Dredging set for turning basin in Petaluma, California

The City of Petaluma in California has funded a project to dredge and repair docks in the city’s Turning Basin.

Phase one of the project will start this week and is scheduled to end on October 18, 2022. This part of the project will include:

• Dredging of select areas in the Turning Basin that were not dredged by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2020
• Removal and reinstallation of the Petaluma Small Craft Center dock and gangway
• Removal and reinstallation of the City Dock on the West side of the Turning Basin
• Removal of the City Dock on the East Side of the Turning Basin (this dock will be replaced in 2023)

Excessive silt in the Turning Basin has made it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for larger boats to sail or motor into this area of the Petaluma River. The silt buildup has also caused problems for those wanting to launch kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other small watercraft from the docks adjacent to the River Plaza Shopping Center.

The city government said the docks and their associated pilings need to be renovated, but such renovation may not be executed with high silt levels.