PORT KICKS OFF 2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS WITH MARINA BASIN DREDGING AND BREAKWATER REPAIRS

WASHOUGAL, WASH. – The Port of Camas-Washougal’s marina parking lot is buzzing with activity as thousands of feet of pipe are being welded together while a Mud Cat™ auger dredge stands ready in anticipation of a month-long dredging project that will start this week. In the same vicinity, over 30,000 board feet of lumber (equivalent to over six miles when placed to end to end) are piled high waiting to replace the old wood components of the marina’s floating
breakwater.

MARINA BASIN DREDGING
Despite the swift flowing Columbia River, periodic dredging is needed to remove natural accumulation of mud and silt sediments in order to maintain a navigable depth. The Port marina, approximately 1000 feet by 300 feet, has two areas totaling about 152,274 square feet thatw ill require a removal of about 12,100 cubic yard of sediments. This will return the marina basin to approximately 4 to 6 feet depth (from 0’Columbia River Datum[CRD]).

This year, the Port marina basin dredging project received permits for an in-water disposal of project sediments at an area south of Lady Island, almost a mile downriver from the marina.

This accounts for over 4,000 feet of 10”pipes that are currently being welded together to form the floating discharge pipe that will transport the dredged sediments to the designated disposal site.

Project contractor, Plats Plus of Marysville, Wash., has a project completion deadline of January 31, 2009, because of the shortened in-water work window this season. The in-water work window, typically from November to February for the Columbia River from Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam, allows for construction projects in the river with the least impact to migrating fish. The Port’s marina basin dredging project is estimated to cost $290,287.62.

BREAKWATER REPAIR
Concurrently, the marina’s floating breakwater repair also began this week. The project is expected to use 32,578 board feet of lumber to replace all the structural wood components of the breakwater, and the replaced boards will be reattached to the existing concrete floats and walkways.

The marina breakwater is the outermost floating dock that serves as a transient dock to visiting commercial vessels and guest recreation boats. Technically, the breakwater provides a barrier that protects the marina from the full impact of waves from river traffic and activity. The breakwater repair project is estimated to cost $119,831.50 and the work will be performed by BCI Contracting, Portland, Ore.

The other marina-related capital projects scheduled for the 2008-2009 winter include installation of new launch ramps and fire department connections. The Port’s marina is home to over 350 recreational vessels that are 40 feet and under. The 4-lane launch ramp is open to the public 24/7, and users have access to the self-fuel station and restrooms.