The long-awaited project to dredge around the launch ramp and beneficially use the sand removed to restore Surfers Beach has begun. We are planning for the project to be completed by the end of October. Meanwhile, construction will cause some restrictions of use. We will continue to try and inform the public/tenants of any closures well in advance, see below.

 1)    Construction of a 12” HDPE pipeline at the boat launch ramps – Contractor intends to confine their activities to the equipment assembly site at the boat ramp, but this may cause interference with traffic in the boat launch area as trucks are unloaded. The approximate duration of this work is from July 17 through July 28.

2)    Movement of the HDPE pipeline through the outer harbor to its final placement location for dredging. This operation will also include the installation of a booster pump barge along the south breakwater, submergence of the pipeline across the entrance channel to the harbor, location of a slurry barge at the Eelgrass mitigation Site near West Trail, and installation of approximately 1400’ of turbidity curtain around the mitigation area, near the far west outer breakwater. The approximate dates for these activities are:

a.    Pipeline construction and placement – July 17 through July 28

b.    Booster pump barge installation – July 21 through July 25

c.    Submergence of the pipeline across the harbor entrance channel – July 24 through July 28 (this activity will be communicated with the Harbormaster’s Office in real-time during the actual closure). Duration of the PPH outer breakwater entrance closure is anticipated at six hours on one day. The contractor’s work vessels can be hailed on VHF channels 13, 14 and 67. USCG Local Notice to Mariners have been filed and will continue to be updated. The pipe diameter is 12”, so channel depth will be reduced by a foot. Deep draft vessels should plan to come and go at higher tides.

d.    Location of slurry barge near west outer breakwater– July 24 through July 28

e.    Installation of turbidity curtain near west breakwater – July 21 through July 28

3)    Closure of the east Inner Harbor entrance for Phase 1 dredging – July 24 through August 15, the west inner harbor entrance will always remain open.

4)    Interference with boat launching operations during the dredging around the ramp will occur July 24 through August 15. Every effort will be made to keep as many launch ramp lanes open as possible. No work around the launch ramp will occur on weekends or peak salmon fishing days.

5)    The larger HDPE pipeline on the hill will be launched (across the pedestrian path and beach) on approximately August 11 through August 15. This time will be adjusted as Phase 2 of the dredging approaches.