Posted on July 8, 2026
MUSCATINE, Iowa – With the completion of the Muscatine Marina Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) Relocation Project, the City of Muscatine has resumed dredging operations at the Muscatine Municipal Harbor, clearing accumulated Mississippi River sediment and restoring safe navigational depths for boaters throughout the summer season.
The dredging effort, managed by the City’s Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), marks a significant operational milestone: for the first time, dredged spoils will be directed to a newly constructed, purpose-built confined disposal facility rather than the aging geo-synthetic bag system previously used at the former Hawkeye Lumber property along the riverfront.
WPCP Director Scott Swift emphasized the importance of the upgrade.
“This new CDF gives us a modern, reliable, and environmentally responsible way to manage dredge material,” Swift said. “It’s a long-term solution that supports safe harbor access and ensures we can keep Muscatine’s riverfront functioning the way our residents and boaters expect.”
A Critical Infrastructure Upgrade Years in the Making
The CDF relocation project has been a multi-phased undertaking that culminated with the City Council’s approval in November 2025 of a $571,516.20 contract with Heuer Construction, Inc. for the final phase of construction. That contract authorized completion of a new, permanent dredge spoils site to replace the former Hawkeye Lumber location — a site the City had long used but ultimately decommissioned as redevelopment opportunities emerged due to its visibility and location.
A portion of the new dredge spoils line was constructed under a previous project in summer 2025. The full relocation project included:
- A new force-main along Mad Creek to the Cypress Street site
- A small segment of pedestrian trail
- Confinement berms and storm sewer improvements
- A new location for dewatering bags
The final phase of construction wrapped up in June 2026, positioning the City to move forward with a full dredging season this summer using the newly commissioned facility.
City Administrator Matt Mardesen highlighted the broader significance of the project.
“Relocating the CDF isn’t just about improving dredging operations — it’s about unlocking the future of the Hawkeye site and strengthening our entire riverfront,” Mardesen said. “This investment supports recreation, economic development, and Muscatine’s long-term vision for a vibrant waterfront.”
Why Dredging Matters
Sediment accumulation is an ongoing challenge for any harbor along the Upper Mississippi River. Natural silt movement, shifting currents, and elevated water events all contribute to the gradual buildup of material at the harbor entrance and interior. Left unaddressed, this buildup makes navigation increasingly difficult — and potentially dangerous — for recreational boats, fishing vessels, and transient boaters.
The WPCP conducts dredging annually or more frequently as conditions require. Extended flood-stage conditions can delay dredging until water levels recede enough to allow safe equipment deployment.
How the Operation Works
The City operates its own dredge, which is launched into the Mississippi River and positioned at the harbor mouth to begin removing accumulated sediment. Material is excavated hydraulically and pumped through underground piping along the riverfront to the designated disposal site.
Under the previous system, dredged spoils were pumped into large geo-synthetic containment bags — each 150 feet long and 45 feet in circumference — designed to weep excess water while retaining solids. Eight bags were typically used in rotation, allowing efficient drying and reuse of material as fill dirt.
The new CDF continues this logic of capture, dewatering, and beneficial reuse, but within a dedicated, properly permitted, and more sustainable infrastructure footprint designed to serve Muscatine’s dredging needs for years to come.
“We still use the geo-synthetic bags to de-water and capture silt material at the new Confined Disposal Facility,” Scott said. “The CDF is designed to accommodate three 90′ X 120′ bags. We are currently using two bags.”
What Boaters Can Expect
During active dredging, boaters should expect the presence of dredging equipment in and around the harbor entrance and interior areas where sediment accumulation is most pronounced. Mariners are encouraged to proceed at reduced speeds and exercise caution when transiting near dredging operations.
City staff will provide updates on dredging progress and any temporary access adjustments through muscatineiowa.gov and the City of Muscatine’s social media channels. Residents and boaters with questions may contact the WPCP directly.
Looking Back
As part of a larger package of riverfront improvements, the City assumed full control and responsibility — including dredging — for the Harbor from the Federal Government in 2004. The City purchased a dredge and the Hawkeye Lumber site to serve as the dewatering location for dredge spoils.
The Hawkeye site’s size, riverfront location, and proximity to downtown create the potential for significantly more beneficial use. Realizing that potential required relocating dredge spoil operations. Extending the underground pipe further up Mad Creek made it possible to shift dewatering to the new Cypress Street location.
Relocation opens the Hawkeye site for redevelopment, removes a highly visible industrial use from a gateway into downtown, and aligns with long-term riverfront improvement goals. The dredge pipe extension also supports future trail expansion along Mad Creek.
Looking Ahead
The completion of the CDF relocation represents more than a solved logistics challenge — it reflects the City’s commitment to the long-term viability of the Muscatine Municipal Harbor as a recreational and economic asset. A fully functional and regularly maintained harbor supports slip holders, attracts transient river traffic, and reinforces Muscatine’s identity as a Mississippi River community.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Nick Gow, whose department oversees marina operations, has emphasized the importance of maintaining safe navigational conditions as part of the City’s ongoing investment in riverfront quality of life.
“Maintaining safe navigational depths isn’t just routine maintenance — it’s essential to keeping the harbor accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone who uses it,” Interim Parks and Recreation Director Nick Gow said. “This investment in reliable dredging supports the quality of life along our riverfront and strengthens one of Muscatine’s most valued recreational assets.”
With the new CDF in place and dredging operations underway, the City is well positioned to protect that investment for seasons to come.
