Design and Construction Considerations for Wetland Restoration Using Dredged Material
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XVIII - 2007 Orlando, Florida, USA
Authors:
Mohan, et al
Abstract: Restoration of wetlands using dredged material has received a lot of attention during the last three decades. There have been many projects implemented around the Country in the Mid-Atlantic, Gulf and West coast regions of the country, in particular. While projects have ranged from large scale projects (on the order of greater than 1000 acres of restoration), smaller projects (less than 250 acres) are being implemented in several regions as well. The success criteria for these projects have varied widely, with success in some cases, defined as establishment of vegetation, while in others success is gauged more in terms of the “end user” - the various biological species that would eventually use the fully functioning system.
This paper presents guidelines for designing a successful wetland restoration project – from an engineering, as well as ecosystem perspective. Tools for design and planning evaluations, as well as construction monitoring and maintenance are presented. Finally, considerations for adaptive management of the wetland system are discussed.
Keywords: Dredging, wetlands, beneficial use, marsh, sediment, restoration.