East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
March 6,2008

Dismal Swamp Canal Route NOW OPEN:
The 5 th District LNM 09 announces that* effective February 22, 2008 the locks at Deep Creek, VA and South Mills, NC and the drawbridges on US Route 17 will return to their normal operating schedule to accommodate vessels desiring to use the Dismal Swamp Canal (Route 2) of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The locks and bridges will operate at 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM seven days a week. Vessels are allowed to moor overnight in the canal. There will only be one operator at Deep Creek and one at South Mills, so the bridge will not be manned when the lock is being operated, and vice versa. Locks and bridges monitor channel 13 VHF-FM. Mariners are also advised that this scheduled opening is subject to delays caused by weather or unforeseen difficulties.

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

Figure Eight Island Swing Bridge NEW Revised Schedule:
The following information was contained in the 5 th District LNM 09: Mariners are advised that the Figure Eight Swing Bridge, at AIWW mile 278.1, at Scotts Hill, NC, will be closed again to vessels each day from February 29, 2008, until March 11, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 a.m., from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to complete sandblasting and painting operations along with mechanical repairs. In addition, commercial vessel openings will be provided at night if at least three hours notice is given by calling (910) 686-0635 or via marine radio on Channel 13. (This is an extension of the earlier operating restrictions to the drawbridge that was scheduled to end on February 29, 2008.) The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet, above MHW. Also, the vertical clearance in this location is limited to 85 feet, above MHW, by the overhead power line. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

MMS Cape Wind Energy Project INFO Available:
We’ve been reading about this controversial proposal for a while. The proposed windmill “farm” is planned for the shallow waters off the island of Nantucket, Mass. Some very important people who have claimed to be environmentalists now don’t want their view obstructed; others say they don’t want to disturb the seabed or create navigational hazards. However others are looking forward to having a source of renewable energy off the US coast which is NOT dependent on oil. This is your chance for public comment.

Excerpts below are from the USCG 1 st District LNM 09:

EIS Availability: To obtain a single printed or CD-ROM copy of the draft EIS, you may contact the Minerals Management Service, Environmental Assessment Branch (MS 4042), 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170. An electronic copy of the draft EIS is available at the MMS's Internet Web site at http://www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/CapeWind.htm , as are electronic copies of attachments to the draft EIS and reports used in its preparation. For a list of libraries in Massachusetts that were provided copies of the draft EIS, visit MMS's Internet Web site at http://www.mms.gov/library/.

Public Hearings: The MMS will hold public hearings to receive comments on the draft EIS. The public hearings are scheduled as follows:

Monday, March 10, 2008, at Mattacheese Middle School Auditorium, 400 Higgins-Crowell Road, West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, at Nantucket High School Auditorium, 10 Surfside Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Auditorium, 100 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 13, 2008, at Campus Center Ballroom, University of Massachusetts, Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, South Boston, Massachusetts, 6 p.m.

If you wish to testify at a hearing, you should register at the site of the hearing as soon as you arrive or pre-register by calling 703-787-1300. Written statements submitted at a hearing will be considered part of the hearing record. If you are unable to attend the hearings, you may submit written statements (see below).

Comments: Federal, state, local government agencies, and other interested parties are requested to provide their written comments on the draft EIS in one of the following three ways:

1. Electronically using MMS's on-line commenting system at http://ocsconnect.mms.gov/pcs-public/ . This is the preferred method for commenting.

2. In written form, mailed or delivered to MMS Cape Wind Energy Project, TRC Environmental Corporation, Wannalancit Mills, 650 Suffolk Street, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854.

3. In person at the public hearings.

Comments should be submitted no later than insert date 60 days after date of publication of NOA.  

HIGH FREQUENCY RADIOTELEX (SITOR) AMVER AND OBS SERVICE DISCONTINUED FROM COAST GUARD CAMSLANT AND COMMSTA KODIAK
From the USCG LNMs 09 and 10: The Coast Guard will terminate high frequency (HF) radiotelex (SITOR) services from Communications Area Master Station Atlantic (CAMSLANT - NMN) and Communications Station Kodiak (NOJ) used for the collection of AMVER ship position reports and of meteorological observations effective 2400Z March 31, 2008. HF radiotelex services from Communications Area Master Station Pacific (CAMSPAC - NMC/NMO) and Communications Station Guam (NRV) will continue until at least September 30, 2008.

AMVER and NOAA meteorological reports will continue to be received at no charge through ShipCom HF radiotelex (NBDP) service via stations KLB near Seattle, WA, and WLO near Mobile, AL, and NOAA's SEAS (Shipboard Environmental (data) Acquisition System) program through Inmarsat C. AMVER reports may also be sent at no charge through Globe Wireless.

Broadcasts of maritime safety information by HF SITOR (HF NAVTEX) will not be affected by this action.  

