Each year, the Alabama State Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge some 6 million cubic yards of sediment to keep channels open. This year, it is proposing a wetlands creation project in the Mobile River delta region.
“Current practice places dredged materials in permitted open-water or upland management areas,” port officials say in background for the proposal. “These valuable sediments can be used to create wetlands and habitat. By constructing this project, sediments could remain in the Upper Mobile Bay system to increase important wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation habitat areas, improve water quality, build resiliency against storm surge, and reduce costs to maintain public channels and berths.”
The Port is sponsoring a virtual public meeting at 4 p.m. Aug. 31 to review and discuss the plans.
“The project team includes local coastal engineers and scientists, who will provide a 20-minute presentation about the $2.5 million planning project for creating 1,200 acres of wetlands in the Upper Mobile Bay,” port officials said in announcing the meeting.
“The overview will include a brief project history, key benefits and expectations, the project timeline, and work completed to date.”
To participate via computer or smart phone, visit UpperMoBayWetlands.com or access the Webex meeting here using a computer or a smart phone or dial-in at 415-655-0001; 1805122731#.
