Lakes Entrance Sand Management Study

Summary

BMT was contracted to review the existing systems’ ability to maintain safe navigation depths through the channel in a cost effective manner.

The trailer suction side-cast dredge April Hamer, was employed for approximately 28 years to dredge and maintain a channel from the open sea through to the lake’s entrance.

Unlike conventional dredges it generally side-casts the sand rather than storing the sand in a hopper for removal from the system.

BMT developed a number of alternative options providing Gippsland Ports with cost estimates and comparisons to the systems that are already in place.

Other dredging operations in use included the use of small cutter suction dredges and a sand transfer system which moves sand from the inner areas to the beach east of the entrance.

Trials with a sand bypassing/ back-passing system operated by Slurry Systems have been successful in terms of redirecting sand out of the bar system.

BMT's Role

• Study and review of the existing systems in terms of effectiveness and cost
• Investigation of a number of options for improving channel access between the port at the lake’s entrance and the ocean
• Preparation of cost estimates for each option
• Comparison of the preferred system to the existing system’s ability to maintain safe navigation in a cost effective manner
• Assessment of the potential for increasing the economic benefit to the region.

Services and Expertise Provided

• Dredging study and assessment
• Coastal process study
• Investigations
• Preparation of executive study
• Cost estimates
• Specialist dredging advice.