Hannibal Parks and Recreation (HPR) has started a dredging project at the Nipper Park marina and boat ramp, a routine maintenance work expected to take nearly three weeks to complete.
According to HPR, the dredge crews will work daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and boaters should expect the docks and boat ramp to be closed during those hours for the duration of the project.
HPR purchased a Mud Cat MC 115D Dredge from Ellicott Dredge Technologies several years ago. The dredge vacuums up the unwanted sediment and debris and pumps it to a dredge pit south of the marina. The sediment becomes fill soil that can be recycled throughout the park system.
Over time, marinas naturally fill with silt, sand and mud due to currents and river runoff. This sediment buildup reduces water depth, making it unsafe for vessels to enter or exit. Dredging helps maintain safe navigation, protect infrastructure and comply with environmental regulations.