessel was acquired from Ellicott Dredges with funding support provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Local officials note that the project is designed to balance safe navigation with coastal protection, ensuring the harbor remains accessible while reinforcing shoreline defenses ahead of future storm seasons.