MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN
[MSIB # 15-14]
February 12, 2014

COMPLETION OF DREDGING IN MARCUS HOOK RANGE AND CLOSURE OF PEA PATCH ISLAND ANCHORAGE FOR NEW CASTLE DREDGING

Dredging operations have been completed in Marcus Hook Range and all submerged pipeline has been removed. Marcus Hook Anchorage is re-opened completely for anchorage purposes. At this time, Norfolk Dredging is proceeding downriver to New Castle Range to place submerged pipeline in preparation for dredging scheduled to continue through April 22, 2014. Submerged pipeline will be placed in the channel southeast of Pea Patch Island and will extend across the northern portion of Pea Patch Island Anchorage No. 5. Dredging equipment will also be placed within the boundaries of the anchorage. As a result, the U. S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone around Anchorage No. 5 for the duration of the dredging project, during which time anchoring will not be permitted. The Dredge ESSEX will be operating in New Castle Range, working from north to south, starting on the west side of the channel in the vicinity of the southern end of Pea Patch Island. Mariners are cautioned to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires, and related equipment.

Traffic should call the Dredge ESSEX at least 30 minutes prior to passage. The Dredge ESSEX will monitor channels 13 and 16 and can be contacted by phone at 757-353-0455. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and operate at minimum steerage speed to reduce wake when transiting the area.

Any questions should be directed to the Coast Guard Command Center at (215) 271-4807 or channel 16 VHF.

K. Moore
Captain, U. S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port Delaware Bay

posted by Scott Anderson