The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will dredge several South Coast ports this summer.

The Corps' hopper dredge Yaquina is scheduled to work on the Siuslaw, Rogue, Chetco, Coquille and Umpqua rivers; and Yaquina Bay and Coos Bay, including Charleston Channel. The Corps works with the U.S. Coast Guard to prioritize dredging based on an assessment of risk to Coast Guard operations and public safety at each location.

In addition, a contract was recently awarded to Hickey Marine Enterprises, Inc. to dredge some of the smaller channels along the south coast. They will dredge Winchester Bay at Umpqua River, the approach channel for the Coast Guard's Search and Rescue detachment at the Rogue River, Charleston Channel at Coos Bay and Port Orford.

Hydrographic surveys of the entrances to all coastal harbors are performed in early spring to assess post-winter conditions at the entrances, from which further adjustments to the schedule and priority could be made. Surveys are available for viewing at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/nwh/home.asp.

Oregon's coastal entrances are well known for their dangers due to shoaling, tricky currents and sneaker waves. The Corps' Portland district's civil works mission includes maintenance of authorized navigation channels. The district dredges ports along the Oregon Coast each year to maintain depths designed to provide a margin of safety for vessels navigating the coastal entrances.