Massive storm debris clearance underway at West Bay Harbour
Dorset Council is using an 80-ton crane to tackle the shingle and sediment build-up
Dorset Council has launched a major operation to clear one of the largest accumulations of storm debris seen in over two decades at West Bay Harbour.
An 80-ton crane is being used to dredge approximately 10,000 tons of shingle and sediment that recent storms have deposited in the harbour entrance.
Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Place services, Cllr Jon Andrews, said: “These dredging works are a direct response to the extraordinary build-up of material caused by repeated south easterly storms – the kinds of levels we’ve not seen for two decades.
“It’s essential that we do this work to open the harbour entrance and return it to how it was before the storms.
“We are acting quickly by using equipment that allows us to start work immediately, helping to maintain safe navigation while ensuring the harbour remains operational.”
The council’s harbours’ team are using a ‘crane and grab’ method to efficiently remove the accumulated debris.
The crane, equipped with a 1-ton grab and a maximum reach of 40 metres, will be used to dredge the material from the harbour.
During next week's spring tides the council will trial water injection dredging, which have been shown to be highly effective and the spring tide window provides good conditions for moving loosened sediment.
Aside from the dredging, Bridport Harbour's team will continue using sluice gates to flush sediment from the harbour system, a task usually carried out during low tide in the evenings.
Dorset Council is also working closely with the Environment Agency, which is currently undertaking an annual beach sea defence replenishment.
Material recovered from the dredging operations within the harbour is being reused as part of this replenishment programme.
This ensures sediment removed from the harbour contributes directly to strengthening coastal defences.
The dredging works at West Bay Harbour are expected to conclude by early March.