Portland District Navigation Mission

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US Army Corps of Engineers

Portland District Website

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Navigation

Our first mission, eliminating impediments to navigation on the Pacific Northwest's rivers, dates back to 1871. We maintain safe and reliable channels, harbors and waterways for the transportation of commerce, support to national security and recreation.

Navigation pages

Check the weather

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Before setting out, obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information at www.weather.gov/marine

Before you go out on the water, get the forecast and don a life vest. Click here for the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKR9Vk5lftc&feature=youtu.be This video outlines the importance of accurate and up-to-date marine weather forecasts before venturing out.

Understanding marine forecasts is critical to safe boating. Weather and wave conditions can change suddenly, catching boaters off-guard and creating life-threatening conditions. Before setting out, obtain the latest marine forecast and warning information from www.weather.gov/marine or NOAA Weather Radio. Begin listening for extended outlooks with general information for the next five days, offered in both graphical and text formats.

Local port links

Fast facts about Portland District navigation

Waterways

We manage 485 navigable river miles in the Columbia River Basin

Locks

We operate and maintain three of Northwestern Division's 10 locks
Our locks pass 10 of the 50.5 million tons of commerce shipped annually

Ports and harbors

10 deep draft (greater than 14 ft.) ports
12 shallow draft harbors
12 large-scale jetty systems

Dredging

Two hopper dredges: Yaquina and Essayons
Material dredged: 18.9 million cubic yards

Hazards to navigation

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard have authority to remove hazards to navigation from the waterways of the United States.

Program overview

Generally, the U.S.Coast Guard is the primary agency to identify and remove a hazard to navigation; however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may be asked for assistance. Either USCG or USACE may remove hazards at the owner's expense. Local port districts, city, county and state agencies may also take legal action against an owner for removing a hazard to navigation within their jurisdictions.

Authority

Authority for removal of hazards to navigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is referenced in Sections 15-20 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899.
Guidelines for coordination, removal of hazards to navigation, and cost recovery between the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers are found in the following:

Title 33 United States Code, Sections 409, 411-415
Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 245 - Removal of Wrecks and Other Obstructions
Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 64 - Marking of Sunken Obstructions
EP 1130-2-520 Project Operation, Navigation and Dredging Operations, Guidance and Procedures

Send an email with the subject "Hazards to Navigation," your questions or comments, and your preferred contact information to Hazards to Navigation Coordinator at:

DLL-CENWPHazardstoNavigation@usace.army.mil