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ACF Pursuit of Dredging Permit

  • ACF Pursuit of Dredging Resumption

Project Overview:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District, is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential resumption of dredging operations in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin. This initial effort aims to obtain the necessary Water Quality Certification (WQC), a prerequisite for restoring and maintaining the authorized navigation channel.

Historically, the ACF River System has been vital for commercial navigation, supporting regional economies across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. However, in 2005 dredging was suspended when USACE was denied WQC.  Since 2017, the USACE implemented a navigation season from January through May, releasing increased flows to temporarily achieve a 7-foot navigation depth at the City of Blountstown, Florida.

In addition to the funds received to pursue the WQC, the ACF Waterway has received approximately $100M in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to restore the locks and dams on the system.

The forthcoming EIS will comprehensively assess the environmental impacts of resuming dredging activities, considering factors such as water quality, aquatic habitats, and sediment management. As a part of this evaluation, USACE Mobile District will also produce a Dredged Material Management Plan to document potential placement sites for the dredged materials. Public involvement will be integral throughout the process, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. The ultimate goal is to restore reliable navigation on the ACF River System, balancing economic, environmental, and community interests.

  • Project Status:
    • We are currently in the Scoping Phase, which includes identifying problems, opportunities, objectives, constraints, existing conditions, and stakeholders. The next phase will be to evaluate existing conditions and alternatives. Alternative evaluation will include an evaluation and analysis of dredged material placement sites.
  • Past Meetings:
    • USACE/FDEP on 28 May 2025
  • Upcoming Meetings:
    • Stakeholder Engagement Meeting: TBD