Popponesset Approach Channel ‘Longer, Wider, Deeper’ – Dredging Update

Notice #4 – September 21, 2025

Popponesset Approach Channel ‘Longer, Wider, Deeper’ – Dredging Update

Last week’s easterly winds delayed the start of dredging and mobilizing. Dredging will start this week with the dredge Sand Shifter starting at a mid-point in the channel. Mobilizing will continue with laying out the dredge pipe for the second dredge. Once the pipe mobilizing is complete, the dredge Cod Fish II will be moved on station at the northern end of the channel. Both dredges will be working to the south.

The area highlighted below should be avoided as there will be submerged dredge pipe throughout this area. The pipe will be marked with yellow/orange poly balls. The submerged dredge pipe can be as high as 20” from the bottom. The east side of the channel will remain open. Please use VHF 18 to arrange for passage when the dredges are operating.

Please note the following: Dredging will take place Monday through Saturday from 0700 to 1700. When sea conditions allow, the dredges will remain on station and will have anchor lights at night. When sea conditions prevent the dredges from staying on station, the dredges will be moved inside of the bay with the dredge pipe secured to yellow pontoons. The pontoons will be anchored along the west side of the channel with the dredge pipe submerged running to the spit.

Mariners should exercise caution when navigating in and out of Popponesset Bay.

For additional information, please contact Ken Cirillo, County Dredge Director at 508.375.3655 or via email at kenneth.cirillo@capecod.gov or contact Robert Tomaino, Harbormaster at 508.539.1410 or via email at rtomaino@mashpeema.gov.

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