(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Residents are advised that a suction dredge of the Port Hope outer harbour will be conducted beginning on Monday, July 7, 2025, to remove sediment build-up in the area. Work is expected to continue over the next several weeks. During this time, the boat launch and surrounding areas will remain open until further notice. If a closure is deemed necessary, a notice will be posted on the municipal website and at the work site.
The sediment removed will be placed on the West Beach near the water treatment plant and away from the shoreline. This material will be fenced off with appropriate signage. Residents are advised to stay clear of this debris as there is loose sand and water.
To conduct this operation, municipal staff have consulted with experts in the field of hydrology and have obtained permits/permission from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority.
Testing of the sediment will be conducted to ensure that it conforms to the standards of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) for use as beach supplement. If the sediment meets the MECP standards, it will be deposited at both the East and West Beaches in Port Hope. If the sediment does not meet MECP standards, the materials will be transported to a licensed landfill site.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories will support the dredge operation through the Construction Monitoring Program and test for the presence of historic Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW). Any contaminated materials detected will be transported to the Long-Term Waste Management Facility located in Port Hope.
For questions about the suction dredge of sediment in the outer harbour, please email Floyd Beattie, or call 905-885-8760.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
