Dredging

Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation—the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream—gradually fills channels and harbors.

General Conditions:

  1. The City will issue a maximum of three (3) permits for concurrent dredging. 
  2. Adjoining properties partnering in simultaneous dredging efforts utilizing the same contractor will only require a single permit. 
  3. Permits are valid for 90-days
  4. Active dredging activity must be completed within 30 calendar days of commencement.
  5. Contractors may stage equipment up to five (5) calendar days before dredging commences. All equipment must be removed from the site within five (5) calendar days of completion.
  6. Dewatering bags may remain on-site for up to 90-days post active dredging. 
  7. No dredging on weekends, or holiday weekdays, May 1- September 30. This includes hauling operations. 
  8. The maximum size dump truck utilized for hauling operations is limited to 7-yards.
  9. City must approve hauling route and dumping location.   
  10. No spoils may be deposited in the City’s inundation easement (elevation 422’ to 432’) or in a floodplain surrounding lake Jacksonville.
  11. Letter(s) of acknowledgement from adjoining property owners must be submitted with application (form letter included).

Fees

  1. Base Permit Fee: $500
  2. Volumetric Fee (applies to spoils removed via hauling operations):
    • <100 Cubic Yards: $500
    • 100-500 Cubic Yards: $1,000
    • 501-1000 Cubic Yards: $1,500
    • 1001+ Cubic Yards: $1.50/Cubic Yard

Contractor Requirements

The City requires all dredging contractors working on Lake Jacksonville to provide a Certificate of Insurance. Each certificate must name the City of Jacksonville, and any subcontractors, as additional insured, as well as provide a waiver of subrogation. Liability coverage shall be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Application Procedure

  1. Owner or Agent contacts City Clerk with verbal request of dredging.
  2. City Clerk provides the Owner or Agent with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contact information and City of Jacksonville dredging application packet.
  3. Owner or Agent submits request to USACE.
  4. USACE responds to request in writing by stating that: 
    1. an Individual Permit will be required 
    2. the activity will fall under the Nationwide Permit for minor dredging; or
    3. no permit required (project will not involve activities subject to the requirements of Section 404 or Section 10)
  5. A copy of the application submitted to USACE along with the USACE response letter, is provided by the applicant to the City Clerk for review.
  6. If the USACE determines that activity falls under the Nationwide Permit, or that no permit is required, the City Clerk will issue a permit after City permit fees are paid. 
  7. If activity requires an individual permit from USACE, the applicant will be required to obtain that permit and then obtain approval by City Council, pending review and recommendation by the Lake Advisory Board.
  8. City Clerk will file all dredging permits, applications, and responses appropriately. 

Army Corps of Engineers Permit Process: https://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Permitting/