RSM Plans to Address These Issues

The RSM Demonstration program has enabled the Corps to address these issues associated with Michigan City Harbor (figure 1) and the Indiana Shoreline together, rather than separately. All issues raised during the workshops were discussed in detail to determine if a feasible DMMP alternative could be developed to address the regional issues. Through this process, 4 main alternatives were developed for outer harbor sediment management. They are as follows:

Alternative 1: Status Quo

Approximately 50,000 cubic yards of sediment would be dredged from the navigation channel every two years and placed on the lakeward side of Mount Baldy.

Alternative 2: Management of the East Accretion Fillet

This alternative involves the installation of a permanent pipeline along the NIPSCO property spanning from Mount Baldy to the west jetty. The pipeline is meant to provide the port authority and the Corps the means to remove sediment from the harbor area and bypass it to Mount Baldy

Alternative 3: Removal of the West Accretion Fillet

This alternative involves dredging the accretion fillet west of the harbor and placing the sediment downdrift at Mount Baldy. Removal of the accretion fillet is expected to reduce the shoaling rate in the outer harbor area and eliminate a safety hazard for navigation.

Alternative 4: Pre-dredge the Outer Harbor Area

Under this alternative, an advanced measures dredge area will be defined behind the detached breakwater at Michigan City to capture littoral sediment before entering the navigation channel.