U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Resume Dredging in Grand Haven Harbor
DETROIT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District (USACE), has announced that it will resume dredging in Grand Haven Harbor on Wednesday, July 12. The dredging operations were temporarily halted last week due to concerns about high concentrations of E. coli in the water at North Park Beach in Ferrysburg. The Army Corps, in collaboration with the Ottawa County Health Department and the state of Michigan, has developed a comprehensive testing plan to ensure public safety during the resumption of dredging activities.
The remaining 35,000 cubic yards of sediment, out of the contracted 141,000 cubic yards, will be dredged by King Co. Inc., of Holland, under an Army Corps contract. This dredging is necessary to maintain the navigability of the commercial channel in Grand Haven Harbor for the rest of the year. Weather permitting, the dredging is expected to be completed in approximately seven days.
Although the exact source of the E. coli contamination is still unknown, heavy rainfall in the Grand River watershed last week is suspected to have contributed to the high bacterial concentrations. Ottawa County issued a “no body contact” warning for North Park Beach, but lifted the warning order on Saturday after multiple tests confirmed that the water was once again safe.
To ensure public health and safety, the Army Corps will conduct rapid testing in the river and around the dredging pipeline outflow. Water samples will be collected at various locations, including knee-level in the water column, 100 yards north and south of the pipeline, and at North Park Beach. These samples will be analyzed by TRACE Analytical Laboratories for E. coli using the HACH M-Coli Blue 24 method. The test results will be coordinated with the county to inform the public and ensure their safety.
E. coli is a bacteria that can cause swimming-related illnesses, such as diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, eye pain, and congestion, when individuals come into contact with large concentrations of the bacteria.
In order to prevent people from swimming near the dredging equipment, additional signs and fencing will be placed 100 yards around the dredging material placement site at North Park Beach. Residents and beachgoers are urged to stay out of the construction zone and to follow all safety warnings from Ottawa County.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is responsible for maintaining a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels that connect lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair, and Erie. Their mission is to provide vital public engineering services to secure the nation, protect the environment, energize the economy, and reduce risks from natural disasters.
For more information, contact Detroit District Public Affairs Specialist Brandon Hubbard at (313) 500-3251.
Original Story at www.lre.usace.army.mil – 2023-07-11 23:50:17
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