OCS Report

MMS 2004-076
REVIEW OF EXISTING AND EMERGING ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY OFFSHORE DREDGING TECHNOLOGIES
PREPARED FOR:
US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Under Contract Number No. 0103CT71516
November 2004
OCS Report
MMS 2004-076
Top Image courtesy of Jan de Nul
Bottom Image from Newell and Seiderer (2003)
OCS Report
MMS 2004-076
REVIEW OF EXISTING AND EMERGING
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OFFSHORE DREDGING TECHNOLOGIES
Prepared for:
Leasing Division, Sand and Gravel Unit
Minerals Management Service
US Department of Interior
Herndon, Virginia
Prepared by:
W.F. Baird & Associates Ltd.
Madison, Wisconsin
Research Planning, Inc.
Columbia, South Carolina
November 2004
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Minerals Management Service and approved for
publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies
of the Service, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement
or recommendation for use.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Project Goals..........................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Study Approach ....................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Team Organization ................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Report Structure.....................................................................................................................................2
2.0 IDENTIFICATION OF DREDGING IMPACTS .......................................................................................3
2.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 Approach ...............................................................................................................................................3
2.3 Review and Description of the List of Key Impacts.............................................................................. 7
2.3.1 Short-term and Cumulative Impacts F rom Dredging That Lead to Loss or Reduced Stability of
Benthic Habitats, Including Re-colonization by an Altered Biological Community ........................7
2.3.2 Injury and Death of Special Species of Concern (e.g., sea turtles) From Being Sucked Into the
Draghead During Dredging Operations Using Hopper Dredges. .....................................................9
2.3.3 Changes in the Substrate Characteristics (Grain Size, Dissolved Oxygen, Compaction and Organic
Content) That Lead to a Reduction in Benthic Communities and Suitability of the Area for Future
Dredging. ........................................................................................................................................11
2.3.4 Changes in Bathymetry that can Alter the Wave Climate Reaching the Shore, Resulting in
Shoreline Changes. .........................................................................................................................12
2.3.5 Sedimentation (Burial) Impacts to Adjacent Hard/Live Bottom or Other Sensitive Habitats ......12
2.3.6 Creation of Depressions and Furrows From Removal of Substrate................................................14
2.3.7 Short-term Increased Turbidity from Cutterhead or Draghead and Overflow (from hopper
dredges) that Affects Benthic Communities. ..................................................................................15
2.3.8 Spatial and Seasonal Conflicts Between Dredging and Commercial and Recreational Fisheries. .21
2.3.9 Potential to Break an Active or Abandoned Pipeline, Resulting in a Release of Petroleum
Hydrocarbons..................................................................................................................................22
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2.3.10 Collisions with Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles During Vessel Operations ..........................22
2.3.11 Damage to Archaeological Resources........................................................................................23
2.3.12 Potential Harmful Alteration or Destruction of Essential Fish Habitat......................................23
2.4 Summary of Potential Impacts and Focus for this Investigation of Environmentally Friendly
Approaches...........................................................................................................................................25
3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY APPROACHES ...........................28
3.1 Methodology........................................................................................................................................28
3.2 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges ........................................................................................................28
3.3 Cutter Suction Dredges........................................................................................................................31
3.4 Other Dredging Devices and Equipment .............................................................................................32
3.5 Monitoring Instruments and Approaches ............................................................................................33
3.6 Summary of the Literature Review......................................................................................................39
4.0 DREDGING INDUSTRY REVIEW .......................................................................................................42
4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................42
4.2 Selection of a European Partner ..........................................................................................................42
4.3 Development of a Questionnaire .........................................................................................................43
4.4 Review of Responses...........................................................................................................................44
4.4.1 Discussion of Responses to Plume Related Impacts .......................................................................45
4.4.2 Discussion of Responses to Impacts to Benthic Habitats ...............................................................48
4.4.3 Discussion of Impacts to Marine Mammals....................................................................................50
4.4.4 Discussion of Miscellaneous Issues................................................................................................51
4.5 Follow-Up Conversations with Dredge Contractors ...........................................................................52
4.6 Discussion of the Anti-Turbidity Valve and the Green Pipe ...............................................................52
4.6.1 Anti-Turbidity Valve ......................................................................................................................52
4.6.2 Green Pipe System..........................................................................................................................54
5.0 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY ..............................................55
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5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................55
5.2 Workshop Approach............................................................................................................................55
5.3 Evaluation of the Key Equipment and Approaches Discussed at the Workshop ................................56
5.3.1 Removal of Benthic Communities ..................................................................................................57
5.3.1.1 Creation of Temporal or Spatial Refuge Areas (effectively environmental windows at a
borrow deposit scale) ...........................................................................................................57
5.3.2 Entrainment of species of concern ..................................................................................................59
5.3.3 Changes in Substrate Characteristics ..............................................................................................60
5.3.3.1 Limitation of Pit Depths to a Fixed Value.............................................................................61
5.3.3.2 Site Specific Evaluation of Local Sedimentation Potential and Dissolved Oxygen Conditions
Through the Application of Numerical Models or Analytical Methods ................................62
5.3.3.3 Use of Monitoring to Avoid Development of a Mud Layer and/or Anoxic Conditions .......63
5.3.4 Wave Climate Alterations by Changes in Bathymetry ...................................................................64
5.3.5 Damage to Hard/Live Bottom Habitats..........................................................................................64
5.3.5.1 Implementation of a Blanket Buffer Zone for All Situations ................................................64
5.3.5.2 Implementation of a Region/Habitat Specific Minimum Buffer Zone Width Together with
Monitoring at the Sensitive Habitat .......................................................................................65
5.3.5.3 Use of Analysis to Determine a Site-Specific Buffer Zone...................................................66
5.3.5.4 Monitoring Turbidity to Meet a General Stipulation.............................................................67
5.3.5.5 Development of Site-Specific Limits Based on Background Levels ....................................69
5.3.5.6 Use of Green Pipe (re-circulation of overflow to draghead) ............................................70
5.3.5.7 Use of Anti-Turbidity Valve ................................................................................................71
5.3.6 Creation of Depressions and Furrows.............................................................................................73
5.3.7 Increased Short-Term Turbidity (Turbidity Limits)........................................................................73
5.3.7.1 Implementation of a General Stipulation..............................................................................73
5.3.7.2 Development of Site Specific Limits Based on Background Levels.....................................74
5.3.7.3 Use of Green Pipe (re-circulation of overflow to draghead) ............................................76
5.3.7.4 Use of Anti-Turbidity Valve ................................................................................................77
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5.3.8 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries..........................................................................................79
5.3.9 Seafloor Pipeline Breakage and Leakage........................................................................................79
5.3.10 Collisions With Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles ...................................................................79
5.3.11 Archaeological Resources ..........................................................................................................79
5.3.12 Alteration or Destruction of Essential Fish Habitat ...................................................................79
5.3.12.1 Dredge Depositional Areas that are Undergoing Constant Natural Recovery (and Burial) in a
Physical Sense........................................................................................................................80
5.3.12.2 Post-Project Monitoring of Changes .....................................................................................80
5.3.12.3 Complete a Sediment Dynamics Study of the Shoal to Determine the Most Appropriate
Areas to Dredge to Avoid or Minimize Impacts ....................................................................81
5.3.12.4 Limit Removal of Sediment to Some Threshold Level (to Avoid Deflation or Irreversible
Damage to the Morphologic Integrity of the Shoal) ..............................................................82
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................84
6.1 Conclusions .........................................................................................................................................84
6.2 Recommendations................................................................................................................................86
6.2.1 Recommendation on Spatial/Temporal Refuge Areas to Promote Re-Colonization of Benthic
Communities ...................................................................................................................................86
6.2.2 Changes to Substrate Characteristics and Recommendation on a Pit Depth Rule .....................87
6.2.3 Recommendation on Protecting Sensitive Habitat from Sedimentation .........................................87
6.2.4 Recommendation on Addressing the Impact of Turbidity .........................................................88
6.2.5 Recommendation on Protecting Essential Fish Habitat, and Specifically, Shoal Integrity ........88
7.0 REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................................................89
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 2.1
FIGURE 2.2
FIGURE 2.3
FIGURE 2.4
FIGURE 2.5
FIGURE 2.6
FIGURE 2.7
FIGURE 3.1
FIGURE 3.2
FIGURE 3.3
FIGURE 3.4
FIGURE 3.5
FIGURE 3.6
FIGURE 3.7
FIGURE 4.1
FIGURE 4.2
FIGURE 4.3
FIGURE 4.4
FIGURE 4.5
FIGURE 4.6
Schematic diagram showing the likely re-colonization rates............................................ 8
Dredging scars from a CSD operation ............................................................................ 15
Pre- and post-dredge surveys of a borrow pit off Miami Beach ..................................... 15
Hopper dredge sedimentation processes ......................................................................... 16
Acoustic backscatter images ........................................................................................... 19
Longitudinal section of the sedimentation plume ........................................................... 20
Map of the essential fish habitat for adult summer flounder .......................................... 24
Control center window................................................................................................... 35
On board dredge display ................................................................................................. 35
Load summary display .................................................................................................... 36
Dredge disposal history .................................................................................................. 36
Plotting options display menu......................................................................................... 37
Plot example ................................................................................................................... 37
Dredge track plot ............................................................................................................ 38
Beach nourishment scenarios.......................................................................................... 46
Hopper dredge in operation ............................................................................................ 46
Dredge operators display from the Liberty Island TSHD............................................... 49
New MMS stipulation on tracking dredge position ........................................................ 50
Sketch showing the anti-turbidity or environmental valve ............................................. 53
Sketch showing the Green Pipe approach ................................................................... 54
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2.1 Environmental studies on OCS sand resource issues.......................................................... 5
TABLE 2.2 Federal and State agency staff and researchers who were contacted.................................. 7
TABLE 2.3 Summary of perceived impacts and focus for this assessment ........................................ 26
TABLE 3.1 Summary of turbidity generated by different dredge types .............................................. 41
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GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
ADCP Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
ALSF Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund
BMAPA British Marine Aggregates Producers Association
CEFAS Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science
COE US Army Corps of Engineers
CSD Cutter Suction Dredge
DERM Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management
DOER Dredging Operations and Environmental Research of the USACE
DRL Dredging Research Ltd.
DSS Dredge Specific System
EFH Essential Fish Habitat
ERDC Engineering Research and Development Center of the USACE
JTU Jackson Turbidity Unit
LISST Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry
MIRO UK Mineral Industry Research Organization
MMS Minerals Management Service
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units
OCS Outer Continental Shelf (here referring to Federal waters)
REMOTS Remote Ecological Monitoring of the Seafloor
ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
SI Silent Inspector
SPOT An earth observation satellite
TSHD Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge
TSS Total Suspended Solids
USACE US Army Corps of Engineers
USGS/BRD US Geological Survey / Biological Research Division
USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service
WID Water Injection Dredging
WES Waterways Experiment Station, USACE
viii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report was prepared under contract to the Marine Minerals Branch, Leasing Division,
Minerals Management Service, Contract No. 01-02-CT-85139. Barry Drucker was the MMS
Project Manager and contributed significantly to the project objectives and the overall success of
the project. Dr. Rob Nairn of Baird and Associates was the Project Manager. The senior authors
were Dr. Rob Nairn, Mr. Tim Kenny, and Dr. Fernando Marvn of Baird & Associates, Dr.
Jacqueline Michel of Research Planning, Inc., Dr. Richard Newell of Marine Ecological
Surveys, and Mr. Nick Bray of Dredging Research Ltd. The cooperation of the UK Mineral
Industry Research Operation in the survey of the dredging industry in Europe is also gratefully
acknowledged.
ix
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The US Minerals Management Service (MMS) Leasing Division has the
responsibility for administering the Department of the Interior's role in mineral resource
development other than oil, gas, and sulfur on the US outer continental shelf (OCS).
MMS does not develop and maintain a schedule of lease offerings for OCS sand
resources. Rather, the leasing process for OCS sand must begin by a request from
potential users of the sand. Only recently have OCS sand resources been considered as
feasible sources of sand for beach nourishment. Between 1995 and 2001, MMS
conveyed 14,600,000 cubic yards of OCS sand for ten projects.
MMS expects that the OCS sand resources will be long-term sources of sand borrow
material for coastal erosion management because of:
The general diminishing supply of onshore and nearshore sand;
Impact of sea level rise and other natural and human-induced factors leading to
increased erosion;
The re-nourishment cycles for beaches or coastal areas requiring quantities of
sand not currently available from State sources; and
Immediate/emergency repair of beaches and coastal damage from severe coastal
storms.
MMS has responsibility for providing environmental analysis and assessment
information enabling the responsible management of the OSC sand resources. There is a
range of environmental concerns, including both direct and indirect impacts, with the
dredging operations necessary for sand borrow extraction. This project was initiated to
evaluate the extent to which recent developments in offshore dredging equipment and
practices may lead to more environmentally friendly results.
1.2 Project Goals
The goal of the project is to evaluate dredging equipment and techniques on a
worldwide basis to identify existing and emerging dredging technologies that aim to
reduce or avoid potential adverse effects on the offshore biological and physical
environment. Based on the results, recommendations are developed for an
implementation strategy for any promising technologies.
1.3 Study Approach
The project approach was comprised of four main areas of activity as described as
follows:
1
A literature review was completed for two main areas. The first was to update the
understanding of the impacts of dredging in order to provide the backbone for the
overall study. The second main thrust of the literature review was to assess the
existing and emerging environmentally friendly dredging technologies.
Representatives of the various regulatory agencies at the Federal and State level
that are responsible for the offshore environment of concern were interviewed to
determine the priority of key dredging impacts.
The second main area of investigation consisted of obtaining information through
direct contact with the dredging industry. This task took the form of
questionnaires, follow-up calls, and meetings.
Finally, the various approaches and techniques were evaluated for their
appropriateness, practicality, and effectiveness as they relate to the key impacts.
A central activity in this assessment was a workshop attended by regulating
agency representatives, consultants, dredging industry representatives, and MMS
staff from the Offshore Minerals Management Sand and Gravel Program.
1.4 Team Organization
The project team was comprised of the following firms and staff members:
Baird & Associates
Robert Nairn, Ph.D., M.Sc. P.E., Project Manager
Tim Kenny, B.Sc. Baird, Dredging Specialist Industry Review, USA
Fernando Marvn Ph.D., Literature Review
Research Planning, Inc.
Jacqueline Michel, Ph.D., Impact Evaluation (USA)
Marine Ecological Surveys
Dr. R.C. Newell B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc. (Lond), Impact Evaluation
(UK/Europe/Worldwide)
Dredging Research Ltd.
Mr. Nick Bray, B.A. MICE, Dredging Specialist Industry Review, Overseas
1.5 Report Structure
The remainder the report is divided into the following sections:
2. Identification of Dredging Impacts
3. Literature Review of Environmentally Friendly Approaches
4. Dredging Industry Review
5. Analysis of Environmentally Friendly Technology
6. Conclusions and Recommendations
2
2.0 IDENTIFICATION OF DREDGING IMPACTS
2.1 Introduction
This section describes the development of a prioritized list of key ecologic impacts
of offshore dredging activities from the perspective of the regulatory agencies in the USA
in 2004. It draws on the literature review of dredging impacts and related previous MMS
studies to define the current understanding of the impacts together with direct input from
representatives of the appropriate regulatory agencies.
The prioritized list and description of key ecological impacts will be used to evaluate
the appropriateness and effectiveness of the various environmentally friendly equipment
and approaches. In other words, this information will help answer such questions as:
Does a specific development in dredging equipment or practice address an
important ecologic impact?
