Dredging navigational channels in the Shark River is expected to resume within the next few weeks under a contract to dredge about 106,000 cubic yards of sediment from the river’s western section.
“They are mobilizing the equipment right now and removing old dredge materials. They will probably begin actual dredging in first half July but people will see activity now,” Neptune Township Committeeman Randy Bishop said.
Dredging began last year but ended in January this year. Under federal and state regulations, dredging is allowed from Sept. 7, 2015 through Dec. 31, with environmental constraints determining what periods dredging can occur. Warmer water can allow dredging to continue into January.
“It is the expectation of the state Department of Transportation that the dredging will be completed this year,” Bishop said.
He estimates that about 4,000 cubic yards of dredge materials were removed last year. It will be used as fill at the Monmouth County landfill in Tinton Falls. The project’s $7.6 million contract was awarded to Mobile Pumping & Dredging Co., based in Chester, PA.
“This project has been almost 30 years in the making and will be an important improvement for our residents. Dredging 106,000 cubic yards is a significant, costly and complex task,” state Sen. Jennifer Beck said.
The Shark River Clean Up Coalition will hold Dredgefest 2016 to celebrate its 15th anniversary and a dredging kick-off party tonight, June 30, at the Headliner at 1401 Route 35 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered at www.sharkriver.org or purchased at the door.
