Techniques for Reducing Contaminant Release During Dredging Operations

Conventional dredges used in the U.S. are not specifically intended for dredging highly contaminated material. Some modification to equipment and dredging techniques could result in their use for that purpose with minimal adverse impact on the environment. USACE initiated research to develop a method predicting resuspension and release of contaminants using various types of dredging devices and techniques. Dredging demonstartions in the James river, VA, and Tampa, FL, will be used as case studies to illustrate the advantages of various equipment types for dredging contaminated sediments. ( 7 references, 2 tables, )