Newt Marine Service Public Meeting 1
McMillan Island Dredge Site Unloading 07/18/2020
New Marine Service has been contracted to hydraulically remove 125,000 cubic yards of sand from McMillan Island to Buck Creek disposal site.
Expected Work Dates: July 2 –Oct 25
Anticipated Work Hours: M-F 6am to 7pm
Length of Pipe: ~11,500’
Diameter: 24 inch
Location of Booster Barge: North End of Esmann Island
Newt Marine Staff will stage and access workboats on Esmann Island north of the public ramp.
McMillan Island will be closed to boat traffic/beach access for the duration of construction.
Buck Creek Sand Pit will be closed for the duration of construction.
The pipeline route is dictated by US Fish and Wildlife. No pipeline will cross Esmann Island.
Due to shallow water on the north end of Esmann Island, we are unable to sink the pipe deep enough for a boat crossing in the main north route, leaving Esmann Island for the channel. All boat traffic will be redirected to go around north end of island that is Northeast of Esmann Island’s northern boat dock.
The underwater crossing will be east of the small island and will be parallel to the Main channel downstream of river mile 619. The underwater crossing and pipeline will be well lit and marked.
Do not attempt crossing the pipeline at any other place than at the underwater crossing.
Point of Contact:
Jesse Speer
Project Superintendent
(563) 557-1855
Artie Ahr
Project Manager
(563) 557-1855
Thank you for making this a successful project.
Newt Marine
Esmann Island Board & Member Questions and Discussion
Q: Bob Gilkes asked how long project will take?
A: End of Aug, possibly Sept per Newt.
Q: Jane Root asked: will there be any sand on the island?
A: No per Newt
Q: When will pond dredging begin?
A: We are still in negotiations regarding the pond dredge. For now, the plan is to dredge the southeastern side. Possibly the north side. No solid plan on paper as of yet.
Q: Cindy Lynch asked: are there any other options for parking down by ramp? Reason being, workers taking up a lot of space. Offered up sand pit option.
A: Per Jesse @ Newt they need to be able to load and unload and do their best to clear out at end of day and on weekends. Once actual dredging process begins, there will be less congestion.
Paul @ Corp of Engineers states that McMillian Island is not large enough for all of the sediment. They are looking to create a long term planning effort regarding this. Any ideas are welcome for storing sand.
Q: Jane asked: what is the probability of channel changing?
A: Per Paul, no plan, channel stays as is.
Q: Dennis Winders asked: can they add any more recreation areas, sandbars?
A: Per Paul, open to it but more than likely they will enhance what is already there as they are working to save wildlife.
Q: Cindy Lynch asked: there was talk of adding an access road to North End of Island.
A: Probably not an option due to wetland issues but may raise existing road to avoid flooding. Per Paul
Q: Jane asked: how to go about making no wake zone in front of island.
A: Per Paul at Corp, County Sheriff and County Boat control.