East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
August 21, 2008

Jordan Bridge, ICW Mile 2.8, May Close:
The local papers and TV stations are all abuzz about the possibility that the City of Chesapeake, Virginia may have to close the Jordan Bridge because they can’t afford to replace or even make necessary repairs to the aging structure. There are already plans to replace the Gilmerton Bridge at Mile 5.8 (it is currently scheduled for extensive repairs) and the Steel Bridge (Mile 8.8) may need to be replaced or widened as well.  For boaters, this would mean one fewer scheduled bridge to open. However, we would be faced with periods of extensive construction and possible delays at the other timed bridges and the likelihood of further restrictions as the other bridges would have to absorb the traffic currently using the Jordan. Check the article at
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/chesapeake-should-close-jordan-bridge-if-repairs-not-made-year-report-says .*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment or paraphrase.  Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.
 
General Notices, Recent USCG LNMs:
The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that, in order to adjust to a new printing cycle, it will not publish the 2008 editions of the Light Lists, except for Volume 5 (Mississippi River System). The agency is changing the publication cycle so that annual editions are available early in each calendar year. Since printing of the 2007 editions occurred in November 2007, they will remain effective for approximately 14 months.

The National Ocean Service (NOS) has moved and expanded the function of its -critcorr- website. The new -Nautical Chart Updates- website allows the mariner to update their nautical charts from one database that includes information from NOS, and NGA Notice to Mariners, the Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners and the Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Mariners. To access the website and for more information go to: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/ and click on -Chart Updates-. Sales agents for Charts and Coast Pilots of the National Ocean Service are located in many U. S. ports and in some foreign ports. A list of authorized sales agents and chart catalogs is available free upon request from National Ocean Service, Distribution Division (N/ACC3), 6501 Lafayette Avenue, Riverdale, Maryland 20737.

An invitation is extended to all GPS users to attend the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee (CGSIC) meeting held 15-16 September at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel. This is a conference designed to educate the GPS user public and elicit input. The meeting is open and free to the public and will have presentations and lectures on a variety of interesting GPS topics such as GPS modernization, policy and program updates. Anyone interested can go to the following site to find the agenda (http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/cgsic/meetings/default.htm).

On September 30, 2008, the Coast Guard will terminate high frequency (HF) radiotelex Simplex Teletype Over Radio(SITOR) services from Communications Area Master Station Pacific (CAMSPAC - NMC), including Communications Station Honolulu, HI (NMO) used for the collection of AMVER ship position reports and meteorological observations effective 0000Z October 1, 2008. HF radiotelex services from Communications Area Master Station Atlantic (CAMSLANT - NMN) and Communications Station Kodiak, AK (NOJ) were terminated March 31, 2008. HF radiotelex services will continue unaffected from Communications Station Guam (NRV).

Heavy Rain Problems in Maine:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 33: Commencing with Upper Kennebec River Unlighted Buoy 47A and up river towards Augusta, Me, Upper Kennebec River Channel Buoy 82 are being temporarily disestablished due to extreme water levels and current. Federal aids to navigation remaining in the Upper Kennebec River North of Gardiner, Me should be deemed unreliable.

This is the only report from the Coast Guard LNMs regarding this type of problem in the northeast. However, with the amount of rain reported recently, similar problems could occur in other rivers. In Florida, look for potential flooding issues from the more than two feet of rainfall in some areas from TS Fay.

Two WAMS Reviews, Massachusetts:
From the USCG 1st District:
The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of the Lynn and Saugus Harbors to include the Saugus River and Approaches and Lynn Harbor. Mariners and other concerned parties are invited to comment on the aids to navigation in these waterways. Any comments or recommended changes to aids to navigation in these waterways should be received no later than 15 September 2008 to be considered.

The Coast Guard is conducting a Waterway Analysis and Management System (WAMS) review of the Salem Sound to include the Salem Channel, Derby Channel, Salem South Channel, Manchester Channel, Beverly Channel, Rams Horn Channel, Danvers River, Bass River, Eagle Island Channel, Marblehead Channel and Marblehead Harbor. Mariners and other concerned parties are invited to comment on the aids to navigation in these waterways. Any comments or recommended changes to aids to navigation in these waterways should be received no later than 15 September 2008 to be considered.

