COMPLETION OF SEPARATION FEASIBILITY EVALUATION

ERDC TN-DOER-C13

July 2000

Methods for estimating the volumes occupied by hydraulically dredged material as a function of

time and operational factors are given in Engineer Manual (EM) 1110-2-5027 (Headquarters, U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers, 1987). These methods rely on column settling tests to evaluate volume

changes during hydraulic placement of fine-grained material, and may be applied directly in

evaluating potential changes in volumes of fine-grained fractions resulting from hydraulic separa-

tion methods. The calculations would require laboratory test data as described in EM 1110-2-5027,

particularly as the overflow from a separation process will typically present a more dilute slurry

than a hydraulic dredge discharge, for which this guidance was designed.

COMPLETION OF SEPARATION FEASIBILITY EVALUATION: Once a reliable estimate

of MRP has been developed, the information can be used in completing the evaluation of separation

feasibility. If recovery potential matches the requirements for the BU applications under consid-

eration, fractionation testing should be conducted to determine if separated fractions meet the

requirements related to residual COC. If these results are favorable, appropriate operational

methods or equipment for separation can be selected, and a cost analysis can be performed.

Procedures for these aspects of the evaluation are described in Olin et al. (1999).

CONCLUSIONS: Development of a reuse plan for a CDF or dredging project will require a

multistep approach incorporating existing data, identification of local BU opportunities and require-

ments, and practical and/or statistical sampling approaches. Physical separation is only one of

several approaches that can be taken to produce material suitable for various beneficial uses, and

should be evaluated together with other alternatives to determine the most suitable approach for a

given site.

POINTS OF CONTACT: For additional information, contact the authors, Trudy J. Olin-Estes

(601-634-2125, olint@wes.army.mil) and Dr. Michael R. Palermo (601-634-3753, palermm

@wes.army.mil) or the Program Manager of the Dredging Operations and Environmental Research

Program, Dr. Robert M. Engler (601-634-3624, englerr@wes.army.mil). This technical note should

be cited as follows:

Olin-Estes, T. J., and Palermo, M. R. (2000). "Determining recovery potential of dredged

material for beneficial use Soil separation concepts," DOER Technical Notes Collection

(ERDC TN-DOER-C13), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center,

Vicksburg, MS. www.wes.army.mil/el/dots/doer

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