Army Corps Begins Dredging at Everett Harbor Snohomish River
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated maintenance dredging of Everett Harbor and Snohomish River on November 4, 2025, with operations set to run continuously until February 14, 2026. The dredging will remove approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lower channel and 150,000 cubic yards from the upper settling basin, with materials being placed at designated sites in Everett. Before commencing, the Corps secured a Suitability Determination to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Timing restrictions will be enforced to mitigate impacts on juvenile salmonids and designated forage fish during their outmigration and spawning periods. The dredging operations are critical for maintaining navigability in the waterways, which are vital for local commerce and recreation. Noise from dredging may affect nearby boaters, prompting recommendations to avoid the area or navigate with caution. Local officials emphasize the importance of balancing infrastructure needs with environmental protection. This project reflects ongoing efforts to manage and sustain the health of the region's aquatic ecosystems.