Snake River Dredging Kicks Off

The Snake River dredging project is finally underway.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, and its dredging contractor American Construction Company started with dredging yesterday at the downstream lock approach of Ice Harbor Dam and the confluence of the Snake-Clearwater rivers in the Lewiston-Clarkston area.

Port of Clarkston Manager Wanda Keefer said that it’s been nine years since dredging like this has taken place.

“Because it hasn’t been dredged for a while, there’s been a number of safety hazards created for the freight navigation but also the recreational cruise boats that have come up and down the river,” said Keefer. “There are certain places on the river right now that are only seven feet deep.”

River mariners are urged to be cautious around dredging vessels and equipment. In accordance with standard procedures, the Corps has also issued a notice to the navigation industry announcing the presence of dredging vessels and equipment in the lower Snake River.

The dredging will likely involve a 24-hour-a-day operation.

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Dredging Today Staff