East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
June 25, 2009

July Fourth Fireworks:
            There will be fireworks displays in cities and communities all along the US East Coast on July 4, which falls on a Saturday this year. Boaters should be aware of restrictions involved in the areas of the fireworks displays. The locations and associated bridge closures and safety zones are too numerous to list here. Check locally in your area. Typically, opening bridges will not open for boats before, during and after a display so that vehicular traffic can move at a steady pace.*

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

Summer 2009, Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, FL, Channel Closures:

*During partial channel openings, vessels can expect a horizontal clearance of 35 feet.

Night Time Closures (some overlap with closures listed above):

These closures have been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (From the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project Information Office)

Special Notices

New NOAA Chart Production Program:
            Mariners will have the latest information under a new initiative in navigation chart reprinting. Beginning immediately, NOAA will provide revised reprints to distribute up-to-date critical information on nautical charts. A revised reprint nautical chart incorporates all U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and all National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Notice to Mariners (NM) issued since the current edition date. A revised reprint will be published when printed stock of the current edition is low. In the past, when a chart was running out of stock, NOAA would print more copies of the same chart without applying updates. The revised reprint will contain all critical corrections applied before the chart is printed. They are similar to the NOAA’s Print on Demand (POD) charts, but are lithographically printed according to traditional paper chart standards. Revised reprints offer the convenience and added measure of safety of a chart that is updated at time of purchase. The lower left corner of a revised reprint nautical chart will contain the edition number of the chart with the edition date, the words “Revised reprint,” along with the dates of the NGA Notice to Mariners and the U.S. Coast Guard's Local Notice to Mariners available at time of printing. (See below) As with all nautical charts, revised reprints should be updated with all critical corrections issued after the “corrected through” dates. A listing of upcoming new edition and revised reprint charts published by NOAA is available at nauticalcharts.noaa.gov.

13th Ed., Aug./08 Revised reprint
12208 Corrected through NM Jan. 31/09
Corrected through LNM Jan. 27/09
(USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Coast Guard Testing Foam:
FLORIDA-TAMPA BAY-MULLET KEY: Deployment of Foam Prototype Buoy Hull: The U. S. Coast Guard will be prototyping a new buoy hull at Mullet Key Channel Lighted Buoy 26. The buoy will display all advertised characteristics. Any discrepancy should be reported to Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg at (727) 502-1522. (USCG 7th District LNM 25)

USCG First District

Kennebec River, ME, Shoaling:
            The Corps of Engineers recently survey the channel in the Kennebec River in the vicinity of Doubling Point. A sand wave with minimum sounding of 22.1’ MLLW in the vicinity of Green Can #31 has been identified. The coordinates of the worst shoal is as follows: 43-53' 15.5"N, 069-48' 39.0”W. Mariners are advised to use caution in transiting this area and not to rely on charted depths. A copy of the survey when plotted will be posted the Corps web page at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/navigation/navigation2.asp?mystate=me.
(USCG First District LNM 24)

Waterway Analysis, MA:
NAHANT BAY (NAHANT BAY APPROACH, NAHANT HARBOR):
            The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis Review of Nahant Bay (including Nahant Bay Approach, Nahant Harbor). Mariners and other concerned parties are invited to comment on the aids to navigation in this waterway. Any comments or recommended changes to aids to navigation in this waterway should be received no later than 09 September 2009 to be considered.
PLYMOUTH BAY (KINGSTON, DUXBURY AND PLYMOUTH HARBORS):
            The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis Review of Plymouth Bay (including Kingston, Duxbury and Plymouth Harbors). Mariners and other concerned parties are invited to comment on the aids to navigation in this waterway. Any comments or recommended changes to aids to navigation in this waterway should be received no later than 09 September 2009 to be considered.
            Send comments to: BOSN2 Tate McDaniel, US Coast Guard Sector Boston, 427 Commercial St., Boston MA 02109-1027 ATTN: BOSN2 Tate McDaniel (617) 557-9083, E-MAIL: Tate.M.McDaniel.@USCG.MIL (USCG First District LNM 24)

