Dredging Maintenance at Bluff Boat Ramp, Encounter Bay
Maintenance dredging at the Bluff Boat Ramp, Encounter Bay was completed on 29 November 2019. The boat ramp will re-open from 30 November.
The dredging was successful, removing built up sand to enable marine craft, including sea rescue boats, to launch at any time.
The sand that was removed from the channel has been tested and is suitable to be used to replenish the sand on the beach abutting Franklin Parade (from Battye Road to Fell Street). The sand is due to be spread in the next couple of weeks after it has dried.
The dredging equipment will be removed from the site over the coming week. Take care when navigating around the equipment.
Project background:
Who is undertaking the dredging?
Council has engaged Maritime Constructions to undertake the dredging. Works are scheduled for up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some restrictions in operations apply to reduce noise levels for residents between 10pm and 7am.
Maritime constructions operate under a dredging licence issued by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The dredge will work progressively from the end of the channel inwards towards the boat ramp.
When will dredging works commence?
The contractor will start to prepare the site from Wednesday, 6 November 2019. This will take about a week.
Dredging is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 16 November 2019 and is expected to be complete by Friday, 29 November.
The works are expected to take two weeks to complete. However, this will be dependent on the amount of work required and weather conditions.
Will the boat ramp be accessible during dredging works?
For safety reasons, the boat ramp will not be accessible during the works period. Though there will be exemptions for sea rescue boats and emergency services.
The nearest alternative boat ramp is located at Wirrina Cove. Dredging is proposed to be undertaken 24 hours a day to minimise the time the boat ramp is not accessible.
What happens to the material that is removed by the dredge?
The sand within the dredging location has been tested and is suitable to be used for beach sand replenishment activities. The sand will be disposed on the beach abutting Franklin Parade from Battye Road to Fell Street. Initially the sand will have slight odour and be darker in colour. However, after 48 hours it dries out and will become lighter in colour.
Who do I contact for more information?
Further questions about this project should be directed to Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Department by email to localgov@victor.sa.gov.au or (08) 8551 0500.