Bottoms Up

by Ram K. Mohan, P.E., (M.ASCE), Sr. Engr./Proj. Mgr.; Gahagan & Bryant Assocs., Baltimore, MD,
Michael R. Palermo, P.E., Res. Civ. Engr.; U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1998, Vol. 68, Issue 12, Pg. 56-59


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Placement of dredged material in an environmentally beneficial manner appears to be the trend for the future, considering the economics as well as the increased environmental consciousness of the general public. Dredged material from ports and harbors are being increasingly used beneficially as a resource for a number of projects, including wetland and upland habitat creation and restoration, restoration of eroding islands, beach replenishment, aquaculture, horticulture and forestry, manufactured soils, reclamation of landfills and mine lands, and recreational/industrial/commercial uses. Revenues from such beneficial uses may even be used to offset the cost of dredging and placement. The major concern regarding the future beneficial uses of dredged material are two-fold: finding and justifying the extra budget needed for such operations, and finding ways to improve the efficiency of the dredging and placement process. This article outlines several key considerations for designing an environmental and beneficial dredged material placement project, and identifies the key concerns involved in such projects. Case studies of five such projects also are presented.

Subject Headings: Dredged materials | Project management | Materials processing | Land reclamation | Ecological restoration | Case studies | Agriculture

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