Mobile Bay beneficial use Wetland creation project

Planning is underway for the creation of 1,200 acres of wetlands in the Upper Mobile Bay through the beneficial use of dredged sediments, according to the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA).

The project, known as the Upper Mobile Bay Beneficial Use Wetland Creation Site (Planning) Project, considers an area in the Bay about 1.5 to 2.5 miles south of the Causeway (Hwy 90/98) and I-10.

Utilizing dredged sediment to create wetlands rather than placing this material in upland or open-water management areas is a wise use of this valuable Alabama natural resource, said ASPA in the release.

Benefits resulting from this wetland creation project will include improved water quality, more habitat for living coastal and marine organisms, and implementation of improved dredging practices that support navigation-related industries and thus the region’s economy.

Planning activities are expected to be complete by the end of 2021. Members of the Moffatt & Nichol project team, which include local coastal engineers and scientists, will perform investigations, studies, and engineering design work for meeting all federal and state compliance requirements.

Work to define the exact location of the wetland site and identify sources of material for construction of the wetland will take place during the latter part of the year. As part of the planning process, a construction permit application will be filed with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Upon completion of the planning phase at the end of 2021, the ASPA anticipates requesting construction funds for the first 100 acres of wetlands from the RESTORE Council in 2022. It is anticipated that an additional 1,100 acres of wetlands will be created over the next 10 – 20 years.