Attention Fishing Industry: Notice of Public Comment Regarding Three Proposed Private Maintenance Dredge Projects in the Kennebunk River

Pursuant to 38 M.R.S. 480-D, sub-9, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is required to provide the Maine Department of Environmental Protection with an assessment on the impacts to the fishing industry of a proposed dredging operation. The Kennebunk River Club, The Kennebunkport Marina and the Yachtsman's Club propose maintenance dredging of their facilities with offshore disposal. 

The proposal requests the removal of approximately 2,650 cubic yards of material from the Kennebunkport Marina, 6,300 cubic yards from the Yachtsmans Marina and 8,935 cubic yards from the Kennebunk River Club. All sediments are mainly composed of fine sand and silt. The proposed dredge depth for the dock structures is an approximate depth of -6 feet mean low lower water. This material is proposed to be mechanically dredged by a private contractor and transported by scow to Isle of Shoals North Disposal Site. Operations will be within an established dredge window of November 8, 2022 through April 9, 2023.

DMR is accepting written comments about the potential impacts of the proposed dredging operations on fishing in the area. Written comments need to be received by 5pm on June 6, 2022. Comments should be sent to Amanda Ellis at the email or mailing address listed below. 

Department of Marine Resources, Attn: Amanda Ellis, 21 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333; or email:  dmr.rulemaking@maine.gov 

General questions about the project may be directed to Denis Marc-Nault at 207-592-0521 or denis-marc.nault@maine.gov