The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District, in conjunction with state and federal partners, recently obtained expedited authority for emergency dredging of Lake Montauk Harbor, a federal navigation channel on eastern Long Island, New York.
Approximately 10,000 cubic yards (7,600 cubic metres) of sand was removed, dredging critically shoaled areas that had created a navigational hazard for marine traffic, especially for commercial fishermen.
Located approximately 125 miles (201 kilometres) east of Manhattan, Montauk Inlet is a 0.7-mile (1.1-kilometre) long, 150-foot (46-metre) wide channel heavily used by the United States Coast Guard, New York’s commercial fishing fleet, the interstate ferry service, and numerous commercial marinas.
Lake Montauk Harbor also serves as a harbour/refuge on the eastern end on Long Island, while Montauk Inlet is a major market for the fishing industry on Long Island.
In just over six weeks’ time, the shallow areas were dredged to the authorized 12-foot (3.7-metre) depth. The USACE said such swift turn-around is uncommon, as army corps projects must adhere to federal, state and local laws/regulations before work can begin.
The dredged sand was deposited just west of the inlet in an approved near-shore site. The prevailing currents will transport sand further west along the shoreline, nourishing down-drift beaches while maintaining a safe channel for navigation.