Dredged Material Placement Alternatives

A crucial aspect of a dredging project is where the dredged material may be placed. Waterway Surveys & Engineering, Ltd. utilizes the following methodology in identifying disposal site options:

1. Gather and produce data on volumes, sedimentation rates, chemical and physical characteristics. Data to include information on water and sediment qualities.
2. Gather and review data/information on environmental resources at dredging and the area to be considered for potential placement sites.
3. Identify special technical or environmental problems to be considered during the dredging, transportation, and placement operations. Review reports and date on endangered species and other environmental studies.  Review resource agency concerns and positions.
4. Identify potential beneficial uses for the dredged material such as borrow pit restoration, wetland creation, improving marginal farmland and use as construction materials etc.
5. Develop a list to include dredging, placement, and transportation equipment that offer potential for use.  The list will include treatment technologies facility equipment.
6. Develop a list of placement sites. Relate these data to dredging, transportation and placement equipment and potential long term dredged material capacities to include long term maintenance.
7. Screen options based on capacities, engineering, environmental, costs, real estate and other input.
8. Identify all local, State and federal permit requirements.

Waterway designed and permitted the long-term dredged material management area at Whitehurst Borrow Pit near Oceana in Virginia Beach. The DMMA is the City’s long-term solution to dredged material disposal and will provide a disposal location for municipal dredging projects, as well as local private projects and stormwater maintenance dredging. The original concept plan included filling the entire lake with dredged material while leaving a watercourse along the western side for aesthetic and water quality purposes. Since the original project was developed modifications have been made to the permit and the plan to promote more efficient use of the facility. Waterway is continuing to work with both Public Works Engineering and Operations on long term management planning at the Whitehurst Dredged Material Management Area.