Harbor update: emergency dredging, transient floating dock installed, DEP mooring inspections and Grassy Island cleanup planned
June 24, 2026 | Norwalk City, Fairfield, Connecticut
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Commission leadership and staff provided multiple operational updates at the June 24 meeting of the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission.
Chair Jeff Mangels reported an emergency dredging permit was approved to remove silt under the marina ramp; he described the quantity as approximately 16 cubic yards (about four scoops) and said the dredged material will be placed onshore. Mangels also said that only one concrete dock contractor submitted a bid — a company from Finland — and that electrical and plumbing remains to be completed before marina reopening; no firm completion date was announced.
Commission and staff confirmed the new transient floating dock is in place and lit. Commissioners reported the first transient arrival used the floating dock and provided positive feedback; staff will follow up for a user review. Harbormaster Lovallo added that he inspected the dock at low tide and installed lights to improve night visibility.
On mooring management, the harbormaster said DEP will conduct mooring inspections under grant funding and that several moorings are delinquent; final notices were issued and, if owners do not respond, the harbormaster plans to remove those moorings next week. The harbormaster also described efforts to reorganize mooring lines in the East Basin to better accommodate 25‑ft boats and to prevent lost pickup sticks that have been taken from Sheffield Island fields.
On volunteer activity, Ken Hughes approved a cleanup plan by Boy Scout Troop 222 for Grassy Island scheduled after July 4; Gary Whitmore (GNC Marine) has offered a barge and dumpster support to move collected trash to shore.
Commissioners also addressed a public inquiry about seaplane operations: the harbormaster said seaplanes may land in the channel but must remain at least 500 feet from docks, boats, people or buildings and may not operate inside an active mooring field.
No new policy decisions were made; staff will continue to monitor dredging completion, mooring compliance and planned volunteer cleanup logistics.
Chair Jeff Mangels reported an emergency dredging permit was approved to remove silt under the marina ramp; he described the quantity as approximately 16 cubic yards (about four scoops) and said the dredged material will be placed onshore. Mangels also said that only one concrete dock contractor submitted a bid — a company from Finland — and that electrical and plumbing remains to be completed before marina reopening; no firm completion date was announced.
Commission and staff confirmed the new transient floating dock is in place and lit. Commissioners reported the first transient arrival used the floating dock and provided positive feedback; staff will follow up for a user review. Harbormaster Lovallo added that he inspected the dock at low tide and installed lights to improve night visibility.
On mooring management, the harbormaster said DEP will conduct mooring inspections under grant funding and that several moorings are delinquent; final notices were issued and, if owners do not respond, the harbormaster plans to remove those moorings next week. The harbormaster also described efforts to reorganize mooring lines in the East Basin to better accommodate 25‑ft boats and to prevent lost pickup sticks that have been taken from Sheffield Island fields.
On volunteer activity, Ken Hughes approved a cleanup plan by Boy Scout Troop 222 for Grassy Island scheduled after July 4; Gary Whitmore (GNC Marine) has offered a barge and dumpster support to move collected trash to shore.
Commissioners also addressed a public inquiry about seaplane operations: the harbormaster said seaplanes may land in the channel but must remain at least 500 feet from docks, boats, people or buildings and may not operate inside an active mooring field.
No new policy decisions were made; staff will continue to monitor dredging completion, mooring compliance and planned volunteer cleanup logistics.
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