Monday, November 20, 2017
Dredging at Half Moon Bay to remove a build-up of sand around the boat ramps is planned to commence from midnight on Sunday 3 December.
The beach, boat ramps and a section of the car park on will be closed from this time until midday Tuesday 5 December.
For safety reasons the maintenance dredging can only take place in calm weather conditions and low tides.
If unfavourable weather and tidal conditions occur work may be cancelled at short notice.
If the work is unable to progress on these dates it will be postponed until February 2018.
Sand that naturally builds up in the boat ramp area needs to be periodically removed to improve safety for recreational and emergency boats being launched and/or retrieved in Half Moon Bay.
This work involves an excavator removing the sand and trucks relocating it to the northern end of the beach.
The relocated sand contains organic marine matter and is discoloured and smelly. It can take up to one week for the odour to go away.
Last carried out in 2013, this maintenance work is scheduled with the approval of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The Half Moon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and the Black Rock Yacht Club have been informed of the work.
Steven White, Director Environment, Recreation and Infrastructure said a large build-up of sand has occurred at the end of the boat ramp due to the prevailing winds and tidal conditions, making it too shallow to safely launch and retrieve recreational boats.
“Dredging has been scheduled pre summer to minimise the number of people in the area while heavy machinery is being operated.
“A long arm excavator will remove sand from the water in front of the boat ramps and place it in a truck that will take the sand to the northern end of the beach and spread it over the beach.
“Testing has shown that there is no contamination in the sand and it is suitable for reuse on the beach.
“The sand will initially appear dark in colour and may smell for 3 – 5 days due to its high organic matter content. After this time, the sand will bleach to the same colour as the rest of the beach and any odour will dissipate,” said Mr White.
Neighbouring beaches will remain open and the North Rd, Brighton, St Kilda and Elwood boat ramps are available for any inconvenienced recreational boat user.
