Workers are removing decades of organic-rich sediment from the Indian River Lagoon near the Eau Gallie Causeway. The project aims to improve water quality and restore seagrass beds critical to marine life. Dredged material will be transported via a 7-mile pipeline to a management area near Robert J. Conlan Boulevard and U.S. 1 in Palm Bay. The effort is funded by the Save Our Lagoon program and Florida Department of Environmental Protection grants.
The sediment, which has accumulated over 60 years of development, reduces oxygen levels and threatens seagrass and marine species like manatees. Marine Resources Council Executive Director Laura Wilson said the material must be tested and de-watered on land. "This material has to be placed on land so it can de-water, lessen the weight of it, (be) tested for what’s in it," Wilson said.
The pipeline will float in some areas and be submerged in others, requiring boaters to exercise caution along the route. Officials estimate the project will boost oxygen levels and help seagrass recovery. Similar dredging has been done in other parts of the lagoon, but this is the first major effort in the Eau Gallie area.
The work is part of a broader strategy to address pollution that has plagued the lagoon for decades. Crews will operate around the clock, with temporary changes to boating lanes expected through late 2026. Environmental groups have urged caution, noting that improper handling of dredged material could harm nearby wetlands.
Residents along the lagoon have mixed reactions. Some welcome the cleanup, while others worry about construction noise and potential disruptions to fishing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will monitor water quality throughout the project.