Channel Maintenance Dredging: Olmstead Lock & Dam Ohio River Mile 967 & 976

Notice Number: 2022-054

REFERENCE:
Navigation Notice # 2022-043 dated September 28, 2022
Navigation Notice # 2022-046 dated October 07, 2022

Hydraulic Dredge Bill Holman

The Dredge Bill Holman continues to perform navigation channel dredging between Ohio River Miles 967 and 976, with an estimated completion date of November 11, 2022.

There will be three 13-hour night-time river closures to allow the safe and efficient performance of maintenance dredging at Ohio River Mile 972-973. The river will be closed at this location during the following times:

• 1800 CT on 29 October 2022 - 0700 CT on 30 October 2022
• 1800 CT on 30 October 2022 - 0700 CT on 31 October 2022
• 1800 CT on 31 October 2022 - 0700 CT on 01 November 2022

Outside these hours, the Dredge Bill Holman will be set aside allowing traffic to pass without interruption.

Immediately following these three closures, an industry representative will be stationed at Olmsted Locks and Dam to manage the queue and ensure efficient one-way traffic through Ohio River Miles 967-976. To get in
queue during the closures, mariners should call in to the Lock Operator at Olmsted Locks and Dam. Upbound tows should call in from Cairo Point and wait downstream of Mile 976.

The contractor’s floating plant will consist of the Dredge Bill Holman, M/V’s LENARD and BUDDY, and the ROBERT T, one shop barge, one spill barge, and floating pipeline sections. The Dredge Bill Holman, M/V’s
LENARD and BUDDY will be monitoring marine channel 13.

Amherst-Madison Mechanical Dredge

An Amherst-Madison mechanical (clamshell) dredge will also perform navigation channel dredging between Ohio River Miles 967 and 976. This dredging is scheduled to begin on October 30, 2022 at Ohio River Mile 973. The duration of this dredging is dependent on river conditions, with no scheduled end date.

Hours of operation will be between 0600 – 2400 CT each day. The mechanical dredge will set aside allowing traffic to pass without interruption.

The mechanical dredge floating plant will consist of two crane barges, six jumbo flat deck barges, the M/V Alabama and the M/V Bus Brown. The dredge will be monitoring marine channels 13 and 16.

Communication and Dredge Passing Instructions

Contact the Dredge Bill Holman and the Amherst Clamshell Dredge for passing instruction on marine channel 13. Due to the difficulty with moving the dredge aside in extreme low water conditions, mariners are requested to call in to the dredge well in advance if they need to pass; downbound tows should call in from Olmsted Locks and Dam, and upbound tows should call in from Cairo Point. Once contact has been made with the Dredges, proceed at the slowest safe speed.

One-Way Traffic

Effective October 17, 2022 until further notice, Mariners shall implement a one-way traffic scheme and make passing arrangements to avoid meeting or overtaking between Ohio River Miles 967 976.

//signed//

Shawn Kenney
Chief, Technical Support Branch