MILLSBORO, del. - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is set to commence a dredging project along the Indian River near Millsboro. The project, funded through DNREC appropriations, aims to address sedimentation and shoaling issues in the navigational channel while simultaneously restoring 15 acres of tidal wetlands on Town of Millsboro property.
DNREC joins forces with the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program and the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section to maintain navigable waterways and restore local wetlands. The project targets the Inland Bays region of Sussex County, focusing on dredging 40 thousand cubic yards of sediment over two years and utilizing it to restore wetland.
Departing from traditional disposal methods, DNREC will repurpose dredged material to enhance wetlands, promoting shoreline stability and reducing erosion. The project also involves treating invasive Phragmites, building a new marsh platform, and recreating a former low marsh. Native plant seeding will support wetland restoration.
Anchor QEA is engaged for engineering services, and collaboration with the Town of Millsboro, private landowners, and lessons from previous projects underscore community support. The project aims to improve navigability, demonstrate innovative dredged material use, and build capacity within DNREC.
Anticipated benefits include relief from extreme shoaling, protection against flooding and erosion, enhanced wildlife habitat, and increased recreational opportunities. Detailed timeline spans from 2019 to 2024, covering dredging, wetland restoration, and post-project monitoring.