Measuring Rates and Effects of Dredging-Induced Sedimentation: Results From a Survey of Experts
Abstract
Dredging and disposal of dredged material in aquatic environments can expose animals and plants to episodic pulses of suspended sediment. The resuspended material may then be deposited in thin layers adjacent to the dredging or disposal areas in some cases as much as several thousand meters distant. The intensity and duration of resuspension from dredging and disposal operations is highly dependent on the type of equipment, operator, character of sediment, and hydrodynamic conditions. While our understanding of the potential effects is limited, it is likely that some estuarine organisms are highly sensitive to suspended sediments and certain life stages (eggs, juveniles) may be particularly affected by resuspension and deposition. In order to assign research priorities at the Waterways Experiment Station (WES) for designing studies on the effects of dredging- induced sedimentation, we conducted a survey of experts in sedimentation measurement and biological impacts to define existing knowledge of scales of concern for biological response to sediment deposition, methods of assessing impact, requirements for modeling, and methods of measuring deposition in laboratory and field experiments. This report summarizes the combined opinion of the panel of experts and makes recommendations for research priorities for WES investigators for the next fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426379
Entities
People
- D. A. Carey
- J. D. Germano