Given our understanding of the impact, to what degree does the specific
development mitigate the impact?
In addition, it was necessary to determine a focus for this investigation, specifically
addressing areas that were not being considered in other ongoing MMS studies or by
other agencies.
2.2 Approach
MMS has been conducting studies of both generic and site-specific impacts of
dredging OCS sand borrow sites (Table 2.1). These studies were reviewed and potential
physical and biological impacts were summarized in Research Planning, Inc. et al.
(2001). For the current study, this initial list was updated with new information from the
stipulations required for the 2003 dredging test off Louisiana, discussions during the
Louisiana Sand Management Working Group meetings in 2003 and 2004, issues raised
during consultations with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) as part of the negotiated lease process for recent and pending lease
agreements, and the results of new and on-going MMS studies. Also, Newell and
Seiderer (2003) prepared a summary of the ecological impacts of dredging for marine
aggregates, with emphasis on sand and gravel dredging in the UK, specifically as input to
this study (this report is included in its entirety as Appendix A). The UK Mineral
Industry Research Organization (MIRO) draft report on best practices to assessing the
impacts of aggregates dredging, particularly Sections 5 (Mitigation) and 6 (Monitoring),
was also reviewed and found to be very useful (Royal Haskoning, 2004). Potential sand
borrow sites off the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts were the focus of our study.
3
Discussions were held with researchers and staff from Federal and State resource
agencies that are actively dealing with OCS dredging issues to refine and prioritize the
list of potential impacts (Table 2.2). Based on these discussions, the prioritized list of
concerns from OCS dredging operations on marine biological and physical resources
included:
1. Short-term and cumulative impacts from dredging that lead to loss or reduced
stability of benthic habitats, including re-colonization by an altered biological
community.
2. Injury and death of special species of concern (e.g., sea turtles) from being
sucked into the draghead during dredging operations using hopper dredges.
3. Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size, dissolved oxygen,
compaction and organic content) that lead to a reduction or alteration in benthic
communities and suitability of the area for future dredging.
4. Changes in bathymetry that can alter the wave climate reaching the shore,
resulting in shoreline changes.
5. Sedimentation (burial) impacts to adjacent hard/live bottom or other sensitive
habitats.
6. Creation of depressions and furrows from removal of substrate.
7. Impacts from short-term increased turbidity from cutterhead or draghead and
overflow from hopper dredges on benthic communities.
8. Spatial and seasonal conflicts between dredging and commercial and
recreational fisheries.
9. Potential to cause a break in an active or abandoned pipeline, resulting in a
release of petroleum hydrocarbons.
10. Collisions with marine mammals and sea turtles during vessel operations.
11. Damage to archaeological resources.
12. Potential harmful alteration or destruction of Essential Fish Habitat.
4
TABLE 2.1 Environmental studies on OCS sand resource issues funded
or supported by MMS. Copies of completed reports and status reports for
ongoing studies are available at: www.mms.gov/sandandgravel.
Site-Specific Environmental Baseline Studies
Environmental Investigation of the Use of Shoals Offshore Delaware and Maryland by
Mobile Benthos and Finfish Species. Final Report January 2005
Field Testing of a Physical/ Biological Monitoring Methodology for Offshore Dredging and
Mining Operations (being conducted at Sandbridge Shoal, offshore Virginia via
Cooperative Agreement with VIMS). Final Report 2005
Environmental Surveys of Potential Borrow Areas Offshore Northern New Jersey and
Southern New York and the Environmental Implications of Sand Removal for Coastal and
Beach Restoration. Draft Report Spring 2003
Environmental Surveys of Potential Borrow Areas on the East Florida Shelf and the
Environmental Implications of Sand Removal for Coastal and Beach Restoration. OCS
Study MMS 2004-037
Collection of Environmental Data within Sand Resource Areas Offshore North Carolina and
the Environmental Implications of Sand Removal for Coastal and Beach Restoration. OCS
Study MMS 2000-056
Surveys of Sand Resource Areas Offshore Maryland/Delaware and the Environmental
Implications of Sand Removal for Beach Restoration Projects. OCS Study MMS 2000-055
Environmental Surveys of OCS Sand Resources Offshore New Jersey. OCS Study MMS
2000-052
Environmental Survey of Identified Sand Resource Areas Offshore Alabama. OCS Study
MMS 99-0051
Use of Federal Sand Resources for Beach and Coastal Restoration in New Jersey, Maryland,
Delaware and Virginia. OCS Study MMS 99-0036
Environmental Studies Relative to Potential Sand Mining in the Vicinity of the City of
Virginia Beach, Virginia. OCS Study MMS 97-0025
West Florida Shelf Benthic Repopulation Study. OCS Report MMS 95-0005
Wave Modeling/Shoreline Erosion
A Numerical Modeling Examination of the Cumulative Physical Effects of Offshore Sand
Dredging for Beach Nourishment New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida. OCS
Study MMS 2001-098
Wave Climate and Bottom Boundary Layer Dynamics with Implications for Offshore Sand
Mining and Barrier Island Replenishment, South-Central Louisiana. OCS Study MMS
2000-053
Wave Climate Modeling and Evaluation Relative to Sand Mining on Ship Shoal, Offshore
LA, for Coastal and Barrier Islands Restoration. OCS Study MMS 96-0059
A Methodology and Criteria to Assess the Impact of Sand Volume Removed in Federal
Waters on the Offshore Wave Climate. OCS Study MMS 99-0046
Development of Criteria to Evaluate Wave Refraction Models. OCS Study MMS 99-0096
5
TABLE 2.1 Cont.
Generic Studies Applicable to all Offshore Marine Mineral Efforts
On-going
2004-0005
Report MMS 2001-089
Study MMS 2000-054
Marine Mining Technologies and Mitigation Techniques. A Detailed Analysis with Respect to
Mining. OCS Study MMS 93-0006
Marine Mining Literature Search Study. OCS Study MMS 93-0006
Analysis of Potential Biological and Physical Dredging Impacts on Offshore Ridge and Shoal
Features/Engineering Alternatives and Options to Avoid Adverse Environmental Impacts.
Worldwide Analysis of Shipwreck Damage Caused by Offshore Dredging: Recommendations
for Pre- Operational Surveys and Mitigation to Avoid Adverse Impacts. OCS Study MMS
Model Development or Modification for Analysis of Benthic and Surface Plume Generation
and Extent During Offshore Dredging Operations. Final model delivered December 2003.
Development and Design of Biological and Physical Monitoring Protocols to Evaluate the
Long-Term Impacts of Offshore Dredging Operations on the Marine Environment. OCS
Integrated Study of the Biological and Physical Effects of Marine Aggregate Dredging. OCS
Study of the Cumulative Effects of Marine Aggregate Dredging. OCS Study MMS 99-0030
Marine Aggregate Mining Benthic and Surface Plume Study. OCS Study MMS 99-0029
Impacts and Direct Effects of Sand Dredging for Beach Re-nourishment on the Benthic Organisms and
Geology of the West Florida Shelf. OCS Report MMS 95-0005
the Mining of Specific Offshore Mineral Commodities. OCS Report MMS 95-0003
Synthesis and Analysis of Existing Information Regarding Environmental Effects of Marine
6
TABLE 2.2 Federal and State agency staff and researchers who were contacted to
prioritize the list of physical and biological concerns associated with OCS
sand dredging.
Ken Duffy Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Syed Khalil Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
David Burkholder Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
Heather Finley Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fish
Bob Van Dolah Director, Marine Resources Research Institute
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Jeff Normant New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
Mark N. Mauriello New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Ron Williams Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
Bureau of Beaches & Coastal Systems
Russ Watson US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lafayette, La.
Carlos Mendoza US Fish and Wildlife Service, Houston, Tx.
Richard Hartman National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat
Conservation Division, Baton Rouge, La.
Stan Gorski National Marine Fisheries Service, Sandy Hook, NJ
Tim Goodger National Marine Fisheries Service
Eric Hawk National Marine Fisheries Service, Protected Species
Division, St. Petersburg, FL
Stan Riggs East Carolina University
Richard Condrey Louisiana State University
Woody Hobbs Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences
Bob Diaz Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences
Chris Slay Coastwise Consulting, Inc.
2.3 Review and Description of the List of Key Impacts
In the following sections, each of the impacts identified in Section 2.2 is described
and discussed with respect to whether it is appropriate to address the impact under this
study. Where there are existing stipulations in use by MMS to address the impact of
concern, these are also indicated.
2.3.1 Short-term and Cumulative Impacts F rom Dredging That Lead to
Loss or Reduced Stability of Benthic Habitats, Including Re-
colonization by an Altered Biological Community
This concern is based on the direct removal of benthic habitat along with infaunal
and epifaunal organisms that are incapable of avoiding the dredge, resulting in significant
reductions in the number of individuals, number of species, and biomass. Benthic
7
resources are important in the food web for commercially and recreationally important
fishes and invertebrates, and they contribute to the biodiversity of the pelagic
environment. Although short-term losses and changes in benthic community structure
have been documented to occur following sand dredging (Blake et. al, 1996; Van Dolah
et al., 1994), the ecological significance to the benthic community is uncertain. Studies
investigating the recovery of benthic communities following dredging (Blake et. al.,
1996; Newell et al, 1998; Van Dolah et al., 1994) have indicated that communities of
comparable total abundance and diversity can be expected to re-colonize dredge sites
within several years. Newell and Seiderer (2003) summarized recovery rates of benthic
communities post-dredging for different substrate types (Figure 2.1). Sandy substrates
typically recover within 2 to 4 years. However, even though these re-colonized
communities may be similar in terms of total abundance and species diversity, their
taxonomic composition, in terms of dominant species and species abundance, is often
very different from pre- to post-dredging.
FIGURE 2.1 Schematic diagram showing the likely re-colonization rates for the
benthic communities of estuarine muds, sand, gravels, and rocky reefs (Newell and
Seiderer, 2003 see Appendix A).
There are distinct patterns of re-colonization, with initial colonization by mobile
opportunistic species that have planktonic larvae within days, or even during the
dredging process. These species are capable of rapid colonization within months of space
being made available for colonization and growth. This phase is followed by an
increasing variety of colonizing species, an increase in the population densities of the
component species, and finally by growth of the individuals which leads to restoration of
the biomass. The rate at which recovery of the species diversity occurs is dependent on
8
the complexity of the fauna and the inter-relationships that control larval recruitment and
settlement. Many species do not re-colonize regularly, and most require specific
physicochemical and biological cues to induce settlement, implying that even if the
deposits in a dredge site post-dredging remain similar to those pre-dredging, there may be
a significant interval before all the species components are present in the community
(Newell and Seiderer, 2003). Longest recovery rates would be for slow-growing species
that do not have planktonic larvae. Also, recovery rates are long for sites that are
intensely (repeatedly) dredged. Newell and Seiderer (2003) reported on several studies
where there were significant differences in microfaunal assemblages subjected to
different dredging intensities. Therefore, impacts to benthic communities are of even
greater concern for sand borrow sites that are repeatedly dredged.
The key ecological concern with a change in benthic community is whether the new
benthic communities fill the same trophic function and provide the same energy transfer
to higher trophic levels, as did the original communities. If they do not, then the potential
long-term and cumulative ecological impacts of sand dredging may be far greater than
predicted to date, a condition that may be unacceptable as more sites along the coast are
dredged and others are dredged on a regular basis. The MMS monitoring protocols
(Research Planning, Inc. et al., 2001) were designed specifically to determine the effects
of dredging activities on benthic communities and the transfer of energy from benthic
communities to fishes.
All resource managers and researchers raised concerns about direct impacts to
benthic communities. The greatest concern is in known benthic-associated fishery areas,
such as the surf clam fishery off New Jersey and the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of
Mexico. There is less concern in areas of general biological productivity or dynamic
processes, such as in South Carolina.
In summary, there is a high priority to identify dredging methods that would speed
the rate of recovery of benthic communities and reduce the potential for permanent
changes in species abundance and dominant species. This potential impact warrants
specific focus in the review of potentially environmentally friendly approaches and
equipment.
2.3.2 Injury and Death of Special Species of Concern (e.g., sea turtles)
From Being Sucked Into the Draghead During Dredging Operations
Using Hopper Dredges.
Dredging of navigation channels has been identified as a source of sea turtle
mortality since sea turtle deaths were first documented during hopper dredging
operations in Canaveral Channel, Florida, in 1980 when 71 sea turtles were killed by
hopper dredging over the period of July 11 through November 13, 1980 (NMFS, 1991).
Hopper dredges move relatively rapidly and can entrain and kill sea turtles, presumably
as the drag arm of the moving dredge overtakes the slower moving turtle. In contrast,
9
there have been no reports of injury or death of sea turtles during cutterhead suction
dredging (NMFS, 2004).
Gulf sturgeon is another listed species (Federal, threatened) with documentation of
impacts from channel dredging (NMFS, 2004). NMFS and USFWS jointly designated
critical habitat for Gulf sturgeon in 2003 (68 FR 13370). All designated critical habitats
are in riverine, estuarine, or State marine waters; there are none in Federal waters at this
time.
Every Federal agency with management responsibility for species listed under the
Endangered Species Act expressed concern about potential impacts to listed species, and
to sea turtles in particular. There are existing stipulations for sea turtles that have
significantly reduced impacts, but even a single take is considered significant. The
USACE has an active research program working with all stakeholders to develop new
methods to reduce impacts to sea turtles during hopper dredging, primarily from dredging
operations in channels. In summary, it was concluded that MMS would review the results
of this research as results become available and adopt appropriate methods to reduce
potential impacts to sea turtles during OCS dredging activities. Therefore, this current
study has not explored in any detail the latest innovative developments related to
avoidance of impacts to listed species.
Existing stipulations being used in MMS leases to protect sea turtles include:
Presence of trained observer(s) for a specified percent of the time who
follows specific protocols.
Use of a rigid sea turtle deflector, such as the one designed by the USACE
or similar.
Operation of the dredge in a manner that will reduce the risk of interaction
with any sea turtles that might be present in the dredge area. Keep the
draghead on the bottom except: 1) when the dredge is not in a pumping
operation and the suction pumps are turned completely off; 2) the dredge
is being re-oriented to the next dredge line during borrow activities; and 3)
the vessels safety is at risk.
Dredge equipped with inflow screening baskets (4-inch mesh) to better
monitor the intake and overflow of the dredged materials for sea turtles
and their remains. The percent of inflow to be screened varies by region
from 50-100 percent.
Assessment/relocation trawling to further assess/reduce the potential for
incidental take during dredging. Trawling is conducted repeatedly in front
of the dredge as it moves along the track lines. Any turtles collected are to
be relocated. There are specifications for trawl tow time and speed. There
may be requirements for flipper tagging and genetic analysis of tissue
samples from turtles caught during relocation trawling.
10
Filing of detailed reports with the appropriate NOAA office within 30
days of project completion.
No revision to these stipulations is required at this time, however, following the
conclusion of the latest USACE research efforts it may be necessary to refine the
stipulations.
2.3.3 Changes in the Substrate Characteristics (Grain Size, Dissolved
Oxygen, Compaction and Organic Content) That Lead to a Reduction
in Benthic Communities and Suitability of the Area for Future
Dredging.
There are several conditions where OCS dredging can lead to changes in substrate
characteristics. Deep dredging (greater than 3 m) can create pits that may infill with
finer-grained sediments. Van Dolah et al. (1998) studied six dredged sites in South
Carolina and found that, at three of the sites, the borrow area had filled with muddy
sediments forming a cap over clean sand. Infilling with muddy sediments will change the
benthic communities, as well as rendering the site unsuitable as a future borrow area (or
less suitable due to the potential requirement for stripping and disposal of overlying fine
sediment). Newell and Seiderer (2003) looked at recovery rates of benthic communities
at a wide range of dredge sites and found that recruitment success was controlled mainly
by whether the sediments remain suitable for settlement after cessation of dredging.
