North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially mobilized crews for a vital dredging and maintenance project at the Little River Inlet, with operations having commenced this Monday, April 13.
This federal navigation project is designed to address significant shoaling within the channel by removing approximately 65,000 cubic yards of sand, which will then be repurposed to stabilize the northern jetty.
For the residents and local businesses in Little River, this inlet serves as the lifeblood of the local maritime economy, providing the only direct access to the Atlantic Ocean for miles in either direction.
Maintaining the integrity of the jetty system is essential to prevent flanking from coastal erosion and to ensure that commercial fishing fleets and recreational boaters can safely navigate the waters that separate the South Carolina coast from the southern reaches of North Carolina and the Brunswick Islands.
The technical scope of the project involves more than just the relocation of sand, as engineers have planned a comprehensive rehabilitation of the jetty structure. Once the sand placement is finalized, contractors from Dredgit will begin planting native vegetation across the new sand dike to provide natural erosion control and long-term stabilization.
This work is part of the Charleston District’s routine maintenance of the federal waterway, which is critical for the safe passage of vessels that support the tourism and seafood industries in the northern end of the county.
Because the inlet is a shared resource requiring inter-state cooperation, multiple agencies including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission are coordinating to monitor the environmental impact and ensure public safety during the 30 to 45-day construction window.
Public access and safety remain a priority as crews utilize the Sunset Pier area for mobilization and heavy equipment transport. Residents in the nearby communities who frequent the inlet for weekend excursions should be mindful of posted restricted areas and maintain a safe distance from active dredging machinery.
Local authorities have emphasized that while the project may cause minor temporary disruptions for those navigating the waterway, the stabilization of the jetty is a necessary investment to protect the harbor from the unpredictable forces of the Atlantic.
By fortifying this infrastructure now the Corps of Engineers is working to ensure that the Little River Inlet remains a reliable and safe gateway for all who depend on the coastal waters of the Grand Strand.
