Imminently, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will begin sand shoal maintenance dredging in three NJ state navigation channels in the Shrewsbury River. Phase 1 of the NJDOT Channel Dredging Program in response to the impacts from SuperStorm Sandy must be completed by December 31st, 2017 per state and federal regulations.
The three channels that will be dredged are: (i) Monmouth Beach Channel (#016) in the Boroughs of Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright, to a maximum depth of 6-ft below the Plane of Mean Low Water Level (MLW); (ii) Rumson Country Club Y Channel (#017) in the Boroughs of Rumson and Sea Bright, to a maximum depth of 5-ft MLW; and (iii) Oceanport Creek Entry Channel (#025) in the Borough of Oceanport, to a maximum depth of 4-ft MLW. According to the permit details, approximately 17,500 cubic yards is estimated to be removed from the three channels according to the permit details. Only certain areas qualify for beach replenishment. All material dredged must be greater than 90% sand to meet criteria for beach replenishment nourishment along the shoreline of Monmouth Beach, in front of the existing dune between Central and Park Road. Hydraulic dredging will be used to dredge material that will then be transported via pipeline to the beach placement area.
A pre-dredging biological survey was conducted on Sep 19, 2017 by a consulting firm to look for seabeach amaranth, a plant that is on the federal “threatened” plants list. The survey identified 2 areas of seabeach amaranth, with a total of four plants. These were documented earlier by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and fenced off. In addition, the permit requires that shellfish waters shall be closed until 30 days after dredging has been completed. Once the beach replenishment is nearing completion, the area will be inspected for any unexpected changes in habitat. Clean Ocean Action and partners will be monitoring the process carefully. In addition, COA urges citizens who are regularly in the Shrewsbury River and walking along the shore in Monmouth Beach to keep a safe distance, but also a watchful eye. For maps of the areas, please visit COA’s blog.
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