News Release
| Release Number: | 08-123 |
| Dated: | 8/5/2008 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning repair work this week on the north jetty sand berm at the mouth of the Columbia River.
The MCR north jetty sand berm is a natural buffer adjacent to the north jetty, providing extra protection from storms. The sand berm was damaged during the winter storms in 2007 and is in need of repairs in order to provide effective protection from future storms.
The Corps has contracted Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to pump 125,000 cubic yards of sediment dredged from the channel at the mouth of the Columbia River onto Benson Beach for repairs to the sand berm.
“This repair is key to preventing storm waves from damaging the jetty itself,” said Doris McKillip, project manager.
Crews will construct a temporary sand berm over the entire length of the sand pump-out area to keep the sediment from washing back into the ocean. This area will be restored to pre-project conditions and a sand fence will stabilize the area once the work is complete.
During this work, an area adjacent to the north jetty and along Benson Beach will be closed to the public as a safety precaution. The work will be completed no later than Sept. 15. Please stay out of the construction area, and as always, stay off the jetty.
The public notice and environmental assessment for this project are available at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/e/en_plan_assess.asp.