Posted on November 15, 2018
Dredging operations began Oct. 29 in the Chester River, just north of Ferry Point, and will continue for most of November. Dredging of the Federal Northern Approach Channel to Kent Narrows will remedy recently shoaled areas as shallow as -3.4 feet mean low water (MLW). The authorized depth of the channel is -7 feet MLW with portions of the channel being dredged to -9 feet MLW to reduce future shoaling.
About 16,000 cubic yards of sandy dredge material will be transported about 4 miles by barge. It will be pumped onto the western shoreline of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge for beneficial use creating a marsh and dune.
Boaters are encouraged to be familiar with the USCG Notice to Mariners, follow navigational aids and maintain a safe distance and speed from the dredging operations. Once completed, the channel will provide transit options for deeper draft vessels between Chester River and Eastern Bay.
The dredging project is funded by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Grants awarded to Queen Anne’s County. In September, Queen Anne’s County executed a competitively bid contract for the dredging with Corman Kokosing Construction Company from Annapolis Junction. Engineering, permitting, contract and inspection services have been provided by Bay Land Consultants & Designers Inc. of Hanover.
Boat operators should note that the permanent navigational aids are spaced approximately 30 feet beyond each side of the 75-foot-wide channel. Therefore deep draft vessels should favor the center of the channel and monitor their depth. Shoaling has been more prevalent on the western side of the channel marked with red navigational aids.
Source: Bay Times and Record Observer
