Dredging operations began Monday, June 9, to maintain the federal channel at the inner St. Joseph Harbor, on the east shore of Lake Michigan.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, contracted Dean Marine & Excavating Inc., Mt. Clemens, Mich., to perform the mechanical dredging to maintain safe passage for vessels at the upstream docks. Work is scheduled to conclude by July 30.
The harbor is home to Coast Guard Station St. Joseph as well as several commercial wharves for handling coal, building materials, petroleum products, and other commodities.
A navigable path through the St. Joseph River will remain open during dredging operations; however, mariners are urged to avoid the dredge and supporting operations, the Corps said.
Dean Marine & Excavating will use a long-reach excavator to remove shoaling from the channel onto a floating scow, which will then be transferred to trucks at Dock 63. The sediment will be trucked to a site at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, Benton Harbor, Mich.
“Inner St. Joseph Harbor is a vital port for Lake Michigan. This project continues our important work to keep recreation and commerce moving safely on West Michigan waterways,” said Brian Kootstra, resident engineer at the Grand Haven Office of the Corps' Detroit District.
In May, 22,000 cubic yards of sediment were moved from the mouth of the harbor to the southern shoreline beach at Park Street.
