Posted on June 1, 2022
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is using harbor dredge material to shore up Lake Michigan beaches this summer.
Four harbors along Lake Michigan — Holland, Grand Haven, St. Joseph and South Haven — were approved for dredging this spring and summer. Materials gathered through the process will be used to “nourish and replenish” beaches that suffered erosion from recent high water levels.
Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of bodies of water.
“Nourishing beaches using shoaled sand into these harbors rather than trucking in new material is very functional and cost effective,” stated Grand Haven Resident Engineer Elizabeth Newell Wilkinson. “It allows for both dredging and beach nourishment.”
The Corps of Engineers sampled dredged material to determine if it would be “suitable for beneficial reuse” as nourishment material. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy issued certifications for the projects following the sampling.
More:Holland Harbor dredging included in Corps work plan
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The King Co., Inc. of Holland was awarded contracts to dredge each site. In total, more than 85,000 cubic yards of material will be dredged from the four harbors.
“That’s roughly 7,100 one-ton dump trucks full,” said Wilkinson, “That’s a lot of great beneficial sand for Michigan’s beaches.”
Dredging at Holland Harbor took place May 13-17, removing around 31,000 cubic yards of material from the outer harbor.
Work at Grand Haven Harbor began this week, with more than 18,000 cubic yards to be removed from the outer harbor. It will be pumped 8,000-11,000 feet north of the north pier.
Work at St. Joseph Harbor is scheduled to begin June 6, while dredging at South Haven Harbor is set for June 15-24. Around 18,000 cubic yards are set for dredging at both sites.
Material from Holland, St. Joseph and South Haven will be used “south of the south breakwater,” the Corps of Engineers said.
The public is asked to remain clear of placement areas. Fencing and signs are posted in placement areas for all projects.
