Environment

Reducing the carbon footprint of dredging operations is a major industry concern – and the solution starts with the design phase and continues through the whole lifecycle.

Models created by researchers using innovative software have been tested and validated by monitoring trailers during dredging operations.

Decision-making for infrastructure depends on a mix of local culture, the political situation and uncertainties related to the project’s complexity. To explain the process of gaining the confidence of stakeholders, two cases of “Building with Nature” in the Netherlands are presented.

The Stanford University Policy and Engineering Responses to Sea Level Rise (SUPERSLR) project is examining various solutions and the constraints for worldwide ports which could face the challenges of sea-level rise all at roughly the same time.

A state-of-the-art 3D plume model, used at the Ras Laffan Port Expansion project, simulates alternative disposal scenarios and helps develop Safe Disposal Maps.

What is economically and environmentally better: obtaining sand for beach nourishment from an on-land quarry or from marine banks at sea?

EU environmental law and international conventions are not always compatible. The European Dredging Association makes its case on when and why dredged material should not be considered waste.

This article covers the initial environmental examination and the development of mitigation measures against adverse impacts of physical works. Detailed investigations of water and groundwater, and sediment and soils support the assessment, backed by field surveys.

“Facts About Environmental Monitoring” describes the methods used to alert dredging contractors to environmental impacts so they can be addressed quickly.

“Facts About Ecosystem Services & Dredging” describes how the value attributed to ecosystems and to dredging projects can be compared and evaluated.

“Facts About Dredging Management Practices for the Environment” describes how to create management guidance for improving environmental performance.

“Facts About Deltas and Climate Change” describes the importance of deltas as population hubs for trade and their added vulnerability as sea levels rise.

“Facts About Adaptive Management” describes how monitoring at intervals during a project supports decision-making process to modify operations as needed.

The report provides the general concept of ecosystem services and the overall considerations on its use in the context of dredging projects.

A concise overview of dredging’s effects on the environment, aimed at a broad audience.

Various risk-based methods are used to assess environmental impacts from dredging and dredged material management activities.

Information and recommendations regarding Confined Disposal Facilities, including the management of contaminated dredged materials.

A concise guide to support and explain the management of dredged material.

During planning, design and operations of port development, these economically and socially sound actions can minimise impacts on the coastal zone.

This book is out of print and has been replaced with an updated book. To read more about Dredging for Sustainable Infrastructure, click here.

Because dredging projects impact a wide variety of stakeholders, a fundamental knowledge of the interaction of ecology and dredging is to everyone’s benefit.