Deep pits can also take a long time to infill. Van Dolah et al. (1998) found that
infilling at the six sites they studied took from 1.75 years to greater than 12 years. A deep
(greater than 10 m) pit dredged 3.6 km offshore Coney Island persisted for more than six
years and had a highly modified infaunal assemblage (Barry A. Vittor & Associates, Inc.,
1999). In deep pits, there may be decreases in dissolved oxygen levels in the water that
could lead to hypoxic or anoxic conditions (National Research Council, 1995).
The physical monitoring protocol for Sediment was developed for MMS (Research
Planning, Inc. et al., 2001 and summarized in Nairn et al., 2004) to evaluate the potential
changes to the sedimentological characteristics of the seabed, including sediment texture
and total organic content.
In summary, dredging techniques are needed that will: 1) preserve sediment
characteristics similar to pre-existing conditions for the surface substrate; and 2) avoid
creation of anoxic conditions within dredge pits. The review of environmentally friendly
equipment and approaches should consider these requirements.
11
2.3.4 Changes in Bathymetry that can Alter the Wave Climate Reaching
the Shore, Resulting in Shoreline Changes.
Excavation of sediments from offshore sand ridges and shoals can result in shoreline
change in one of two ways: 1) through alterations to the wave transformation pattern,
changing the waves that reach the shore, in turn modifying the sand transport related
processes and ultimately changing erosion and accretion patterns; and 2) by interrupting
or modifying a sand supply pathway from or through the borrow area to the shore. A
review of the currently identified OCS borrow sites suggests that many of them are not at
risk from the second impact because they are isolated from the sediment budget of the
littoral system by large distances and muddy areas (the latter indicating the absence of a
sand transport pathway). Nevertheless, this will not always be the case.
MMS has commissioned studies on wave modeling and shoreline erosion at potential
OCS borrow sites off New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana (see
Table 2.1). The general conclusion of these site-specific studies is that removal of
offshore shoals can change the amount of wave energy reaching the shoreline, but no
significant changes to longshore sediment transport are likely. Two of the four physical
monitoring protocols developed for MMS (Research Planning, Inc. et al., 2001 and
summarized in Nairn et al., 2004) were specifically designed to address the potential for
shoreline impacts. These were the Waves and Shoreline Protocols. These protocols
included recommendations on monitoring and numerical modeling to avoid the potential
for alteration of shoreline erosion and sedimentation patterns.
The importance of this concern varied by region. Where the OCS sand bodies were
close to shore and/or shallow enough to influence the wave climate, there was high
concern about the potential for increased shoreline erosion as a result of dredging. The
orientation, depth, and shape of the sand body and borrow areas should be considered in
evaluating the impact of dredging on wave climate.
In summary, the potential for shoreline erosion will be determined by site-specific
modeling studies and long-term shoreline monitoring programs as described in the
Monitoring Protocols. In other words, these types of impacts will not be specifically
reviewed as part of this investigation.
2.3.5 Sedimentation (Burial) Impacts to Adjacent Hard/Live Bottom or
Other Sensitive Habitats
Hard/live bottom communities are usually associated with outcroppings of rocks or
hard fossil substrates that are richly colonized by algae, sponges, hydroids, octocorals,
stony corals, and other attached species. These areas are important for foraging and
protection from predation for fish populations, particularly where they occur in sediment-
dominated areas. In south Florida, there is particular concern where small sand borrow
sites occur between hard/live bottom habitats, as well as the Oculina Bank region in both
12
State and Federal waters off central Florida. Many hard/live bottom habitats in nearshore
areas have been severely damaged by sedimentation and burial associated with beach
nourishment projects (e.g., Lindeman and Snyder, 1999).
In potential sand borrow sites off central Florida, hard bottom habitat was mapped as
present along 38 percent of the transects through the southern part of the borrow area
although previous studies had not reported hard bottom habitat in this area (Byrnes and
Hammer, 2004). Hard bottom formations identified off central Florida occurred as ledges
or outcrops of limestone generally arranged in north-south trending outcrops usually
forming ledges facing west. All hard bottom supported epibiota assemblages of varying
taxonomic composition (Byrnes and Hammer, 2004). The results of the central Florida
study highlight the importance of conducting surveys to identify the presence of hard/live
bottom habitat in sand borrow areas prior to sand mining in regions where there is
potential for them to occur.
There are three possible ways that dredging activities in an OCS borrow area may
result in sedimentation-related impacts to hard/live bottom habitats: 1) through direct
sedimentation associated with the footprint of the sediment from the overflow of Trailing
Suction Hopper Dredges (TSHDs) or from the draghead or cutterhead (from Cutter
Suction Dredge [CSDs] in the latter case); 2) re-suspension and subsequent transport of
fines (specifically, silt and clay) beyond the initial sedimentation footprint; and 3)
development of near-bed turbidity plumes or currents that may travel well beyond
normal bounds of a plume sedimentation footprint. Sedimentation affects hard/live
bottom sessile communities by interfering with photosynthesis, respiration, and feeding.
In most offshore areas where hard/live bottom habitats occur, the sediment grain size is
usually in the sand range, and impacts from dredging are likely to be localized and short-
term. Thus, the greatest potential impacts are from sediment deposition, which could bury
organisms, clog filter-feeding organisms such as sponges, cause corals to expend energy
producing mucous to clear sediment from their surfaces, and reduce hard surface area
available for recruitment. NMFS included the following requirement in their Regional
Biological Opinion for dredging in the Gulf of Mexico (NMFS, 2004):
Hardground Buffer Zones: All dredging in sand mining areas will be designed to
ensure that dredging will not occur within a minimum of 400 feet from any
significant hardground areas or bottom structures that serve as attractants to sea
turtles for foraging or shelter. NOAA Fisheries considers (for the purposes of this
Opinion only) a significant hardground in a project area to be one that, over a
horizontal distance of 150 feet, has an average elevation above the sand of 1.5 feet or
greater, and has algae growing on it. The COE Districts shall ensure that sand
mining sites within their Districts are adequately mapped to enable the dredge to
stay at least 400 feet from these areas. If the COE is uncertain as to what constitutes
significance, it shall consult with NOAA Fisheries, Habitat Conservation Division
and NOAA Fisheries, Protected Resources Division for clarification and guidance.
13
In summary, it was concluded that dredging methods are needed to make sure that
significant hard/live bottom habitats are not covered by sediments as a result of dredging
at sand borrow sites. The review of environmentally friendly equipment and practices
will, therefore, consider this potential impact.
2.3.6 Creation of Depressions and Furrows From Removal of Substrate.
This concern was that, under certain conditions, dredging would affect seabed
topography or surface roughness enough to interfere with trawling fisheries. Dredging
activities can result in lowering of the level of the seabed, creation of trailer marks and
depressions on the seabed, and exposure of hard bottom previously covered by sediment.
The creation or exposure of these features can lead to difficulties in certain fishing
activities, in particular trawling, as the trawl gear can potentially become hung up on
these features (Royal Haskoning, 2004). Figure 2.2 shows an example of dredge scars.
The images used in this mosaic were collected using a Sea Scan PC Portable
Fieldworks PC System with a 600 kHz Towfish at 20 m range and then mosaiced using
SeaSone Mapper software. The dredging operation shown in this mosaic is in Red Brook
Harbor, North Falmouth, MA. The images used to create the mosaic were collected by
John P. Fish of Ocean Star Systems Inc., Cataumet, MA. Figure 2.3 shows the cross-
section of a sand borrow site off Miami Beach, comparing pre- and post-dredging bottom
topography.
There is little information on the magnitude of this potential problem for OCS sand
borrow sites. MMS has contracted a study entitled World-Wide Survey of Dredging
Impacts on Commercial and Recreational Fisheries and Analysis of Available Mitigation
Measures to Protect and Preserve Resources. The study includes ethnographic fieldwork
with commercial and sport fishers and the dredging industry, during which actual data on
the magnitude of this potential impact will be collected.
It was concluded that this new MMS study would identify the magnitude of the
problem and suggest measures appropriate to mitigate potential impacts for this concern.
Therefore, this impact will not be a focus of this investigation.
Existing MMS stipulations include:
To assure that deep pits and furrows are not created, conduct post-
dredging hydrographic surveys.
The dredged area within the offshore borrow site shall not exceed
maximum side slopes of 2:1.
14
FIGURE 2.2 Dredging scars from a CSD operation in Red Brook Harbor, MA.
FIGURE 2.3 Pre- and post-dredge surveys borrow pit off Miami Beach (note the
vertical exaggeration of 12.5 to 1 and dimensions are in feet).
2.3.7 Short-term Increased Turbidity from Cutterhead or Draghead and
Overflow (from hopper dredges) that Affects Benthic Communities.
For TSHDs, increases in turbidity from dredging can be generated at two primary
sources as shown in Figure 2.4: 1) the draghead; and 2) from the discharge of hopper
overflow. With CSDs, turbidity is only generated at the bed by the cutterhead.
15
Sediments are suspended at the cutterhead or draghead during the process of
removing sediments from the seafloor. Suspended sediments here are usually confined to
the immediate vicinity of the cutterhead or draghead and do not reach the surface
(LaSalle et al., 1991). In sandy substrates typical of OCS sand borrow sites, the extent of
suspended sediments is likely to be very restricted. The exception would be where a fine-
grained sediment overburden must be stripped to access the borrow sand.
Increased turbidity results from overflow discharges from hopper dredges. The
behavior and persistence of plumes from overflow discharges have been extensively
studied in the UK where 20 to 80 percent of the dredged material may be discharged
overboard during screening of gravel deposits (Newell and Seiderer, 2003).
FIGURE 2.4 Hopper dredge sedimentation processes (note this figure shows two S
1
sources at overflows from a screening operation; in almost all US dredges the S
1
source
is through the bottom of the hull).
Referring to Figure 2.4, the features of sedimentation associated with TSHDs
dredging sand and gravel deposits are described in the following paragraphs.
As mentioned above there are two types of sediment sources: S
1
from the overflow
(which for most dredges now is through the bottom of the hull and not directly overboard
as shown in Figure 2.4); and S
2
associated with suspension of sediment at the draghead.
16
Sediment discharged overboard from the hopper overflow moves faster than would
be anticipated from simple Gaussian models based on the settlement velocity of
component particles. This is due to high sediment concentration and discharge rate of the
overflowed material, factors that lead to the development of a density current that moves
through the water column in a dynamic phase of settlement, at least initially.
As the dynamic plume moves through the water column, sediment is stripped away
from the plume. The sediment that is stripped away forms a passive plume that is
advected and dispersed by ambient currents, with the particles settling according to
Gaussian models. Figure 2.5 shows this process through backscatter measurements from
an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) as a plume dissipates behind a hopper
dredge.
In cases of shallow water and/or high discharge rates, the dynamic plume penetrates
the water column all the way to the bed. In this case, the plume pancakes when it
reaches the bottom. There is recent evidence from UK studies that where pancaking
occurs, this body of sediment-laden water can travel long distances before dissipating
through slowing of the lateral current and settling of the sediment. Newell and Seiderer
(2003) cite an example where the travel distance for sediment-laden near bed water
exceeded 2.7 km (see Appendix A). This process is captured from the backscatter signal
of an ADCP in Figure 2.6. While this plume behavior corresponds to an anchor
(stationary) dredge operation that is particularly conducive to this development, it is also
possible that this may occur with conventional TSHDs.
In either the case of pancaking or not, sediment that settles on the bed can be
eventually re-suspended by wave and current action and transported further afield,
particularly where the sediment is finer than the native sediment.
Newell and Siederer (2003) note that UK studies have shown that, in most cases,
coarse material up to sand-size particles settles within 200 to 600 m of the point source of
discharge, depending on depth of water, tidal velocity, and the velocity of flow from the
discharge pipe (it is noted that many of the areas of study in Britain have much stronger
tidal currents than along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the US, so the 600 m limit noted
above may be overly conservative in US waters). Although, as noted above, under some
circumstances a highly turbid near-bed flow can develop (i.e. through the pancaking
process associated with impact of the dynamic plume and the bed) and transport sediment
at least 2.5 km from a dredge site.
The pancaking process where the dynamic plume phase is converted to a laterally
spreading turbidity current upon impact with the bed would appear to be a very important
one with respect to the potential lateral extent of sedimentation. In order to investigate
whether the pancaking process is one that might be expected for offshore sand dredging
in waters of 10 to 30 m depth under MMS jurisdiction, the MMS Plume Model for
TSHDs (see Baird & Associates, 2004) was applied to evaluate plumes for two of the
largest TSHDs operating in US waters: the Stuyvesant (8,250 m
3
hopper) and the Liberty
17
Island (5,000 m
3
hopper). For these dredges working in medium sand with less than 15%
fines the overflow rate would range from 5 to 3 m
3
/s, respectively for the Stuyvesant and
the Liberty Island, with solids discharge rates in the range of 200 to 400 kg/s and 120 to
220 kg/s, again respectively. At these discharge rates, the Plume Model results indicated
that the dynamic plume phase would easily reach and impact the bed in water depths of
10 to 30 m. This would also be the case for the smaller TSHDs operating in US waters.
Whether or not a laterally spreading turbidity current would develop following the
impact of the dynamic plume with the bed has not been investigated at a theoretical level
in this project or any others found in the published literature, nor is it represented in any
numerical models. From the theoretical understanding of turbidity currents, to trigger
and sustain a laterally spreading turbidity current, the following conditions are required:
an ongoing supply of water with high sediment concentration (i.e., an unbroken supply
from the dynamic phase impacting the bed since the dredge is always moving, this may
only be sustainable by larger TSHDs on a long run) and sufficient bed slope and/or
ambient flow condition to sustain the turbidity current (see Parker et al., 1986 and Stacey
and Bowen, 1988). The ambient current would have to be parallel to the axis of dredging
for the supply of sediment-laden water from the dynamic plume to remain unbroken.
This pancaking phenomenon and the related potential for a much larger sedimentation
footprint (i.e., greater than 2 km) should, therefore, be considered where the ambient
currents are strong (and parallel to the main axis of dredging) or where the local seabed
slopes are steep.
Nevertheless, it has been assumed in the past that the pancaking process of a laterally
spreading turbidity current does not occur in most cases. In these situations, even fine
silt-sized particles reach background values within 2 to 2.5 km of discharge, although
there is a residual signature from the dispersing plume at distances of up to 3.5 km,
which may be attributable to organic matter derived from fragmented benthos discharged
during the screening process (refer to Figure 2.5).
Existing MMS stipulations include:
Turbidity shall not exceed background levels by more than 29
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). If monitoring shows that turbidity
exceeds the maximum amount allowable, dredging activities shall cease
immediately and not resume until corrective measures have been taken
and turbidity has returned to acceptable levels.
