Posted on November 10, 2025
The Barnstable County Dredge Department has launched its 30th season of dredging on Cape Cod with its largest single-season project to date—an expanded dredging of the Popponesset Bay Approach Channel in Mashpee. With a targeted volume of 57,000 cubic yards, the project utilizes both of the County’s dredges, Sand Shifter and Cod Fish II, and more than two miles of pipe to move material efficiently and safely.
During the 2024–2025 season, the County Dredge Program removed 81,067 cubic yards of sand from twelve projects across eight towns, including Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Yarmouth, and Bourne. Projects supported beach nourishment, improved navigation, and bolstered coastal resilience. Notably, sand from the Cotuit Entrance Channel project was pumped over two miles to restore Sampsons Island in Osterville—the largest project of that season with 23,016 cubic yards of material dredged.
Other projects cleared blocked channels to improve flushing and water quality for town-owned shellfish nursery areas, such as Mill Creek in Chatham, and enhanced access to several coastal ponds in Falmouth. Most dredged material was repurposed for nearby beaches and dunes, supporting critical habitat restoration for shorebirds and other species.
Operating under a September–May dredging season, the program carefully adheres to Time-of-Year (TOY) restrictions that protect winter flounder, horseshoe crabs, and endangered shorebirds, while minimizing impacts during peak tourism months.
There are also permitting delays compounding an already stacked schedule, making short-term planning extremely challenging. The revenue shortfall from projects not completed will impact all parts of the program—from equipment purchases to maintenance and staffing considerations. In addition, postponed projects as a result of permitting delays will increase demand for the next dredge season.
“Each season brings its share of challenges—from high winds and freezing temperatures to mechanical issues and new environmental restrictions—but the persistence and teamwork of our crew never waver,” said Ken Cirillo, Director of the Barnstable County Dredge Program. “Their commitment ensures every project is completed safely and successfully.”
Led by Dredge Superintendent Jason Bevis, the team includes Levermen Chris Armstrong and Cory Fleming, Maintenance Technician Christian Davis, and Deckhands Andrew DiPietro, Brendan Cahill, Phil Marks, Noah Vecchione, and Tom Basey.
The Dredge Program recently received a $269,000 grant from the Executive Office of Economic Development’s Dredging Program. The 50/50 matching grant will fund new dredge equipment and spare parts to enhance efficiency and reliability in future operations.
Since 1996, the Barnstable County Dredge Program has served every Cape Cod town except Brewster (which has no navigable harbors). The program provides dredging services at approximately 70% below private-sector rates, and the dredged material is used to renourish Cape beaches while maintaining safe navigation in harbors and riverways.
For more information, visit capecod.gov/departments/dredge-program.