New Special Anchorages Proposed in Maine and Massachusetts:
From the USCG District 1 LNM 09:

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before April 14, 2008.

ME-STONINGTON-DEER ISLAND THOROFARE-PENOBSCOT BAY-ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS
[Federal Register: February 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 31)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 8633-8635]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

The Coast Guard proposes to establish Crotch Island Special Anchorage in Stonington, Maine, on Deer Island Thorofare, Penobscot Bay. This action is necessary to facilitate safe navigation in that area and to provide safe and secure anchorage for vessels of not more than 65 feet. This proposal is intended to increase the safety for life and property on Deer Island Thorofare, improve the safety of anchored vessels, create workable boundaries for future mooring expansion, and provide for the overall safe and efficient flow of recreational vessels and commerce.

MA-BOSTON HARBOR-WEYMOUTH FORE RIVER-ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS
[Federal Register: February 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 31)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 8635-8637]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

The Coast Guard proposes to establish Gull Point (PT) Special Anchorage area in the Weymouth Fore River, Weymouth, Massachusetts. This proposed action is necessary to facilitate safe navigation and provide a safe and secure anchorage for vessels of not more than 65 feet in length. This action is intended to increase the safety of life and property in the Weymouth Fore River, improve the safety of anchored vessels, and provide for the overall safe and efficient flow of vessel traffic and commerce.

Shoaling, Sakonnet River, RI:
From the USCG 1 st District LNM 09: Active shoaling has been reported and verified in the Upper Sakonnet River in the vicinity of Old Hummocks/Tiverton Railroad Bridge outside of the marked channel. Shoaling is active within 10 yards from the west side ( Portsmouth) and 15 yards from the east side (Tiverton). Mariners are strongly encouraged to navigate within the marked channel.  

Bridge Repair, NJICW Mile 74:
From the 5 th District LNM 09: Mariners are advised that emergency structural steel repairs will be performed at the Margate Bridge, at ICW mile 74.0, across Beach Thorofare in Margate, NJ. These repairs require immobilizing half of the draw span to single-leaf operation each day beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 1 until and including 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, with a work barge occupying one-half of the 58-foot wide channel under the bridge, so passage through the bridge will be limited to a 29-foot width for the duration of the project. The opposite connecting span while not under repair will continue to open for vessels with at least a half-hour advance notice given to the bridge tender at (609) 822-9175 or via marine radio on channel 13 VHF. Also, mariners requiring the full opening of the lift spans or the full width of the channel under the bridge will be directed to use the Atlantic Ocean as the alternate route between Absecon and Great Egg Harbor Inlets. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE Update, Potomac River, Washington DC Area:
This is an update from the USCG 5 th District on the continuing progress of this massive construction project: Mariners are advised that construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge across the Potomac River, mile 103.8, between Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, Maryland is ongoing until 2009. The continued aggressive construction of the new Inner Loop (IL) Bridge and ship-collision protection fender system will continue to influence navigation on the Potomac River near the bridge. The Maryland State Highway Administration is authorized to maintain the drawbridge in the closed-to-navigation position by extending the current temporary deviation of the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. timeframe for an additional 90 days each day from March 2 to May 30, 2008. Demolition for the remainder of the old bridge toward the MD shore will continue into early 2008. Boaters near the Maryland shoreline should use extreme caution when transiting the area near the old bridge. To ensure clear passage, contact the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project with at least 48 hours advance notice. Advancement of the drawbridge and fender ring elements will require continuing intermittent placement of crane barges in the federal navigation channel, which may remain in place overnight. As an alternative, vessels less than 80 feet in height can typically use the marked auxiliary channel, located just east of the federal navigation channel (80-foot vertical clearance, 130-foot horizontal clearance, and 22-foot water depth at MLW). Excessive speed and wake by boaters may cause serious or fatal incidents to the Project. Due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work and for worker safety, it is crucial that mariners obey the speed restrictions and eliminate wakes through the work zone. For any questions, please contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Construction Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 202-438-7499. For bridge opening requests, please contact Mr. Mike Baker at the aforementioned number or the bridge tender at 703-836-2396. The "Mariners Alert" page, located on the Project's website at www.wilsonbridge.com, is updated weekly and contains additional information. As the construction progresses, check these resources frequently to obtain the weekly schedule outlining items such as expected channel restrictions due to barge placements, auxiliary channel availability, and federal navigation channel vertical clearance information.  

SHARPS ISLAND LIGHT, Chesapeake Bay, Tilghman Island- PROPOSAL TO DISCONTINUE:
From the USCG 5 th District LNM 10: The Coast Guard is soliciting comments on a proposal to discontinue Sharps Island Light. The lighthouse was damaged during the 1978-1979 ice season as well as recent damage, has rendered it unsafe for personnel to perform any maintenance. The light has been extinguished since November 2007 and due to the structural condition, the Coast Guard will not make any attempts to relight it. The Coast Guard does not intend to replace the light or lighthouse. In your comments, please address the impact this proposal may impose on your operations including the means you are using to navigate this area of the Chesapeake Bay. All comments must be submitted prior to 16 March, 2008.

