Port of Kalama Dredging About to Begin

The Port of Kalama will begin its annual maintenance dredging at the TEMCO grain elevator berth on September 1st.  

The Port board of commissioners awarded the ongoing 2019 maintenance dredging contract to Ross Island Sand and Gravel for $687,225.00, including tax.

The project will remove a projected 55,000 cubic yards of material to depths between 43 to 47 feet.

The Port’s award-winning maintenance dredging program ensures the draft necessary to keep cargo ships sailing smoothly at the terminal.

The dredging procedure removes sand in front of the TEMCO LLC terminal and uses the clean materials to continue beach nourishment on the Port of Kalama riverfront or may be placed on the upland South Port material site.

The Port is only permitted to provide these maintenance services at this time of year, which is during the authorized in-water work window.

“We want the public to be aware that it’s that time of year for the annual maintenance dredging we are required to do to support shipping and commerce here at the Port—and because the clean dredged sand is then used to nourish and enhance our public beaches, it’s really a win-win for business and recreation,” said Liz Newman, marketing manager, Port of Kalama.

This annual maintenance dredging is expected to run through September 30, 2019.