Project Purpose

This project is for maintenance dredging of the Western Branch Lynnhaven River main channel.  Channel dimensions to be maintained are 5.5 miles in length and 60-feet in bottom width.  The project includes mechanical dredging of approximately 75,000 cubic yards of material from the main channel.  Material would be barged to a proposed transfer station located near the crossing for Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd. and then trucked to the Whitehurst Disposal Pit located off of Oceana Blvd.

Public Involvement

A public information workshop was held on June 5, 2007.  A second Public Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.  Based upon feedback received at the Public Meeting, alternate sites for a dredged material transfer station were evaluated.  The proposed transfer facility has been moved from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility to a site located near the crossing of Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd.  Concept plans have been developed for a multi-use facility that will incorporate the dredged material transfer facility, public access to the Lynnhaven River, a canoe/kayak launch and a crew facility.

Current Status

Plan modifications, property acquisition plats, and a revised Joint Permit Application are being prepared to incorporate the above changes to the project.  The target advertisement date for bids is now January 2010.  Construction of the transfer site and dredging work will take approximately eight months to complete and is scheduled to begin February 2010.

Information for Neighborhood Channel Groups

The benefits of the Western Branch Lynnhaven River maintenance project to private neighborhood dredging projects include (1) access to the dredging contractor performing the municipal project, (2) free dredged material disposal at the Whitehurst disposal area with an approved Use Agreement, and (3) free use of the transfer station with an approved Use Agreement.  Residents interested in privately dredging neighborhood coves and canals are recommended to consult with a licensed engineer experienced with dredging to acquire the appropriate permits.  Public Works staff are available to assist with coordination of the Use Agreement to access the Whitehurst Disposal Area.  Upon acquisition of the permit for the transfer station, staff will also be available to assist residents with access to the site.  For further information, please contact the Coastal Engineering office.

Schedule

• 70% Design submitted May 2007
• Public Information Workshop held June 5, 2007
• Joint Permit Application submitted July 2007
• Public Meeting held March 19, 2008
• Target advertisement date for bids is January 2010
• Construction and dredging is anticipated to begin in February 2010 and take approximately eight months to complete