East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
September 4, 2008

Special Alert, September 5, 2008:
In preparation for East Coast tropical events such as TS Hannah and Hurricane Ike, keep in mind that moving your boat may not be easy just before a named storm approaches.*

Note that the South Carolina DOT has Hurricane Evacuation Rule signs posted on most drawbridges in its state: Draw and swing bridges will not open when wind reaches a sustained 25 knots, or if mandatory evacuation is ordered.

Following is the text copied from an email we received yesterday (September 4, 2008) from the 5th DistrictBridge Branch:

Mariners are reminded that during strong storms, drawbridges along the coast may deviate from the normal operating procedures.  Gale forced winds are generally measured anywhere from 35 mph or greater depending where there located.

The suggested script used for the broadcast notice to mariners for hurricane procedures would be the following:

MARINERS ARE ADVISED THAT DURING STRONG STORMS DRAWBRIDGES ALONG THE COAST MAY DEVIATE FROM THE NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.  DRAWBRIDGES ARE AUTHORIZED TO REMAIN CLOSED UPON THE APPROACH OF GALE FORCED WINDS OR HIGHER.  MARINERS SHOULD ANTICIPATE BRIDGE CLOSURES BY LISTENING TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AND COAST GUARD BROADCASTS ON THE STORM CONDITIONS.
PLAN AND PREPARE EARLY.

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

Fay’s Flooding Brings Restrictions on the St. Johns River, Florida:
An Idle Speed No Wake boating restricted area has been established on the waters south of Lake George and on the St Johns River. For complete text of this Department of State Emergency Rule see enclosure number 9 of this Local Notice to Mariners. From the 7th District USCG LNM 36: *
SUMMARY OF THE RULE:
This emergency rule supersedes and replaces Emergency Rule 68DER O8-01 filed for adoption with the Department of State on August 25, 2008. This action establishes: 1) An Idle Speed No Wake boating restricted area on the waters south of Lake George fender system to the Highlands Park Canal at Day Mark 39 to be in effect and enforceable when the St. Johns River level is at specified flood stage levels, 2) An Idle Speed and No Vessel boating restricted area from the Highlands Park Canal at Day Mark 39 and the 1-4 Bridge to be in effect and enforceable when the St. Johns River level is at specified flood stages, 3) An Idle Speed boating restricted area from the 1-4 Bridge to a select location within the southern portion of Lake Monroe to be in effect and enforceable when the St. Johns River level is at specified flood stages, and 4) An Idle Speed and No Vessel boating restricted area south of a select location within the southern portion of Lake Monroe to State Road 50 Bridge to be in effect and enforceable when the St. Johns River level Is at specified flood stages. The exclusion areas will not apply to vessels under the command of U.S. Coast Guard licensed Masters, vessels owned or operated by governmental entities or are being used for governmental purposes, or persons resident at riparian property. Vessels are required to proceed only at Idle Speed No Wake. Residents will be allowed access to their properties at Idle Speed No Wake, but will be required to carry proof of residency and have it available for inspection.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS: Major Paul Ouellette, Boating and Waterways Section, Division of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

Latest Editions, Nautical Charts and Miscellaneous Maps Online:
The 7th District LNM 36 announces that the Dates of Latest Editions, Nautical Charts and Miscellaneous Maps, is no longer available in printed form. The information that was included in this publication is now only available online at: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/dole.htm .

Boston Harbor Obstruction:
From the 1st District LNM 35: An underwater obstruction has been reported approximately 200 feet west of the Chelsea Street bridge at a depth of approximately 31 feet. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

Woods Hole, Mass:
From the 1st District LNM 35:  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.

