Project: Navigational Dredging at United States Coast Guard (USCG) Yard, Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD
Issued By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning Division, Baltimore District on behalf of the USCG
This notice is to inform public and private utility owners, and any others with submerged infrastructure in Curtis Creek, of a proposed dredging project impacting navigable waters of the
United States and submerged lands adjacent to the USCG Yard and and in Curtis Creek federal navigation channel in Curtis Creek, a tributary of the Patapsco River. Proposed dredging will
increase water depths in the channel (currently maintained to –22ft MLLW). This new work may impact existing infrastructure within the dredging prism. This dredging project is essential for
achieving the required navigational depths for the new fleet of Cutter vessels scheduled to arrive at the USCG Yard in 2030.
Project Location
The project will occur offshore in Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD (approx. 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore). See Figure 1 below for project area map. The area includes:
- The turning basin in front of the USCG Yard.
- The vessel berth areas between Piers 1, 2, and 3.
- The navigation channel extending from the USCG Yard’s Pier 3 to beneath and just north of the Interstate-695 bridge (Bascule Bridge).
Scope of Work
The proposed action involves mechanical dredging to increase water depths within the federal navigation servitude. A floating crane barge with a clamshell dredger will be used to excavate
material from the creek floor.
The dredging depths are as follows:
• Navigational Channel & Turning Basin to a depth of -30 ft MLLW
• Berth Areas at CG Yard to depth of -30 ft MLLW
• Pier 3 to depth of -45 ft MLLW
Potential Impact to Utilities and other Proposed Infrastructure
Currently USACE, USCG and contractors for USACE are attempting to identify locations and ownership of submerged infrastructure so that potential impacts of the proposed dredging can be
evaluated. Proposed dredging activities involve excavation of the creek bed to the depths specified above. This action poses a potential conflict with submerged utility lines, including cables,
pipelines, or other infrastructure located within the project's footprint, particularly that which is located at less than –32ft MLLW.
Utility owners are hereby advised to review their records to determine if they have any assets in the vicinity of the project area. This includes any bridges, structures or subaqueous utilities that may have been previously permitted by USACE or other federal or state entities.
Action Required
We request that all entities with infrastructure in the described areas contact the individual identified below. Please identify any assets in the project area that may be affected by these
dredging operations.
Please forward all information regarding the Location and depth, Permits and approvals, ownership and contact information, regarding infrastructure within the project area to the contact
below no later than March 31, 2026.
Contact Information:
Name: Vanessa Ciaramellano Campbell
Title: Environmental Specialist
Email: vanessa.m.campbell@usace.army.mil
Your timely response is crucial to prevent potential damage to public utility infrastructure and to ensure the safe and successful completion of this vital national security project.