Politics & Government
PHOTOS: Esplanade Stormwater Project Had a Blast
The Esplanade Stormwater Project blasted part of the man-made causeway to prepare the site for laying of the drain pipes.
The first of several blast operations took place at the site around 2:30 Thursday afternoon. According to project managers, the blasts loosened the temporary causeway that has been built as part of the project, in order to lay the drain pipes.
The causeway was constructed in order to provide a path for cranes and other equipment to move off-shore and install the piping. It will be removed when the project has been completed.
The project will redirect stormwater run-off away from the beaches and shoreline, serving as a natural filtration and diffusion system. The project, together with Newport’s new UV treatment plant, will hopefully reduce beach closures as early as this summer.
Project officials anticipate the next blast could take place as early as Wednesday of next week.
Scroll through pictures to see the causeway and the results of the blast.