Regulatory Background

Regulatory Background

This chapter summarizes the technical framework and regulatory background,

which define the open-water disposal option. As indicated in Chapter 1, this

report focuses on uncertainty within that option only.

Technical Framework Summary

USACE has developed a technical framework to determine the environmental

acceptability of various alternatives for disposing of dredged material

(USEPA/USACE 1992). Possible alternatives include the following:

a. Open-water disposal is the placement of dredged material in rivers,

lakes, estuaries, or oceans via pipeline or release from hopper dredges or

barges. Such disposal may also involve appropriate management actions

such as capping in a confined aqueous disposal (CAD) pit.

b. Confined disposal is placement of dredged material within diked

nearshore or upland confined disposal facilities (CDFs) via pipeline or

other means. The confinement dikes or structures in a CDF enclose the

disposal area above any adjacent water surface, isolating the dredged

material from adjacent waters during placement. CDFs may be

constructed as upland sites, nearshore sites with one or more sides in

water, or as island containment areas. If a hydraulic dredge is used to

place material in the CDF, excess water is normally discharged from the

CDF during filling operations. If CDFs are filled by mechanical

rehandling of dredged material, less effluent is released.

c. Beneficial use includes a variety of options utilizing the material for

some productive use. Examples of beneficial uses include beach

nourishment, strip mine reclamation, shoreline stabilization, erosion

control, and use in construction and industry.

The framework for selecting environmentally acceptable alternatives for the

management of dredged material consists of the following five steps:

a. Evaluation of dredging project requirements.

b. Identification of alternatives.

c. Initial screening of alternatives.

Chapter 3 Regulatory Background