Send comments to: Commander, US Coast Guard Sector Boston, 427 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109, ATTN: CWO McDaniel (603)557-9083, email; tate.m.mcdaniel@uscg.mil,

Boston Harbor Dredging Update:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 33: Following a week of down time for repairs, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company is continuing ongoing dredging operations in Boston harbor. Dredging Operations will continue to be performed in the Main Ship Channel between East Boston and Charleston. All dredged material is being disposed of offshore in the Mass Bay Disposal Area. The disposal route is shown on one attached map, and a detailed map, including the initial points of the dump lanes is also provided. Vessel Traffic requiring the dredge to move out of the channel should provide at least one half hour notice to the dredge to clear the channel. Dredging in the current location will continue for approximately one week, at which time the dredge will be re-locating to the entrance of the Main ship Channel northwest of Spectacle Island at Latitude: 42 20 32.9992 N Longitude: 071 00 28.7055 W. The Tug ME Lemmerhirt will be transporting scows to the disposal area in support of dredging operations, and the Atlantic Dawn will be tending the dredge. Last weeks notice included a new mooring buoy location. The buoy was not relocated, and will not be relocated for another 2 to 3 weeks. A map of the current buoy location is included. An e-mail will be sent to inform all interested parties 3 days before the buoy is relocated. The dredge and associated plant are working on channel 05, monitoring channels 13 and 16. The survey vessel Thames River is conducting daily surveys at the dredge site, and will be conducting surveys at the entrance to the harbor during the upcoming week. The Atlantic Dawn will be transmitting a daily update of the dredge and towing operations on channels 77 and 13.

Boston Harbor Diving Ops:
Also from the 1st District LNM 33: Diving operations will done from Aug 11 - Sept 15, 2008 in the Reserve Channel in the following positions:
42° 20' 31.74" N 71° 02' 00.15" W
42° 20' 32.61" N 71° 01' 40.51" W
42° 20' 32.62" N 71° 01' 39.19" W
42° 20' 32.58" N 71° 01' 28.87" W
42° 20' 32.64" N 71° 01' 35.53" W
42° 20' 32.63" N 71° 01' 34.09" W
42° 20' 32.67" N 71° 01' 32.63" W
42° 20' 32.72" N 71° 01' 30.08" W
42° 20' 32.76" N 71° 01' 28.64" W
The hours of operation will be Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 7:00 pm. On scene will be a survey/dive boat that will be monitor Channel 13 and 16.

Woods Hole, Mass:
From the 1st District LNM 33:  WATER STREET BRIDGE DEMOLITION
Demolition operations on the Water Street Bridge in Woods Hole, MA will require the closure of Eel Pond Channel for six days in September 2008. This is the first phase of replacing the bridge. Eel Pond Channel will be closed to all vessel traffic from 7 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2008 until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Vessels will not be able to enter or depart Eel Pond during this period. The waterway will then be open to vessel traffic until the new bridge is put in place sometime in the spring of 2009. The Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD) has contracted with J.F. White Contracting Company to demolish the superstructure of the Water Street Bridge over the Eel Pond Channel during the dates and times noted above.
* J.F. White-s project engineer is Mr. Chris Vrachos, who can be reached by cell phone at 617-799-4998.
* The MHD resident engineer is Mr. Michael McGovern, who can be reached at 508-548-2795.
Mariners are advised to monitor Marine Safety Information Broadcasts on VHF-FM channel 22 for the latest safety related navigation information.

Dredging Ops, New Bedford, Mass:
From the 1st District LNM 33: Dredging will be done in the Upper Harbor from 8/11/08 to 11/30/08 from 0600 to 1900 Monday to Saturday. A dredge control system consisting of steel piles and multiple wire rope cables is being deployed and will be maintained in the upper harbor of New Bedford Harbor. Two floating dredges will be operating within the perimeter of the pilings. The system is located at Pierce Mill Cove adjacent to the Riverside Park on the westerly side of the Acushnet River approximately 1500 feet (0.25 Nm) north of the Rte. 195 bridge and Coggeshall Street. At high tide, the traverse cable system will be nominally 1ft above the water’s surface. A floating white oil boom is attached to piling as well as blinking lights located at the top of several pilings. The dredges are connected to a booster pump station on the west side of the Acushnet River via a floating 10inch pipeline. The dredge line will extend easterly in a sweeping loop into and possibly blocking the river channel. The dredge lines are nominally submerged at the water surface and marked approximately every 500ft with lighted buoys. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area and if transit is desired, hail on VHF Channel 77 or contact the dredges on VHF Channel 13/16 to coordinate the passage and proceed with caution after passage arrangements have been made with the dredges.

