Rhine Channel Dredging Will Remove Lead, Mercury

Dredging of the Rhine Channel began this week in the area between the Blue Water Grill and Cannery Restaurant.

The project will remove about 150,000 cubic yards of sediment contaminated by lead, mercury and other toxins from the
channel, which will be dredged to a depth of four to eight feet. The dredging, which will cost an estimated $4 million, will take place during daylight hours Monday through Saturday.

The channel, which is used for docking boats, will be closed during the first three of the four phases of the project, though the contractor will try to keep a small part of the channel open for customers of nearby restaurants and shipyards, the city said. Call 949-723-1002 for information.

Sediment removed from the channel will be taken to the Port of Long Beach to be used in a redevelopment project, according to the city.

See a snippet of video of the dredging action at the city's Facebook page.