This stipulation is not normally or frequently included by MMS, but it has been invoked
where an Environmental Assessment analysis indicated some concerns with water quality
in the project area. The 29 NTU limit (above background levels) is based on water-
quality criteria developed for dredging in Florida waters. Apparently, it originally
evolved from a conversion of the EPA Clean Water value of 50 JTU (Jackson Turbidity
Units). NTUs
18
FIGURE 2.5 Acoustic backscatter images across the plume at varying distances
downstream of an anchor dredge during loading of a screened cargo at Owers Bank off
the south coast of UK. Based on Hitchcock and Drucker (1996). The black band at the
seabed is a data corruption zone that precluded assessment of plume morphology at the
sediment-water interface. The red signal indicates coarse sand-sized particles; the yellow
signal indicates the settlement of silt; and the white signal is considered to represent
organic flocculating material.
are measured automatically through instruments that measure the scattering of light
whereas JTUs are based on a visual assessment of the fuzziness of a mark at the bottom
of a clear tube. It is likely that the original value of 50 JTU resulted from limits
associated with avoiding ecological impact in streams and rivers. In Florida, for typical
beach nourishment projects, the measurements for turbidity compliance are usually taken
150 m offshore and no more than 150 m downcurrent of the discharge point within the
densest portion of any visible turbidity plume. The measurements are taken at the surface,
mid-depth and near the bottom. Background levels are specified to be measured 1,000 m
upcurrent from the dredging operations. Many investigators have questioned the validity
of a general limit for all conditions (see Goldberg, 1989). Based on comparison to more
spatially comprehensive ADCP measurements of turbidity, the point measurements of
turbidity in space and time have also been argued to add arbitrariness to the evaluation
(Doug Clarke, personal communication). Surface water quality limits vary by State in a
range of 5 to 150 NTU above background (depending on the State and the location and
19
seasons) but are mostly in the 20 to 50 NTU range (Source: USEPA Office of Water,
Office of Science and Technology). In most cases, these limits were developed for
freshwater conditions although are often applied to marine conditions as well. Some
States have separate marine and freshwater limits. Wilber and Clarke (2004) indicate
that few field studies have actually been completed for the low levels of turbidity that
exist nearby a dredging operation (much of the data come from acute response tests). In
summary, there is limited work in defining a scientific limit of elevated turbidity levels
for offshore marine environments. Also, the application of a single point, single value
limit is relatively arbitrary and perhaps unsupportable scientifically.
FIGURE 2.6 Longitudinal section of the sedimentation plume from a dredge loading
a screened cargo at Owers Bank in 1995. Based on Acoustic Backscatter data from
Hitchcock et al. (2002). The red side of the scale indicates high backscatter levels and the
blue side of the scale indicates low backscatter levels (depths and Eastings are in meters).
In the UK and Europe the assessment of dredging impacts related to turbidity is
almost exclusively focused on sedimentation. There is little concern with the water
column turbidity levels as it is assumed fish can easily evade areas of higher turbidity
(Desprez, 2000).
It is generally assumed by resource managers in the US that, when OCS dredging
occurs in sandy substrates, turbidity would be short-term and animals in the water
column would avoid turbid areas. Turbidity might be more of a concern in areas where a
fine-grained overburden has to be removed to access the coarser sediment below,
20
although even in these areas the existence of fine sediment on the bed would suggest a
relatively high background suspended sediment concentration. However, potential
impacts to sensitive benthic habitats, such as hard/live bottom habitats, are still of
concern even in sandy substrates.
In summary, there is a need to determine the potential impacts of plumes from
overflow discharges on sensitive benthic habitats and appropriate methods to reduce
these impacts where they could be significant. However, it would appear to be generally
accepted that water column turbidity impacts to marine ecology from dredging operations
in sandy substrates are not a significant concern.
2.3.8 Spatial and Seasonal Conflicts Between Dredging and Commercial
and Recreational Fisheries.
Dredging in the OCS poses the potential for navigational conflicts with local
commercial and sport fishers from the presence of operating dredges at the borrow site
and transit to and from the sand discharge points. Such conflicts may result in diminished
access to favorable fishing areas and a loss of harvest. Fishery impacts have been
identified as being of general concern by several groups, and they have also been of
specific concern in some instances such as in New Jersey with the surf clam fishery.
Mitigation actions can include lease stipulations, such as avoidance areas, as is done to
protect archaeological resources or oil and gas infrastructure in the borrow site.
Mitigation actions can also include institutional activities to facilitate communication and
cooperation among potentially conflicting entities. Some recommendations made to
decrease the likelihood of conflicts have included: identifying the most appropriate
fishery industry liaisons to facilitate communications, providing sufficient advance
warning of impending dredging activities to fishermen, zoning permitted areas so as to
protect the most important fishery grounds, avoiding dredging during peak fishing
seasons, setting up relatively small exclusion zones within the larger permit area to
shelter sensitive habitats, selection of transit routes that minimize interference with
fishing activities, choosing those dredging techniques which have the lowest fishery
impacts, limiting extraction rates, regulating the at-sea screening of sediments, and
effective monitoring of dredging operations to ensure compliance. In the UK, success of
the majority of mitigation measures related to the commercial fishing industry relies
heavily on communication between the two industries (Royal Haskoning, 2004). To
address this concern, MMS has contracted a new study entitled World-Wide Survey of
Dredging Impacts on Commercial and Recreational Fisheries and Analysis of Available
Mitigation Measures to Protect and Preserve Resources.
In summary, it was concluded that the new MMS study would address this concern,
and therefore, it is not a focus of this report.
21
2.3.9 Potential to Break an Active or Abandoned Pipeline, Resulting in a
Release of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Throughout the central Gulf of Mexico, numerous pipelines, platforms, wellheads,
and other related oil and gas infrastructure are present in potential OCS sand borrow
sites. Given the potential for removal of 3 m or more of sediment in areas near oil and gas
infrastructure, there is a potential risk that dredging will result in changes to the sediment
stability and seafloor topography that could lead to damage to existing pipelines and
structures. The primary mitigation method in practice is to establish no-dredge buffers
around known infrastructure. However, there are many questions yet to be answered on
the short- and long-term impacts of sediment removal in the vicinity of oil and gas
infrastructure, including: How much sediment can be removed from a sand borrow site
before the surficial integrity of the site is impacted such that the surface collapses and the
structural integrity of facilities are compromised, especially during storm events? What
widths are appropriate buffer zones around these facilities to avoid such a compromise?
MMS is currently conducting a study entitled Study to Address the Issue of Seafloor
Stability and the Impact on Oil and Gas Infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico.
In summary, it was concluded that this new study would address this concern.
Therefore, this topic is not addressed in this assessment of environmentally friendly
approaches to dredging.
2.3.10 Collisions with Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles During Vessel
Operations
Vessel collisions with endangered whales (Northern right whale, fin whale, and
humpback whale) are one of the major factors limiting their recovery (NMFS, 1991b,c;
Reeves et al., 1998). There has never been a report of a whale strike or mortality by a
hopper dredge in the US (NMFS, 2004), although there is one report of a right whale calf
mortality resulting from a strike by a dredging vessel in South Africa (C. Slay, Coastwise
Consulting, Inc., pers. comm., 2004). It is generally thought that hopper dredges move
slow enough to minimize the risk of a strike with a marine mammal. In areas where
recreational boating and ship traffic is intense, propeller and collision injuries are not
uncommon for all sea turtle species.
Existing stipulations include:
If operating in areas of known whale occurrences, observers are required.
If whales are observed, avoid intentional approaches within 100 yards
(500 yards for right whales) and slow speeds to less than 4 knots.
See stipulations for sea turtles.
22
In summary, it was concluded that existing stipulations are adequate for now, and
this potential impact was not addressed further in the evaluation of environmentally
friendly approaches to dredging.
2.3.11 Damage to Archaeological Resources
The National Historic Preservation Act requires Federal agencies to protect historic
and cultural resources, which include shipwrecks, historic fortifications, and coastal
settlements, as well as prehistoric sites that have become submerged due to the global
and local rise in sea level. As a Federal agency, the MMS must protect the significant
archaeological and historic sites that may be impacted by its activities. MMS
requirements for remote-sensing surveys to identify and protect submerged cultural
resources in lease areas where oil, gas, and sulfur deposits are being exploited in the Gulf
of Mexico Region were identified in the Notice to Lessees 98-06 (MMS, 1998) and
revised in Notice to Lessees 2002-G01 on 15 March 2002 (MMS, 2002). MMS
guidelines for the conduct of archaeological resource remote-sensing surveys address
three basic issues: survey navigation, survey pattern, and data acquisition instrumentation
(Notice to Lessees 2002-G01). No requirements have been adopted for the Atlantic OCS
and slightly different requirements are in place for the Pacific coast (Notice to Lessees
98-05).
MMS recently completed a review of its current practices and the development of
recommendations on dredging methods, protocols, policies, and monitoring requirements
to minimize impacts on submerged cultural resources (Research Planning, Inc. et al.,
2004). In summary, it was determined that this recent study adequately addressed the
concerns and recommended approaches needed to minimize potential damages to
archaeological resources. Therefore, this potential impact has not been considered as part
of the evaluation of environmentally friendly approaches to dredging.
2.3.12 Potential Harmful Alteration or Destruction of Essential Fish Habitat
The 1996 reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act required designation and conservation of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)
for species managed under existing Fishery Management Plans. EFH is defined as those
waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to
maturity [16 U.S.C. 1801(10)]. Maps of designated EFH for many species cover large
areas. For example, Figure 2.7 shows the EFH for adult summer flounder as designated
by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council. Clearly, OCS sand borrow sites are often located
within designated EFH areas. EFH also includes Habitat Areas of Particular Concern
(HAPCs) that are narrowly focused habitats with demonstrated direct habitat value for
managed species.
The potential effects to fisheries from sand dredging are unknown, having been
identified in most of the environmental impact assessments prepared for OCS sand
23
dredging to be minimal or non-existent (Hammer et al., 2003; Louis Berger Group, 1999,
Byrnes et al., 2003). This assessment was based on the determination that most of the fish
inhabiting the potential dredge areas were characterized as wide-foraging or migratory,
spending only part of their life cycle in the dredge borrow area. In addition, the
ridge/shoal and shelf features identified as potential sand borrow areas are very large in
geographic extent, extending over kilometers of seafloor and the potential borrow area
for each dredging event is relatively small. Therefore, it was assumed that the lost or
altered habitat area, overall, would probably be minimal.
FIGURE 2.7 Map of the essential fish habitat for adult summer flounder, as
designated by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council.
24
2.4
In the literature review conducted by Research Planning, Inc. et al. (2001), they
found that little was known about the ecological utilization of ridge and shoal features by
fish species. Anecdotal information suggests that these features are important to fish as
feeding, staging, or orientation areas during short-term or long-term migrations. To
address this data gap, MMS is conducting studies of shoal features off Delaware and
Maryland to determine if they constitute important habitat for fisheries and represent
essential fish habitat (first study listed in Table 2.1). MMS is also funding a study of the
utilization of Ship Shoal, Louisiana by shrimp and sea trout, through the Coastal Marine
Institute at the Louisiana State University. Fish habitat on Sabine and Heald Bank
offshore Texas are also being evaluated by USGS/BRD.
Although dredging can impact a wide range of types of EFH, at this time most
existing and upcoming areas of dredging are associated with ridge and shoal features.
There is a concern that potential impacts from dredging of ridges and shoals may affect
their morphologic integrity. Hayes and Nairn (2004) identified the issue that repeated
dredging of these features might lead to the deflation or eventual disappearance of the
bathymetric feature. They proposed that offshore ridges and shoals are maintained by
wave-generated sand transport processes, and they hypothesized that lowering of the
feature below some critical depth would disrupt the processes that maintain the feature.
To address this concern, MMS is conducting a study entitled Analysis of Potential
Biological and Physical Dredging Impacts on Offshore Ridge and Shoal
Features/Engineering Alternatives and Options to Avoid Adverse Environmental
Impacts. Therefore, this study of environmentally friendly approaches will not focus on
the issue of geomorphic stability of shoal features. Some initial recommendations are
provided as this topic was discussed at the study workshop.
Summary of Potential Impacts and Focus for this Investigation of
Environmentally Friendly Approaches
This section provides a summary of the review of various perceived impacts as
identified through discussions with the regulatory agencies and the literature reviews. It
provides the focus for the evaluation of environmentally friendly equipment and practices
presented in Section 5 of this report. Table 2.3 lists the prioritized list of impacts
together with comments on which impacts will be considered as part of this investigation.
The key focus of this investigation will be on the following impacts in the order of
priority determined from the discussions with resource managers in the US: 1. loss of
benthic habitat; 3. changes to substrate characteristics; 5. sedimentation and burial of
sensitive habitat; and 7. short-term increases in turbidity. The remaining impacts are
being or have been addressed in detailed studies by MMS (Impacts 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and
12) and USACE (Impact 2).
25
TABLE 2.3 Summary of perceived impacts and focus for this assessment.
Impact Summary
1. Short-term and cumulative impacts This impact is a key focus for this
from dredging that lead to loss or
reduced stability of benthic habitats,
investigation.
including re-colonization by an altered
biological community.
2. Injury and death of special species of
concern (e.g., sea turtles) from being
This impact and its mitigation are being
addressed in detail by the USACE in an
sucked into the draghead during
dredging operations using hopper
ongoing study. Therefore, it will not be
addressed in this investigation.
dredges
3. Changes in the substrate This impact will be reviewed as part of
characteristics (grain size, dissolved
oxygen, compaction and organic
this investigation.
content) that lead to a reduction in
benthic communities and suitability of
the area for future dredging.
4. Changes in bathymetry that can alter This impact was addressed as part of the
the wave climate reaching the shore,
resulting in shoreline changes.
Biological and Physical Monitoring
Protocols developed for MMS and will
not be addressed in this investigation.
5. Sedimentation (burial) impacts to This impact will be reviewed as part of
adjacent hard/live bottom or other this investigation.
sensitive habitats.
6. Creation of depressions and furrows
from removal of substrate.
This impact will not be reviewed as part
of this investigation as it will be
addressed as part of an ongoing MMS
study (World-Wide Survey of Dredging
Impacts on Commercial and
Recreational Fisheries and Analysis of
Available Mitigation Measures to
Protect and Preserve Resources).
7. Impacts from short-term increased
turbidity from cutterhead or draghead
This impact will be reviewed as part of
this investigation. However, it is
and overflow from hopper dredges on
benthic communities.
generally accepted that this is not an
impact of critical concern.
26
TABLE 2.3 Cont.
8. Spatial and seasonal conflicts between This impact will not be reviewed as part
dredging and commercial and
recreational fisheries.
of this investigation as it will be
addressed as part of an ongoing MMS
study (World-Wide Survey of Dredging
Impacts on Commercial and
Recreational Fisheries and Analysis of
Available Mitigation Measures to
Protect and Preserve Resources).
9. Potential to cause a break in an active
or abandoned pipeline, resulting in a
release of petroleum.
This impact will not be reviewed as part
of this investigation as it will be
addressed as part of an ongoing MMS
study (Study to Address the Issue of
Seafloor Stability and the Impact on Oil
and Gas Infrastructure in the Gulf of
Mexico).
10. Collisions with marine mammals and Existing stipulations are satisfactory and
sea turtles during vessel operations. this impact will not be evaluated as part
of this investigation.
11. Damage to archaeological resources. This impact will not be reviewed as part
of this investigation as it has been
addressed as part of an MMS study
(Research Planning, Inc. et al., 2004).
12. Potential harmful alteration or This impact will not be reviewed in
destruction of Essential Fish Habitat. detail as part of this investigation as it
will be addressed as part of an ongoing
MMS study (Analysis of Potential
Biological and Physical Dredging
Impacts on Offshore Ridge and Shoal
Features/Engineering Alternatives and
Options to Avoid Adverse
Environmental Impacts). Some initial
recommendations are provided as this
topic was discussed at the study
workshop.
27
3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
APPROACHES
3.1 Methodology
A literature review of environmentally friendly dredging technologies was
completed in support of this study.
The review was specifically focused on hydraulic dredging techniques. Mechanical
dredging approaches were not included in the review as these are almost certainly not
practical or economic for offshore dredging in Federal waters. As such the primary focus
for the literature review was on Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges (TSHDs) and Cutter
Suction Dredges (CSDs). There were some examples of development related to
Stationary Suction Dredges. Dustpan dredges were also considered in the review.
