JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS Va. –
The waters of the Fort Eustis' 3rd Port received an underwater makeover in the form of dredging, Dec. 9.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, dredging is the removal of material from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors and other water bodies.
"This process is crucial in maintaining or increasing the depth of navigational channels, anchorages and berthing areas to ensure safe passage of boats and ships," said U.S. Army Col. Randal Nelson, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) commander. "[It also] ensures safe watercraft operations and prevents damage to vessels from normal shoaling and silt build-up."
A team of 29 contractors are completing a preliminary month long process. Later in fiscal year 2015, the full waterway will be cleared of debris.
According to the Norfolk District Corps of Engineers, it is recommended to dredge once every five years. By then the waste will begin to build again and create the same issues the port currently has, said Jay Dehart, 733rd Mission Support Division harbormaster.
Without this process of material removal, over time, debris would build up and the Fort Eustis maritime systems could not be located at the 3rd Port. Due to material build up, the Large Ocean Going Tug boat has been displaced for more than two years, and requires Fort Eustis Soldiers to travel to and from the ship daily.
"We cannot properly respond to operational or training requirements if our maritime systems are not resident at Eustis," said Nelson. "This dredge allows free passage for operational and training missions without the concern of sucking sludge into systems resulting in very costly damage. The port's viability is jeopardized by the soil and sediment buildup."
Once the material is collected, it will be shipped to the Norfolk Ocean Disposal Site. Upon project completion, the ships that were unable stay at the 3rd Port due to the waste build up will be allowed access.
"Getting all of our maritime platforms to the home port will allow us to save Soldiers' time on the road and costly mooring fees," said Nelson. "Third Port will once again realize its full potential"
Members of the 3rd Port expect the dredging process to be completed by Dec. 15, at which point the Large Ocean Going Tug boat will be allowed to return.