Posted on April 20, 2021
The seasonal Grunion run has caused a shift in the Oceanside Harbor dredge schedule.
OCEANSIDE, CA — The City of Oceanside Harbor released an OCEANSIDE HARBOR DREDGE UPDATE on April 16 regarding a shift in the dredging schedule.
“The seasonal Grunion run has caused a shift in the dredge schedule. As a result of recent monitoring, the dredge outfall is not able to deliver sand to Surfrider Way. Manson has moved the dredge outfall pipe to the North Pier location. Due to spawning on the beaches, Manson, will not be able to move the outfall pipe south of the Pier. All remaining dredged sand will be to locations north of the Pier. If conditions permit, Manson will attempt to move some dredged sand south of the Pier by tractor.”
The dredging is needed to maintain safe access in and out of the Oceanside Harbor and to replenish sand on Oceanside beaches. As any long-time Oceansider knows, the beaches have been shrinking every year.
The City of Oceanside is dependent on the Federal Government’s Army Corps of Engineers for all of its beach nourishment efforts. However, in recent years the dredging has experienced problems ranging from expired permits to time frame conflicts with the nesting season of several endangered bird species. These delays and inadequate dredging have only increased the need for more sand replenishment.
The City’s Public Works Department is seeking more sand opportunities such as monitoring construction sites that may have beach-compatible sand to be placed on City beaches when made available through development, grading projects, and sediment basins or as other opportunities arise. The City has benefitted on several occasions from small placements of sand from nearby developments and will continue to look for more opportunities.
