Dredging operations will begin during the summer of 2012 and is directed at re-establishing the depth of the waterway by removing accumulated sediments. The maintenance dredging of the North Traverse and Bécancour and Cap-Santé Traverse, with an estimated total annual volume of 70,000 cubic metres of sediments, is the most important undertaking in the St Lawrence River between Montreal and l’Isle-aux-Coudres.
The St Lawrence waterway, a major economic player, constitutes the main maritime route in Canada. Its maintenance dredging is essential in ensuring continuous security of commercial navigation on the St Lawrence.