Long Island Sound, Norwalk-Northport, Power Line Energizing and Burial:
From the 1st District LNM 35: Authorization has been granted to energize the newly installed transmission cables that run along the seabed of Long Island Sound between the Manresa Island Power Station in Norwalk CT and the Northport Power Station in Northport NY. This order has been granted by the Public Service Commission to allow LIPA to operate the cables during the Summer Capability Period. A requirement of this grant is that LIPA maintain the presence of a 24 hour guard vessel which will patrol the cable corridor to help protect the not-fully-buried section of the cable route. The cables will be energized periodically until September 5, 2008 when the cables will be temporarily taken out of service to allow the remaining cable burial work to be completed along the section of the cable within NY waters.  At that time the Norwegian vessel the Siem Danis (240- LOA) will enter Long Island Sound to begin burial on the remaining sections of not-fully-buried cable. It is expected that this work will be completed by October 1, 2008. Care should be taken to avoid anchoring or spudding down in the NY section of the cable corridor. Care should be taken to keep clear of working vessels that will be on scene beginning September5, 2008. The guard vessel the Alicia Mary (53-Red Hull Tug) will be on scene to monitor commercial traffic and marine activity to ensure safe passage through the cable corridor while monitoring channels 13 & 16.
 
Ambrose Channel, NY Harbor:
The 1st District LNM 34 announces that the Ambrose Channel extension project has been postponed until further notice.

Barnegat Bay Bridge Change Proposed:
The USCG 5th District LNM 36 seeks comments:  Mariners are advised that the Coast Guard proposes to change the drawbridge operation regulations of the S37 Bridge, at ICW mile 14.1, across Barnegat Bay at Seaside Heights, NJ. This proposal would allow the drawbridge to operate on an advance notice basis during specific times of the year. The proposed change would result in more efficient use of the bridge during months of infrequent transit. Comments on this proposal should be forwarded to the above address (Commander, USCG Fifth District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA23704), attention (dpb) no later than October 6, 2008. A copy of Public Notice 5-1122, which describes the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the address above or by calling (757) 398-6587.

Margate NJ Bridge Repairs:
This has been previously announced and it just a reminder. From the 5th District LNM 36: Mariners are advised that structural steel repairs along with sandblasting and painting 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 Wednesday, October 1 until and including 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 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.

NJ/PA -UPPER DELAWARE RIVER - RANGE CONSTRUCTION/RELOCATION
From the 5th District LNM 36: The following is a schedule for the rebuilding/relocation of ranges in the Upper Delaware River. Broadcast Notice to Mariners will be issued when individual ranges are temporarily discontinued:
August:
Edgewater Lower Range Front Light to 40-04-08.144N, 074-55-07.623W
Edgewater Lower Range Rear Light to 40-04-05.764N, 074-55-15.851W
Landreth Range Front Light to 40-06-02.638N, 074-50-14.702W
Landreth Range Rear Light to 40-05-52.427N, 074-50-19.026W
September:
Mud Island Lower Range Front Light to 40-02-04.389N, 074-59-51.739W
Mud Island Lower Range Rear Light to 40-01-58.707N, 075-00-51.303W
Beverly Upper Range Front Light to 40-04-13.065N, 074-54-08.451W
Beverly Upper Range Rear Light to 40-04-12.961N, 074-54-02.450W

Kent Island, MD, Obstruction Marked:
The 5th District LNM 35 states that Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Boating Administration-Hydrographic Engineering has established two danger buoys to mark the obstruction east of Kent Island Narrows North Approach Channel. The obstruction, metal pipe, is approximately 1300 feet East of Kent Island Narrows Approach Light 2KN; position 38 59 10.44N, 076 15 03.18W and only visible at low tide.
A. Kent Island Narrows North Approach Danger Buoy A at 38 59 10.38N, 076 15 02.88W
B. Kent Island Narrows North Approach Danger Buoy B at 38 59 10.26N, 076 15 02.70W.

Two New NOAA Interpretative Buoys, Chesapeake Bay:
From the 5th District LNM 36:
On or about September 12, 2008, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Chesapeake Bay Office, will establish a lighted data buoy in association with NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System and the Captain John Smith National Chesapeake Historic Trail; (http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/CbayBuoySystem.aspx). The buoy will be a yellow buoy with a flashing 4-second amber light.
A. NOAA Lighted Data Buoy S (Susquehanna River) at 39 32 32.88N, 076 04 29.70W, Fl Y 4s.
POC is Doug Wilson, 410-267-5648 or Doug.Wilson@noaa.gov.

