Parks and Recreation

Framework for Dredged Material Management

May 2004

improved by increased value of acreage leased to dredging project sponsors because land-

owners could enter separate and profitable lease agreements with aquaculturists. See also

section 6.2.1.

6.2.4 Parks and Recreation

Of all types of beneficial uses, recreation on dredged material containment sites is

one of the most prevalent land uses in terms of actual acres. It is not surprising to find

many examples of such use since there is such a demand for recreational sites in urban

areas where much dredging occurs. The nature of recreation sites with requirements for

open space and lightweight structures is especially suited to the weak foundation

conditions associated with fine-grained dredged material. Recreational land also is

generally for public use, and high demand for public water-oriented recreation

encourages the development of recreational land use projects on dredged material.

Finally, legislation relating to wetlands, coastal zone management, and flood control is

biased in favor of this type of use. The recreational land use of dredged material

containment sites is one of the more promising and implementable beneficial uses of

dredged material, but is heavily dependent on financial backing at the local level.

6.2.5 Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry

Broad use of dredged material disposal sites has been made by the agriculture,

forestry, and horticulture industries. Some disposal sites, especially in river systems, have

provided livestock pastures following seeding or even natural colonization. Other uses

involve actively incorporating dredged material into marginal soils. An attractive

alternative for disposing of dredged material is to use this rich material to amend

marginal soils for agriculture, forestry, and horticulture purposes. By the addition of

dredged material, the physical and chemical characteristics of a marginal soil can be

altered to such an extent that water and nutrients become more available for crop growth.

In some cases, raising the elevation of the soil surface with a cover of dredged material

may improve surface drainage and reduce flooding, thereby lengthening the growing

season.

6.2.6 Strip Mine Reclamation and Landfill Cover for Solid Waste

Two beneficial uses of dredged material that are still fairly new concepts have

proven to be feasible in laboratory and field tests. These are the reclamation of

abandoned strip mine sites that are too acidic for standard reclamation practices and the

covering of solid waste landfills. Both uses would require large quantities of dewatered

dredged material that could be moderately contaminated and still be acceptable. Both

uses would ultimately provide nonconsumptive vegetative cover to unsightly areas, and

the areas could be further reclaimed for minimal-use recreation sites and/or wildlife

habitat.