Dredging equipment installed at Hannibal marina boat ramp

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The boat ramp at the Hannibal marina was closed from 7-10 a.m. Friday for the installation of dredging equipment.

Dredging will begin in October. A nine-ton piece of equipment was placed with the help of a large crane, according to Hannibal Parks and Recreation officials.

The Mud Cat MC 115D Dredge and accessories were purchased from Ellicott Dredge Technologies for $296,000, under the approval of the Hannibal City Council. The purchase price included the dredge with a 15-foot digging depth, motor, piping and hoses, floats and five days of onsite training for the equipment.

The marina requires dredging as mandated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dredging is the process of removing accumulated sediment from the bottom of the river. The dredge will create a vacuum to suck up and pump out the unwanted sediment and debris, then pump the sediment to a dredge pit south of the marina.

An excessive build-up of sediment can reduce the depth of the waterway and prevent the passage of boats. It also can lead to contamination that poses a threat to aquatic plant and wildlife.

The maintenance dredging of the Hannibal marina will take place yearly after the boating season.