All mariners are advised that the upper Hudson River dredging  project, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and General Electric (GE), will be in progress during the 2009 Navigation Season Lock C-6 and Lock C-8, proximate to Lock C-7 in the Town of Fort Edward and the Fort Edward Yacht Basin.  The dredging operations are lighted, have day shapes and arrow boards displayed.  Mariners may experience occasional short-term delays at Lock C-7 in Fort Edward.

Please note that between Lock C-7 and Lock C-8 there may be a restricted channel due to barge movements or barge staging in the area immediately south of Lock C-8 near the Project Processing Facility wharf.

All boaters must contact the Vessel Traffic Center on VHF Channel 18A for transit information through the project area. 

Additionally, mariners are advised that Red Buoy 196, between Lock C-6 in Fort Miller and Lock C-7 in Fort Edward, has been moved off station, 400 feet to the south. This buoy will remain relocated until further notice.

Activities Planned for the Week of September 7, 2009:

• Dredging in the west channel of Rogers Island, outside the navigation channel.
• Dredging in the east channel of Rogers Island and in the Fort Edward Yacht Basin.
• Barge unloading operation immediately south of Lock C-8. 
• Sheet pile removal between Buoy area: Red 192 to 196 (East Griffin Island).
• Dredging between Buoy area: Red 196 to 198 (East Griffin Island)

Please note that openings of the silt curtain at the southern end of Rogers Island are set at 1/2 hour intervals as follows: 8:30 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

PASS WITH CAUTION- NO WAKE ZONE

Speed limits between Lock C-6 and Lock C-8 will be 5 mph in all work zones.  Mariners are reminded that excessive wakes are dangerous and they are responsible for their wakes and damages. Please be mindful of your wakes and pass at a “No-Wake” speed.  Local and state marine patrols will enforce posted speed limits.  For any questions related to the dredging project, call the EPA at (518) 747-4389 or GE at (518) 792-4087.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience during the 2009 Navigation Season.

For updates and information on Canal conditions please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.nyscanals.gov.  Additionally, mariners may sign up for automatic e-mail and text message alerts through the Canal TRANSalert service.  This service is offered to notify mariners of major incidents and emergencies that may affect navigation on the New York State Canal System.  To register for this service, please visit www.nyscanals.gov/tas/.

Carmella R. Mantello Director, New York State Canal Corporation