Posted on August 9, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District announced the start of dredging operations which began on Aug. 4 at two Lake Michigan harbors.
The projects in Ludington and Pentwater represent about $1.25 million aimed at keeping “the federal navigation system safe and open for commercial and recreational traffic,” according to a press release.
Ludington
Sault Ste. Marie-based MCM Marine, Inc., will dredge 81,323 cubic yards from the federal navigation channel lakeward of the heads and east to South Ferry Street. The material will be used to nourish the shore about 5,500 feet south of the southern breakwater, according to the release.
The $684,001 contract was initially awarded May 11, but additional surveys showed more shoaling in the area. The contract was increased to $833,231 for the additional work.
Subcontractor, Viking Marine has begun dredging and placement and the contract requires work to be completed by Sept. 25.
Pentwater
The King Co., Inc. of Holland will remove 59,081 cubic yards of material from the navigation channel near the pierheads upstream to Pentwater Lake.
The contract was awarded March 30 for $299,025. Additional funding from the work plan in the 2023 Civil Works budget added additional funding to increase the total award to $440,662.
The project is set to wrap by December 2023, according to the terms of the contract.
Material from the dredging will be placed near the shore between 800-3,300 feet north of the north pier
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy permitted both projects for material placement before the contracts were awarded.
“These projects represent our continued work throughout the summer to keep the Lake Michigan waterways functional and safe for all users,” Elizabeth Newell Wilkinson, Grand Haven resident engineer stated in the press release.
All residents and beachgoers should avoid getting close to the pipeline at the discharge point, according to the Corps of Engineers. Residents will still be able to use the beaches except for those areas designated as off-limits.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
