Notice to Navigators: Eastern U.S. Rivers

NOTICE TO MARINERS

Eastern U.S. Rivers

LNM 15-22

SECTION I - SPECIAL NOTICES
This section contains information of special concern to the Mariner.

ATLANTIC OFFSHORE-MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

The mandatory ship reporting system is not currently providing automated responses specific to the reporting vessel’s transit plan. Mariners should continue following best practices for marine mammal avoidance and adhere to required speed restrictions within appropriate areas. Send inquiries to rightwhale.msr@uscg.mil or 757-398-6330. Please report all right whale sightings and collisions to 877-WHALE- help or to the Coast Guard via channel 16. For more info, consult the U.S. Coast Pilot.

Right whales are slow moving and at risk of serious injury or death due to collisions with vessels. The critically endangered right whale, including females with young calves may be encountered in offshore and coastal waters. Vessel operators are reminded to use caution and proceed at safe speeds in areas used by right whales.

Approaching within 500 yards of right whales is prohibited and is a violation of U.S. law (50 CFR 224.103). A minimum distance of 500 yards must be maintained from a sighted whale unless avoidance is hazardous to the vessel or its occupants. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that operators assume that any whale sighted is a right whale.

U.S. law (50 CFR 224.105) requires most vessels 65 ft or greater to travel at speeds of 10 knots or less in seasonal management areas used by right whales when consistent with safety of navigation. Explanations of times, other affected areas, and exceptions to this law can be found in the local notice to mariners.

Right whale sighting information can be found at: https://apps-nefsc.fisheries.noaa.gov/psb/surveys/mapperiframewithtext.html.

Please report all right whale sightings and collisions to 877-WHALE- help or to the Coast Guard via channel 16. For more info, consult the U.S. Coast Pilot.

 

SECTION VI - PROPOSED CHANGES
Periodically, the Coast Guard evaluates its system of aids to navigation to determine whether the conditions for which the aids to navigation were established have changed. When changes occur, the feasibility of improving, relocating, replacing, or discontinuing aids are considered. This section contains notice(s) of non-approved, proposed projects open for comment. SPECIAL NOTE: Mariners are requested to respond in writing to the District office unless otherwise noted (see banner page for address).

 

****MD – CHESAPEAKE CHANNEL – AIDS TO NAVIGATION CHANGE PROPOSAL****

The Coast Guard is proposing to discontinue Chesapeake Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy CR (LLNR 7695). On April 7, 2022, the Coast Guard established Chesapeake Channel Lighted Wreck Buoy WR 79B (LLNR 7698) to mark a sunken vessel. Due to this establishment, the Chesapeake Channel Lighted Whistle Buoy CR no longer indicates safe water in this area and its removal will allow for safer navigation by vessel transiting through this new wreck area.

Interested Mariners and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on the potential impacts this proposal would have on navigational safety. You may provide feedback using the U. S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterway Data Sheet, available online at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/D05_Proposal_Feedback_Form.pdf

All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to June 6, 2022 to be considered in the analysis. Refer to project number 05- 22-032(D).

Send comments to CGD5Waterways@uscg.mil, or mail to:

U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Waterways Management (dpw)

431 Crawford Street

Room 100 Portsmouth

VA 23704

Attn: Albert Grimes

 

SECTION VII - GENERAL
This section contains information of general concern to the Mariners. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting these areas.

****DE - NJ – DELAWARE RIVER – DEEPWATER RANGE - DREDGING OPERATIONS****

The Dredge ESSEX will commence dredging operations in the Deepwater Range of the Delaware River on or about April 12, 2022. The project will continue until approximately June 1, 2022. A submerged pipeline will run from the dredging area to the Kilcohook Disposal area on the New Jersey side of the river. A floating pipeline will connect the dredge to the submerged pipeline. The submerged pipeline will need to be moved occasionally as the dredge progresses.

The Dredge Operator will standby on channels #13 and #16 VHF-FM. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. All mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the dredge and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.

Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Since the project will be conducted twenty –four (24) hours per day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to the commencement of the work.

****MD - CHESAPEAKE BAY - SANDY POINT TO SUSQUEHANNA RIVER - CRAIGHILL CHANNEL - TEMPORARY SAFETY ZONE****

The Coast Guard established a temporary safety zone upon certain waters of the Chesapeake Bay within a 500 yard radius of the container ship EVER FORWARD through 9 p.m. on April 13, 2022. The vessel is currently aground approximately 800 yards south of Craighill Channel Lighted Buoy 16 (LLNR 8085), in approximate position 39°06′39′′ N, 076°23′30′′ W.

The safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of persons and the marine environment from the potential safety hazards associated with damage assessments, dredge and salvage operations. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. The COTP is currently issuing a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via VHFFM marine channel 16 that allows transit through the safety zone for one-way traffic at a reduced safe speed but is subject to change. Mariners are requested to monitor the VHF channel 16 for the latest information. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.

Due to the nature and severity of the grounding, equipment required for container removal operations and future pulling evolutions has been staged on site. Two pull barges are anchored astern of the EVER FORWARD. The pull barges remain out of the channel. The anchoring system for the westernmost pull barge are within the federal channel with the other along the eastern edge of the channel. The location of these anchoring systems are marked with buoys having a flashing white light (Fl W 2s). Two crane barges are positioned on the port and starboard sides of the EVER FORWARD to facilitate the offload of containers. The stern of the westernmost crane barge encroaches on the eastern side of the channel. The allowance for one-way traffic at a reduced safe speed through the safety zone will continue throughout the container removal operations. On April 13, 2022, the COTP intends to establish a 1,000 yard safety zone around the EVER FORWARD in anticipation of pulling evolutions. The public should anticipate a refloating and pull attempt impacting traffic movement starting on or about April 16, 2022. Mariners are requested to monitor the VHF channel 16 for the latest information.

Mariners are to use extreme caution when transiting in the vicinity and abide by the Safety Zone and any allowances by the COTP advertised in the BNM via VHF-FM marine channel 16.

For any comments or questions regarding the contents of this local notice to mariners article, contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region Waterways Management staff at (410) 576-2674, or the Sector Command Center at (410) 576-2693.

****VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – THIMBLE SHOAL CHANNEL – DREDGING****

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (GLDD) with the hopper dredge M/V ATB Douglas B. Mackie & Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge Ellis Island will commence dredging operations in the Thimble Shoal Channel between coordinates point A, 36.9741369°N,-076.1185955°W, point B, 36.9775353°N,-076.1172310°W, point C, 36.9534965°N, -076.0243938°W, point D, 36.9500990°N,-076.0257621°W on approximately April 18, 2022. Dredged material will be transported to DAM NECK OFFSHORE DISPOSAL SITE and bottom dumped in the contact designated area by the dredge. Disposal will take place between Point I, 36.7744462°N,-075.9049262°W, Point J, 36.8128988°N,-075.9049260°W, Point K, 36.8128974°N,- 075.8878462°W, Point L, 36.7744449°N,-075.8878549°W. Operations occur 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (GLDD) will commence pipeline mobilization activities on or around April 18th, 2022. Mobilization activities will include towing attendant plant and pipeline rafts approx. 780ft in length by approx. 40ft in width from Chesapeake, VA via the Elizabeth River to a temporary staging area located next to Craney Island. The rafts of pipeline will be assembled at this staging area location between Point E; 36.92487664N,076.35458739W, Point F; 36.92527221N,-076.34923186W, Point G; 36.9111373N,-076.34671442W, Point H; 36.91040629N,-076.35209284W. Equipment will be anchored and lighted within the staging area, boaters should avoid this area. Anticipated completion date is August 1, 2022.

****VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – THIMBLE SHOAL CHANNEL – DREDGING****

Starting approximately April 20, 2022 and continuing until approximately June 25, 2022, Weeks Marine Inc. will be mobilizing equipment in the vicinity of Chesapeake Bay, City of Norfolk, Virginia. Starting approximately April 25, 2022 and continuing until approximately June 10, 2022. The Clamshell Dredge “Weeks 506”, Weeks “320 Unloader”, crew boats: “Timothy V.” “Swift runner”, Tugs: “Shannon Dann” “Liz Alma”, Scows (110, 111 & 112) and tender tugs: “Stephen Dann”, “Virginia” will be operating in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay. All dredged material will be towed and pumped through a combination of floating and submerged line into the approved Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA).

Work limits for dredging operations will be bound by the following approximate positions: 36°58'36.92"N, 76° 6'38.73"W

36°58'31.05"N, 76° 6'17.10"W

36°58'12.83"N, 76° 6'24.32"W

36°58'19.19"N, 76° 6'46.66"W

Limits for “hydraulic uploading area” and “pipeline corridor” will be bound by the following approximate positions:

36°55'7.65"N, 76°21'15.22"W

36°55'12.31"N, 76°20'29.89"W

36°54'37.60"N, 76°20'23.22"W

36°54'32.80"N, 76°21'8.47"W

Once underway, dredging operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week basis. The bucket dredge and tugboats will monitor marine VHF channels 13 and 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake after passing arrangements have been made. Pipeline and equipment will each have all required U.S. Coast Guard lighting for night operations. For questions, contact Dave McNeill - (985) 237-5069 (mobile), dcmcneill@weeksmarine.com (email).

