An eco-sustainable approach to polluted sediment management in European drainage networks

Sediments are an integral part of water bodies and share a common destiny in case of contamination. They host a remarkable variety of ecosystems, but they may become an important source of deferred contamination over time. Notwithstanding, only in the last few decades sufficient awareness has been developing in this sense. At the same time, the concept of sustainability of human activities has become central in every kind of approach to the territory. Management of contaminated sediments is a complex issue, poised between the obligations arising from waste policy and an often fragmented and controversial legislation. The remediation areas are an emblematic case of these difficulties. The morphology of the territory leads to the deposition of a considerable amount of sediment, which, if poorly managed, tends to increase the flood risk. The hydrographic network collects waters from agricultural areas but, in the case of proximity to urban or productive complexes, may also receive the urban runoff or industrial pollutants. Management is generally entrusted to local level bodies, which do not benefit from the large funding of other entities, while sharing the same problems. This thesis proposes a sustainable approach to the management of contaminated sediments within drainage areas, taking into account the frequent limitation of investments and avoiding, as far as possible, the heavy burdens of waste policy. Simple but cost-effective remediation technologies, reduction of road transport amount, reuse of decontaminated material, stakeholder engagement and awareness raising are key concepts in this perspective. Central is the role assigned to decision support tools. An intense work of bibliographic research provided the necessary knowledge and conceptual bases for developing innovative approaches. Two emblematic case studies were analysed in Italy and Poland in order to provide further insights. The ideas and strategies proposed were merged into a LIFE project proposal for European Union funding. The proposal had the main aim of giving greater visibility and internationality to a widespread need in European drainage and irrigation areas. Widespread, but, often, not known enough