[EXPIRED] Dredging Preparation, Palm Beach Turning Basin, near AICW Statute Mile 1018.5
Note that while this dredging preparation should not affect Waterway traffic, it could possibly interfere with use of the Lake Worth Inlet Anchorage which is on the east side of the Palm Beach Turning Basin adjacent to the staging area for this project.
ATLANTIC OCEAN – FLORIDA ‘“ PALM BEACH ‘“ LAKE WORTH INLET: Mobilization Activities
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company will commence mobilization activities at the Phipps Ocean Park, in Palm Beach, Florida. The Dredge ALASKA, Tugs LADY THEO, MARY VIRGINIA, MISS EMILY, FREESTATE, Crew Vessel SHIRLEY MAE and Survey Vessel COOPER RIVER will all be on scene and monitoring VHF Channels 1, 13 and 16. This phase of the work consists of mobilization activities, including submerged pipeline assembly, just outside of the south and east sides of the Port of Palm Beach Turning Basin. During assembly, pipe strings will be floating on the water’s surface in sections of approx. 1,500ft. Pipe will be towed in sections of 1,500ft to a borrow area approximately 9miles south of Lake Worth Inlet. The pipe will be submerged from the beach to the borrow area. The pipe line will be marked with flashing yellow lights and orange buoys. Boaters are advised to avoid this area. There will be approximately 1,600ft of floating pipe connecting to the Dredge ALASKA. Dredging in the borrow area is expected to begin in December 2015 for the Phipps Ocean Park Beach Nourishment Project. Approximate completion date is March 2016. Mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution. Further information contact Project Manager, Chris Pomfret (239) 250-0974, CPomfret@gldd.com, or Site Manager, James Towner (630) 247-0107, JTowner@gldd.com. Chart 11466, 11472 LNM 46/15
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lake Worth Inlet Anchorage
Comments from Cruisers (1)
The area to the east of the turning basin, where the piping will likely be staged, along with, I suspect, the numerous support vessels, is precisely where we anchor for an early start over to West End and the Bahamas. I am wondering if this work will also negatively impact anchoring just north of the inlet, east of Peanut Island.
Trying to pick your way through here in the dark will be a challenge, particularly for those unfamiliar with the inlet. We passed through the inlet (at night) two years ago when they were dredging the entrance and it was a bit unnerving trying to figure out which was the safe side of the (multiple) flashing yellow lights, dodging work boats, etc. This despite having entered and exited Lake Worth Inlet several times in the past.
Just in time for the snowbirds! Be very cautious if transiting in the dark. Keep a spotlight handy.