Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/40159
Title: Elizabeth River and Southern Branch Navigation Improvements : Validation Study and Environmental Assessment
Authors: United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Norfolk District
Keywords: Elizabeth River (Va.)
Channels (Hydraulic engineering)
Dredging
Environmental management
Environmental protection
Publisher: United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Norfolk District.
Abstract: The Elizabeth River and Southern Branch Navigation Improvements study area encompasses the Federally improved channel from Lamberts Bend to the Chesapeake Extension in the Elizabeth River, Virginia. The need for this study arises from transportation inefficiencies currently experienced by commercial vessels in the Elizabeth River and Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. These inefficiencies are projected to continue in the future. Deepening the existing channel to various depths was evaluated and two Action Project Alternatives (a National Economic Development Plan and a Locally Preferred Plan) were evaluated in detail as well as the No Action/Future Without-Project Alternative. Nonstructural measures such as reducing vessel speed in the channel were also considered. The Recommended Plan or Preferred Alternative is the Locally Preferred Plan, which includes the following features: • Deepening the channel from Lamberts Bend to Perdue Farms (Segment 1a) from a required depth of 40 feet to 45 feet deep in Segment 1a, and deepening the channel from Perdue Farms to the Norfolk Southern Lift Bridge (Segment 1b) from a required depth of 40 feet to 42 feet. • Deepening the channel from the Norfolk Southern Lift Bridge to the Gilmerton Bridge (Segment 2), from a required depth of 35 feet to 39 feet deep; and • Continuing to maintain the channel from the Gilmerton Bridge to the Chesapeake Extension to a required depth of 35 feet (Segment 3). The Selected Alternative (Locally Preferred Plan) includes construction and maintenance of these features. Dredged material placement/disposal could occur at the Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA), and/or upland disposal sites able to handle contaminated material. General operation and maintenance of the CIDMMA would continue with or without implementation of the Preferred Alternative. The project construction is anticipated to begin in approximately 2023 (or earlier depending on funding capability) and following construction, channel depths would be maintained over the 50 year lifecycle of the project.
Description: Validation Study and Environmental Assessment
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/40159
Appears in Collections:Environmental Documents

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