On or about September 8, 2008, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Nauticus National Maritime Center will establish a lighted data in association with NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System. The buoy will be yellow with a flashing 4-second amber light and located 0.20 Nm South of Hospital Point and 0.28 Nm West of Nauticus.
A. NOAA Lighted Data Buoy N at 36 50 40.100N, 076 18 01.740W, Fl Y 4s.

Mooring Buoys Relocated, Lower Chesapeake:
The 5th District LNM 36 states that on or about September 2, 2008 Skanska USA will relocate four lighted mooring buoys in association with their Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Scour Remediation Project. The buoys are approximately 1.00 Nm east of Chesapeake Channel Lighted Buoy 16 and 1.16 NMs north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. All buoys are white with a blue band and have a flashing 4 second white (clear) light.
A. CBBT Skanska Lighted Mooring Buoy A to 37 03 55N, 076 04 00W
B. CBBT Skanska Lighted Mooring Buoy B to 37 04 00N, 076 04 10W
C. CBBT Skanska Lighted Mooring Buoy C to 37 04 10N, 076 04 17W
D. CBBT Skanska Lighted Mooring Buoy D to 37 04 15N, 076 04 25W

Comment Period for New Gilmerton Bridge, ICW Mile 5.8, Reopened:
From 5th District LNM 36: The Coast Guard is reopening the period for public comment concerning an application from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the proposed replacement of the existing Henry G. Gilmerton Bridge, at AIWW mile 5.8, across the Southern Branch Elizabeth River, on Route 13 (Military Highway), in the City of Chesapeake, VA. The purpose of this supplemental public notice will provide an opportunity for adjacent property owners, area residents and businesses to make additional comments. VDOT proposes to replace the existing 4-lane double-leaf bascule bridge, and its approaches with a new 4-lane vertical-lift bridge and new approaches on essentially the same alignment. The existing approach piers will be demolished to approximately two feet below the mud line. The existing bascule piers including the timber piles will be removed in their entirety, with a new fender system being constructed. The proposed vertical clearances in the closed and open positions of the new lift bridge are 36.75 feet and 136.9 feet both above mean high water, respectively. The proposed minimum and maximum horizontal clearances between the faces of the fender system are 125 feet and 222 feet, respectively. Comments on the proposed construction of the new bridge should be forwarded to the above address (Commander, USCG Fifth District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA23704), attention (dpb) no later than September 23, 2008. Copies of Supplemental Public Notice 5-1117 (a), which describe the proposal in detail, can be obtained by writing to the above address or by calling (757) 398-6422.

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.

Waterway Restrictions, North Myrtle Beach, SC:
            The USCG 7th District LNM 36 continues to announce restrictions and/or waterway closures at the NorthMyrtle BeachConnecterBridge 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 for partial obstruction of the channel are: September 4 and 15, 2008.

Jekyll Creek Light to be Removed:
From the USCG 7th District LNM 36: The following change will be made to the aids to navigation system in the ICW at Jekyll Creek.
JEKYLL CREEK LIGHT 23 will be permanently discontinued. The work is schedule to be completed the weeks of 22 September 2008. This marker is south of the JekyllHarborMarina, close to the JekyllIsland shoreline.

More Dredging in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Area:
The 7th District LNM 36 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 and New Smyrna Beach Daybeacon 68. 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 HarrisSaxonBridge.

Lake Okeechobee Level Continues Rise, Locks Open:
            We checked http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/navbulln.htm  for the latest depth figures on the Okeechobee Waterway:
            As of September 2, 2008: The lake level is reported to be 14.68 feet.
Route 1: Navigational depths: reported at 8.62 feet.
Route 2 (the RimCanal) is closed with navigational depths of 6.02 feet. Route 2 has been closed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Debris has not been removed.
            This is up 2.46 feet from the last report we gave two weeks ago. All locks are now open.
            A Notice to Navigational Interests from the USACE Jacksonville advises that normal navigation through the OWW could change on short notice due to direct and indirect effects from hurricanes and storm systems.
           
Florida Bridge Update: From the USCG 7th District LNM 36:           
            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.   
            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.
            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 BayBridge (OldWilliamPowellBridge) and the BearCutBridge, 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.           

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.