 

SECTOR NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND GENERAL ARTICLES
Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire

NH-SOUTH OF PORTSMOUTH

NOAA Fisheries announces that a voluntary vessel speed reduction zone under the Right Whale Slow Zone Program is currently in effect south of Portsmouth, NH to protect right whales. This Right Whale Slow Zone is in effect through April 27, 2022. NOAA requests mariners to route around this zone or transit through it at ten knots or less.

The south of Portsmouth Slow Zone Area is bounded by:

43 degrees 02 minutes North, 42 degrees 22 minutes North,

070 degrees 11 minutes West, 071 degrees 05 minutes West

2. NOAA Fisheries also requests inclusion in the Local Notice to Mariners through the duration of the zone (April 27, 2022). Also, please include: Information about voluntary vessel speed restrictions can also be found at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-speciesconservation/reducing-vessel-strikes-north-atlantic-right-whales.

NY-LAKE CHAMPLAIN-PORT HENRY-BRIDGEVIEW HARBOR MARINA

The Bridgeview Harbor Marina, has requested Department of the Army permit for work, including the maintenance of structures, as previously completed, and the placement of additional structures, mooring field in Lake Champlain, at 54 Harbor Lane in the Town of Moriah, Essex County, New York. The expanded marina would also continue to include access to a boat lift and associated ramp, fueling, pump-out, and freshwater filling services, as well as additional on-shore marina services such as winter storage, boat maintenance and repair services, and a retail store and restaurant. The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposed activity between April 5- May 5, 2022. A detailed description of the proposal can be viewed at the following link. https://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/regulatory/publicnotices/2022/Apr%2022/2021- 00412%20Bridgeview%20Harbour%20FINAL%20PN%205%20APR%202022.pdf?ver=dPG7dbF_UsB9n4Pu9ZO7ww%3d%3d

Army Corp of Engineer point of contact for this proposal is John Connell and can reached at, john.r.connell@usace.army.

 

SECTOR BOSTON GENERAL ARTICLES
Massachusetts to Plymouth Harbor

MA-BOSTON HARBOR- RESERVE CHANNEL- DREDGING-Revised

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock will resume operations in The Boston Harbor Phase 3 Rock Removal Project consisting of the removal of 493,610 CY of new work hard material and rock in service of deepening the Boston Harbor to a project grade of 49' MLLW. Disposal of material shall be at the Disposal Site located offshore roughly 20 NM from the work area. Work is scheduled to commence April 12th 2022 in the vicinity of the Reserve Channel and turning basin. On scene equipment will be the Dredge New York, Dredge 55, Tugs Smith Predator and Stephen Leaman, two 500’ Scows, one 600’ scow multiple tending tugs and the Crew vessel Nancy. Great Lakes Dredge anticipates eight days of production digging via the Dredge New York when it will be replaced by the dredge 55. Anticipate dredge 55 to remain on scene through May of 2022 to complete the deepening project. Work hours will be 24 hours a day thru May 31st 2022. “Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made." For dredging, and work operations: A 100 yard safety zone will remain in effect around equipment conducting normal dredging operations. Poc Mr. Johan Vanbladel (630) 235-9612, Mr. Stephan Brogna (917) 864-6062, Tugs Smith Predator, Stephan Leaman, and Thomas Desmond can be reached via CH 16/13VHF-FM

 

SECTOR SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND GENERAL ARTICLES
Cape and the Islands, Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island

ATLANTIC OCEAN--OFFSHORE-SOUTH OF MARTHAS VINEYARD

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will be conducting mooring deployments, near the shelf break south of Martha’s Vineyard, in position 40-25-0.584W 070-29-0.3084 from 12 May – 08 June 2022, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Equipment on scene will be a yellow surface buoy with 6ft tower (passive radar reflector and amber flashing light) with 41” buoyancy package moored at 20m depth and anchored to seafloor.

MA-CENTERVILLE HARBOR-EAST OF SPINDLE ROCK

Vineyard Wind will be placing two orange A3 Norwegian, Sub Surface marker buoys in position 41-37-55.0452N, 070-19-59.1204W and 41-37- 55.234N, 070-20-0.9168W. The buoys will be on scene between March 30- October 30, 2022 and will be secured to sea bottom 2.5m above sediment (8.2ft) in approximately 14 feet of water. The buoys are marking the location of the conduit flange at the punch out location. The hours of operation will be 24 hours a day of 7 days per week. POC: Jeannot Smith (904) 613-0134.

