Dredging Research and Technology Transfer As a Strategic Enabler to the United States Navigation Mission
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XVIII - 2007 Orlando, Florida, USA
Authors:
Bridges
Abstract: The Dredging Operations and Environmental Research (DOER) Program supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Operation and Maintenance Navigation Program. Research is designed to balance operational and environmental initiatives and to meet complex economic, engineering, and environmental challenges of dredging and materials placement in support of the navigation mission. Research results provide dredging project managers with technology and tools for cost-effective operation and evaluation of risks associated with management alternatives and environmental compliance. There are four Focus Areas in the program, which include Dredged Material Management, Environmental Resource Protection, Innovative Technologies, and Risk. High priority problems being addressed in these areas include: regional sediment and life cycle management of Confined Disposal Facilities (CDFs); dredging and materials placement activities involving threatened and endangered species conservation and protection; channel condition indices and nautical depth; and managing risk while handling and placing contaminated sediments. Research results provide innovative solutions in these areas to enable the Corps to conduct efficient, effective, productive, and environmentally sustainable channel maintenance in support of safe, reliable, efficient, waterborne commerce within the U.S. navigation system. The papers to be presented in this session will provide overviews of contemporary research and technologies evolving from the DOER Program that address the greatest technical challenges facing the navigation mission.
Keywords: Dredged materials management, environmental resource protection, innovative dredging technologies, risk assessment.