Dredgit Environmental Bags Chincoteague Dredging Contract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District has awarded Houston based Dredgit Environmental Corporation a $520,070 contract to perform maintenance dredging along the Chincoteague Bay Federal Navigation Channel.

Image source: Dredgit

The company will be responsible for removing approximately 10,000 cubic yards of material to bring the channel to a minimum depth of 6 feet.

Commenting the latest announcement, Chris Turner, Norfolk District project manager, said: “This vital navigation project provides access into Chincoteague Bay, Chincoteague Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean for commercial fishing vessels, charter fishing boats and private interests, and has a tremendous amount of economic impact to the eastern shore.”

The channel is a protected harbor for small boats on Chincoteague Bay in Accomack County near the Virginia-Maryland border. Dredging will occur in the approach channel and L-shaped harbor basin to a required depth of 6 feet, with a foot of paid allowable overdepth.

The channel sediments, comprised of mostly fine-grained material, will be placed into an upland- placement site adjacent to the federal navigation channel, said USACE.

Contract maintenance dredging is required every 5-7 years to maintain congressionally authorized depths and ensure safe navigation.

According to USACE, the channel was last dredged in 2009.