Commander (dpw)

Fifth Coast Guard District

431 Crawford Street , Rm. 100

Portsmouth , VA. 23704

Attn.: Albert Grimes Or email to: Albert.L.Grimes@uscg.mil

Wrightsville Beach Bridge Short Closure:
From the USCG 5 th District Bridge Branch: Mariners are advised that the S.R. 74 Bridge, at AIWW mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach NC, will be closed to vessels from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2008, to accommodate the Knights of Columbus Shamrock Fun Run and Walk. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 20 feet, above mean high water. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

Restrictions in Charleston Harbor Area:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 09: Crane Transporting Coast Guard Sector Charleston anticipates placing restrictions on vessels movements on the Wando River and Cooper River in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina at specified times during the period of 15 February 2008 through 31 March 2008. These restrictions will be put in effect to ensure safety during the loading of four (4) old container cranes from the South Carolina State Ports Authority's Wando and North Charleston Terminals. More information about the timing and location of the restrictions will be provided via Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM), Local Notice to Mariners (LNM), or Special Regulations. For further questions about this announcement please contact: LT Calvin Summers at (843) 720-3272.

DGPS Unusable Times:
From the USCG 7 th District LNM 09:

For further information please contact the USCG NAVCEN DGPS East Opertations Watch Officer at: (703) 313-5902.

Savannah:

Unusable time authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: Tuesday, 11 March, 2008, 1300Z until 1500Z (0900-1100 EDT)

Alternate: Wednesday 12 March, 2008, 1300Z until 1500Z (0900-1100 EDT)

Macon:

DGPS Site Macon, Georgia has been granted off air/unusable time for Scheduled Preventive Maintenance.

Unusable time authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: Friday, 14 March, 2008, 1300Z until 1500Z (0900-1100 EDT)

Alternate: Saturday 15 March, 2008, 1300Z until 1500Z (0900-1100 EDT)

Tampa

DGPS Site Tampa, Florida has been granted off air/unusable time for RSIM RECAP (CRIA) install phase II.

Unusable time authorized for the following date/time:

Primary: 1400Z Friday, 7 March, 2008 - 0200Z Saturday 8, 2008, (0900 - 2100 EST, 7 March 2008 )

Alternate: 1400Z Saturday, 8 March, 2008 - 0200Z Sunday 9, 2008, (0900 - 2100 EST, 8 March 2008 )

Sisters Creek Bridge Repair:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 09: The Sisters Creek Bridge at ICW Mile 739.2 will be undergoing fender repair from April 1, 2008 through January 10, 2009, 7:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday. A barge will be stationed behind the bridge fender system and may impact the navigable channel for short periods.

BB McCormick Bridge Construction Restrictions:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 10:

The new high level BB McCormick Bridge at mile 745.5 will continue under construction until March, 2009. There will be periodic channel restrictions for the next 6-8 weeks. There will be 30 ft. of horizontal clearance during this time. Call 904 223 5076 or the tug tender on scene to request safe passage if you need more than 30 feet of horizontal clearance in the channel. It will take around 30 minutes to accommodate.

NOTE: If you are cruising in the area, pay particular attention to the twice daily Broadcast Notices to Mariners from Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. There have been several day-long closings at this bridge recently that were not announced in the 7 th District LNMs. These should be announced on VHF Channel 16 and broadcast on Channel 22A, perhaps with very short notice.

Dredging at ICW Problem Spot, Marker “46,” Boynton Beach Inlet:
The USCG 7 th Dstrict LNM 10 states that Southwind Construction Corp., will commence Hydraulic Dredging/Beach Re-nourishment in South Lake Worth Inlet, just north of the Town of Ocean Ridge and just south of the Town of Manalapan. Dredging will be in the sand traps just outside of the Inlet and in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of the Inlet, on or about February 23, 2008. This project will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week basis until completion on or about April 15, 2008. The dredge WILKO, with workboat: Danny Joe and Miss Leann will be on-scene and monitoring VHF Channels 16 and 78. All mariners are advised to transit the area with extreme caution and at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, proceed with caution after passing arrangement have been made. Pipeline and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations. Pipeline will be positioned along the south shoreline to the mouth of the Inlet, then traversing along the beach to the beach re-nourishment area.

Lake Okeechobee Continues Shallow:
We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm for the latest depth figures on the Okeechobee Waterway:

As of March 4, 2008: Lake level is reported at 10.06 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 4.00 feet.
Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths reported at 1.40 feet.
This is down about a half inch from the last alert two weeks ago.

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to that use.