Newport to decide on dredging project in Semeniuk Slough
Newport Beach leaders will make a decision Tuesday that could turn back time for the saltwater marsh in West Newport known as the Semeniuk Slough.
The City Council will consider a $1.6-million contract with Innovative Construction Solutions, a Santa Ana-based construction firm, to dredge 8,500 cubic yards of Semeniuk Slough. Crews also are expected to remove nonnative vegetation along the east bank of the waterway.
Newport Shores residents have swam in the waterway, which was once connected to the Santa Ana River, for decades. However, in recent years, sediment buildup has made recreational activities in the area more challenging. Residents also have raised issues with the odor from the waterway stemming from the murky silt being exposed during low tide.
The city has long known that the area needed to be dredged, but securing funding and permits delayed the process for several years.
The material at the bottom of the waterway is more silt and mud than sand, so it cannot be used to replenish local beaches. Instead, crews will have to dry it out and take it to a landfill, which drives up the cost of the project, said Public Works Director Dave Webb.
“It’s a little more challenging operation than you’re typical dredging project,” he said.
The California Department of Transportation has agreed to contribute $500,000 to the dredging project. The city will cover the remainder of the cost.
Councilman Ed Selich said removing the silt also will improve tidal flow and promote a healthier marine environment in the water, which has long been a goal of city leaders.
“It’ll help the water quality and biodiversity of the slough area,” he said. “If you have good clean water over there you’re going to have a much healthier marine environment.”
If the council approves the contract, crews could start work as early as November.
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
