Hole in the Wall Channel Restoration: Safeguarding Mathews County's Coastal Legacy

Navigating the Tides: Mathews County's Dredging and Coastal Restoration Project

In the tranquil expanse of Mathews County, Virginia, where the land meets the sea, a delicate dance unfolds between progress and preservation. As the waters rise and the coastline shifts, the community grapples with the challenges of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope on the horizon—a beacon of innovation and resilience in the form of the Hole in the Wall Channel Restoration Project.

The genesis of this transformative endeavor lies in a comprehensive request for proposals (RFP) issued by the county, calling upon qualified vendors to undertake a multifaceted initiative aimed at revitalizing the cherished waterways and shores of Mathews County. Spearheaded by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission and governed by the stringent requirements of VMRC Permit #2021-1533, this project is poised to usher in a new era of coastal stewardship and sustainability.

Phase I

The scope of the project is ambitious, encompassing three distinct phases of work to be completed by December 31, 2024. Phase I, slated to commence in tandem with seasonal no-dredge restrictions, will focus on dredging the Hole in the Wall Channel—a vital artery connecting Milford Haven to the Chesapeake Bay. This dredging effort, spanning 18,000 feet in length and 150 feet in width, aims to restore safe navigation for vessels, including commercial fishing boats, recreational vessels, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Approximately 40,000 cubic yards of material will be dredged, with the resultant sediment destined for beneficial use placement at Haven Beach—a key bastion of coastal resilience in Mathews County.

Phase II

Phase II of the project will see the design and construction of shoreline protection structures—an essential safeguard against the erosive forces of wind and waves. Additional breakwaters, strategically positioned along the coastline, will fortify existing barriers and bolster long-term shore protection efforts. With crest lengths of 200 feet and an overall length of 230 feet, these breakwaters represent a tangible investment in the future resilience of Mathews County's coastal communities.

Phase III

Phase III of the project will focus on the installation of protective shoreline planting and fencing—a crucial component of habitat restoration and ecosystem revitalization. Beach grasses, meticulously planted on a 1.5-foot grid, will take root atop the dredged material, stabilizing the shoreline and enhancing biodiversity. Under the watchful eye of the county or its designated agent, approximately 67,000 plants will be installed, fertilized, and nurtured to maturity. In addition, a row of dune fencing will be erected to further mitigate erosion and promote the natural regeneration of coastal habitats.

As the project unfolds, Mathews County stands at the forefront of coastal restoration and resilience—an exemplar of proactive environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we can navigate the tides of change and safeguard the natural beauty and vitality of our coastal landscapes for generations to come.

In Mathews County, the journey towards a more resilient future begins with a single dredge, a single breakwater, a single plant—each a testament to our commitment to preserving the timeless allure of our coastal heritage.