 

SECTOR NEW YORK GENERAL ARTICLES
New York including Hudson River and Northern New Jersey

NY – HARLEM RIVER

Test borings are being conducted along the Harlem River Bronx shoreline from Apr 11-22, 2022. The work area extends from the Broadway Lift Bridge (mile 6.8) to approx 110 yards south of the Broadway Lift Bridge. Work hours are Mon-Fri, 0700-1500. The Tug ANNIE G and Barge #1 will extend approx. 50 feet from the Bronx shoreline and can be moved with four hours advance notice by contacting the TUG ANNIE G on VHF-CH 16 or 72. The vessels will be lit at night.

NJ- SANDY HOOK BAY

The United States Navy will be conducted Antiterrorism drills in Sandy Hook Bay, in position 40-27-21.6N and 074-2-60W, on April 19, 2022 between 10:00am and 4:00pm. M240 machine guns, with blank firing ammunition will be heard throughout the position. Civilian craft will not be allowed within the zone. Training vessels will be monitoring VHF-CH 10.

 

SUMMARY OF SHOALING REPORTED FIRST COAST GUARD DISTRICT Updated 04/13/2022

MAINE SHOALING

ME–SACO BAY AND VICINITY (Chart 13287)–RICHMOND ISLAND HARBOR–SCARBOROUGH RIVER-Shoaling

There is serious shoaling in the entrance to the Scarborough River in the vicinity of gated Buoys 1-2 and 3-4. Soundings of +0.8 at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) has been surveyed, that means the bottom is exposed at the lowest possible tide. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting the Scarborough River and do so only at higher tides.

 

SUMMARY OF ONGOING DREDGING AND MARINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 

MA-BOSTON HARBOR- RESERVE CHANNEL- DREDGING-

Revised Mariners are advised that Great Lakes Dredge and Dock will resume operations in The Boston Harbor Phase 3 Rock Removal Project consisting of the removal of 493,610 CY of new work hard material and rock in service of deepening the Boston Harbor to a project grade of 49' MLLW. Disposal of material shall be at the Disposal Site located offshore roughly 20 NM from the work area. Work is scheduled to commence April 12th 2022 in the vicinity of the Reserve Channel and turning basin. On scene equipment will be the Dredge New York, Dredge 55, Tugs Smith Predator and Stephen Leaman, two 500’ Scows, one 600’ scow multiple tending tugs and the Crew vessel Nancy. Great Lakes Dredge anticipates eight days of production digging via the Dredge New York when it will be replaced by the dredge 55. Anticipate dredge 55 to remain on scene through May of 2022 to complete the deepening project. Work hours will be 24 hours a day thru May 31 st 2022. “Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made." For dredging, and work operations: A 100 yard safety zone will remain in effect around equipment conducting normal dredging operations. Poc Mr. Johan Vanbladel (630) 235-9612, Mr. Stephan Brogna (917) 864- 6062, Tugs Smith Predator, Stephan Leaman, and Thomas Desmond can be reached via CH 16/13VHF-FM

 

BRIDGE SECTION BRIDGE DEVIATIONS, REPAIRS AND CONSTRUCTION

MARINE EVENTS

SECTOR NEW YORK HUDSON RIVER (North of the George Washington Bridge to Whitehall Narrows)

NJ – HUDSON RIVER – HOBOKEN – Fireworks display Mariners are advised that a fireworks display is scheduled to be held over portions of the Hudson River, from Stevens Institute of Technology, 1 Castle Point, Hoboken, NJ. The fireworks display will be held between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on May 14, 2022, in approximate position 40°44'34.8" N, 074°01'29.1" W. Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance of 150 yards from the pier launch location

UPPER NEW YORK BAY (North of the Verrazano Bridge including Hudson River north to George Washington Bridge, East River West of the Throgs Neck Bridge)

NY/NJ – EAST RIVER - HARLEM RIVER - HUDSON RIVER – Swim Mariners are advised that multiple swim events are scheduled from June 14, through October 12, 2022, navigating around Manhattan, NY. Approximately two to five participating swimmers will be assisted by several power driven vessels and a kayak. The swims begin at Pier A in Battery Park and Mill Rock, Manhattan proceed up the East River, Harlem River down the Hudson River and end their perspective start positions. Interested mariners may contact the Principal Swim Safety Officer on marine band radio channels 6 VHF-FM. See list of dates and times below:

