Dredging and disposal
Many ports and harbours require regular dredging to maintain
entrances and basins, and larger one-off dredges as part of
development projects.
Our experts have a key role in assessing the potential
suitability of material for sea disposal. The factors involved
include:
- dredge material quality: We test the material
for a suite of determinands. The contaminant loading is considered
against its geological background loading and the application of
"action level" criteria. These criteria are used in conjunction
with site-specific knowledge, historical data and possibly further
investigations to provide an integrated environmental
approach.
- dredging method
- disposal contractor and vessels
- alternative disposal options: The
consideration of potential alternative disposal routes is a
requirement of OSPAR and a statutory constraint under
FEPA.
- selection of disposal site: There are over 150
sites designated for the disposal of dredge material located around
England and Wales. Cefas conducts an annual programme of
disposal-site monitoring on behalf of the Marine Management
Organisation.
To talk about the implications associated with dredging and/or
the disposal of dredge material, please email regulatory_assessment@cefas.co.uk.