Avalon Continues to Make Progress on Dredging Permit

AVALON – Almost a year ago, Avalon began the process of seeking a boroughwide dredging permit for back bay maintenance. The unique approach to dredging permitting would be a “home run,” according to Borough Council President Sam Wierman.
Avalon is seeking a multiyear, townwide dredging permit. No such permit exists anywhere else in the state.
At the council’s Feb. 8 work session, borough engineer Thomas Thornton said much of the preliminary work had been done, and the town was poised to “start the permitting process.” One step still necessary is the development of a Sediment Sampling and Analysis Plan.
Business Administrator Scott Wahl said meetings with the appropriate agencies have gone well, with no negative feedback. Wahl said a major benefit of the boroughwide permit would include allowing the borough to react swiftly when emergency dredging is necessary, as it was in two recent instances.
Wahl noted that the permit would also be a direct benefit to property owners who want to maintain their boat slips. Instead of being required to seek individual permits for slip dredging, property owners would be able to “jump on” the borough permit, saving both time and money, Wahl added.