Date	Start	Finish
6/14/2022 6/15/2022 6/16/2022 6/17/2022 6/18/2022 7/14/2022 7/15/2022 7/16/2022 7/17/2022 7/18/2022 8/12/2022 8/13/2022 8/14/2022 8/15/2022 8/16/2022 8/28/2022 8/29/2022 8/30/2022 8/31/2022 9/1/2022 9/9/2022 9/10/2022 9/11/2022 9/12/2022 9/13/2022 10/7/2022 10/8/2022 10/9/2022 10/10/2022 10/11/2022 10/12/2022	7:00 am 7:50 am 8:45 am 9:45 am 9:45 am 7:45 am 8:15 am 9:30 am 10:20 am 10:20 am 7:15 am 8:05 am 9:15 am 10:00 am 8:40 am 7:45 am 8:30 am 9:15 am 10:15 am 8:40 am 9:12 am 10:00 am 4:00 am 8:40 am 8:40 am 9:15 am 10:00 am 7:00 am 7:45 am 8:30 am 9:15 am	4:20 pm 5:00 pm 5:50 pm 6:45 pm 6:45 pm 4:00 pm 5:40 pm 6:15 pm 6:45 pm 6:45 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:20 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:10 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 4:45 pm 6:15 pm 3:00 pm 3:40 pm 4:30 pm 4:50 pm

 

SUMMARY OF DREDGING/MARINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS 

DREDGING AND MARINE CONSTRUCTION CAUTIONS Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Dredging projects are usually conducted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed, prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels.

New Jersey

****NJ - CAPE MAY HARBOR – DREDGING****

The Army Corp of Engineers will be conducting maintenance dredging in Cape May Harbor starting April 6, 2022 until April 22, 2022. Dredge Murden will monitor marine VHF channels 13, and 16. Mariners are requested to use extreme caution near the dredging equipment and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake.

Delaware

****DE - NJ – DELAWARE RIVER – DEEPWATER RANGE - DREDGING OPERATIONS****

4.32 The Dredge ESSEX will commence dredging operations in the Deepwater Range of the Delaware River on or about April 12, 2022. The project will continue until approximately June 1, 2022. A submerged pipeline will run from the dredging area to the Kilcohook Disposal area on the New Jersey side of the river. A floating pipeline will connect the dredge to the submerged pipeline. The submerged pipeline will need to be moved occasionally as the dredge progresses.

The Dredge Operator will standby on channels #13 and #16 VHF-FM. Traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. All mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the dredge and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.

Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Since the project will be conducted twenty –four (24) hours per day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to the commencement of the work.

Maryland

MD – UPPER CHESAPEAKE CHANNEL – DREDGE OPERATIONS

Corman Kokosing Construction Company will begin mechanical dredging operations on or about January 24, 2022 in the Federal Navigation Channel in the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River from Worton Point to Old Town Point. Loaded scows will be towed from the work area to the Unloader barge located at the Pearce Creek Dredge Containment Facility for offloading. The unloader barge will be staged on the South of the channel and North of Wroth Point. An 18” submerged HDPE pipeline will be placed on the river bottom from the Unloading Barge into the placement Facility.

The Dredge KOKO VI and/or KOKO V will be dredging the area with the assistance of tender tug, towing tugs and scows. Vessels and crew will monitor VHF channel 13 during the project execution. Dredging and unloading operations will continue daily until the estimated completion date of April 22, 2022. For more information, contact Adam Donder, (443) 695-3788, adondero@kokos.com

Virginia

****VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – THIMBLE SHOAL CHANNEL – DREDGING**** Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (GLDD) with the hopper dredge M/V ATB Douglas B. Mackie & Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge Ellis Island will commence dredging operations in the Thimble Shoal Channel between coordinates point A, 36.9741369°N,-076.1185955°W, point B, 36.9775353°N,-076.1172310°W, point C, 36.9534965°N, -076.0243938°W, point D, 36.9500990°N,-076.0257621°W on approximately April 18, 2022. Dredged material will be transported to DAM NECK OFFSHORE DISPOSAL SITE and bottom dumped in the contact designated area by the dredge. Disposal will take place between Point I, 36.7744462°N,-075.9049262°W, Point J, 36.8128988°N,-075.9049260°W, Point K, 36.8128974°N,- 075.8878462°W, Point L, 36.7744449°N,-075.8878549°W. Operations occur 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (GLDD) will commence pipeline mobilization activities on or around April 18, 2022. Mobilization activities will include towing attendant plant and pipeline rafts approx. 780ft in length by approx. 40ft in width from Chesapeake, VA via the Elizabeth River to a temporary staging area located next to Craney Island. The rafts of pipeline will be assembled at this staging area location between Point E; 36.92487664N,076.35458739W, Point F; 36.92527221N,-076.34923186W, Point G; 36.9111373N,-076.34671442W, Point H; 36.91040629N,-076.35209284W. Equipment will be anchored and lighted within the staging area, boaters should avoid this area. Anticipated completion date is August 1, 2022.

****VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – THIMBLE SHOAL CHANNEL – DREDGING**** Starting approximately April 20, 2022 and continuing until approximately June 25, 2022, Weeks Marine Inc. will be mobilizing equipment in the vicinity of Chesapeake Bay, City of Norfolk, Virginia. Starting approximately April 25, 2022 and continuing until approximately June 10, 2022. The Clamshell Dredge “Weeks 506”, Weeks “320 Unloader”, crew boats: “Timothy V.” “Swift runner”, Tugs: “Shannon Dann” “Liz Alma”, Scows (110, 111 & 112) and tender tugs: “Stephen Dann”, “Virginia” will be operating in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay. All dredged material will be towed and pumped through a combination of floating and submerged line into the approved Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA). Work limits for dredging operations will be bound by the following approximate positions:

36°58'36.92"N, 76° 6'38.73"W

36°58'31.05"N, 76° 6'17.10"W

36°58'12.83"N, 76° 6'24.32"W

36°58'19.19"N, 76° 6'46.66"W

Limits for “hydraulic uploading area” and “pipeline corridor” will be bound by the following approximate positions:

36°55'7.65"N, 76°21'15.22"W

36°55'12.31"N, 76°20'29.89"W

36°54'37.60"N, 76°20'23.22"W

36°54'32.80"N, 76°21'8.47"W

Once underway, dredging operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week basis. The bucket dredge and tugboats will monitor marine VHF channels 13 and 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake after passing arrangements have been made. Pipeline and equipment will each have all required U.S. Coast Guard lighting for night operations. For questions, contact Dave McNeill - (985) 237-5069 (mobile), dcmcneill@weeksmarine.com (email).

VA – CHESAPEAKE BAY – THIMBLE SHOAL CHANNEL – DREDGING ****Delayed**** Staring approximately (delayed – Estimated May/June), Weeks Marine Hopper Dredge “Lindholm” will be operating in conjunction with support equipment between Thimble Shoal Channel Thimble Shoal Lighted Buoy 19 (LLNR 9305) and Thimble Shoal Lighted Buoy 7 (LLNR 9235) stopping west of Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel). All dredged material will be transported to the approved Dam Neck Ocean Disposal Site – DNODS - Cells 5, 6, & 7.

Work limits for the Thimble Shoal Channel will be bound by the following approximate positions:

37° 1'35.24"N, 76°15'57.82"W

36°59'11.10"N, 76° 6'41.27"W

36°57'37.50"N, 76° 7'8.25"W

36°59'53.72"N, 76°16'36.67"W

Limits of Dredged Material Placement Area will be bound by the following approximate positions:

36°51'41.07"N, 75°55'41.74"W

36°51'45.15"N, 75°51'16.40"W

36°45'47.19"N, 75°50'54.07"W

36°45'45.72"N, 75°55'33.04"W

The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. For questions, contact Dave McNeill - (985) 237-5069 (mobile), dcmcneill@weeksmarine.com (email).

VA – ICW – ELIZABETH RIVER SOUTHERN BRANCH – DREDGING

H & H Enterprises will be dredging Paradise Creek off the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. The start date of the project is August 23, 2021 and the estimated finish date is September 1, 2022. H & H Enterprises will be dredging the creek and placing deposits on deck barges. The barges will be in transit from Paradise Creek to Bainbridge Recycling, near Elizabeth River Southern Branch Daybeacon 31 (LLNR 37075), on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. The “Miss Jennifer” will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16, while in transit with dredge spoils. The point of contact for the project will be Scott Hodges, at 757-435-9667.

