Hatteras Inlet Emergency Dredging Set to Continue Through March

The ongoing emergency dredging works in the Hatteras Inlet is set to continue until the end of March. An effort led by the Dare County Waterways Commission to ensure a safer and more efficient navigation in the future.

Significance of the Emergency Dredging

Pinched and shallow portions of the horseshoe channel indicated a necessity for an urgent intervention. Dangerous shoaling occurring since 2023 and up until early 2024 in the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry channel had caused several vessel damages due to bottom bumps and had restricted passage to one vessel at a time in certain narrow spots.

Permit Requirement Hiccup

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigated a bureaucratic obstacle after a time-consuming permit requirement was briefly posed to hinder the project. However, the permit was eventually approved after a geophysical cultural resources survey was conducted by a consultant working for the N.C. Department of Transportation Ferry Division.

The survey completion allowed the project to proceed hastily, overcoming the delay that could have taken anywhere between 60 to 120 days. The development of the survey also helped the Corps to start its emergency dredging process effectively.

The Role of the Dredge Merritt

The Corps’ dredge Merritt has actively partaken in the project since March 1. Although it had to briefly vacate the site due to unfavorable weather, it resumed action on March 11 and is set to continue until March’s end. The ongoing operations have been made possible following the authorization for the Corps to dredge to a total depth of nine feet.

The New Channel and the Future

The new channel currently being dug will be deeper, straighter, and safer according to Barton Grover, the Waterways Commission administrator. This alteration will also save between five and ten minutes on the ferry journey for both directions.

Capturing a future-looking approach, the Corps aims to modify the Rollinson Channel – re-alignment permitting more flexibility. Furthermore, the Corps plans to ensure timely and efficient work adjustments via the authorization given to work within the entire horseshoe channel and most navigable areas of the inlet.

Learning to Work with Mother Nature

Bob Keistler, Army Corps of Engineers Chief of Civil Works Programs and Project Management at the Wilmington district, emphasized the necessity to work with natural forces and their unpredictable behavior. Sloop shifting southwest while Barney Slough shifts west has imposed significant challenges maintaining the channels within the authorized corridor.

In response, the Corps seeks to proactively complete required surveys in expanded areas around current channels, speeding up future projects and allowing for natural shifts in alignment.

Conclusion

Emergency dredging in Hatteras Inlet tells a story of collaborative efforts, not only amongst governing bodies, operators and engineers but also in tandem with the forces of nature. The operations are set to continue, painting a progressive image of future navigation and a commitment to work with, rather than against, the natural currents of the waters.