Descriptions of the project area, the planned excavation activities (including removal volume), and the proposed disposal location are provided in Section 2. This project is in the planning phase; the exact timing of the project will depend on receipt of required permits. To further inform the planning process and the selection of a sediment placement location, Marion County intends to complete this sampling in spring 2023 before the water levels rise for the summer season. If additional sampling is required, it will be performed in fall 2023 when the area is dry. It is expected that excavation work will begin in the fall of 2024 when the work area is dry. MFA evaluated the option for dredging during the high water season; however, given that construction equipment must be trucked to the project area, any barges brought to the project area would necessarily be small. Additionally, dredging while the water is high would result in potential impacts to the water column. Removal while the project area is dry will allow for use of an excavator and dump trucks, eliminating the potential pathways associated with in-water work. The grading tolerances of excavators operating in the dry are also much smaller than for dredging (no overdepth allowance needed) and work in the dry eliminates the potential for dredging residuals. It is anticipated water levels will rise by March 2025; therefore, excavation and placement of disposal material would need to be completed before then
