Delaware River Rock Removal

As one of the major water ways in the US, the Delaware River supports marine commerce in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.  Maintenance and deepening of the Delaware River Channels in support of larger commercial vessels is essential to the continued growth of regional economies and ports. Cashman Dredging was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, for the rock and overburden removal of the Delaware River. Originally thought to be rock ledge, upon inspection it was discovered to be large boulders within the four areas. 

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 

Utilizing its hard-digging rock excavator bucket, backhoe dredge Captain AJ Fournier removed the boulders from up to 47 feet without needing to drill or hammer. 

Any material too large to be deposited was drilled with a 70-pound rock air drill equipped with a 1” bit and filled with Dexpan grout, eventually spliting into smaller sections. 

The project was successfully and smoothly completed in only 8 days. 

All dredged material was disposed at a nearby reef site.