The largest dredging operation on the Great Lakes wraps up

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, has completed annual dredging of Toledo Harbor and the Maumee River.

Dredging of Toledo Harbor is the largest dredging operation on the Great Lakes, ensuring accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the lakes, and the economic viability of United States waterways.

“Maintaining the operation of harbors like Toledo and ensuring the Maumee River remains accessible is a core part of our mission and essential to the economic strength of the nation,” said Lt. Col. Colby Krug, commander of the Buffalo District. “We’re proud of our partnerships with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the state of Ohio, and our representatives in Congress that make this critical operation possible.”

Maintenance dredging began July 29 and was completed Dec. 2.

Work focused on the mouth of the Maumee River where 800,000 cubic yards of material was mechanically dredged by USACE and its contractor, Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. The material was placed in the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Confined Disposal Facility.

This year’s dredging project cost $5.88 million.