Corps awards contract to small business for Chincoteague Bay Channel dredging

Published May 17, 2019
Updated: May 17, 2019

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded Houston based Dredgit Environmental Corp., a $520,070 contract to perform maintenance dredging along the Chincoteague Bay Federal Navigation Channel.

The company will be responsible for removing approximately 10,000 cubic yards of material to bring the channel to a minimum depth of 6 feet. 

“This vital navigation project provides access into Chincoteague Bay, Chincoteague Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean for commercial fishing vessels, charter fishing boats and private interests, and has a tremendous amount of economic impact to the eastern shore,” said Chris Turner, Norfolk District project manager.

The channel is a protected harbor for small boats on Chincoteague Bay in Accomack County near the Virginia-Maryland border. Dredging will occur in the approach channel and L-shaped harbor basin to a required depth of 6 feet, with a foot of paid allowable overdepth.

The channel sediments, comprised of mostly fine-grained material, will be placed into an upland- placement site adjacent to the federal navigation channel. 

Contract maintenance dredging is required every 5-7 years to maintain congressionally authorized depths and ensure safe navigation. The channel was last dredged in 2009.

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