How to navigate dredging your waterfront property in Maryland

If you own a waterfront property in Maryland, you may have noticed that the water in front of your home is becoming shallow over time, making it difficult for boats and other watercraft to navigate. To address this issue, you may choose to dredge the water in front of your home. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process of dredging the water in front of your home in Maryland:

1. Determine if you need a permit: Before you begin any dredging activities, you will need to determine if a permit is required. In Maryland, dredging may require permits from the state's Department of the Environment and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, depending on the size and scope of the project. You can check with the Maryland Department of the Environment's Water Management Program to determine if a permit is required for your specific project.

2. Determine if your waterway is on the shortlist for funding and planned dredging work. The state of Maryland regularly provides funding for counties to perform dredging projects. Waterways with the highest impact are typically given priority. 

3. Hire a qualified contractor: Once you have determined that a permit is required, you will need to hire a qualified contractor who has experience with dredging projects. You can find a list of licensed contractors on the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website.

4. Obtain necessary permits: After hiring a contractor, you will need to obtain the necessary permits for the dredging project. This will involve filling out an application and providing information about the size and scope of the project, as well as a description of the materials that will be removed.

5. Prepare the site: Before the dredging can begin, you will need to prepare the site. This may involve removing any boats or other watercraft from the area, as well as marking the boundaries of the dredging area.

6. Dredge the water: The dredging process will involve removing sediment, silt, and other materials from the bottom of the water. The dredged material will then be disposed of in an appropriate manner, such as in an upland disposal site.

7. Monitor the site: After the dredging is complete, you will need to monitor the site to ensure that there is no adverse impact on the local ecosystem. This may involve testing the water quality and monitoring for changes in the local habitat.

In conclusion, dredging the water in front of your home in Maryland can be a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. However, with the help of a qualified contractor and the necessary permits, you can successfully dredge the water and maintain a safe and navigable waterfront. Dredging is becoming more difficult to navigate with more restrictions than ever. 

Sources:

• "Maryland Department of the Environment: Water Management" (https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/Pages/default.aspx)

• "Maryland Home Improvement Commission: Find a Contractor" (https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/mhicsearch.shtml)

• "Dredging Permits in Maryland" (https://www.chesapeakebay.net/dredging/dredging_permits)

• "How to Dredge Your Own Backyard Pond" (https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-dredge-your-own-backyard-pond-2216678)