A literature review was conducted through the Internet and several information
databases were identified including government agencies, research institutes and
universities. One of the most extensive data sources was found at the Delft University of
Technology in the Netherlands from which a list of approximately 1,200 potential
documents was retrieved. The abstracts of these documents were read and the number of
documents was reduced to 60 for full paper reviews. The targeted articles were obtained
from various online and library sources. A bibliography of all key papers reviewed is
included as Appendix B.
Another key source of information was the Dredging Operations and Environmental
Research (DOER) Program of the Engineering Research and Development Center
(ERDC) at USACE. Reports, technical notes, bulletins, and research briefs were
reviewed. It was found that the focus of the USACE research was mostly directed
toward issues associated with nearshore and, particularly, navigation dredging, where the
primary interest of the USACE resides.
All the documents were reviewed and the relevant information related to
environmental friendly dredging technology was documented and is summarized in this
section. The summary is subdivided into sections pertaining to the different dredging
equipment (TSHDs, CSDs and other devices) and monitoring approaches.
3.2 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges
The most likely equipment of choice for offshore dredging for beach nourishment
sand and aggregates on future MMS projects (i.e., in Federal jurisdiction at least 3
nautical miles offshore in open water) will be TSHDs.
A major part of offshore dredging of sands and aggregates in the US and Europe is
currently undertaken with TSHDs. This type of dredge has been under intense scrutiny by
28
the dredging industry lately for two reasons; firstly there has been a large expansion in
the TSHD market to accommodate the requirements of major reclamation projects in
South East Asia (Tsurusaki et al., 1988; Evans, 1994), and secondly there have been
serious efforts in recent years to develop methods of predicting and reducing the effects
of sediment re-suspension by these dredges, as part of on-going research projects in
several countries.
A description of the sources of suspended sediment from TSHD operations was
provided in Section 2.3.7. The primary source of suspended sediment is the hopper
overflow. Sediment suspended at the draghead is local in nature and confined to a zone
close to the bed. The hopper overflow usually produces a dynamic plume phase (where
highly turbid water forms a turbidity plume or current through the water column), a
passive phase and, sometimes, a near bed pancaking and laterally spreading turbidity
current phase. Pancaking has been used as a metaphor to describe the effect of the
vertical momentum of the dynamic plume phase impacting the bed and with the
subsequent transfer of this momentum to spreading in the horizontal plane.
The effects of overflow as a plume are discussed in Bonetto (1995), Sea Technology
(1998),Van Dipen (1993), LaSalle et al. (1991), Whiteside et al. (1995), Hirsch et al.
(1978), and ERDC-TN-DOER-E15. Conventionally, modeling of the passive phase of
plumes has been performed to assess the impact of overflow (Bonetto, 1995; Whiteside et
al., 1995; Norem et al., 1990). Only recently have models been developed to evaluate the
dynamic phase of settling (see Baird & Associates, 2004).
In terms of vessel design, the most obvious trend is in vessel size. Within a decade
the maximum hopper size of TSHDs has moved from around 12,000 m
3
to in excess of
35,000 m
3
. This vast increase in size has been accompanied by increased loading
capacity, particularly at depth. The large vessels themselves have the ability to support
and deploy long suction pipes and these, together with the addition of underwater pumps
in the trailing arm, make it possible to dredge sand at high concentration from great
depth. A by-product of increasing the size of these vessels is that suction pipes and
hopper dimensions become large.
The significance of large, low-friction suction pipes are that high concentrations can
be pumped with greater facility. Large hopper dimensions, combined with the use of a
single suction pipe rather than the more normal two, allow a considerably better settling
efficiency to be obtained in the hopper, with a commensurate increase in the retention of
fine materials.
As part of the on-going research into the efficiency of hopper systems and the need
to be able to predict, in a quantitative manner, the re-suspension of sediments caused by
operating dredges, the industry has recently carried out a number of experiments. The
first of these was to measure the flow patterns in a large-scale model of a TSHD hopper
(van Rhee, 2001; Ooijens et al., 2001). This research is being used to obtain a
29
fundamental understanding of the hydrodynamic flow processes taking place in a hopper,
leading to better modeling of hoppers and thence better hopper design.
At the prototype scale, studies have been conducted to determine overflow losses
from working TSHDs and the resulting overflow behavior in the near field. At the same
time plumes from dragheads have also been measured (Land et al., 2004). The results of
these measurements will not only inform current attempts to model sediment releases, but
will also assist in future design of environmentally friendly dredges.
In addition to the above advances in design, TSHDs now have high accuracy
positioning and control systems, allowing them to be operated with considerable
precision in the dredging area. This in itself makes it possible for more precise zoning
requirements to be applied without seriously increasing cost-effectiveness.
Over the last few years, two other areas of development in TSHDs that have been
adopted almost industry-wide are under hull release of overflow sediment (except for
screening operations) and the use of anti-turbidity valves (Pennekamp and Quaak, 1990;
LaSalle et al., 1991; Tsurusaki et al., 1988). The single purpose of these approaches was
to reduce the extent of suspended sediment plumes generated by the overflow process.
Dredge equipment manufacturers have developed a closed system where the
overflow from hopper dredges is re-circulated and used to feed a jet at the draghead to
loosen the bed (McLellan and Hopman, 2000). The approach is sometime referred to as
Green Pipe. This technique has the advantages of: minimizing the sediment discharged
through the overflow process; providing for higher load capacity of sediment rather than
low density water/sediment mixture; and decreasing the pressure drop inside the
draghead which reduces dredge pulling force. A rule of thumb to guarantee the
effectiveness of this system is to ensure that the source material to be extracted has a
density greater than 1,300 grams per liter (g/l). Lower material density tends to remain in
suspension longer periods of time. Some manufacturers claim a 20% increase in
efficiency for dredging silty sand with the recirculating system (Francingues et al., 2000).
In general, this approach has not been adopted by dredging contractors either in Europe
or the US because the cost of retrofitting existing dredge vessels would not appear to be
justified by benefits from reduced turbidity in most cases (see Section 5 for further
discussion).
An area of intensive development in the US relates to the potential entrainment of
organisms by TSHDs, particularly sea turtles. The three key approaches to mitigating
this impact are: the specification of environmental windows for dredging operations;
trawling surveys and relocation; and turtle deflectors for the draghead. The turtle
deflector is a rigid device that is mounted on the draghead and displaces the turtle outside
the reach of the suction field (Smits, 1998). A study was carried out at Canaveral harbor
using this device and it was found effective although more studies were recommended
since the dredge volume was relatively small (Nelson and Shafer, 1996) and the
application was limited to relatively shallow waters. The DOER Program is currently
30
undertaking additional research and development to refine the design of sea turtle
deflector dragheads.
In Harwich Harbour, England, McLellan and Hopman (2000) report that TSHD
operations were scheduled at intervals during peak tidal ranges to disperse the overflow
away from the dredge area. Through application of the MMS Plume Model (Baird &
Associates, 2004), dredging plans for TSHDs could be developed according to
environmental conditions such that dispersion of overflowed sediment was spatially
maximized to lower the total sedimentation at any given location, or minimized to reduce
the footprint in areas adjacent to sensitive habitat.
3.3 Cutter Suction Dredges
Less attention was devoted to the review of environmentally friendly developments
related to equipment and approaches associated with CSDs owing to the fact that their
application will be less widespread for dredging in the offshore waters under MMS
jurisdiction, mostly due to the long pumping distances from borrow areas in Federal
waters to shore (at least 3 miles). Also, sediment plumes generated by CSDs are
confined to near bed re-suspension around the cutterhead and, therefore, are generally
much more spatially confined than plumes generated by TSHDs. The impacts related to
the removal of benthic habitat would be similar to those associated with TSHDs.
Most environmentally friendly developments related to CSDs are associated with
modifications to the cutterhead, largely driven by projects to remove contaminated
sediments from rivers and harbors. As one example, a low turbidity cutterhead was
designed by Jan de Nul to be mounted on cutter suction dredges to accurately remove
thin layers of silt, dredge material at in situ density, work in shallow areas, and reduce
mechanical disturbance of the bed, thus reducing turbidity (McLellan and Hopman,
2000).
The environmental disk cutter device was developed by Boskalis and the Delft
University of Technology. Essentially, it is a disk-shaped cutterhead with a closed,
adjustable visor system for cutter suction dredges. It operates in a stationary manner and
can achieve vertical positioning accuracy up to 5 cm. This device is well suited for
dredging thin layers of sediment and has low spillage of sediment and works with a wide
variety of sediment mixtures without generating high levels of turbidity. It also
incorporates a highly accurate positioning and control system (Pennekamp, 1997). One
of the problems with this type of device is the frequency of blockage of the intake due to
debris (Smits, 1998).
A gearbox device has been developed to allow diesel pumps to operate underwater
on cutter suction dredges, allowing for greater flexibility and eliminating the need for
electrical pumps. This system is so efficient that one of the largest manufacturers of
dredge equipment, IHC Holland, employs it on all their standard cutter suction dredges
31
(Francingues et al., 2000). The Ellicot Mud Cat dredge uses a similar approach with a
submerged pump mounted directly behind a horizontal auger. The Mud Cat is primarily
used for very controlled removal of contaminated fine sediment (The Mud Cat is a
registered trademark of Baltimore Dredges LLC, see also the USACE report EM 1110-1-
502).
3.4 Other Dredging Devices and Equipment
In this section, a range of dredging devices and equipment that are not associated
with the conventional TSHD and CSD approaches are reviewed. Although some of the
technologies have only been applied to contaminated sediment removal and
environmental dredging, their use could be relevant in some site-specific sand/aggregate
mining activities.
One class of innovative development relates to the implementation of remote
dredging techniques where the dredge equipment is located near to the seabed. One
example of this technique is the Punaise approach developed by the PinPoint Dredging
Company owned by J G Nelis, Ballast Needam and Boskalis (McLellan and Hopman,
2000). Some of the advantages of being a submerged machine are that it doesnt
interfere with navigation and can operate in adverse wave conditions. Also, it does not
generate a surface plume. Primary limitations are related to the capacity and productivity
of the approach together with the fact that large and deep dredge pits result from the
relatively stationary operation of this device, which in many jurisdictions are
unacceptable due to the associated ecological impact. This dredge has not been used
recently. It is now considered to be technically too complicated for a reliable, remotely
controlled operation and is not cost effective compared with other techniques.
Another example of a remote approach is the Underwater Archimedean Screw
vehicle, which is a bottom-crawling machine that applies the Archimedean screw
principle to excavate material ranging from a few centimeters up to 1 m (Smits, 1998).
This equipment can incorporate a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that assists in
guidance, navigation, and control. It uses DGPS for positioning and has an image device
which shows where the equipment is at all times. This allows for a high degree of vertical
and horizontal positioning accuracy up to 5 cm. This equipment is mainly used to extract
fine contaminated sediment.
The Sweep Dredger is another stationary device but allows for some movement by a
sweep head similar to a TSHD draghead (Smits, 1998). It can cut layers from 20 to 60 cm
deep with an accuracy of 5 cm in the horizontal. The Sweep Dredger was developed by
Dredging International (Pennekamp, 1997; Sea Technology, 1998).
Some alternative methods for dredging include the PNEUMA pump, Dry DREdge
and Soli-Flo (Romagnoli et al., 1998). These methods have the ability to produce higher
32
solids content and less turbidity than hydraulic dredges. The disadvantages are that they
cannot operate in shallower areas and can be more expensive than traditional dredging
methods. The PNEUMA uses compressed air to convey sediment through a pipeline.
The Dry DREdge is a combination of hydraulic and mechanical methods. It drives a
hydraulic clamshell into the bed and encloses the sediment avoiding spillage and
turbidity. It captures the sediment with its original moisture content but can only be
applied to fine sediment extraction in deeper areas. The Soli-Flo with eddy pump
produces a slurry with high solids content (up to 80% solids) and low turbidity. These
results can be achieved if the intake nozzle is placed at least 1 to 3 feet deep into the bed
(Romagnoli et al., 1998).
Another recent development relates to fluidization techniques. Fluidization
techniques (also known as Water Injection Dredging or WID) have been utilized as a
dredging approach where a water jet is directed to the bed to fluidize the sediment that in
turn is transported away from the dredge area by the current or through the difference in
densities and/or the bottom slope (Verweij and Winterwerp, 1999). This method has
only been applied at a commercial scale for fine sediments that are capable of behaving
as fluid mud. Currently, it would not appear to have a direct application to dredging for
beach nourishment sand or aggregates.
3.5 Monitoring Instruments and Approaches
Monitoring is a key component of dredging projects to ensure an environmentally
friendly operation and to reduce the impacts significantly (Amann, 1989; Thevenot et al.,
1992).
The USACE employs an automated dredge contract monitoring system referred to as
Silent Inspector (SI). SI has three components consisting of a Dredge Specific System
(DSS), a Ship Server, and a Shore Server. The DSS collects and displays standard
information on dredging operations that is then transmitted to the Ship Server. Most
dredging contractors already have a computer system and sensors onboard for control or
positioning that can be used as the DSS. The dredging contractor supplies and owns the
DSS and all associated sensors Figure 3.1 represents a screen shot of the on board menu
of the DSS from which different functions can be accessed. Figure 3.2 displays the
Dredge display which shows real time sensor data. Figure 3.3 displays a load summary
report. Unlike manual load summaries, load summaries in Silent Inspector are
automatically created from data that is sent directly from the dredge by satellite modem
located on the dredge or uploaded from a zip disk.
The Ship Server acts as the dredge based data archive and report creation center as
well as performs automated reviews of the data. The Ship Server can produce many
different reports including dredge location history, volume history, disposal location
history (Figure 3.4) and operational status. Figure 3.5 displays a screen shot of the
different plots that can be generated and an example plot is shown in Figure 3.6.
33
The Shore Server is a larger system operated and maintained by the USACE. SI
provides information on dredge location history, quantity history, and status of a given
project. SI helps monitor all aspects of dredge operations from contract compliance to
assurance that the operation is being performed in an environmentally safe manner
(Rosati, 1999). Additional information and specifications regarding the SI can be found
at: http://si.wes.army.mil/
Some of the SI capabilities include:
Monitors and documents where and when different dredging operations take
place;
24/7 coverage of operations;
Reduces paperwork and contractor reporting duties;
Creates detailed production reports;
Allows for fast responses to public or environmental concerns;
Allows for flexible scheduling of human inspectors;
Improves government estimates and planning;
Improves project management;
Standardizes data collection and reporting;
Creates a standard base for dispute resolution and avoidance.
The Silent Inspector Track-plot viewer provides data and graphics of the dredge
material disposal aboard hopper dredges. This viewer can be accessed online over a
public accessible server. The Track-Plot Viewer allows the position of a hopper dredge to
be monitored for any valid time and location (Figure 3.7).
In Belgium, the Maritime Schelde Department has standardized a monitoring system
that records real-time data on dredging operations including: location, depth of cut,
sediment mixture concentration, and several other parameters that help determine the
performance of the operation (Francingues et al., 2000).
A dredging project was undertaken in Hong Kong near a sensitive area (coral) and a
dredging plan was described (Evans, 1994) which takes into account tidal influence,
overflow control, siltmeter deployment, and weekly dives.
34
FIGURE 3.1 Control center window.
FIGURE 3.2 On board dredge display .
35
FIGURE 3.3 Load summary display.
FIGURE 3.4 Dredge disposal history.
36
FIGURE 3.5 Plotting options display menu.
FIGURE 3.6 Plot example (top to bottom: draft, drag depth, volume and
displacement).