North Carolina

NC – SEACOAST - OAK ISLAND BEACH RENOURISHMENT

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock has been contracted by the Town of Oak Island to conduct beach re-nourishment. To mark borrow area and subline area, temporary buoys will be used. Buoys marking these locations should NOT be used for navigational purposes. Boaters should try to maintain a safe distance from these buoys. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock anticipates to commence mobilization activities on or around February 8, 2022. Waterside mobilization activities will include towing attendant plants and pipeline rafts. Assembly of submerged pipeline, temporary mooring of Derrick barge, Anchor Barge, pipeline and additional auxiliary equipment will be staged in the staging area. The work under this contract consists of dredging beach quality sands from the permitted area of the Jay Bird Shoals and Central Reach Borrow Areas identified, shaping, and grading the sand fill material along beach segments within the Town of Oak Island. Work will be performed with hopper dredges Dodge Island and Padre Island. The hopper dredge will transport the material to a pump out buoy or series of pump out buoys, located in the areas. The material will be conveyed from the pump out buoys to the beach by hydraulic means through a submerged pipeline and deposited within the designated beach placement area. All dredges can be reached on marine VHF channels 13 &16.

Dredging and Disposal Operations are often done at slow speeds with limited maneuverability. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area of the dredge. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.

Estimated project completion: April 21, 2022. For more information, contact Project Manager, Mike Hungerford (630) 991-6633 or Project Engineer, Camden Murray (781) 910-8528.

NC – HOLDEN BEACH – BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT ****Extended****Starting approximately 13 December 2021, Weeks Marine Inc. will be mobilizing pipeline and equipment in the vicinity of Battery Island, near Southport, NC. The equipment (Tugs Cami, Dot G & Lady Joel, Barges 520, 594 & 595) and dredge pipeline will be anchored between the following approximate positions: 33°54'39.19"N, 78°0'56.21"W and 33°55'15.67"N, 77°59'53.30"W. Starting approximately 3 January 2022 and continuing until approximately 19 April 2022, the hopper dredge(s) R.N. Weeks and B.E. Lindholm will be operating 3 nautical miles offshore of Holden Beach, NC.

Work limits for borrow areas will be bound by the following approximate positions:

Borrow Area #1:

33°52'1.10"N, 78°10'8.36"W, - 33°53'9.37"N, 78° 9'51.29"W, - 33°53'15.13"N, 78°10'42.75"W, - 33°52'12.36"N, 78°10'55.93"W.

Borrow Area #2:

33°52'51.88"N, 78°17'43.98"W, - 33°52'51.25"N, 78°16'39.43"W, - 33°51'43.10"N, 78°16'36.54"W, - 33°51'42.60"N, 78°17'41.55"W.

Pipeline corridor will be bound by the following approximate positions: 33°54'23.71"N, 78°20'12.20"W, - 33°53'26.27"N 78°20'4.08"W, - 33°53'48.55"N, 78°14'58.29"W, - 33°54'50.74"N, 78°15'11.18"W.

Dredging operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week basis. Dredges and Tugs will monitor marine VHF channels 13 and 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and transit the area at their slowest safe speed to create minimum wake after passing arrangements have been made. The dredge(s), attendant plant, and pipelines will each have all required U.S. Coast Guard lighting for night operations. For more information, contact Project Manager(s) on-site: PM, Doug Nelson – (985) 237-9667, denelson@weeksmarine.com or PM, David McNeil – (985) 237-5069, dcmcneill@weeksmarine.com.

 

SUMMARY OF MARINE EVENTS AND FIREWORKS DISPLAYS IN THE FIFTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT

****MD – CHESAPEAKE BAY – PATUXENT RIVER AND VICINITY – SOLOMONS ISLAND– BOAT PARADE****

An annual “Blessing of the Fleet” boat parade is scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on May 15, 2022, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event consists of 35 sail and power vessels (16-50 feet in length) operating at slow speed along a designated route that starts at Patuxent River Light 6A (LLNR 19040) and proceeds upriver to approx. position 38° 18’ 24.13” N, 076° 27’ 49.75” W, in the vicinity of Solomons Island, MD, where a pass in review will take place near two anchored vessels. Interested mariners can contact the Solomons Island Yacht Club fleet captain on board the motor vessel TURTLE via marine band radio VHF-FM channels 16 and 68. Additional information is available at website http://solomonsislandyachtclub.com/. Comments or questions should be directed to Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region, at telephone number (410) 576-2674 or (410) 576- 2693.

