CAPITAL DREDGING OF PROPOSED DFFW 01 SLOT, SWEEPING OF ACCESS AND SECTIONS OF MAYUKU CREEK, OVHOR SAPELE, DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

In Sapele, Delta State, Mayuku Creek is used as a navigation channel for watercraft and for the exploration of crude oil. Over time, the Creek's sediment buildup and water depth have undergone substantial changes. Therefore, bathymetric surveys were conducted to determine the depth of the creek. Capital dredging of the proposed DFFW 01 slot and sweeping of the sections of the creek were carried out, to facilitate efficient environmental management and navigation. Pre- and post-dredge bathymetric surveys were utilized in this study to obtain the creek's depth data, for capital dredging of the DFFW 01 slot and sweeping of the sections of the creek conducted properly. A surveying boat, echo sounder, bar check and GNSS receiver was used to collect the pre- and post-dredge bathymetric data. Bush clearing of the slot was conducted, construction of bond walls to hold dredged materials and run off channels of the slot using the swamp excavator. Dredging to floatation and full depth of DFFW 01 slot to 4 meters high water using the cutter suction dredger. The establishment of a tidal gauge proved to be a helpful tool in monitoring the creek's tidal behavior. The computed area covered by the pre- and post-dredge bathymetric survey consisted of sectional areas, totaling 38,672.63 m2 and the total calculated volume was 75,356.18 m3 . The final depth was pre-determined at 2.3 meters. After dredging completed, installation of blue peg was conducted.