Sustainable Confined Disposal Facilities for Long-term Management of Dredged Material

Abstract

PURPOSE: Dredged material confined disposal facilities (CDFs) represent a major capital and operating investment for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). As such, they need to be managed in a manner that maximizes the useful life of the facilities, as well as economic, material, and manpower resources. In some areas of the United States, confined disposal capacity for dredged material is finite and dwindling. Limited CDF storage capacity is expected to present major challenges to the Corps ’ navigation dredging mission in the future. A strategy for prolonging the life of US disposal facilities is critical to preserving the continued ability to dredge and maintain our nation’s navigation. BACKGROUND: As stated in 33CFR 336.1, “The maintenance of a reliable Federal navigation system is essential to the economic well-being and national defense of the country. ” The primary activity for maintaining the navigation system is dredging to restore navigation depths after shoaling or sediment accumulation occurs. Material dredged from the navigation system must be relocated and used beneficially or placed in a disposal or containment area. The least costly, environmentally acceptable, dredged material disposal alternative that is consistent with sound engineering practices is designated as the Federal standard (33CFR335.7). Three managemen