Napier City Council, New Zealand, announced today that the city’s Inner Harbor is to be dredged next week.
“ The Inner Harbor will undergo dredging next week, beginning Monday 25th March ,” city officials said in the release . “ Dredging is an essential measure to ensure all vessels entering and exiting the harbor can do so safely.”
Over time, tidal and freshwater flows deposit sediment underwater which can be dangerous to boats navigating the Inner Harbor.
The city officials also added that the dredging may result in water in the Inner Harbor or the estuary appearing brown. “ A program of testing is ensuring that disturbed sediments are safe, but in the interests of safety we recommend that people stay out of the water until the water returns to normal.”
“ We are working in partnership with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, who have provided consent for the work to be undertaken. A large barge and digger will be visible in the inner harbor during dredging. It is anticipated that the dredging will take 20 to 30 days, ” concluded the officials.
During the works, fishing and recreational use of the harbor and estuary will not be restricted.