Diving Ops, East River, NY:
From the USCG 1st District LNM 33: Diving and turbine repair operations will be conducted along the east shore of Roosevelt Island in the charted Underwater Turbines field north of the Roosevelt Island Bridge. The operations will be conducted Monday through Saturday from August 12 to September 12, 2008 during daylight hours. Diving operations will be conducted from the Roosevelt Island shoreline and from a Miller-s Launch vessel. The 110- x 32- crane barge ML-500 will also be anchored along the eastern edge of the turbine field during turbine retrieval and replacement operations. The 65- Samantha Miller and 31- Erin Miller will also be on site during this time frame.

Ambrose Light, NY, Demolition Update:
From the 1st District LNM 33: Demolition of Ambrose Light (LLNR 720) Commenced on 28 July 2008 and will continue until further notice. A Crane Barge will be secured immediately adjacent to the tower and held on station by multiple anchors. Crane Barge and scow will not be made fast to the structure. The contractor will remove all Coast Guard equipment and NOAA weather data equipment. Tugs SEA WOLF, SEA BEAR and MISS YEVETT will be in attendance for the project. There will be divers in the water. There will be no explosive charges used in the demolition. There will be only one scow for debris removal and debris will be off-loaded at the Sterling Equipment yard adjacent to Mariners Harbor on Staten Island. Projections for scow transits are 1 per day at peak production. Project may run 24/7 dependent upon weather. Safety envelope for evolution is 5' seas or below and less than 25kts wind. If conditions are worse than safety envelope limits the contractor will demobilize and return all equipment to Sterling Yard. Project will be illuminated with floodlights during night operations. VTS will advise concerned traffic and will outreach to pilots at pilot station before project initiation.

Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, Restricted for Repairs:
From the 5th District Bridge Officer: Mariners are advised structural repairs will be performed at the Gilmerton (US 13/460) Lift Bridge across the Elizabeth River (Southern Branch), at AIWW mile 5.8, in Chesapeake, VA The repairs will restrict the operation of the draw span on the following dates and times:

1. Closed-to-navigation, each day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., from September 8 to September 11, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided with at least two hours notice given to the bridge operator at (757) 545-1512 or via marine radio on Channel 13.
2. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 12 through 5 a.m. on September 15, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 13 and September 14.
3. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 19 through 5 a.m. on September 22, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 20 and September 21.
4. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on September 26 through 5 a.m. on September 29, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on September 27 and September 28.
5. Closed-to-navigation from 8 p.m. on October 3 through 5 a.m. on October 6, 2008, except vessel openings will be provided at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. each day on October 4 and October 5.

At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.997(d).  Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.

Reduced Schedule in Dismal Swamp Canal:
The USCG 5th District LNM 34 continues to announce that due to low water depth in Lake Drummond, beginning 23 July, 2008 and until further notice, the locks at Deep Creek, VA and at South Mills, NC and their adjacent drawbridges will be operated only at 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P. M. , 7 days a week. For vessels unable to comply with the reduced schedule, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, through the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, VA will maintain all scheduled openings.

Shallotte Inlet Crossing, NC ICW--Severe Shoaling:
A US Army Corps of Engineers survey dated 28 July, 2008 indicted shoaling mid channel at Cape Fear River to Little River Buoy 80A, AIWW Mile Marker 330.5 to a depth of 0.5 feet MLLW. Mariners are advised to avoid transiting this area during periods of low water and exercise caution transiting during other tidal stages. Mariners can view this survey with recommended way points around the shoal at www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/aiww/cflr/t19.pdf. Green can 81, not shown on the survey has been relocated according to the USCG 5th District LNM 32, where the above notice was also posted. Waypoints are given on the survey for the deepest water through this stretch, and the controlling depth determined by the survey is 5 feet. These reported depths are all subject to change.

