County Dredge Marks 28th Season with New Projects
Season’s First Dredging Effort Targets South Channel in Bourne
September 17, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – The County dredge Cod Fish II kicks off the dredge program’s 28th season in Bourne with a maintenance dredging project in the South Channel of Red Brook Harbor (also known as Hospital Cove Channel).
The South Channel project, like most other projects the County dredge program undertakes on the Cape, will clear extensive shoaling from the navigational channel. The removed material will be used to rebuild Bassetts Island, a critical barrier island in Red Brook Harbor. The South Channel project, which hasn’t been dredged since 2001, is scheduled for completion by mid-October.
“We have a very full schedule this season, and getting an early start with the South Channel project is essential as we have several large projects ahead of us that must be completed by January 14th, the first Time of Year (TOY) restriction,” stated Ken Cirillo, Director of the Dredge Department. “The importance of the work the dredge department provides can’t be overstated. Keeping our navigational channels clear from shoaling is an essential part of the Cape’s economy, supporting recreational, commercial, and fishing vessels that rely on these channels.”
After two years of delays due to permitting issues in several towns, this season’s schedule includes projects in Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Harwich, Truro, and Yarmouth.
The department has been working on a multi-year rebuilding effort, acquiring various new assets, including shoreside equipment (a front-end loader, excavator, and skid steer), a barge, push boat, skiffs/trailers, cargo trailers, a survey boat, dredging electronics upgrades, and a variety of replacement parts for the dredges. These purchases were funded by a $1 million ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) grant and a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development’s Dredging Program.
ABOUT THE COUNTY DREDGE PROGRAM
The County Dredge program started in 1996 with the purchase of its first cutterhead suction dredge, Cod Fish I, which served for most of the program’s history. The Sand Shifter was added in 2017, followed by the Cod Fish II in 2019—both cutterhead suction dredges. Demand for dredging on Cape Cod has increased in recent years due to the effects of climate change and the availability of additional state grant funding for projects. The dredging “season” typically runs from September to mid-June and is subject to time-of-year restrictions, ranging from protecting winter flounder to piping plovers, as well as accommodating summer tourism. Over the past 27 years, the Barnstable County dredges have removed over 2.5 million cubic yards of material from over 300 projects on Cape Cod. More than 95% of the dredged material went to rebuilding the beaches and coastal infrastructure.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County.
