en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has approved continued dredging operations in the Indian River at Millsboro through the summer and into March 2027, citing environmental benefits from marsh restoration that outweigh risks from hydrological degradation.

In addition to improving shoreline habitat, the dredging work will enhance navigation and vessel passage in the upper river. DNREC stated that the Indian River channel in the Millsboro area is one of the most challenging dredging locations in the state due to narrow waterways, shallow depths, and variable tidal conditions. Water levels in the upper river change rapidly, particularly during sustained westerly wind events that push water out of the system, causing abnormally low tides and restricted navigation conditions.

Kathleen Bergin, Field Operations Manager for DNREC's Shoreline and Waterway Management Section, stated that these conditions present operational challenges not only for boaters but also for dredging crews maintaining the channel. She noted that tidal fluctuations and strong westerly winds can significantly affect water depths in the upper Indian River, sometimes altering navigable conditions within hours, and that maintaining this waterway is critical to ensuring safe vessel passage in the Millsboro area.

In coordination with DNREC's Watershed Assessment and Management Section, the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section will beneficially reuse dredged material generated by the project to restore nearby tidal wetlands. This approach provides environmental benefits while supporting long-term waterway management goals.

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