11.5.25 Project Update

Two dredges are currently operating in the outer channel. We are about half way towards our dredging goal with roughly 29,000 cubic yards of sand dredged to date.

There have been numerous weather-related impacts (high winds prevent the dredge from operating at all or at high efficiency) through the fall season as the winds have been record high. Everyone remains committed to completing the dredge work by early December, weather permitting. Overall, the nourishment looks fantastic and all parties are pleased with our progress. The western portion of the project by the jetty has been built out with a new 50-foot-wide berm and looks great per below photo. There’s still a large quantity of sand stockpiled near the entrance at Wading Place Rd, which will be spread shortly.

Farther east along the Spit, including the area in front of Popponesset Island, there’s a stretch that has not yet received nourishment. That section will require at least 15,000-20,000 cubic yards. The area fronting Popponesset Island has historically been an erosion hotspot, therefore we are planning to overfill this area to provide added protection.

At the far eastern end of the Spit, where the small dredge has been pumping, a partial 50-foot-wide berm has also been constructed. Since sand naturally migrates east with longshore transport, building out the western and central profiles first will provide better overall protection for the island.

Fingers crossed for light winds in November!