37
FIGURE 3.7 Dredge track plot.
The standard for monitoring turbidity levels around dredging operations in a
spatially and temporally comprehensive manner is with Acoustic Doppler Current
Profiler (ADCP) (Land et al., 2004; ERDC-TN-DOER-E15). The ability to get a full
water column description of turbidity levels along transects through plumes provides the
ability to build a full understanding of the morphology of dredge plumes.
Remote sensing approaches such as air photographs and satellite images can be
analyzed to map surface turbidity, however, this water-surface-biased measure of plumes
can be misleading and misrepresentative of the actual extent of the plume and
sedimentation footprint, particularly with the advent of under hull discharge of overflow
sediment. Evans (1994) utilized SPOT images to observe sediment dispersion at the
Pearl River and describes the use of color air photography for the evaluation of dredging
plumes. Optical instruments only provide a measure of turbidity at a single location.
Some laser approaches (such as Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry or LISST)
can provide a description of turbidity through the water column though with a smaller
range than acoustic techniques such as ADCP (Gartner et al., 2001).
After conducting a monitoring study of large-scale dredging activities in Hong Kong,
it was determined that benthic productivity had not been significantly altered (Evans,
1994). One of the technologies applied in the evaluation of dredge impacts included the
38
application of REMOTS (Remote Ecological Monitoring of The Seafloor), which is an
instrument that samples the first 20 cm of seabed for sediment characteristics and
biological parameters (Ocean Imaging Systems, 2004). This approach in the US is
known as Sediment Profile Imaging (SPI) and consists of a prism that is pushed into the
seabed to take an image of the vertical profile immediately below the bed (see Cutter and
Diaz, 2000; Cutter et al., 2000). This approach has been recommended as part of the
Benthos and Fishes Trophic Transfer Protocol for the MMS Physical and Biological
Monitoring Profiles for offshore dredging projects (see Nairn et al., 2004; Research
Planning, Inc. et al., 2001).
3.6 Summary of the Literature Review
The primary focus of environmentally friendly developments in the dredging
industry has been on a reduction of turbidity levels associated with the dredging process.
Most recent developments in this area have been driven by contaminated sediment
remediation projects where the sediment is mostly fine-grained and located in nearshore
areas. Of these, the developments have mostly focused on modifications to dredge
cutterheads to significantly reduce the generation of turbidity at the bed. However there
have also been developments related to hopper dredges operating in offshore areas, and
these have mostly stemmed from: 1) a need to reduce turbidity levels to address
regulatory agency concerns and simple visual perception of impacts; and 2) the trend
towards much larger hopper dredges to serve very large land reclamation projects.
Other specific environmental impacts that have been addressed through
modifications to dredge equipment include the development of turtle deflectors for
TSHDs in order to minimize the potential for turtle takes. This area of development is
the current focus for a comprehensive program by the USACE DOER program.
As part of this review, a range of turbidity levels for different approaches and
conditions has been compiled based on the work of Pennekamp et al. (1996) and
Whiteside et al. (1995). The data from these articles are combined and summarized in
Table 3.1. Pennekamp (1997) reports that the dredging equipment is not the primary
variable in turbidity levels but instead the key variables are: sediment type;
hydrodynamic conditions; and the operators and dredging technique application.
Referring to the discussion in Section 2.4 of this report, it is recalled that the primary
focus of this assessment of environmentally friendly approaches to dredging is on the
following impacts (in order of priority as established through discussions with resource
managers in the US): 1. loss of benthic habitat; 3. changes to substrate characteristics; 5.
sedimentation and burial of sensitive habitat; and 7. short-term increases in turbidity.
Once again it is noted that other impacts are being or have been addressed by MMS and
USACE studies. Of these specific concerns, it has been determined from the literature
review that most focus has been on Impact 7 (turbidity) and to some extent its related
Impacts 3 and 5 (changes to sediment characteristics and sedimentation). No specific
39
information was found on environmentally friendly approaches to address Impact 1, the
loss of benthic habitat, aside from monitoring approaches to assess the form (or quality)
and rate of recovery.
40
Table 3.1 Summary of turbidity generated by different dredge types taken from Pennekamp et al. (1996)
1
and Whiteside et al.
(1995)
2
.
Dredge type
1
Sample site
Production rate
(m
3
/hr)
Background
turbidity mg/l
Depth averaged
turbidity increase
(C) mg/l
(on the edge of a
50 x 50m area
from dredge point)
Collapse time
(T) hrs
Volume of
re-suspended
water bed material
(S) kg/m
3
Large TSHD Ro tterdam 5,500 75 400 1 14
Large TSHD Rotterdam 5,400 40 150 1 3
Small TSHD (current =0m/s) Delfzijl 1,750 60 10 0.5 1
Small TSHD Rotterdam 2,170 23 60 1 8 - 22
Small TSHD (current 0.2m/s) Delfzijl 1,750 70 20 1 5
Pneuma dredge system Berghaven Harbour 59 25 0 0 0
Dragline with open clamshell Rotterdam 90 20 35 1 3
Dragline with open clamshell and silt curtain River Nieuwerkerk 84 35 35 1 1
Dragline with watertight clamshell River Nieuwerkerk 166 35 100 1 19
Zierikzee 220 50 90 1 11
Rotterdam 121 20 80 1 13
Dragline with watertight clamshell and silt curtain River Nieuwerkerk 102 35 20 1 3
Zierikzee 204 50 105 1 11
Environmental disk cutter Berghaven Harbour 113 25 0 0 0
Auger Delfzijl 300 20 - 50 0 0.5 0
Siltcutter dredge Heusden 115 45 10 0.5 2
Water injection dredge Hellevoetsluis 20 30 0.5
Prototype water injection dredge Rotterdam 3,200 45 250 1.5 11
Bed leveler Rotterdam 610 35 60 1 6
Dredge type
2
Sample site
Production rate
(m
3
/hr)
Background
turbidity mg/l
Depth average silt
concentration at
T=10min
Depth average
silt conc. at
T=30 min
Depth average silt
concentration at
T=60 min
TSHD (8,255 m
3
) Po Toi Hong Kong (1) 13 65 20 13
TSHD (8,255 m
3
) Po Toi Hong Kong (2) 13 55 20 20
TSHD (8,255 m
3
) Po Toi Hong Kong (3) 13 28 15 9
41
4.0 DREDGING INDUSTRY REVIEW
4.1 Introduction
In order to determine the current state of dredging equipment and dredging
techniques relative to reducing the impacts enumerated in Section 2, a dredging industry
review was completed. Dredging publications that annually list the companies that own
dredging equipment were reviewed. The Dredging Contractors of America was
contacted to obtain a list of contractors that were in the beach nourishment business and
recent bids for beach nourishment projects were reviewed. This investigation produced
the names of four contractors able and willing to undertake beach nourishment projects.
These contractors had a great deal of experience in beach nourishment projects on the
East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, the regions under consideration in this study.
As part of the industry review, European dredge contractors were also contacted. It
was thought that perhaps the contractors would reply to a questionnaire with more
interest if it originated from an organization based outside of the US. Most dredging
projects in the US require the dredge hull to be fabricated in the US and the dredging
company must be controlled by US owners. This eliminates foreign companies from the
US beach nourishment work. However, we have in the past found several foreign
dredging companies to be very helpful. The Minerals Management Service agreed to
form a liaison with a foreign entity that was interested in the environmental aspects of
dredging marine aggregates. Our study partner, Dredging Research Ltd. (DRL), was
tasked with selecting a suitable organization that was involved in the aggregate mining or
beach reclamation work outside of the United States.
Once the sponsor organizations were identified, a questionnaire was developed with
input from all team members. The questionnaire was then sent to each of the identified
dredging companies in the US and Europe. Responses were received from most and
follow-up calls were made to clarify responses. The keen interest shown by two of the
US dredging contractors (Bean Dredging LLC and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock
Company) lead to their participation in the workshop segment of the study (see Section 5
for further details).
4.2 Selection of a European Partner
The Mineral Industry Research Organization (MIRO) is the pre-eminent
international provider of collaborative research project management to the minerals and
related industries. MIRO, based in the United Kingdom, works in partnership with
industry, government, research and service providers to identify, influence, fund, transfer,
deliver, and communicate information and relevant, innovative research and technology
development to address the needs of stakeholders in the sector. MIROs role contributes
towards improved communication, safety and environmental performance at all stages of
the materials life cycle, meeting the challenges of sustainable development and
increasing the positive image of the minerals sector.
42
4.3
MIRO was selected to send out a questionnaire to European dredging companies
because they were, concurrently with MMSs project, implementing a research project
entitled Best Practice Guide to Assessing the Impacts of Aggregate Dredging. This
work was being funded through the UKs Sustainable Land Won and Marine Dredged
Aggregate Minerals Programme, which is an aggregate minerals research program
established under the terms of reference of the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund
(ALSF), and implemented by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It was considered
that the European contractors would be more amenable to providing information to a
European/UK industry supported organization and research initiative, than directly to a
US governmental organization in a market place to which they only have indirect access.
Development of a Questionnaire
An extensive and detailed review of the perceived environmental impacts of
dredging together with a literature review of environmentally-friendly approaches to
dredging were undertaken as summarized in Sections 2 and 3 of this report, respectively.
These reviews allowed us to frame the questions in a manner that would produce
thoughtful answers from the dredging contractors. The questions for the most part can be
grouped into three broad categories: 1) plume related impacts, 2) impacts to benthic
habitats, and 3) impacts on marine mammals. There are a few additional concerns that
fall outside these three groups, such as impacts to marine structures or archeologically
important sites or conflicts with commercial and recreational fishing.
It was decided to send out two questionnaires, one to companies primarily working
in the US and the second to companies working outside of the US. The questions are
essentially the same with some changes in wording for companies whose primary
business is outside of the US. The Mineral Industry Research Organizations membership
has many companies whose business is the offshore mining of aggregates by hopper
dredge.
As discussed above, the perceived concerns of researchers and staff from Federal
and State resource agencies in the US were prioritized. These were concerns regarding
the effects of dredging on the marine biological and physical resources. The focus was on
dredging on the Outer Continental Shelf for beach nourishment and land reclamation, and
potentially for aggregates. This list has been updated with information contained in
stipulations for recent offshore leases.
The concerns were prioritized under twelve headings as described in Section 2 of
this report. The questions based on these concerns were phrased to obtain information on
the operational restrictions that the dredge is currently working under. The questions
were targeted to elicit general and specific information that would be applicable to a wide
range of possible dredging scenarios relative to environmentally friendly dredging
equipment and procedures. The List of Questions is provided in Appendix C. This
appendix includes the cover letter to US contractors (C.1), the questions posed to US
43
4.4
contractors (C.2) and the questions sent out to European contractors under the auspices of
MIRO (C.3).
The questionnaire was sent to the four largest U.S dredging companies. These
companies are equipped to dredge sand in the ocean waters of the Outer Continental
Shelf. Each has done beach nourishment work. They are all interested in doing beach
work in the future. We also sent the questions to the US Army Corps of Engineers. The
Corps owns several hopper dredges although they do not normally provide sand for beach
work that has been dredged from the OCS, however, they do administer many of the
contracts associated with beach nourishment in the US.
Our study partner, Dredging Research Limited , arranged to have the joint MMS-
MIRO foreign version of the questionnaire sent by MIRO to its members. Initially five
general dredging contractors received the document and three of these responded, being
Westminster Dredging (BosKalis), Dredging International Ltd and Ballast Ham
Dredging, all subsidiaries of major European dredging contractors. The last of these
responded somewhat briefly as they were at the time in the throes of being taken over by
VanOord. Jan de Nul, whos international division had supplied some useful information
to the US team in the early days of the study, declined to answer the questionnaire on the
basis that they were not interested in aggregate dredging in the UK.
Subsequently, the UK questionnaire was also sent to the main commercial aggregate
dredging companies, all of which are subsidiaries of mining and construction materials
groups. None of these responded. However, extracts from the MIRO research project
relating to the environmental effects of aggregate dredging have been received and these
have been approved by BMAPA, the organization that represents the major marine
aggregate extraction companies.
Review of Responses
Overall the responses by the dredging contractors, both US and foreign, were very
similar. All four US companies and the Corps of Engineers plus several foreign
companies responded. One US Company, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, gave
very detailed answers to many of the questions including examples. The Belgian
company, Jan de Nul, supplied an explanation of the anti-turbidity valve and the green
pipe system with graphics, two of the more popular and innovative methods of
controlling turbidity by equipment modification.
A matrix of the questions and the answers given by the four US companies, two
foreign companies and the Corps of Engineers is provided in Appendix C.4.
44
4.4.1 Discussion of Responses to Plume Related Impacts
This section summarizes the responses received from the various dredging
contractors as they relate to potential plume impacts.
There are several equipment groups that can be used to mine and deliver sand. Under
the great majority of circumstances the actual mining of the sand on the OCS will be
done with a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge. This is because the typical distance
between the borrow area and the beach area makes the hopper dredge the most
economical equipment. The hopper dredge also works best in the relatively rougher sea
and swell conditions offshore. Figure 4.1 is a schematic drawing representing beach
nourishment scenarios where the numbers represent the following dredging equipment
combinations:
1. Cutter suction dredge pumping direct to shore;
2. Cutter suction dredge loading barges with pump out to shore;
3. Cutter suction dredge loading barges pumping in front of second cutter suction
dredge;
4. Trailing suction hopper dredge digging and unloading through a booster pump to
shore;
5. Trailing suction hopper dredge dumping in front of a cutter suction dredge for
rehandling to shore;
6. Clamshell dredge loading barges for pump out to shore;
7. Clamshell dredge loading trucks;
8. Trailing suction hopper dredge dumping near shore;
9. Trailing suction hopper dredge pump out to shore;
10. Trailing suction hopper dredge rainbowing to near shore;
11. Cutter suction dredge loading barges for dumping near shore;
12. Cutter suction dredge pumping through a spill barge for near shore placement.
The most likely dredging approaches for beach nourishment sand in an OCS borrow
area are Number 4, where the hopper dredge digs the sand and pumps the sand to the
beach through a booster and Number 10, where the dredge rainbows the material to the
beach. Approaches 8 and 9 where the hopper dredge dumps or rainbows the sediment
near the shore are also a possibility, however, these approaches have not had widespread
use in the US. There may be some instances where a Cutter Suction Dredge may be
implemented, pumping sand to shore through a pipeline (Number 1 in Figure 4.1).
In order to understand the terminology in the questions and answers to the
contractors questionnaire, Figure 4.2 provides a sketch of an operating hopper dredge.
The hopper dredge dragheads loosen the sand and convey the sand/water slurry to the
onboard pumps that discharge the material into the dredges hopper. Some of the material
settles into the hopper and some of the sediment is overflowed back into the water, in this
case, through the hull below the keel.
45
FIGURE 4.1 Beach nourishment scenarios using different dredging equipment
combinations (from Randel and Koo, 2003).
Turbidity Plume
Draghead
Turbidity Plume
Sediment Overflow
FIGURE 4.2 Hopper dredge in operation showing the sediment overflow and
draghead plumes (from Jan de Nul See Appendix C5).
46
Unless there are restrictions regarding overflow, the dredge will continue to load
sand until it reaches its economic load. The economic load is the relationship of the
loading time versus the loading rate versus the overall cycle time of the dredge. In other
words, if the sailing (hauling) distance is great, it is usually economically justified to
spend extra time loading sand and overflowing finer particles. A very small percentage of
fines below the #200 sieve (i.e., D50 less than 0.06 mm) would be retained in the hopper,
when a hopper dredge is mining sand on the OCS. The percent of material that overflows
the hopper is greatly dependent on grain size of the material and the percent of fines. The
percent of material that can overflow the hopper can vary widely even in the same
borrow area.
