Background & Benefits
Each year, the Alabama Port Authority removes approximately 500,000 cubic yards of sediment from its berths to maintain safe and efficient vessel access at the Port of Mobile.
Current practice places dredged materials in upland management areas, but these valuable sediments can be used to create wetlands and habitat.
By constructing this project, sediments will remain in the Upper Mobile Bay system—increasing important wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation habitat areas. Together, these benefits will improve water quality, build resilience against storm surge, and reduce the routine costs of maintaining public berths.
KEY BENEFITS
Increased nursery habitat where shrimp, crabs, mullet, trout, and other finfish species will breed and grow
Increases in future natural resources including sport fishing and other opportunities for people to recreate
Increases in submerged aquatic vegetation habitat
Wise environmental stewardship practices that put to good use the beneficial, nutrient-rich dredge material that would otherwise be lost from the Upper Mobile Bay system
A reduction in sedimentation and an increase in dissolved oxygen
Reduced damage resulting from storm surge
Reduced wave action and erosion within the area
Lessened state and federal taxpayer cost burden