A dual approach might be to dig around, but just place the dirt in preparation for a temporary levy scenario. So much cash burned per hour, a fallback wouldn't

A dual approach might be to dig around, but just place the dirt in preparation for a temporary levy scenario. So much cash burned per hour, a fallback wouldn't hurt, and secondary backhoes could be used, so the primaries don't slow down in their primary task, dredging. Of course, I bet someone is, even now, trying to reduce costs, not caring that even an hour or two will wipe out all savings.