Fines that are lost to the sea through overspilling tend to fall to the seabed as a
density current initially, which generally decays into a passive plume that is moved by
the ambient currents. Recent observations suggest that a high proportion (85-90%) of the
total material overspilled in sand dredging operations is not incorporated into the passive
plume and, thus, never leaves the proximity of the dredging site.
There has been considerable research into settlement in - and overflow from - the
hopper of a hopper dredge. Recent research conducted by Ooijens et al. (2001) into
hopper settlement using large-scale modeling has been used to clarify the hydrodynamic
flow processes in the hopper. The researchers constructed a test rig, scaled down from a
working hopper dredge. Their test series showed a process comparable to the
measurements taken on board a hopper dredge during actual dredging conditions. This
test rig provides an opportunity to improve hopper design parameters and to develop
mathematical models to improve the performance of hopper dredges. The rig will also
make it possible to test different hypotheses that cant be tested with available
techniques.
One concern posed to the dredging contractors was the ability of a TSHD to strip an
overlying area of fine sediment to expose an underlying sand deposit. Borrow areas are
not normally chosen that have a significant amount of silt overburden. It may be possible
to dredge sand below a silt layer but this would be highly dependent on the nature of the
silt. It may be that a cutter suction dredge will be more suitable for a borrow area
condition with significant overburden or stripping the area of overburden first with
confined disposal of the silt.
Normally, dredging sand for beach nourishment from an OCS borrow site does not
produce increased turbidity (i.e., exceeding the background levels) over the often-applied
State of Florida 29 NTU standard. This is, however, highly dependent on many factors.
Timing and location of sampling, dilution zone, wind and currents, color of the silt, and
chemical composition (carbonates) of the fines all influence the turbidity of the overflow.
The amount of fines in the overflow will increase if an attempt is made to recover sand
below a layer of fine material. Turbidity from a hopper dredge overflow can be regulated
by limiting the overflow, to zero, if necessary. It is unlikely a no overflow condition
would be required in an OCS borrow site, as this could have significant impact on the
47
cost of dredging the sand. There are dredge systems that recycle some of the overflow
water and this will be discussed later in Section 4.6.2. Also discussed later in Section
4.6.1 is the anti-turbidity valve that reduces the air entrained in the overflow. This air
causes the turbidity to rise to the surface. It is now standard practice to discharge
overflow through the bottom of the hull. The dredging companies, in their responses,
were concerned that there is a perception that reducing turbidity is always important.
However, the resource agencies did not rank this concern at the top of the priority list of
impacts for most OCS borrow sites (see Section 2).
The layout of the borrow site can have an influence on dredging procedures. It may
be possible to influence the shape and dispersion of the dredge plume but certain
parameters of the dredging process itself must be taken into account. The dredge operates
best if it is moving parallel to the wind, waves, or current. This minimizes the rolling of
the dredge and loss of bottom contact with the dragheads. In the extreme, requiring a
dredge to work perpendicular to the sea/wind/current may cause conditions where the
draghead would slip under the dredge causing an unsafe condition. The best shape for a
borrow area, all things being equal and geologic conditions being relatively homogenous,
is for the area to be set out with the primary dredging direction parallel to the major wind,
waves, and current. Dredging companies do not have much data relative to the patterns of
sedimentation of material discharged by the dredge. The companys means of making
such a measurement is restricted to sounding techniques.
4.4.2 Discussion of Responses to Impacts to Benthic Habitats
There was considerable concern among the stakeholders relative to the loss of
benthic community; this was the highest ranked impact (see Section 2). Re-colonization
rates are being studied, as are changes in the substrate characteristics such as grain size,
dissolved oxygen, etc. that result from dredging operations. It has been suggested that
dredging in patterns may speed the re-colonization rate by leaving areas that have
undisturbed sediment characteristics and undisturbed benthic communities.
The dredging companies were asked - If dredging in zones proved effective in
increasing the rate of re-colonization, what dredging parameters should be considered?
The dredging contractors thought a dredge area, a minimum of 100 to 200 m wide by
2000 m long, would be acceptable to the dredge operator. Preferably, the borrow areas
would be oriented in a direction parallel to the main wind, wave, and current direction.
The contractors did not have firm policies on zone dredging but seemed amenable to this
as a possible solution. Some of the contractors work in a modified zone in order to
manage the borrow area resources. Several contractors mentioned the Sandpit study
currently underway in Europe.
The contractors sidestepped the issue of specific known damage to hard bottom areas
but these damages are known to have occurred. Everyone agrees that buffer zones should
be established around hard/live bottom areas. The buffer zones may need to be
determined on a case-by-case basis. The dredging industry has documented several times
48
their ability to track their dredges in real time including the ability to track in x, y, z the
positions of the dredges dragheads (included in their responses to the questionnaire). At
times, the Corps of Engineers independently tracks contractor dredges on projects with
the use of their Silent Inspector System. Figure 4.3 provides a screenshot of the dredge
operators display from the Liberty Island TSHD. The MMS has recently developed a
new stipulation for tracking dredge positions (See Figure 4.4).
There has been some interest on what the bottom of the sand borrow area may look
like after dredging has been completed. Figure 2.3 provides an after dredge survey cross
section of beach nourishment borrow area.
Plan
Sensor
Stern
Profile
FIGURE 4.3 Dredge operators display from the Liberty Island TSHD (courtesy
of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company).
Although the bottom looks rough in this section, we must note the horizontal scale is
more than 12.5 times the vertical scale. The latest tracks would be visible and parallel. A
typical track may be 20 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep. It is possible to flatten the bottom
further by using navigation dredging techniques but there would be additional cost for
this refinement. Depending on site conditions, the bottom will tend to smooth as a result
of waves and currents. Survey data are relatively easy to collect because normally the
dredge is tended by a survey vessel. Therefore, wherever possible, it is recommended that
49
high resolution (multi-beam acoustic is preferable to fully describe the seabed
topography) bathymetry data be collected and delivered to MMS as suggested in the
proposed Monitoring Protocols (see Research Planning Inc. et al, 2001).
the Lessee will ensure that the dredge is equipped with an on-b
y
)
.
y
d
Federal borrow area.
y
t
y
STIPULATION NO.____ Use of Electronic Positioning System on Dredge and Transmittal
of Location and Production Information to the Lessor
Use of Electronic Positioning System and Transmittal of Location Information to MMS:
In order to ensure the accuracy of the dredge relative to the borrow area specifications denoted in
this lease agreement, during all phases of the offshore operation conducted within the borrow area,
oard differential global positioning
system (DGPS) capable of maintaining and recording the location of the dredge within an
accuracy range of no more than plus or minus 3 meters. The specific system will be approved b
the MMS prior to the conduct of any dredge procedures within the borrow area.
Location information (latitude and longitude) in NAD83 must be supplied to the Chief, MMS
Leasing Division (MMS-LD on a daily basis. The information should be sent to the following
email address: dredgeinfo@mms.gov
Submittal of Production and Volume Information to MMS:
The Lessor has a legal responsibility to ensure the accuracy of cut depths and widths, cut slopes
and site production (sand volumes removed) within the borrow area as specified in the projects
operational plan and this lease agreement. This information is routinely collected continuousl
throughout the period of dredge operation at a borrow site. The Lessor shall retain all access rights
to all operational data at any time during which dredging is occurring within the designate
A certified summary of all operational, production, and survey activity data will be submitted to
the Chief, MMS-LD on a weekly basis, in a format and method agreed t between the Lessor, the
Lessee, and the dredge operator prior to the commencement of operations at the borrow site. An
maps and/or profiles submitted to the Lessor will be provided in digital spatial format compatible
with ArcGIS. Information pertaining to the volume of material removed must be provided with
explanatory text outlining each preceding days activities and production values.
Following completion of all activities within the lease area, the Lessee, in cooperation with the
dredge operator, shall submit to the Lessor, a certified copy of the complete operational data se
(dredghead tracklines, cut slope angles, cut depth, etc.), outlining any deviations from the original
operational design plan. This report should be in MS Word format and can be sent to Ms. Renee
Orr, Chief, MMS Leasing Division, 381 Elden Street, MS 4010, Herndon, Virginia 20170, or b
email to dredgeinfo@mms.gov.
FIGURE 4.4 New MMS stipulation on tracking dredge position.
4.4.3 Discussion of Impacts to Marine Reptiles and Mammals
The impact of dredging, particularly hopper dredging, to marine reptiles and mammals is
a concern of resource agency managers, especially for sea turtles. This impact has been
studied and mitigation measures have been employed for many years. The Corps of
Engineers, in concert with the dredging industry, has developed a draghead turtle
deflector device specifically designed to reduce the takes of sea turtles. Reportedly, the
use of this device along with a set of operating requirements has reduced the incidence of
sea turtle takes. The main requirement is that the draghead must be in contact with the
bottom while pumping. Most dredging companies rely on the swell compensator to
50
maintain contact between the draghead and the bottom. The operating requirements stress
the need to balance the suction pipe velocities and densities in order to keep from taking
sea turtles. One of the dredging companies suggested that it would be relatively easy to
redirect flow away from the draghead when it comes off the bottom but also expressed
doubt that this would reduce sea turtle takes. The dredging contractors have not
encountered sea turtles in the vicinity of offshore borrow areas. The dredging contractors,
also, have not experienced any dredge collisions with marine mammals.
In addition to the turtle deflector device, there are also seasonal restrictions on when
dredging can take place that result in the specification of environmental windows. The
Corps of Engineers generally restricts dredging in channels and harbors to the months of
December through March, from North Carolina to the tip of Florida. This restriction may
be expanded both in duration and geographic area.
Seasonal restrictions can, and at times do, cause dislocations in the hopper dredging
market. This can lead to short-term price increases due to unavailability of equipment.
These restrictions can also cause projects to be terminated before they are completed due
to the contractor having difficulties that push completion dates past the dredging window.
Currently, the seasonal restrictions apply to channels and harbors. Forcing additional
work into the worst weather conditions causes marginal increase in prices. If this
restriction should be applied to beach work, the weather risk will be magnified due the
need to shift discharge pipelines in relatively calm weather. The Corps of Engineers is
doing further studies on the effectiveness of seasonal restrictions. It seems that from the
direction these studies are going, there may be a decrease in restrictions and a greater
emphasis on monitoring.
Observers on dredges dont seem to reduce the sea turtle takes. All the US dredging
companies thought trawling was an effective method for reducing sea turtle takes.
4.4.4 Discussion of Miscellaneous Issues
The contractors provided responses to additional miscellaneous questions regarding
the dredging process.
The contractors didnt think that conflicts with fishing companies were significant
and conflicts can be resolved through the permitting process and any mitigation measures
agreed to at that time.
Once the location of a marine structure or archaeological site is located (typically by
the owner), the location can be integrated into the dredge operators display as an
avoidance area. A plan is developed to avoid such structures or sites. In Europe, the
standard security zone is 500 m on either side of the structure. Projects in areas of
potential archaeological resources warrant extensive pre-dredging investigation to
determine the precise location of these structures.
51
The contractors acknowledged that dredging might have adverse impacts on the
environment. They expressed the desire to cooperate with all concerned parties to
mitigate, minimize, or eliminate these impacts. They also cautioned against over-
regulation without scientific need or practicality. In talking to the regulators and the
dredging companies, it seems that the whole process is moving toward increased
monitoring and decreased or at least more selective regulation.
4.5 Follow-Up Conversations with Dredge Contractors
After the initial review of the contractors responses, we contacted the US
contractors to ask for clarification of some responses and get additional detail. We invited
all four of the US contractors to attend a Study Workshop held in Washington. The other
invitees included MMS and the Corps of Engineers. There was spirited discussion of all
the issues at the Workshop, and the contractors provided valuable commentary. Details
on the outcome of the Workshop are presented in Section 5.
Follow-up discussions of a general nature were held with some of the European
dredging contractors. It was clear from these that generally the contractors are reactive in
a highly regulated market that was somewhat different from the US scene. Much of the
aggregate dredging is for gravels rather than sand, and the fines content of these zones is
typically low (less than 5%). Marine reptiles and mammals are not perceived to be a
problem, as they are rare in these waters, and fisheries concerns are dealt with during the
statutory licensing procedures. Much of the knowledge held and research into benthic
impact of such operations in the UK is to be found at CEFAS (Centre for Environment,
Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), whose publications have been reviewed during this
project.
4.6 Discussion of the Anti-Turbidity Valve and the Green Pipe
The dredging company, Jan de Nul of Belgium, sent us graphics that explain the
Anti-Turbidity Valve and the Green Pipe System. A more detailed description of these
approaches and the information provided by Jan de Nul is included in Appendix C.5.
These two mechanical systems are the most noted in the literature for large-scale
environmental turbidity control systems.
4.6.1 Anti-Turbidity Valve
Figure 4.5 presents the sketch of the anti-turbidity valve. With the standard dredge
overflow, a large volume of air is mixed with the water and sediment due to the high fall
height. Below the bottom of the dredge, a density stream of heavier particles moves down
while an upward air stream occurs. This causes considerable turbulence and increased
spreading of the dredge plume.
52
When the dredge system includes an anti-turbidity valve, the valve chokes the
overflow, which prevents air being mixed with sediment and water leaving the hopper.
Essentially, this keeps the overflow pipe completely full, reducing the fall height of the
spoil, minimizing the amount of air entering the spoil. This minimizes the turbulence,
reducing the visual plume. It is noted that both the size of the plume and the total amount
of sediment in the plume are reduced through this device (see Appendix C.5). Most of the
contractors think that this is an effective improvement to reduce turbidity and many
indicated it is often applied on dredges now.
FIGURE 4.5 Sketch showing the Anti-Turbidity or Environmental
Valve (courtesy of Jan de Nul see Appendix C.5)
53

4.6.2 Green Pipe System

The Green Pipe System utilizes a second pipe system that recycles the overflow
water back to the draghead (see Figure 4.6). The water is recycled through the suction
head as process water. Using this system, less overflow drops through the water column.
This approach is discussed in more detail in Section 3.2 on the literature review.

There were several foreign hopper dredges built in the late 1990s that incorporated
the Green Pipe System in their design. Recently built dredges have not included this
feature. The US contractors did not have any experience with recycling the water in this
manner. They cited large capital costs and increased maintenance cost without a clear
benefit to the environment, particularly in dredging sand on the OCS. The European
contractors hold a similar view. The green pipe has been available for use on TSHDs for
a number of years now and nobody appears to have observed it being used on a project.
The general opinion seems to be that it increases energy demand and equipment cost, yet
does little in the way of reducing the total amount of fines lost. In addition, due to the low
fines nature of many of the European marine dredging sites, there is little call for its use.






















The overflow suspension is
pumped trough an additional pipe,
mounted on top of the suction pipe,
back to the suction head where it is
used as process water.

FIGURE 4.6 Sketch showing the Green Pipe approach (courtesy of Jan de Nul
see Appendix C5).


54
5.0 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY
5.1 Introduction
Section 2 of the report presented a description and discussion of the key ecological
impacts of offshore dredging. A prioritized list was developed and specific impacts that
were not being evaluated as part of other ongoing MMS or USACE projects were
selected for further detailed investigation under this study.
Sections 3 and 4 of the report presented a summary of the existing and emerging
environmentally friendly equipment and approaches as identified from the literature and
industry surveys.
The next step was to convene a workshop to evaluate the range of environmentally
friendly equipment and approaches for the various targeted impacts. In addition, the
workshop provided an opportunity to develop and discuss new approaches that may help
address the key impacts of concern designated for consideration under this study.
