POINT PLEASANT BEACH – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun dredging Manasquan Inlet to remove large sand accumulations along the pier.

The three-kilometer-long artificial canal lies within the boundaries of Point Pleasant Borough and was made navigable in 1926. The waterway connects the Manasquan River and Barnegat Bay.

Corps crews began dredging the waterway on Aug. 6 with the goal of removing sand that had accumulated on the Point Pleasant Beach side of the bay, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-4^th) said.

Smith had sent a letter to Commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Beeman urging him to take immediate action as the bay had become a danger to ships.

“The sand buildup on the Point Pleasant side of the bay opposite the pier has reached unprecedented levels. As you know, not only is there a risk of ships running aground, but the waves created in the bay as a result of this shallowing are sufficient to capsize boats that regularly transit the channel,” Smith said.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Doug Vitale has also been in contact with the Corps and addressed safety concerns about the dangerous shoals.

“I am aware of the sandbars on the south side of Manasquan Inlet, largely due to the southerly winds we are experiencing. I trust the U.S. Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and will ensure the safety of the Inlet,” Vitale said. “I am also monitoring the situation and understand the seriousness of the situation: safety, navigability and the blockage it is causing for our fishing industry.”

“I understand that Manasquan Inlet is considered a dynamic inlet with sand constantly shifting due to currents, but this beach is extremely dangerous for navigation during the busiest boating season of the year on the New Jersey coast,” Smith added.

On August 6, the dredge Murden conducted two dredging cycles in the Manasquan Inlet, the Corps said. They also announced they would return soon for more dredging.

During this time, residents and beach visitors are asked to stay away from the sandbank at all times while work is being carried out.

“It is important to note that Manasquan Bay is dynamic and conditions within the bay can change rapidly. Significant shoals have frequently occurred within the bay and frequently dissipate due to changing wind/wave conditions,” the Corps said in a statement. “Mariners should heed all U.S. Coast Guard warnings and proceed with caution. In addition, due to the dynamic nature of the bay and ocean conditions, people should avoid walking or recreation on the shoal.”