Current Meters, MA:          
            NOAA’s National Ocean Service deployed 8 current meters in the Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay region on June 3-4 2009. Each current meter is housed in a bottom mounted platform that has a 6x6x3 ft footprint and sits on the channel bottom. They will remain in place until 24 July 2009.
            The following stations have been deployed:
Name ID Latitude Longitude Depth
Cape Cod Canal East End COD0901 41-46.532' N 70-29.9593' W 53 ft
Cape Cod Canal Sagamore Br COD0902 41-46.5701' N 70-32.5977' W 52 ft
Cape Cod Canal Bournedale COD0903 41-45.9922' N 70-34.56682' W 58 ft
Hog Neck COD0905 41-43.4334' N 70-38.3626' W 37 ft
Abiels Ledge COD0906 41-41.3839' N 70-40.2487' W 36.6 ft
Cleveland Ledge COD0907 41-37.9339' N 70-41.8108' W 38 ft
The Strait COD0911 41-31.1574' N 70-40.9736' W 23 ft
Juniper Point COD0912 41-30.9527' N 70-40.3003' W 39 ft
            Additional stations are scheduled to be deployed from 23 July-18 September, 2009:
West Island, 1 Mi. SE of COD0908 41-33.9528' N 70-48.6702' W 37 ft
Hurricane Barrier COD0909 41-37.4070' N 70-54.3192' W 39 ft
North End COD0910 41-31.3800' N 70-41.5968' W 25 ft
Naushon Pt. COD0913 41-26.9808' N 70-48.3930' W 35 ft
Center COD0914 41-26.5752' N 70-50.8860' W 49 ft
Canapitsit Channel COD0915 41-25.4520' N 70-54.4800' W 10 ft
(USCG First District LNM 24)

Submerged Objects, Thames River, CT:
            The Coast Guard has received a report of submerged objects on the Thames River, one at position 41-18-22.2N 072-04-45.2W depth 36ft, the other at 41-18-21.0N 072-04-45.9W depth 36ft. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. (USCG First District LNM 24)

Waterway Analysis, NY:
            The Coast Guard will be conducting an analysis of the Hudson River from buoy C1 Morris Canal lower Hudson River to Troy lock, to continue facilitating efficient and safe navigation throughout the waterway. Mariners and other concerned parties are encouraged to comment. Coast Guard Sector New York, Waterways Management Branch, will be accepting comments until 15 Jul 2009, Contact BMC Tom Casey 1-718-354- 4354, fax 718-345-4190, or thomas.r.casey@uscg.mil . (USCG First District LNM 24)

USCG Fifth District

Cape May Dredging:
            The Dredge FULLERTON will be conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of the western end of the Cape May Canal and Cape May Harbor from 05 June until 14 August, 2009. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. (Fifth District LNM 23)
           
NJICW Shoaling:
            Shoaling to a depth of less than 3.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of NJICW Daybeacon 270. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

NJICW Bridge Reduced Clearance:
            Mariners are advised that fender system and overhead steel span repairs have been extended through August 2009 at the Sea Isle Blvd Bridge, at ICW mile 93.4 over Ludlam Thorofare at Sea Isle City, NJ. To facilitate the steel span operation, scaffolding will be used reducing the available vertical clearance by approximately three feet to approximately 32 feet, above mean high water. For fender system repairs, all work will be done from a 20-foot wide barge moored to the fender itself. The channel will not be blocked. Working hours will be daylight hours and the barge will not be moved at night. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Delaware Bay Construction:
            West Bay Construction will be rebuilding the pier on Ship John Shoal Light commencing 01 June, 2009. Several deck construction barges, crane barge conducting pile driving operation and tugs will be on site. All vessels will monitor VHF-FM Ch. 13 and 16. It is requested that all transiting vessels do so at a NO WAKE speed. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Inspection:
            Mariners are advised that M&N Engineering and Diving Services, Inc. is planning to conduct underwater inspections of both spans of the William P. Lane, Jr. Memorial (Chesapeake Bay Bridges) Bridges (US-50/301), across the Chesapeake Bay at mile 130, between Sandy Point, Maryland and Kent Island, Maryland, from June 28, 2009 through January 31, 2010. Work is expected to occur Mondays through Fridays (with occasional weekends), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The contractor will use a 3-person dive crew with surface-supplied air from a 41-foot work vessel moored to the bridge piers. Interested mariners can contact the on-scene workboat “JILLIAN V” on marine band radio channels 16 and 09 VHF-FM or via telephone at 443-243-4067, or can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Command Center at 410-576-2693. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Eastern Shore, MD, Shoaling:
            Shoaling to a depth of 2.5ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Queenstown Creek Buoy 5. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting this waterway. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Chesapeake Bay (VA) Survey:  
            From 17 June until 30 October, 2009 the vessels R/V CHINOOK (28 foot aluminum catamaran) and R/V THEORY (33 foot aluminum catamaran) will be conducting a hydrographic survey of the Chesapeake Bay during daylight hours from Fleets Bay Neck and Hacks Neck north to Smith Point and Shanks Island.
            The survey area is bounded by the approximate positions:
SW 37-40-34N, 076-17-39W and SE 37-39-42N, 075-54-05W
NW 37-53-48N, 076-14-00W and NE 37-53-58N, 076-02-52W
            Operations will involve towing sensitive instrumentation that will restrict the vessels ability to maneuver. Dayshapes for a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver will be displayed. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Dredging in Greenvale Creek, VA:
            Select Transportation, Inc., utilizing a suction dredge, will conduct dredging operations in Greenvale Creek, Lancaster County, VA from 01 July until 27 July, 2009. A submerged pipeline for spoil transfer will be placed from the dredging area to the beach adjacent to the dredge site. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)
             Ed. Comment: Over the course of writing East Coast Alerts for the past five years, I have sadly reported the fate of Greenvale Creek, a tributary on the north side of the Rappahannock River above the Norris Bridge. With no money available for dredging, it gradually shoaled in, a little at a time, to the point that all USCG navigational aids had to be removed. They could no longer be maintained because the boats needed to move the markers could not operate in the shallow water. Recently the local weekly newspaper reported that some of the 2009 federal economic stimulus money would be available to dredge this creek, and it appears that has happened. This is a good thing.
 
