US Army Corps of Engineers completes emergency dredging of New York's Montauk Inlet

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.