Wilmington, NC Drawbridge No Longer Open for Vessels:
From the USCG 5th District LNM 34:  Effective on September 8, 2008, mariners are advised that the Coast Guard is changing the drawbridge operation regulations of the S117-S133 Bridge, at mile 1.5, across Smith Creek at Wilmington NC. This action will allow that the draw need not be opened for the passage of vessels. A copy of Public Notice 5-1120, which describes the changes in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6629.

Dredging, Oregon Inlet, NC (Not on the ICW):
From the USCG 5th District LNM 34: The Dredge E.W. ELLEFSEN will be conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Pea Island and Oregon Inlet east of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge from 11 August until 29 September, 2008. A submerged pipeline will transport the dredge spoil to Pea Island. The dredge will standby on VHF-FM Channels 13 and !6. All vessels are requested to transit at a minimum wake and request passing arrangements.

Waterway Restrictions, North Myrtle Beach, SC:
The USCG 7th District LNM 34 continues to announce restrictions and/or waterway closures at the North Myrtle Beach Connecter Bridge under construction at Mile 347.3. Restrictions and/or closure periods will occur during girder placement across the waterway. Announcements of these restrictions and/or closure periods will be broadcast on VHF Channel 22 prior to the event. Tug Chicksawwill will stand by on VHF 13 and 16 for traffic. This part of the construction is expected to be complete by September 30, 2008.
Dates given for partial obstruction of the channel are: August 26 and September 4 and 15, 2008.

Dredging in Charleston Area:
From the 7th District LNM 34: Marinex Construction, Inc., has begun maintenance dredging with the dredge HAMPTON ROADS in the vicinity the Veterans Terminal, Clouter Creek Reach, Charleston, South Carolina. The area of operation for this project is between Cooper River LB 44 (LLNR 2695) and Cooper River LB 46 (2740). Dredge operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hour per day, and seven (7) days per week basis until project completion on or about August 30, 2008. For safety and maneuvering information dredge HAMPTON ROADS can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. For further information please contact Mr. Thomas G. Payne (Project Manager) at (843) 722-9083.

DGPS Macon Off-Air:
Also from the 7th District LNM 34: DGPS Macon, Georgia Broadcast site is unusable as of August 7, 2008 until further notice. For further information please contact the USCG East Operation Watch Officer at: (703) 313-5902.

St Johns River, Florida, Shoaling:
From the 7th District LNM 34: Shoaling has been reported in the St Johns River between Norwalk Point LT 59 (LLNR 8485) and Mount Royal LT 61 (LLNR 8495), with water depth less than five (5) feet. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transitting the area.

More Dredging in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Area:
The 7th District LNM 34 states that Southwind Construction Corp., will begin hydraulic dredging in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida, on or about August 25, 2008. The area of operation for this project is between Ponce de Leon Cut 4 (LLNR 40525) and New Smyrna Beach Daybeacon 68 (LLNR 40870). Dredge operations will continue on a twenty-four (24) hour per day basis and seven (7) days per week until project completion on or about November 1, 2008. Two (2) booster barges, Tenders Miss Leanne, Proud Mary, Tugs Danny Joe and Betty Lou with floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipelines associated with this dredging operation will be onscene. Pipelines and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard Regulations. For safety and maneuvering information dredge WILKO can be contacted on VHF-FM Channels 13, 16, Working Channel 79 or Cellular Phone (812)480-6761. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area, transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. For further information please contact Mr. David Lynn (Superintendent) at (812) 455-1770, Mr. Jim Barton (Shift Foreman) at (812) 455-7196 or Mr. Darrell Stewart (Operation Manager) at (812) 867-7220.

Dredging in this area has been going on since early summer, and this is a continuation southward on the ICW from the Harris Saxon Bridge.

Lake Okeechobee Level Continues Rise, Locks Open Soon:
We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm  for the latest depth figures on the Okeechobee Waterway:

As of August 20, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 12.22 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 6.16 feet.
Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigational depths of 3.56 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

This is up 1.18 feet from the last report we gave two weeks ago. Expect it to rise even further from the torrential rain of Tropical Storm Fay. The locks are scheduled for reopening Labor Day weekend.