Rappahannock River Bridge Repairs:
            Mariners are advised that structural steel repairs are in progress through January 10, 2010, at the Robert Opie Norris Bridge on Route 3, at mile 8.3, over Rappahannock River at Whitestone, VA. To facilitate repairs, barges with spuds, a crane with man lift and a push boat will occupy the main navigation channel. The work schedule (that is subject to change) is generally from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. At no time will the repairs block the main navigation channel and mariners should exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Dredging in Hampton Roads:
            The Dredge LEXINGTON will be conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Piers 2-14 Naval Base Norfolk from 23 June until 23 September, 2009. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16.
(USCG 5th District LNM 25)

New Markers, Little Creek, VA:
            On or about July 15, 2009 the Coast Guard will discontinue the following aids to navigation in Little Creek Harbor:
A. Little Creek Harbor- Fishermans Cove Buoy 3.
B. Little Creek Harbor- Fishermans Cove Buoy 4.
C. Little Creek Harbor- Fishermans Cove Buoy 6.
(USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, to Close:
          Mariners are advised that the Norfolk Southern #7 Railroad Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake VA, will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 6 a.m. until and including 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2009 to facilitate machinery repairs.  At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(e).  Mariners should adjust their transits accordingly. (USCG 5th District Bridge Branch)

New Jordan Bridge Proposed:
PUBLIC NOTICE 5-1147
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
All interested parties are notified that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has received an application from the Figg Bridge Developers, LLC, for approval of the location and plans for construction of a fixed highway bridge over a navigable waterway of the United States.
WATERWAY AND LOCATION: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 2.8, Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, between Portsmouth and Chesapeake, VA.
CHARACTER OF WORK: The Figg Bridge Developers, LLC, propose to construct a new high-level fixed, two-lane highway bridge just to the south and parallel to the alignment of the former Jordan Bridge.
MINIMUM  NAVIGATIONAL CLEARANCES:
Vertical- 145 feet (44.20 meters) above mean high water (MHW)
Horizontal- 225 feet (68.58 meters) between fender systems.
            Interested parties are requested to express their views, in writing, on the construction of the proposed bridge giving sufficient detail to establish a clear understanding of their reasons for support of or opposition to the proposed project. Comments will be received for the record at the office of the Commander (dpb), Fifth Coast Guard District, Federal  Building, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704-5004 (Abbreviated, from the USCG 5th District Bridge Branch)

Shoaling, NC:
            Shoaling to a depth of 3.0ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Whittaker Creek Daybeacon 1 to Whittaker Creek Light 5. The shoal extends approximately 20 feet into the channel. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting this waterway. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Dredging in NC:
            The WEEKS DREDGE 551 will be conducting dredging operations at various locations along berths 2 through 9 in the Morehead City Inner Harbor, Bogue Sound and Newport River from 02 June until 31 August, 2009. The tugs ELIZABETH and ROBERT will transport dredge material in scows to the offshore site at approximate position 34-36-17N, 076-44-22W. All vessels will monitor VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Bridge Construction, Wrightsville Beach (Not on the ICW):
            Mariners are advised that superstructure and substructure repairs will begin again at the Br-21 and Br-24 Bridges over Banks Channel at Wrightsville Beach in New Hanover County NC, on or about July 1, 2009 through the end of October 2009. To access some areas of the bridges, barges and scaffolding will partially restrict the main channel spans. At the end of each work day, all barges and scaffolding will be removed, to a safe location, away from the main channel spans. Marines should exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

Possible Delays at New Oak Island Bridge, ICW Mile 316.6:
            Mariners are advised to take caution and proceed slowly when approaching the construction site of a new highway bridge (Middleton Avenue) to Oak Island, over the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Mile 316.6, in Brunswick County, NC. Barges and a crane will be off to the side of the waterway from June 22 to July 21, 2009 causing mariners possible delays. This possible delay will be during daylight hours, two hours before and after high tide. There should be no delay at other times. (USCG 5th District LNM 25)

