Dredging kicks off in Holland, Michigan

The USACE Detroit District started dredging the outer harbor in Holland, Michigan, this weekend to remove about 31,000 cubic yards of sediment from the federal navigation channel.

The King Co., based in Holland, Michigan was awarded a $901,885 contract to hydraulically dredge Holland and Grand Haven this spring.

“Maintaining commercial traffic to Holland is an important part of our maintenance dredging in West Michigan,” said Liz Newell Wilkinson, the operations manager at the Grand Haven Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.

“Keeping the shipping channel open provides a receiving port for the city and a safe harbor of refuge for vessels seeking shelter on Lake Michigan.”

Dredged sediment in Holland will be relocated through nearshore placement, meaning it will be piped offshore to the 8-12 feet-deep lake bottom, said USACE.

The state-permitted area for sediment placement begins 1,200 feet south of the south breakwater and continuing approximately 4,500 feet.

According to USACE, the expected completion for both harbors is May 31.