Testing Buoys Offshore South Florida:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 34: The U.S. Navy, South Florida Testing Facility (SFTF) will be installing offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida, inert targets from August 13, 2008 to August 27, 2008, at the following coordinates:
RMS Operation Area:
26 degrees 04.140N 080 degrees 05.560W
26 degrees 04.140N 080 degrees 02.500W
25 degrees 53.700N 080 degrees 05.560W
25 degrees 53.700N 080 degrees 03.000W

The inert targets will be installed using a vessel under direct U.S. Navy charter. The vessel will be working in water depths ranging from 60 feet to 600 feet. All vessels are requested to stay clear of this offshore project. For further information please contact Mr. Anthony Bush at (954) 926-4032 (office) or (954) 926-4031 (cell).

Florida West Coast Update:
The USCG 7th District LNMs have been carrying the following announcement since February, 2006. The second paragraph is new, and offers a resolution to the problem, after two and a half years.
On February 10, 2006 three (3) temporary buoys were deployed south of the new Ringling Causeway Bridge, in Sarasota Bay to mark submerged rocks that could pose a hazard to navigation during high tides. All three (3) buoys are east of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway outside of the marked channel. The buoys are a standard, white, cylindrical information buoy. The buoys are anchored in place either on or in close proximity to the submerged rocks. The buoys are one (1) foot in diameter and approximately 5 ½ feet tall, marked with a orange diamond shape and worded HAZARD. The approximate positions of the buoys are:
1. 27-19-52.620"N 082-33-24.060"W
2. 27-19-52.920"N 082-33-23.220"W
3. 27-19-53.940"N 082-33-22.080"W
M & J Construction Company of Pinellas County, Florida has commenced removing submerged material (Rip-Rap) from the above site. The project will be completed on or about August 31, 2008, depending on weather delays. The removed material will be transported to the Silvertooth Reef in approximate position 27-17.221N 082-35.918W. This operation will not interfere with the local marine traffic. For further information please contact Mr. Nick Kokkinos at (727) 224-8623 (Cell) or Mr. Greg Boyles at (904) 238-4589 (Cell).
           
Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 34:
  
NASA Railroad Bridge (Mile 876.6): This automated bridge which usually remains in the open position will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays until October 19, 2008, due to repairs.

Hobe Sound Bridge (Mile 996): Repairs necessitate a single leaf opening between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 24 and 25, 2008.   

Woolbright Road Bridge (Mile 1036.0): Repairs are underway until September 9, 2008. The bridge will remain operational for marine traffic.

Spanish Boulevard Bridge (Mile 1044.9, Boca Raton, FL): The Coast Guard is changing the regulations of this bridge due to repairs. This work will require single-leaf operations on the hour and half-hour with a three hour advance notice to the bridge tender (561 395 5417) for a double-leaf opening. The vertical clearance will be reduced by five feet due to the placement of containment equipment. Dates: 8:00 a.m. on June 15 through 6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2008. In case of emergencies the bridge will open as soon as practicable.

East Sunrise Boulevard Bridge, Mile 1062.6: Expect delays at the East Sunrise Boulevard Bridge, Mile 1062.6, Ft. Lauderdale, during the week of August 18, 2008 due to snooper truck repairs. Between August 25 and September 5, from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, this bridge will have only hourly openings, at the top of the hour.

NW 12th Avenue Bridge, Miami River: Construction continues. Between now and September 15 workers will begin erecting steel in the south pier. It will protrude slightly into the river. On December 3, 2008 the second and final 72 hour closure will take place to conduct the toe lift.

Bear Cut, Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami: The fender systems and dolphins are being replaced on the Bay Bridge (Old William Powell Bridge) and the Bear Cut Bridge, between August 18 and October 20, 2008, 7:30 am-4:30 p.m. each day.

Florida Keys, Old Bahia Honda Bridge:  It has been reported to the Coast Guard that this bridge is rapidly deteriorating and many parts are hanging dangerously below the bridge. The channel at the east end of the bridge is the only clear safe passage. Caution is required.           

Florida Keys, Seven Mile Bridge: (Between Hog Key and Bahia Honda Key): Due to repairs, there is a 30-foot platform which hangs down 8 feet below the bridge. It is marked with flags and lights. The platform will be moved to different areas of the bridge during repairs until December 30, 2008.   

Johns Pass, FL. West Coast: Due to construction this bridge will be closed to navigation from 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day, Monday through Friday until August 31, 2008. The channel under the Johns Pass Bridge will be closed to marine traffic for approximately 30 minutes at 1:a.m. and 10:00 a.m. each day to raise and lower the bridge leafs.

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.