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Temporary Stink Expected As River Lee Bed is Dredged

1st October 2017
Water injection dredger 'Jetsed' pictured in 2014 which returned to Cork this month for further dredging works. Afloat adds that another much larger Dutch flagged dredger, Volvox Olympia is also involved in such operations but downriver of the natural harbour. Water injection dredger 'Jetsed' pictured in 2014 which returned to Cork this month for further dredging works. Afloat adds that another much larger Dutch flagged dredger, Volvox Olympia is also involved in such operations but downriver of the natural harbour. Credit: Richard Mills

#portofcork - Along the River Lee is where an expected stink is to eminate in the coming days as the Port of Cork dredges the riverbed.

As the Evening Echo writes, every three years the Port of Cork carries out dredging work in the harbour and the quaysides to maintain the shipping channel. The work disturbs the riverbed, dragging up sediment and releasing gases like hydrogen sulphide. While the gases are safe, they are responsible for the eggy smell that could hang over the river in the coming days.

In 2014, Barrack Street, MacCurtain Street, Shandon, North Main Street, Patrick’s Street and Merchant’s Quay were all affected by the smell as a result of dredging. However, it was thought the lack ro rain and warm temperatures exacerbated the situation at that time.

The current dredging scheme is expected to last until the end of October but the city quays portion is planned to be completed by October 9, limiting the smell in the city centre. The Port of Cork said it is taking measures to limit the impact.

For more on the dredging by clicking here. 

Published in Dredging
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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