Channel Maintenance Dredging, Sand Bypass and Beach Renourishment Project Update #3
Phase II of the project is underway; dredging the navigation channel connecting the Sebastian Inlet to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and pumping sand into the Sebastian Inlet District’s Dredged Material Management Area (DMMA) for future beach placement. The DMMA is a 6-acre sand storage site located Northwest of the Sebastian Inlet State Park Tidal Pool that was built in 2010-2011. It is used to store sand for beach placement and can be mobilized immediately for emergency dune and beach repair following hurricanes and other storm events.
To date, an estimated 15,000 cubic yards of beach quality sand have been pumped into the DMMA and the project is on target to finish mid- to late-May. An updated estimated total of 35,000 cubic yards of sand will be stored in the DMMA when crews complete their work.
The dredge “Lori Hill” and crew are working their way East and all boaters in the area are urged to take great care when navigating the channel while the project is ongoing. Dredge operations are 24/7. To see our notice to boaters for important news including contact information for dredge “Lori Hill”, click here.
Upon project completion, the Sebastian Inlet District will be working with marine biologists in the field to conduct permit required sea turtle, sea grass and nearshore hardbottom monitoring to assess project performance. For additional detail or to see prior project updates, visit the PROJECTS tab or call (321) 724-5175.
The Sebastian Inlet District was created in 1919 as an independent special district by act of the Florida State Legislature, and chartered to maintain the navigational channel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. The Sebastian Inlet District is governed by a 5-member, elected Commission and its responsibilities include beach re-nourishment and dune repair as part of a state mandated sand bypass system, erosion control, environmental protection and public safety. The Sebastian Inlet supports a rich and diverse ecological environment that is unparalleled in North America. The Inlet is vital not only to the ecological health of the Indian River Lagoon, but it is also an important economic engine for local communities in the region. Known as the premier surfing, fishing, boating and recreational area on the east coast of Florida, the inlet is one of only five navigable channels that connect the Indian River lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean.
Posted: 4/26/2019