Dredge Operational Requirements

Dredge Operational Requirements

Dredge to a minimum depth of 60 ft below the water surface resulting in

a minimum channel depth of -51 ft mean low gulf (MLG).

Pump the dredged material up to a total distance of 15,000 ft.

Achieve competitive dredging production rates with stoppages required

for normal vessel traffic passage.

Navigational Requirements

Utilize total length of flexible floating pipe during dredging and moving

up and down, and across the channel.

Maneuver into desired dredge cut both cross channel (across the total

channel width) and longitudinally (up and down the channel).

Maneuver dredge safely to allow for normal vessel traffic passage.

Dredged Material Discharge/Placement Requirements

Establish discharge pipeline across dike, adjacent pasture, and existing

wetlands to designated placement point(s) (see Figure 2) with minimum

possible impact on existing marsh.

Install and operate discharge pipeline with minimal leaks in existing

marsh.

Secure discharge pipeline in current using anchor system.

Operate and safely maneuver discharge pipeline in the Mississippi River

under typical conditions to allow for passage of both shallow-draft and

deep-draft vessels.

Pump and place dredged material so as to create a suitable marsh area

with minimal impact to existing marsh.

It was determined that the evaluation of these requirements was the key to

determining demonstration success, and for assessing the feasibility of imple-

menting this technology in future maintenance dredging programs for this area.

Dredging activities were to be conducted in the spring of 2002 to coincide

with the normal period of high water on the Mississippi. The dredge was to

operate over a continuous 5-day period, 24 hr per day, with an option for up to

3 additional days of dredging based on the success of the project and time

required to meet the project requirements. The first 24-hr period of operation was

to consist of equipment mobility demonstration and equipment checkout.

ERDC enlisted the assistance of OA Systems Corporation (OAS) to provide

support in developing the project and conducting the field activities. Based on the

SOW requirements, OAS determined that the Beachbuilder was the only

U.S.-owned dustpan dredge with the required pumping capabilities. Under the

existing OAS task order contract, a rental agreement with Weeks Marine, Inc.,

Chapter 1

Introduction