MARCUS HOOK RANGE ROCK BLASTING OPERATIONS

The Coast Guard will be enforcing a safety zone within the waters of the Delaware River, from Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania north to Eddystone, Pennsylvania, beginning December 04, 2015 until March 15, 2016. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters in the Delaware River within 500 yards of vessels and machinery conducting rock blasting, dredging, and rock removal operations. This zone is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these navigable waters while operations are being conducted. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP), Delaware Bay, or his designated representative.

One side of the Delaware River main navigational channel will be closed in locations spanning from Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania to Eddystone, Pennsylvania, in the vicinity of the rock blasting, rock removal, and dredging operation, for the duration of the project. Vessels wishing to transit the safety zone in the main navigational channel may do so if they can make satisfactory passing arrangements with the drill boat APACHE, dredge TEXAS, or dredge NEW YORK, in accordance with the Navigational Rules in 33 Code of Federal Regulations Subchapter E via VHF-FM Channel 13 at least 30 minutes prior to arrival. If vessels are unable to make satisfactory passing arrangements with the drill boat APACHE, dredge TEXAS, or dredge NEW YORK, they may request permission from the COTP or his designated representative on VHF-FM channel 16. All vessels must operate at the minimum safe speed necessary to maintain steerage and reduce wake.

During this project rock blasting will be conducted, via explosive detonations, by the drill boat APACHE at approximately 9 am and 4 pm, daily. No vessels may transit through the safety zone during times of explosives detonation. During rock blasting operations, vessels will be required to maintain a 500 yard distance from the drill boat APACHE. The drill boat APACHE will make broadcasts, via VHF-FM Channel 13 and 16, at 15 minutes, 5 minutes, and 1 minute prior to detonation, as well as a countdown to detonation via VHF-FM 16. After every explosive detonation a survey will be conducted to ensure the navigational channel is clear for vessels to transit. The drill boat APACHE will make broadcasts, via VHF-FM channel 13 and 16, confirming when the channel is clear to transit. Vessels requesting to transit through the safety zone shall proceed as directed by the designated representative of the Captain of the Port and shall contact the drill boat APACHE on VHF-FM channel 13 for safe passing information.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff at (215) 271-4814 or the Situation Unit Controller at (215) 271-4807