News Release Manager

Corps to host public meetings in November about Port of Long Beach Deep-Draft Navigation Study

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District
Published Oct. 25, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Port of Long Beach will host two public meetings in November to discuss the Draft Integrated Feasibility Report (IFR) and Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Port of Long Beach Deep-Draft Navigation Study.

The meetings are scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in Room 1901E on the first floor of the Port of Long Beach Administration Building, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.

Corps and Port representatives will be available during the meetings to provide information about the study and Draft IFR EIS/EIR, as well as to receive public comments.

The Draft IFR EIS/EIR can be found at https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Projects-Studies/Port-of-Long-Beach-Deep-Draft-Navigation-Study/.

The purpose of the study is to identify, evaluate and improve existing navigation channels within the port for current and future container and liquid bulk vessel operations and safety, in the event of vessel malfunction or weather-related events. The proposed project is located at the Port of Long Beach federal channels and berths serving Pier J South and Pier T/West Basin. 

The Corps is proposing to deepen existing federal channels and construct a new federal channel and turning basin by dredging and disposing of about 7.4 million cubic yards of sediment.

Under the proposal, the Corps will deepen the entrance to the main channel to a depth of -80 feet, widen portions of the main channel to a depth of -76 feet, construct an approach channel and turning basin to Pier J South to a depth of -55 feet and deepen portions of the West Basin and West Basin Approach to a depth of -55 feet. 

The Port of Long Beach also will deepen two additional locations – Pier J Slip and Pier T – within the harbor to a depth of -55 feet and complete structural improvements on the Pier J breakwaters at the entrance of the Pier J Slip to accommodate deepening of the channel. 

Construction is estimated to begin in 2024 and take about 39 months to complete.

The public comment period is open from now to Dec. 9. Comments may be submitted via email to POLB@usace.army.mil and should include the project title (Port of Long Beach Deep-Draft Navigation Study) in the subject line of the email address. Additionally, please identify a contact person for your agency or organization and include a valid mailing address. 

Written comments can be mailed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, CESPL-PDR-Q, 915 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 930, Los Angeles, California 90017-3849.

In addition to the document being available electronically, the Draft IFR EIS/EIR also is available for review at the following locations, beginning Oct. 25:

  • Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway, Long Beach
  • Port of Long Beach Administration Building, Environmental Planning Division, 7th Floor, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
  • Wilmington Branch Library, 1300 N. Avalon Blvd., Wilmington
  • San Pedro Regional Branch Library, 931 Gaffey St., San Pedro

For media queries about the study or the proposed project, contact the Los Angeles District Public Affairs office at (213) 452-3925 or email PublicAffairs.SPL@usace.army.mil.


Contact
Dena O'Dell
213-452-3925
213-509-4193 (cell)
Dena.M.O'Dell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 19-013