**** MD – CHESAPEAKE BAY – COVE POINT TO SANDY POINT – SEVERN RIVER – SAILING REGATTAS****

Annual sailing regattas sponsored by the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) are scheduled to occur on the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Severn River, during 2022. Unless otherwise indicated, the events will occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Twenty five individual AYC events are scheduled on the following dates: (1) April 27-August 31 (Wednesday Night Races - 90 participants, 22-50 feet in length, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); (2) April 30 (Spring One Design - 25 participants, 22-31 feet in length) (3) May 7 (Spring Harbor Regatta - 25 participants, 20-28 feet in length); (4) May 7 (Spring Race to Oxford - 30 participants, 30-50 feet in length, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.); (5) May 13-15 (NOOD Regatta - 200 participants, 22-40 feet in length (6) June 4 (Don Backe Memorial CRAB - 6 participants, 22 feet in length); (7) June 11-12 (Star NA Tune-Up – 25 participants, 23 feet in length); (8) June 15-18 (Star North Americans – 50 participants, 23 feet in length); (9) July 6 (Junior Annual Regatta - 100 participants, 8-15 feet in length); (10) July 23-24 (Annual Regatta - 45 participants, 24-50 feet in length); (11) July 31 (Two Bridge Fiasco- 75 participants, 22-60 feet in length, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.); (12) August 27-28 (Corinthian Cup – 4 participants, 22 feet in length; (13) September 9-11 (Harbor 20 North Americans – 20 participants, 20 feet in length); (14) September 23-25 (Annapolis YC 3-2-1 Invitational - 12 participants, 20-30 feet in length); (15) September 24 (Fall Race to Solomons - 45 participants, 30-50 feet in length); (16) October 1-2 (Fall Series 1 - 30 participants, 22-34 feet in length); (17) October 1-2 (Doublehanded Distance Race - 20 participants, 29-50 feet in length, overnight from 12 p.m. to 12 p.m. the following day); (18) October 3-5 (Warrior Sailing Project - 8 participants, 22 feet in length); (19) October 8 (Fall Series River Course - 25 participants, 20-28 feet in length); (20) October 8-9 (Fall Series-2- 30 participants, 30-50 feet in length); (21) October 15-16 (Eschells - Lippincott - 30 participants, 23 & 30 feet in length); (22) October 21-23 (J/35 North Americans – 10 participants, 35 feet in length); (23) October 22-23 (J/105 East Coasts - 25 participants, 35 feet in length); (24) October 29-30 (Halloween Howl - 50 participants, 8 feet in length); and (25) November 6-December 11 (Frostbite Series - 1st Half - 80 participants, 22-45 feet in length, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Additional information on these events can be obtained at website https://www.annapolisyc.com/. The AYC Race Committee can be contacted via marine band radio VHF-FM channels 09, 13, 16, 68, 69, 70, 71 and 72. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region, Waterways Management Division, at telephone number (410) 576-2674 or (410) 576-2693.

SUMMARY OF OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS (OREI) AND OPERATIONS IN SUPPORT OF OREI IN THE FIFTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT

MD – DE SEACOAST – OFFSHORE MARINE SURVEYING OPERATIONS

The Research Vessel WESTERLY (Call Sign: WDF7918) will conduct high resolution geophysical survey operations in the near shore environment off the Atlantic coast of Delaware from March 28, 2022 to approximately May 15, 2022. The survey area is bounded by the following approximate positions:

38°41.5’ N 075°04.3’ W

38°32.5’ N 075°03.2’ W

38°27.0’ N 074°59.1’ W

38°27.0’ N 074°45.2’ W

38°39.7’ N 074°57.7’ W

The R/V WESTERLY is requesting a 250 yard closest point of approach from passing vessels, will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16, and can be contacted on these frequencies for safe passing arrangements. The vessel OCEAN CITY GIRL will operate in close proximity to the R/V WESTERLY and host trained Protected Species Observers and an Offshore Fisheries Liaison aboard to support survey activities.

The Offshore Fisheries Liaison can be reached at OFL6@Offshorewfs.com.

Further information can be found on the US Wind website: https://uswindinc.com/mariners/.

MD – DE SEACOAST – OFFSHORE MARINE SURVEYING OPERATIONS

The PSV REGULUS (Call Sign: WDG8927) will be conducting geotechnical survey operations within the US Wind Lease area, using mobilized marine drill rig and seabed frame, beginning on December 15, 2021 and continuing to approximately April 29, 2022. The survey area is bounded by the following approximate positions:

38°28.5’ N 074°51.7’ W

38°18.9’ N 074°51.7’ W

38°14.5’ N 074°48.5’ W

38°14.5’ N 074°35.5’ W

38°17.5' N 074°35.5' W

38°28.5’ N 074°46.0’ W

PSV REGULUS will be restricted in its ability to maneuver and is requesting mariners operating in or transiting the area to give a 1/2 NM closest point of approach. The vessel will be monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16 and can be contacted on these frequencies for safe passing arrangements. The vessel may also be contacted via email at Regulus_bridge@tdw.com.

Further information can be found on the US Wind website: https://uswindinc.com/mariners/.