Posted August 24, 2023

The Army Corps of Engineers has contracted HME Construction to dredge the Authorized Channel in Depot Slough, Toledo.  HME began work in early August at the entrance of Depot Slough from the Yaquina River.  To accommodate dredging, all vessels have been relocated from the Port’s docks and the  docks have been removed.  The Port has also contracted with HME Construction to dredge the adjacent Transient Dock.  These docks are also closed and are relocated for the duration of the project.  There will be no dock access at the Port of Toledo’s Marina until completion of the project, by the 2nd week in September. 

Maintenance dredging removes the build up of sediment that naturally occurs over time due to currents, storm events, and erosion.  The Army Corps of Engineers maintains the authorized channel in the Yaquina River and Depot Slough which allows vessels to travel from Newport to Toledo.  The Corps last dredged the authorized channel of Depot Slough in 2016. 

This is the first time the Port has dredged the Transient Dock since its installation in 2013. The build up of sediment under the dock has reached critical levels, with the dock setting in the mud during lower tides.  The Port faced permitting challenges with dredging this dock due to FEMA’s designation of Depot Slough as a regulated floodway.  The designation and floodplain development regulations imposed a requirement for a “No Rise Certificate.” The Port was required to have an engineer’s analysis to prove that maintenance dredging of accumulated sediment will not raise the flood level.  The requirement was contested, to no avail, and the analysis was completed at public expense to obtain permits and have the project completed by HME Construction.     

Completion of these projects will allow for better vessel access to the Port’s tenant, Yaquina Boat Equipment’s docks and to the Port’s recreational marina. 

For more information, contact the Port Office at 541-336-5207 or info@portoftoledo.org