Investigation of Effluent Filtering Systems for Dredged Material Containment Facilities

This study was conducted to establish the functional capabilities and performance characteristics of effluent filtering systems and to provide guidance for the design of filtering systems to improve the quality of effluent from dredged material containment facilities. All available data were collected, pertinent literature was reviewed, and about 300 laboratory and field filtration tests were conducted. Conventional, technically feasible systems were identified, new concepts were developed (pervious dikes, sandfill weirs, forced-choice-triangle olfactometer). An odor-abatement strategy is presented for handling the expected range of odor conditions at dredged material disposal sites. Its aim is to reduce to an acceptable level the perceived intensity of malodors in an affected community. The main steps in the strategy cover (1) selection of the disposal site, (2) site preparation, (3) odor characterization of sediments to be dredged, (4) malodor abatement during dredging and disposal operations, (5) malodor abatement after filling of the disposal site, and (6) the handling of malodor complaints. Report on Dredged Material Research Program.