USA: Navy Performs Dredging at Alameda Seaplane Lagoon

As described in a Fact Sheet published December 22, 2011, the Department of the Navy is currently performing dredging at the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda Seaplane Lagoon. The purpose of this work is to protect human health and the environment by removing contaminated sediments. The Navy is aware of some recent concerns regarding equipment noise have been expressed about work being performed during the night.

The dredge barge generator used to supply power for the work is the primary source of noise associated with the cleanup operations, and a muffler has been in place since the beginning of the project to reduce noise. The Navy is attempting to install a more effective muffler to further reduce the noise level and expect the nighttime dredging will be completed later this month or early March, 2012.

Since January 26, 2012, the Navy has been working around the clock to complete all in-water work prior to the beginning of the nesting season of the endangered California Least Tern, and to minimize the cost to the taxpayers by avoiding daily mobilization/demobilization costs.

The cleanup is being conducted in accordance with the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The sediment cleanup consists of dredging, post-dredge sampling, dewatering the dredged sediments, sampling the dewatered sediments to determine their waste characteristics, and final disposal of the sediments.

During all phases of the IR Site 17 cleanup, health and safety protocols have been and continue to be in place to protect workers and the community. The dredging area is surrounded by a turbidity curtain to prevent the release of suspended sediment. Water quality is monitored to ensure that the dredging operations do not adversely impact water outside the contained dredging area. For land based work, dust controls are in place and air monitoring is conducted to ensure no dust is generated that could impact site workers or off-site receptors.

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Dredging Today Staff, February 27, 2012