The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced that the United States Army Corps of Engineers began dredging the south entrance channel to Marina del Rey on January 2, and will continue until the approximate completion date of March 15, 2009.

The $3 million dredging project will remove 50,000 cubic meters of contaminated sediment using a hydraulic dredge to remove a tip shoal area at the south entrance of the Marina harbor. Upon completion of the project, the dredged portion of the south entrance will return to the design depth of -20 feet mean lower low water. The sediment will be pumped to a temporary sand separation plant situated on parking lot # 3 located at 8600 Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey. Utilizing a new application, the treatment facility will separate sand from other materials and contaminants, resulting in sand suitable for nourishment at Dockweiler State Beach. The material unsuitable for beach placement will be trucked to an inland landfill.

For more information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Office at (213) 452-3925 or click here.