USACE Sacramento District, Sacramento & San Joaquin River Deep Water Shipping Channels

Overview

HME was contracted by the USACE San Francisco District to perform clamshell dredging at the Sacramento & San Joaquin River Deep Water Shipping Channel. This project removed over 150,000 cubic yards of sediment at depths ranging from 30 to 38.5 feet, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for commercial and government vessels.

Unlike previous years, where cutter suction dredging was the primary method, HME successfully executed the project using clamshell dredging with upland disposal—minimizing turbidity while effectively managing dredged materials.

1. The Challenge

• Maintain required channel depth for safe vessel transit.
• Shift from cutter suction dredging to a clamshell dredging operation.
• Contain and transport dredged materials to upland disposal sites.

2. The Solution

• HME deployed a clamshell dredge to remove sediment efficiently, maintaining proper channel depth for safe navigation.
• Dredge spoils were placed in barges and pumped to multiple upland disposal sites per USACE’s beneficial use guidelines for sediment reuse.
• The project was completed on time and in compliance with federal and state regulations, ensuring continued port operations.

3. The Impact

• Maintained critical channel depths for safe vessel transit.
• Ensured safe navigation for commercial and government vessels.
• Successfully transitioned to clamshell dredging, optimizing efficiency.
• Executed upland disposal in compliance with USACE’s Beneficial Use policies.
• Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional cutter suction dredging.z
• Maintained operational reliability of a critical deep-water shipping route.

Regulatory Framework & Beneficial Use Strategy

The USACE Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Program supports alternative disposal methods that enhance environmental restoration, erosion control, and land development. Under Section 204 of WRDA 1992, the federal government covers 75% of the costs for beneficial use projects when aligned with USACE’s Long-Term Management Strategy (LTMS)​.

HME’s project adhered to these guidelines by:

• Utilizing upland disposal sites instead of offshore disposal.
• Contributing to regional habitat restoration efforts.
• Minimizing long-term sediment accumulation issues through improved dredging efficiency.

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