Spoil Area, Chart

[nauticalrich]

Published in the Embassy chart book of harbors on Long Island Sound, namely Port Jefferson, the terminolgy "spoil area" is used. To this date I have been unable to find out exactly what that means. Would be nice to know since it is a popular anchorage area and I certainly would not liked to become spoiled there.

[SHIMSHON]

Spoil Area refers to an area which has been used or is currently being used (unlikely) as a dumping area for debris. For example, the material from a dredging operation or construction site. It does not necessaraily denote a bad thing but it is there to inform you that the bottom might contain material or debris that you might not want to anchor in or swim in. In some instances, depending on the material dumped at the site, you stand the chance of fouling your anchor.

[Jeff_H]

Spoils also often have very uneven and uncharted depths.

Jeff

[mvicsail]

Excellent info, thanks guys, I too have often wondered about that.