Report released on the Sparrows Point dredging project

Sparrows Point Container Terminal (SPCT), a subsidiary of Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA) released an independent report of the results of a sampling and testing program for the evaluation of dredged sediment from the southern portion of Sparrows Point Channel for ocean placement.

The sampling and testing program was conducted in conformance with a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) that was reviewed and approved by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The results from the report indicate that dredged material from the proposed widening and deepening of the southern portion of the channel meets the requirements for ocean placement under Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). This report was commissioned by SPCT to study alternative options for dredged material placement.

First announced in 2022, SPCT is a joint effort from TPA and Terminal Investment Limited to develop a new container terminal within the Port of Baltimore.

Once complete, the container terminal is projected to create over 8,000 direct and port affiliated jobs, add over $1.5 billion to Maryland’s economy annually, and position the Port of Baltimore as the third largest on the East Coast.

This project would require the Sparrows Point Channel to be widened and deepened to -50 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) to match the depth of the Brewerton Channel.

The channel improvements would result in an estimated 4.2 million cubic yards of material to be dredged to accommodate the new dimensions needed in the Channel for safe passage of Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).

USACE has more information about the Sparrows Point Container Terminal project.