Two Ohio River dredging projects available for comment

In efforts to maintain a safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally sound waterborne transportation system, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finalizing the design of two dredge projects on the Ohio River.

The proposed projects include dredging of the government harbors, water intakes, and the federal navigation channels upstream of the lock structures at Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam (R.C. Byrd) and Racine Locks and Dam (Racine).

According to the Corps, the dredged material from R.C. Byrd will be placed in the USACE-operated disposal area along the right descending bank within the restricted area above the dam between approximate Ohio River Mile (ORM) 278.5 and 279.1. The dredged material from Racine will be placed in the USACE-operated disposal area along the right descending bank just above the dam at approximate ORM 237.3.

The projects will involve the removal of an estimated 30,000 cubic yards of sediment at R.C. Byrd and 20,000 cubic yards of sediment at Racine (volumes subject to change from year to year based on annual sediment deposition).

Dredging operations at these locations – scheduled to be performed between June 30 and March 15 of the following year – will be accomplished by use of a hydraulic suction dredge or mechanical clamshell dredge.

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