Introduction - trdoer50011

Introduction

The Dredging Operations and Research Program (DOER) at the Water-

ways Experiment Station (WES) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, has identified

six applied research focus areas to develop technology, methodology,

and techniques to ensure that the operational and environmental issues

of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) dredging program are met

adequately and efficiently. One of the six focus areas is "Innovative

Technology."

In the past, there has not been a programmatic or systematic approach to

ensure adequate demonstration, evaluation, and reporting of new innova-

tive dredging technology applications. The objective of this study effort

is to identify existing technologies, procedures, and management tech-

niques developed domestically and internationally that could help reduce

the overall cost of conducting the Corps' dredging operations. The effort

documents state-of-the-art innovations in dredging technology and related

dredging and dredged material process technologies. Identification fo-

cuses on existing technologies that do not require research and develop-

ment funding for implementation.