Army Corps of Engineers districts revitalize Ocean City inlet

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry prior to beach replenishment efforts during 24/7 dredge operations in an inlet near Ocean City, Md., Sept. 20, 2021. Ocean City beaches are routinely replenished every four years with periodic emergency projects as needed following storms and other natural events. Beach replenishment in the area has prevented nearly $920 million in damages since its completion in the 1990s. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Lee Willis, assistant master, navigates the Hopper Dredge MURDEN during 24/7 dredging operations near Ocean City, Md., Sept 20, 2021. The USACE Baltimore District routinely receives services from the Wilmington District’s MURDEN or its sister ship CURRITUCK to Ocean City for routine dredging in and around the Inlet. The Baltimore District manages the Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass project while the Wilmington District staffs, trains, and equips these special-purposes dredges which work up and down the Atlantic and Gulf coasts dredging similar inlets or near-shore coast projects. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry during 24/7 dredge operations near an inlet in Ocean City, Md., Sept. 21, 2021. The 24/7 Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass dredging efforts enhance safe navigation conditions, boosts commercial endeavors, and promotes recreational activities for travelers. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN transits material from an offshore dredge site to the beach near Assateague Island, Md., Sept. 20, 2021. USACE Baltimore District, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Worcester County have signed a project partnership agreement for the Ocean City Harbor and Inlet navigation improvement project. The District will continuously evaluate sediment transport in the Inlet and recommend options to manage the shoaling. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry during 24/7 dredge operations near an inlet in Ocean City, Md., Sept. 21, 2021. The 24/7 Ocean City Inlet federal navigation channel and Assateague Bypass dredging efforts enhance safe navigation conditions, boosts commercial endeavors, and promotes recreational activities for travelers. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN places material during beach replenishment procedures as part of 24/7 dredge operations near an inlet in Ocean City, Md., Sept. 20, 2021. Beach Replenishment is a soft armoring technique that involves pumping sand onto an eroding shoreline to widen the existing beach. While this does not prevent erosion, it can reduce storm damage to coastal development and infrastructure. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s, Hopper Dredge MURDEN pumps slurry during 24/7 dredging operations near an inlet in Ocean City, Md., Sept 20, 2021. Before dredging cycles, crew members conduct pre-dredge surveys and evaluate their findings to focus on shoaling during the dredging operations. (U.S. Army photo by Greg Nash)