Dredging in a changing scientific and regulatory environment

97851956211062PDFResearch PaperDredgingDredged materialsEnvironmental impactsPublic opinionProceduresChannels (Waterways)United StatesJuda, LawrenceBurroughs, RichardUniversity of Rhode Island. Transportation CenterNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Laws and RegulationsNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Planning and PolicyNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Energy and EnvironmentUS Transportation CollectionDredging activities associated with commercial navigation have been the subject of substantial public policy conflict. At both the national and local levels, substantial concern has been expressed over the environmental consequences of the disposal of dredged materials, and significant discord has arisen between those who favor navigational dredging to satisfy the operational needs of modern shipping in the name of economic development and those concerned with the environmental consequences of dredging and the disposal of dredged materials. Sharp clashes have ensued regarding dredging projects, leading to delays and higher costs. This study examines the changing regulatory and scientific framework for dredging, growing public concern with the disposal of dredged materials, and the changing process of determining what constitutes "contaminated sediments." Further, it examines efforts to forge a meaningful consensus on how to proceed, given seemingly conflicting economic and environmental needs. Changing public perceptions of the environment and subsequent legislation have forced consideration of environmental and ecological impacts of navigational dredging to a much greater degree than was the case in the past. A variety of measures and recommendations are made to address the economic development/environmental protection breach such as through the use of National Dredging Teams and local and regional analogs, clarification of agency duties and responsibilities, and pre-application procedures. Figures, tables, 51 p. (183 kb