POINT PLEASANT BEACH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have begun dredging the Manasquan Inlet to remove the large build-up of sand along the jetty.
The two-mile-long manmade channel is located within the boundaries of Point Pleasant Borough and became navigable in 1926. The waterway connects the Manasquan River and the Barnegat Bay.
Crews from the Corps started dredging the waterway on August 6, with a goal to remove the sand built-up on the Point Pleasant Beach side of the inlet, Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) said.
Smith had sent a letter to Lt. Col. Jeffrey Beeman, Commander, urging them to take immediate action as the inlet has become a hazard to vessels.
“The build-up of sand on the Point Pleasant side of the inlet against the jetty has reached unprecedented proportions. As you know, this is not only a grounding hazard to vessels, but the waves created inside the inlet as a result of this shoaling are enough to capsize boats that regularly traverse the channel,” Smith said.
Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Doug Vitale was also in contact with the Corps and addressed the safety concerns of the dangerous shoaling.
“I am aware of the sand shoaling on the south side of the inside of the Manasquan Inlet due in large part to the southerly wind we’ve been having. I trust the U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring and will ensure safety of the Inlet,” Vitale said. “I am monitoring the situation as well and understand the gravity of the situation: safety, navigability, and the blockage it causes for our fishing industry.”
“I am aware that Manasquan Inlet is categorized as a dynamic inlet with constantly shifting sands created by the currents, but this inlet beach is highly dangerous to navigation during the busiest boating time of the year on the Jersey Shore,” Smith added.
On August 6, the Dredge Murden conducted two dredging cycles at Manasquan Inlet, the Corps said. They also noted that they will return soon for more dredging.
During this time, residents and beachgoers are asked to remain off the sand bar at all times while work is being performed.
“It’s important to note that the Manasquan inlet is dynamic and conditions within the inlet can rapidly change. Significant shoaling has frequently occurred within the Inlet and often dissipates due to changing wind/wave conditions,” the Corps said in a statement. “Mariners should heed all warnings from the U.S. Coast Guard and proceed with caution. Additionally, people should avoid walking/recreating on the shoal given the dynamic nature of the inlet and sea conditions.”
