Small-scale dredging is NOT equivalent with small money
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XVII: "Dredging in a Sensitive Environment" - 2004, Hamburg, Germany
Authors:
C. Boodt, E. Narold, K. Ooms, C. van Son
Abstract: Small-scale dredging does not equate to low cost dredging. As a result of poor preparations for smallscale dredging projects in urban, rural and environmentally sensitive areas difficulties often arise during the execution phase. This has been proved by many projects where small projects showed large budget overruns due to inadequate preparation, resulting in unhappy clients and contractors, claims and legal actions; in short FRUSTRATION.
However, with careful preparation and planning it is possible to list the problems, find solutions and minimize the risks. Then every party involved will know its obligations and liabilities in its specific role in the project. All parties concerned should invest in the preparation of small-scale dredging projects so that the risks will become predictable. This paper focuses on the importance of an adequate preparation of small dredging projects. A selection of problems and solutions based on our experiences in the field will be described.
Statement 1: The labour and equipment costs in the small-scale dredging industry are relatively high, while the output is low. A small decrease in the output, as a consequence of debris for example, has a big effect on the increase in the costs per cubic metre of sediment dredged.
Statement 2: Looking at a project from a different perspective may bring relief to all the parties concerned and may lead to a realistic solution and project.
Statement 3: As the principal writes the tender specifications he should at all times be responsible for the greater risks, specified or not, while the contractor is responsible for the risk of dredging operations.
And, last but not least, in the event of dredging in a sensitive environment.
Statement 4: Thorough preparation will ease licensing procedures.
Keywords: Small-scale dredging, project preparation, adequate and expert organisation, project management, disposal sites, Risk management, consequences of unforeseen situations, mediator