News Release
| Release Number: | 07-138 |
| Dated: | 11/7/2007 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
Boating access closed through February
PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging at the mouth of the Cowlitz River Tuesday, Nov. 13, as an interim measure to manage the sediment flowing downstream from Mount St. Helens.
Dredges will work through Feb. 28, 2008 to remove 3 million cubic yards of sediment from the mouth of the Cowlitz River up to River Mile 1.3 to maintain the Corps’ authorized level of flood protection for the cities of Kelso, Lexington, Longview and Castle Rock, Wash.
The Port of Portland’s dredge Oregon will work at the mouth of the river. The Corps will award a contract for work within the narrower portion of the channel by the end of November.
The Coast Guard will establish a temporary safety zone on the Cowlitz River to protect individuals and vessels from hazards associated with dredging operations. The safety zone will be in effect throughout the duration of the project. It will begin in the vicinity of Howard Island at the mouth of the Cowlitz River and extend 1.5 miles upriver. Entry is prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard.
To learn more about the Corps’ flood damage reduction efforts related to Mount St. Helens, visit https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/srs/home.asp.