The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has officially announced the start of a major maintenance dredging project for Grays Harbor, aimed at ensuring safe and navigable waters for vessels using the harbor. The project will involve the continuous operation of dredging vessels, Yaquina and Essayons, working 24/7 to address critical shoaling areas, with the completion slated for no later than May 30, 2025.
Dredging Operations Details
The maintenance dredging will be conducted using two specialized dredge vessels, the Yaquina and Essayons, which are equipped to handle the tough conditions in the outer harbor and shoaled areas. The Yaquina will focus on dredging the outer harbor for approximately 13 days, while the Essayons will work the same area for around 24 days. These dredgers will remove sediment and debris to deepen and widen the navigation channel, ensuring vessels can safely navigate the harbor.
The dredging will take place in various critical locations, including the Bar, Entrance, Pt. Chehalis, and South reaches. These areas have been prone to shoaling, which can create hazards for vessels entering and leaving the harbor. By performing this essential maintenance, the USACE will help preserve the safety and operational efficiency of Grays Harbor.
Timeline and Work Schedule
The project is set to begin next month and will operate on a 24/7 schedule to complete the dredging by May 30, 2025. The round-the-clock operations will ensure that the dredging is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimizing delays and maintaining uninterrupted access to the harbor.
Due to the high level of shoaling in certain parts of the harbor, the USACE has opted for a continuous, intensive schedule to ensure that these areas are adequately cleared. The dredging will take place across a range of locations, carefully addressing areas where sediment buildup has been most problematic.
Impact on Local Fishing and Crabbing
While the dredging operations are crucial for maintaining the harbor’s navigability, they do come with restrictions on local fishing and crabbing activities. The USACE has announced that all dredge work areas, including the navigation channel, access lane, and designated target placement sites, must be kept clear of fishing and crabbing gear during the dredging period.
The goal of this restriction is to ensure safety, as fishing gear in the dredging areas can create potential hazards for both the workers and the vessels involved. Local fishermen and crabbers are urged to respect these restrictions, which will help avoid accidents and ensure that the dredging process proceeds smoothly.
Project Goals and Benefits
The primary goal of the Grays Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project is to maintain safe and navigable waterways for ships and boats. Shoaling, the accumulation of sand, mud, and other sediments in the water, can block navigation channels, making it difficult for vessels to pass through safely. By removing these sediments, the dredging project will restore the depth and width of the navigation channels, significantly improving safety for both commercial and recreational vessels.
In the long term, the project will provide numerous benefits to the local economy and environment. By ensuring that Grays Harbor remains accessible to ships of various sizes, the dredging will support the port’s commercial operations, including shipping, fishing, and other maritime industries. It will also help reduce the risk of vessel groundings, which could cause environmental damage and disrupt trade.
Community Involvement and Awareness
The USACE has been in communication with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of the dredging schedule and its potential impacts. The cooperation of local fishermen, crabbers, and other harbor users is essential to the success of the project. By keeping these groups informed and working together, the USACE aims to minimize disruptions to local activities while ensuring that the dredging is completed on time.
The USACE is committed to ensuring that the dredging process is carried out with as little disruption to the local community as possible. Efforts to keep local residents and stakeholders updated will continue throughout the duration of the project.
Conclusion
The Grays Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project is an essential operation aimed at maintaining the safety and accessibility of one of Washington’s key ports. By addressing the shoaled areas and ensuring the navigation channel remains clear, the USACE will help safeguard the harbor for both commercial and recreational use. The 24/7 dredging operations will ensure the project is completed efficiently, with a target finish date of May 30, 2025.
This critical maintenance will not only enhance safety for vessels but also support the ongoing economic vitality of the region, benefiting local industries and communities. With cooperation from local stakeholders and the USACE’s careful planning, the dredging project is set to deliver long-term benefits for Grays Harbor.