The Los Angeles District Corps of Engineers requests reviews and comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Santa Ana River Marsh Dredging Project located in West Newport Beach close to the Santa Ana River.
The Corps proposes to remove sediment along the Marsh channels to restore tidal circulation and maintain coastal salt marsh habitat that supports endangered species. The primary benefits from the proposed project would be restoration of design channel depths, which would provide improved circulation and tidal flushing necessary to support the salt marsh habitat.
Secondary benefits include replenishment of beach sands with placement of some dredged material in the nearshore at Newport Beach. The remaining dredged material will be placed at the LA-3 Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site. Sediment not compatible for ocean disposal would be excavated and disposed of at an upland landfill.
The California least tern island within the Marsh would also be cleared of weedy vegetation to improve nesting habitat for this endangered species. The proposed dredging and excavation is scheduled between September 2012 and March 2013.
A Public Meeting will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Representatives from the Corps of Engineers will be present to discuss the proposed project and the draft Environmental Assessment.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 27, 2012;