News Release
| Release Number: | 01-013 |
| Dated: | 2/5/2001 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.--Members of the news media are invited to watch the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in action on Feb. 13 as it begins work removing dangerous shoals in the Columbia River near St. Helens, Ore.
“Part of our job of maintaining the rivers is to monitor shoaling through hydrographic surveys throughout the year,” said Jon Gornick, the Corps’ project manager for Columbia River maintenance dredging. Recent surveys, Gornick said, indicate a higher number of shoals throughout the lower Columbia River than are normally present this time of year. And, the shoals that are present pose more of a navigation hazard this year because of low water, he said.
The Corps’ hopper dredge Essayons typically begins its season in March dredging in San Francisco Bay. Due to the low water in the Columbia River and increased shoaling, however, the Essayons has been mobilized early to clear the navigation channel for deep-draft traffic.
If you would like to board the dredge Essayons on Feb. 13 as it works, please coordinate your visit with Heidi Helwig by Feb. 12 by calling (503) 808-4510.