IMPORTANT ADVISORY NOTICE – NATURAL CANAL DREDGING PROJECT

As the canals are being dredged, some material located along the sides may shift around before reaching equilibrium conditions.  Floating docks that may have previously been grounded out (sitting on dry ground) during low tide, may now experience full tidal variation and float at low tide conditions. 

It is recommended that the following measures be taken to ensure that floating docks are not hindered in any way as they experience this potential increase in vertical fluctuation due to tidal effects:

1. Examine the guide piles during low tide conditions.  Remove any growth (oyster shells, rigging, robe, etc.) that may hinder the movement of the floating docks as they undergo tidal fluctuations.  Likewise, make sure the cable/rope/bracing stays attaching the floating docks to the pile are loose enough to accommodate movement.
    

2. Check to make sure any ropes or stays attaching the floating structures to fixed structures (such as bulkheads) are loose enough to allow movement of the full tidal cycle.  This could be accomplished by examining the stays at low tide conditions and ensuring there is adequate “play” in the rope.
    

3. Examine existing gangways to ensure that they can accompany the full range of tidal movement.

Docks placed in locations of tidal activity should be built to accommodate movement along the full tidal cycle.  If docks were not installed as such (e.g., gangways are built too short), special attention should be made to ensure increased tidal activity will not jeopardize the structural integrity of such structures.