Posted by Patrick Smith on December 06, 2004 at 09:31:04:
Redondo canyon divers should be aware of this little project....
Anybody know about this or see an EIR on the project?
Stay wet.
http://tbrnews.nminews.com/articles/2004/12/02/redondo_beach_news/news13.txt
Redondo Beach News
Harbor sand to be dredged (12/2)
By Dawnya Pring
Sand that has settled on the floor of the Redondo Beach harbor, making it difficult for boaters to navigate through parts of the marina, will be dredged for the first time in 15 years.
An estimated 40,000 cubic yards of sand will be collected using a small dredge similar to an underwater vacuum and will be transported via pipe to replenish the beach just south of the pier, according to Harbor Properties Director Barry Kielsmeier.
Although boaters are managing to maneuver through the harbor, navigating is becoming increasingly difficult. "People are managing, but it's time to get it done," Kielsmeier said.
Much of the sand has settled at the entrance to the Main Channel and Basin III, and "the small boat launch is practically sitting on sand," according to a city staff report.
The AIS Construction Company was awarded the bid, estimating the project to cost approximately $560,000. AIS workers will begin setting up the necessary project equipment Dec. 20. But the dredging won't begin until January and is scheduled to last two to three weeks.
During 2003-04 budget talks, former City Manager Lou Garcia suggested charging all boaters a $5 fee per slip in order to finance the dredging project, but boaters protested successfully arguing that the rental fee they already pay to park their boat is supposed to help maintain the harbor.
City officials have put aside approximately $900,000 for the project, but it's estimated to come in under budget, said Councilman Chris Cagle.
It has taken the city more than two years to get the necessary permits from several state, county and federal agencies in order to start the project, Kielsmeier said.
The sand will be used to replenish the eroded portion of the beach just south of the pier. The pipe will dump the sand at the shoreline between Ruby and Topaz streets, according to Cagle.