Willapa Bay maintenance dredging set for July

Mechanical (clamshell) maintenance dredging of three federal features in Willapa Bay, Wash., is expected to begin as early as July 16, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) said.

“Dredging is expected to begin in the Palix River Access Lane to obtain dredge access to Bay Center Entrance Channel. After dredging is complete at Bay Center, dredging is anticipated to occur in the Tokeland Entrance Channel, and then Nahcotta Entrance Channel,” USACE said.

Also, dredging will occur in shoaled areas of the Palix River Access Lane and Bay Center, Tokeland and Nahcotta Entrance Channels.

Dredged material will be placed at the Cape Shoalwater and South Channel open-water disposal sites.

According to USACE, dredging work will be performed continuously, 24/7, with all in-water work concluded no later than September 30 at Bay Center/Palix River, February 1, 2027 at Nahcotta and February 15, 2027 at Tokeland.

USACE will oversee maintenance dredging performed by the contractor, J.E. McAmis.