USCG Seventh District

Ben Sawyer Bridge Update:
            Due to construction work on the Ben Sawyer Bridge, the bridge will be closed and restricted from 7 am to 5 pm on Monday through Friday, and 7 to noon on Saturdays from June 1 through October 19, 2009.  This is due to the installation of the new, and removal of the old, fender installation. A two (2) hour notice is required for only boat traffic requiring up to a 55 foot clearance during the aforementioned date and times; please provide an advance notice for those requiring a greater clearance.  To make notifications, please contact the Bridge Tender at (843) 883-3581. For questions regarding Coast Guard matters please contact CWO3 Hunter Crider at (843) 724-7647 or LT Julie Miller at (843) 720-3273. MSIB (23-09), Charleston Coast Guard
            Ed. Comment: We found the wording of this MSIB rather confusing. I spoke with CWO3 Hunter Crider who explained that all boats which need an opening of the swing span of the bridge should give two hours notice to the bridge tender. Vessels which need more than 55 feet of horizontal clearance should give more advanced notice as there are barges and equipment which will need to be moved.  

Summer Lock Closures for Maintenance in Okeechobee Waterway:
            It is not now possible to use the Okeechobee Waterway to cross from one side of Florida to the other, as the Moore Haven Lock closed for major maintenance on June 8 and will not open again till September 3, 2009. The W.P. Franklin Lock will be closed for installation of a Manatee Protection System starting on July 6 and reopening on August 26, 2009. (USACE Jacksonville)

Okeechobee Waterway Lockage Restrictions Reminder:
            The USACE Jacksonville has issued a Notice to Navigation Interests regarding the lock opening schedule for the St. Lucie Lock and the W.P. Franklin Lock (closed July 6-August 26, see above) in the Okeechobee Waterway, effective April 20, 2009. This schedule essentially provides for current and future restrictions, based on the Lake Level (in feet). As the lake level changes, so may the lock schedule, without notice, so don’t be surprised if the schedule changes suddenly. See the table in the April 30, 2009 East Coast Alerts or check for details at http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/Branches/Navigation/DOCS/NavBulletins/2009/ntn20090413.pdf

To determine the current Lake Level (Elevation), check:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Engineering/Branches/WaterResources/WaterMgt/DOCS/Reports/r-oke.html

On June 24, 2009 the Lake Level was 12.15 feet. This puts the schedule in the “Lockage Every 2 hours”, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. category for now at St. Lucie and W.P. Franklin Locks (which is now closed).

Construction Begins on New Mooring Field, Dinner Key: 
            American Underwater Construction Company under contract for the City of Miami has commenced construction of the Dinner Key Mooring Field. The areas under construction are: south of the line from Dinner Key Channel Daybeacon 14  to Dinner Key Channel Daybeacon 5, and north of the line from Dinner Key Marina South Channel Daybeacon 12 to Dinner Key Marina South Channel Daybeacon 4. This project will be conducted during daylight hours only (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), five (5) days per week until completion on or about October 30, 2009. All mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area. For further information please contact Mr. Stephen Bogner, Marina Manager at (305) 579-6950) (USCG 7th District LNM 24)

Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 25:           
            Trout River Railroad Bridge (off the St. Johns River): Closed due to bridge failure until the end of July. There is also a proposal to place this bridge on an automated system, without a bridge tender. Comments are requested before August 3, 2009 to Coast Guard 7th District.
            BB McCormick Bridge, Mile 747.5: There will be work on the fender system of the new bridge until October, 2009. The channel may be restricted by a barge which can be moved to accommodate larger vessels.         
            Bridge of Lions, Mile 777.9: Construction continues. See Schedule above.
            New Smyrna North Bridge (AKA George C. Musson Memorial Bridge), Mile 845: Closed for repairs on June 30, 2009 at 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on July 3, 2009. Vessels not requiring an opening may pass at any time.        
            Max Brewer Bridge, Mile 878.9: AKA Titusville Bridge will be replaced with a high level bridge. Construction will begin May 11, 2009 and continue through April, 2011. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville will broadcast Notices to Mariners regarding restrictions as needed.
            Bakers Haulover Bridge, North Miami Beach (Not on the ICW): The fender system on this bridge will be replaced between April 12 and December 7, 2009.A barge and floating equipment will be in the vicinity and at times will be restricting the navigable channel.
            Big Marco Pass Bridge, Marco Island: Painting until September 30, 2009 will reduce vertical clearance by three feet.
            US 41 Bridge, Ft. Myers: Painting until September 30, 2009 will reduce vertical clearance by three feet.

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 this use.