Vice Chairman Marshall ‘Duffy’ Duffield

Remember when we told you about removing the last one million cubic yards of sediment from the harbor?  Well, it is finally going to happen.  This will provide many benefits we currently don’t enjoy.  The dredging will get the bay back to the original depth for the first time since 1938.  Obviously, this will allow for larger vessels to navigate smoothly in the harbor vs. now when low tide boats run aground easily in the main channel. 

With deeper channels there is tremendously more water movement at each daily tidal event than before.  Stagnate water causes unwanted alge plumes, slows down the distribution of nutrients to sea life and causes the water to look unclean and feels unsafe to swim in.     

The other benefit is what happens to the quality of the water.  More nutrients promote eel grass production for better wildlife in the eco system.  More nutrients increase the sea life potential offering greater opportunity for those who love shellfish and wild fish.  

At the last city council meeting, the Council approved an agreement with the Port of Long Beach to depose of unsuitable dredged material at their upcoming Pier G Fill project. On Monday the 27^th, the POLB Board of Harbor Commissioners will consider the same agreement for approval and execution.

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing the final draft of the plans and specs so it can go out to bid near the end of February. 

Things are still tracking for dredging to begin in late spring or early summer.  

REMINDER

The unsuitable material that is not included in the army corps scope of work for dredging the main Federal channels will remain.  There are approximately 100 properties both private and commercial that will be affected.   The city staff is aware of this and has continued the permit for a small CAD so those effected would have a place to depose of the dredged material.  Without this opportunity the properties effected will NOT be allowed to dredge…ever.   This CAD will be a fraction of the original size it was going to be.  

Duffy Duffield

Vice Chairman