DETERMINATION OF MRP

ERDC TN-DOER-C13

July 2000

circuit might utilize one or more of the following: screens, belt filter presses, plate and frame filter

presses, centrifuges, screw classifiers or rotary vacuum filters."

More detailed descriptions of this equipment are available in Olin et al. (1999), and include feed

requirements, capacity, and, where available, general capital and operating cost ranges. Sample

treatment trains and case studies are described in Olin et al. (1999) also.

DETERMINATION OF MRP

Data Requirements. Several types of data are required to estimate MRP:

Bulk sediment data:

Volume of available bulk sediment or dredged material.

Grain size distribution (GSD) of the bulk material (prior to separation).

Concentrations of COC in the bulk sediments.

BU specifications, including acceptable GSD; COC levels; and quantity, seasonal, and

logistical requirements.

Concentrations of COC in material fractions, if separation is determined to be necessary to

meet BU specifications.

Information Sources. Project surveys and data from prior testing are the most likely sources of

existing information. Although materials to be dredged or previously disposed in a CDF are typically

characterized to some degree, both physically and chemically, this information was likely not

obtained or structured with an eye toward evaluation of MRP and separation feasibility. Even so,

percent sand and bulk contaminant levels are usually known, and can be useful for initial screening

and MRP estimates, if the coarse material is assumed to be relatively clean. More targeted sampling

and analysis will likely be required to obtain definitive information.

While project data related to sediment physical and chemical characteristics as described previously

are usually available for a number of stations in the case of in-channel evaluations, spatial data are

rarely available for in-CDF materials. Some idea of material properties in the CDF must be inferred

from existing in-channel data, CDF site surveys and visual inspections of the CDF surface, and

knowledge of CDF filling operations. In both in-channel and in-CDF locations, additional data

should be obtained through sampling and testing if the initial screening evaluations indicate

separation may be necessary and feasible. Olin-Estes and Palermo (2000) and Olin-Estes (2000)

contain further guidance on prescriptive and statistical sampling approaches, respectively.

Volume Estimates. The volumes of material available, either in-channel or in-CDF, will be

defined by survey information. Volumes available, either on a periodic basis or on a one-time basis,

must be comparable to those required for the BU application and must be large enough to achieve

economies of scale. Also, the effect of bulking and of concentration of COCs in the separated fine

fraction must be evaluated in determining CDF capacity ultimately recoverable.

Material Specifications. The principal material specifications are typically related to grain size

and contaminant level. The specifications for acceptable grain size for a given BU application will