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Lakes Entrance Sand Management Study

BMT was engaged by Gippsland Ports to investigate the existing system to maintain safe navigation through the channel.

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

Services and Expertise Provided

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