This section provides a summary of the workshop approach (Section 5.2) together
with the findings of the workshop on the evaluation of identified and new equipment and
approaches (Section 5.3).
5.2 Workshop Approach
The workshop was organized specifically to consist of a limited number of people to
ensure active participation by all attendees. Together with the consulting team,
approximately 20 people participated in the workshop (the invite letter and the list of
participants are included in Appendices D.1. and D.2, respectively). There were
representatives from the USACE (ERDC and District offices), MMS staff, other
consultants to the MMS, and US dredging contractors.
Input from the natural resource agencies (e.g., USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, State Fish
and Wildlife agencies) on their concerns associated with the potential impacts of OCS
sand borrow site dredging was solicited prior to the workshop. In fact, the prioritized
concerns of the resource agencies formed the framework for the workshop discussions
among the dredging experts. Key resource managers were asked to comment on the
detailed minutes of the workshop, as a preliminary review of the workshop results. All
review comments were positive.
The workshop was held on April 1 and 2, 2004 in Herndon near the MMS offices.
An agenda for the workshop is included as Appendix D.3. The morning of the first day
of the workshop consisted of presentations on information presented in Sections 2, 3 and
4 of this report. This provided a context for the workshop and focus for the specific
55
impact that would be reviewed. The Powerpoint presentation given on the first morning
is included as Appendix D.4 to this report on a CD.
The workshop was organized specifically to address existing, emerging and possible
new environmentally friendly approaches to each of the targeted impacts of concern.
Most discussion was focused on the targeted concerns defined in Section 2.4 and
repeated below:
1. loss of benthic habitat;
3. changes to substrate characteristics;
5. sedimentation and burial of sensitive habitat; and
7. short-term increases in turbidity.
Some workshop discussion of the issue of alteration or destruction of Essential Fish
Habitat (Impact 12) is also reported, particularly with respect to the potential impact of
dredging on the geomorphic integrity of ridge and shoal features.
For each type of equipment, procedure or approach that was reviewed, the evaluation
was completed for three criteria:
1. Appropriateness. The following issues were considered in evaluating the
appropriateness of an approach: the importance of the impact being addressed;
whether it was applicable to all settings or just some, and if so, under what
conditions;
2. Practicality. This evaluation criterion primarily related to the cost and viability
of a given type of equipment or technique. It also considered the constraints
that might be imposed on a given dredging operation.
3. Effectiveness. Under this criterion the potential success of a given type of
equipment or approach was assessed.
5.3 Evaluation of the Key Equipment and Approaches Discussed at the
Workshop
This section provides a summary of the evaluation of the key existing and emerging
environmentally friendly equipment and technologies against the criteria described in
Section 5.2 for the key impacts discussed at the workshop. While focus was devoted to
the key impacts noted in Section 5.2, this section provides a summary for each of the
twelve impacts identified in Section 2, based on discussions with resource managers in
the US.
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The section is subdivided according to each of the twelve impacts. Under each
impact more than one type of equipment or approach may be discussed.
5.3.1 Removal of Benthic Communities
As noted elsewhere in this report, this was the most important impact to resource
managers in the US. However, it is also the impact that has received the least attention in
terms of the development of environmentally friendly approaches. In fact, an
understanding of the rate of recovery of communities is an area of active scientific
research and is not well defined, as discussed in Section 2.3.1.
Only one possible environmentally friendly approach was identified. The possibility
of creating temporal or spatial refuge areas where the substrate (and the benthic
community it supports) would be left undisturbed (at least for a significant period of time,
if not completely) was the one approach developed by the team prior to the workshop.
The idea is to provide nearby undisturbed areas to promote more rapid re-colonization.
5.3.1.1 Creation of Temporal or Spatial Refuge Areas (effectively
environmental windows at a borrow deposit scale)
Appropriateness:
This is the most direct, prevalent, and measurable impact of dredging, it is
appropriate to mitigate in any way possible.
Is this necessary if the habitat landscape is ecologically uniform or homogenous?
It may be more appropriate where there is ecologic diversity (e.g., on a shoal
feature) where there is a need to preserve certain key habitats/communities in
specific areas.
It may be equally or more important to create temporal refuges whereby areas are
allowed to recover before dredging the same area again (this requires a spatial
data base updated with time on timing and extent of each dredging project within
a borrow area). It also requires knowledge of the time for benthic communities to
recover, and this is probably best achieved through monitoring.
This approach would only be appropriate for types of species where the re-
colonization process is assisted by close proximity of nearby undisturbed
communities.
An understanding is required of the context of this impact, recruitment and re-
colonization characteristics with respect to site-specific conditions and species, in
addition to the influence on higher trophic levels (see proposed approach of MMS
Physical and Biological Monitoring Protocols).
This approach would be most appropriate where recruitment is spatially
handicapped.
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In summary of the appropriateness of this measure, it would not be a general
stipulation and instead would be tied to site-specific conditions (ecologic landscape
and recruitment/re-colonization characteristics). The approach requires testing at
appropriate locations and should be given consideration where the rate and quality of
benthic recovery is a critical concern.
Practicality:
From a dredging operation perspective, there is not much added cost to leaving
un-dredged areas providing the dimensions do not make the dredging operation
less efficient. For dredging operation efficiency with TSHDs, this requires a 100
m minimum lane width with a 2 km run length. In other words, this represents a
minimum corridor for dredging outside which refuge areas could be established
separating adjacent dredge corridors.
While CSDs could achieve a 100 m minimum lane width, it would come at a cost
owing to the fact that CSD operations usually utilize an idler barge, increasing the
cut width to a minimum of approximately 200 m. The efficiency and cost of
pipeline handling operations could be influenced by specifications on line width
and length. The potential bed disturbance associated with anchor wires in CSD
operations also needs to be considered (i.e., these would be beyond the 200 m
lane width).
Dustpan dredges could achieve a minimum lane width of 100 m without adding
any cost to the operation. However, as with CSDs, both width and length
constraints may influence the efficiency of pipeline handling operations.
There is site specificity to this as it depends on layout of borrow area and other
avoidance or exclusion zone considerations.
Creating refuge areas (spatial and less so temporal) would limit the overall
quantity of sediment available within a given deposit (or increase the cost of
geophysical surveys to expand the size of the deposit to allow for protected refuge
areas), However this is probably not a significant negative consideration with
respect to the practicality of this approach at most locations.
In summary, this is not a difficult or costly measure to implement, if appropriate. It
may be best to determine the optimal approach for creating refuge areas by
considering the selected equipment, site conditions, and benthic community
characteristics.
Effectiveness:
There are limited or no data on the effectiveness of refuge zones. Monitoring
should be required when and where this approach is implemented, and some
methods of achieving a BACI (Before, After, Control, Impact) standard and/or
other performance measures would have to be devised.
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It would be important to consider that refuge areas would experience significant
sedimentation, as they are immediately adjacent to the dredging zone. It may be
appropriate to design the refuge areas such that they are wide enough to provide a
nearby zone that has not been influenced by sedimentation. This could be
achieved through application of the MMS Plume model (see Baird & Associates,
2004).
The effectiveness will be directly related to recruitment/re-colonization
characteristics of benthic communities at the site.
The effectiveness of this approach will also require good baseline mapping
initially and then tracking of the date and location of dredged and refuge areas for
each dredging operation and borrow site, all within a GIS database held at MMS.
In summary, the effectiveness of this approach is unknown because it has not been
specifically or directly evaluated at any location, to our knowledge. Work is required to
develop a monitoring plan to evaluate the effectiveness of this possible approach.
Thorough and organized mapping and record keeping in GIS is required to effectively
implement and test this approach.
Recommendation on Spatial/Temporal Refuge Areas to Promote Re-Colonization of
Benthic Communities
It may be appropriate, practical, and effective to impose spatial or temporal refuge
areas at locations with one or more of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of a
unique assemblage of benthic communities; 2) special commercial significance of a
benthic community in a borrow deposit; 3) at locations where the benthic community is
spatially limited with respect to recruitment and re-colonization; and 4) where the
importance of a benthic community within the borrow area is significant for higher
trophic levels or where this relationship is uncertain. In order to develop a layout of
refuge areas that is practical and does not significantly influence the cost of the dredging
operation, the type of dredging equipment and borrow deposit layout should be
considered. The MMS Plume model should be applied to determine the required size of
the refuge areas considering the sedimentation footprint from the dredging operations.
This proposed approach should be field tested along with a technique to monitor the
effectiveness. For this approach to be effective, an actively updated GIS database is
required to track dredging and monitoring results.
5.3.2 Entrainment of species of concern
Existing stipulations being used in MMS leases to protect sea turtles include:
a. Presence of trained observer(s) for a specified percent of the time who
follows specific protocols.
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b. Use of a rigid sea turtle deflector, such as the one designed by the
USACE or similar.
c. Operation of the dredge in a manner that will reduce the risk of
interaction with any sea turtles that might be present in the dredge
area. Keep the draghead on the bottom except: 1) when the dredge is
not in a pumping operation and the suction pumps are turned
completely off; 2) the dredge is being re-oriented to the next dredge
line during borrow activities; and 3) the vessels safety is at risk.
d. Dredge equipped with inflow screening baskets (4-inch mesh) to better
monitor the intake and overflow of the dredged materials for sea
turtles and their remains. The percent of inflow to be screened varies
by region from 50-100 percent.
e. Assessment/relocation trawling to further assess/reduce the potential
for incidental take during dredging. Trawling is conducted repeatedly
in front of the dredge as it moves along the track lines. Any turtles
collected are to be relocated. There are specifications for trawl tow
time and speed. There may be requirements for flipper tagging and
genetic analysis of tissue samples from turtles caught during relocation
trawling.
f. Filing of detailed reports with the appropriate NOAA office within 30
days of project completion.
This impact and its mitigation are being addressed in detail by the USACE in an
ongoing study. Therefore, it was not discussed in detail at the workshop.
5.3.3 Changes in Substrate Characteristics
There are two aspects to this issue: 1) preservation of sediment characteristics
similar to pre-existing conditions for the surface substrate; and 2) avoidance of anoxic
conditions within in dredge pits. The primary focus is dredge pits because, in most
instances on the OCS where sand with a medium grain size is the target, it is likely that
surrounding areas will also be relatively sandy and thus changes will not be significant
(i.e., by uncovering sediment with significantly different characteristics or by changing
the characteristics through sediment overflow during the dredging operation). In
contrast, the creation of dredge pits of significant depth can lead to the deposition of fine
sediment (silt and clay) changing the nature of the surface texture. This outcome
occurred in South Carolina (see Van Dolah et al., 1998) and had a direct impact on the
suitability of the borrow area for future dredging (as desired sand was buried by mud), in
addition to the direct environmental impacts.
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The approaches reviewed include: 1) limitation of pit depths to a single fixed value
for all locations; 2) site specific evaluation of pit depth using analytical techniques and
numerical models. 3) use of monitoring.
5.3.3.1 Limitation of Pit Depths to a Fixed Value
The first possible approach is to specify a single maximum pit depth for all locations
and conditions.
Appropriateness:
From the feasibility of future dredging in a given borrow area, it is desirable to
minimize the potential for burial of a sandy deposit with fine sediment (i.e., silt
and clay).
It is also desirable to avoid the development of anoxic or hypoxic conditions that
can impact benthic and fish species.
A single maximum pit depth may be inappropriate for all locations.
In some locations sedimentation may be low and thus development of a mud layer
may be slow or imperceptible (and this measure may, in that case, be
inappropriate).
At other locations sedimentation may be high and adjacent areas may feature a
mud cap over sandy deposits as the natural condition (and this measure may, in
that case, be inappropriate).
In some locations, anoxia may be a prevalent natural condition (i.e., adjacent to
the Mississippi River delta) and, therefore, it may not be necessary to avoid this
condition (and this measure may, in that case, be inappropriate).
In summary, the appropriateness depends on the local seabed sediment and water
quality characteristics, and whether it is intended to revisit the proposed borrow site for
future dredging operations.
Practicality:
Providing the pit limit is greater than about 1- 2 m (depending on whether TSHDs
or CSDs are deployed, respectively) this would be a practical measure with
respect to typical dredge cut depths.
Imposing a maximum pit depth rule would significantly limit the reserves of most
borrow deposits (i.e., borrow deposits may be significantly deeper or thicker than
an imposed maximum pit depth).
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Effectiveness:
The effectiveness may be limited due to the variability of site-specific conditions.
For example, while a 4 m pit depth may be satisfactory at some locations, it may
be too deep at others.
Therefore, for a single maximum pit depth rule to be effective, the depth will have
to be small and thus overly restrictive at many sites (or larger and not effective at
a large number of sites).
5.3.3.2 Site Specific Evaluation of Local Sedimentation Potential and
Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Through the Application of Numerical
Models or Analytical Methods
This approach consists of using analytical techniques or numerical models to define
a site-specific maximum pit depth.
Appropriateness:
From the feasibility of future dredging in a given borrow area, it is desirable to
minimize the potential for burial of a sandy deposit with fine sediment (i.e., silt
and clay).
It is also desirable to avoid the development of anoxic or hypoxic conditions that
can impact benthic and fish species.
Practicality:
Providing the pit limit is greater than about 1-2 m (depending on whether TSHDs
or CSDs are deployed, respectively) this would be a practical measure with
respect to typical dredge cut depths.
Imposing a site-specific maximum pit depth rule would significantly limit the
reserves of most borrow deposits (i.e., borrow deposits may be significantly
deeper or thicker than an imposed maximum pit depth).
Development of anoxic conditions and prediction of sedimentation requires the
application of sophisticated numerical models, preferably coupled with site-
specific data.
Effectiveness:
The effectiveness of developing site-specific pit rules will depend on three key
factors including: 1) the ability of the investigators to apply and interpret
sophisticated models of complex processes; 2) the availability of data for input to
these models; and 3) the local conditions as explained below.
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At some locations where sedimentation potential is low and currents are strong
(providing a mechanism for flushing to avoid development of anoxic conditions),
it may be possible to develop a relatively deep maximum depth with a high
degree of certainty and without the need for sophisticated analysis techniques.
5.3.3.3 Use of Monitoring to Avoid Development of a Mud Layer and/or
Anoxic Conditions
This approach consists of using monitoring to define a site-specific maximum pit
depth.
Appropriateness: See Section 5.3.3.2.
Practicality:
Providing the pit limit is greater than about 1-2 m (depending on whether TSHDs
or CSDs are deployed, respectively), this would be a practical measure with
respect to typical dredge cut depths.
Imposing a site-specific maximum pit depth rule would significantly limit the
reserves of most borrow deposits (i.e., borrow deposits may be significantly
deeper or thicker than an imposed maximum pit depth).
It would be feasible to monitor for development of anoxia through the
deployment of instrumentation.
It would also be feasible to monitor for the development of a mud layer.
Effectiveness:
The effectiveness of a monitoring approach on its own is limited because once a
mud layer is observed, or anoxia develops, it would not be possible to reverse the
situation, at least not without significant cost.
It is possible that monitoring following the completion of the initial dredging of a
borrow deposit (and prior to returning to this deposit) may provide an indication
of the potential for development of a more severe and unacceptable outcome with
respect to sedimentation and anoxia.
Recommendation on Pit Depth Rule:
A blanket maximum pit depth rule is inappropriate. However, it is appropriate to
determine a local maximum pit depth to avoid development of a mud cover and/or
anoxia, providing the limit is greater than 1 m for TSHDs and 2 m for CSDs. Maximum
pit depths should be determined on a site-specific basis through analysis combined with
monitoring where necessary (as described above). Monitoring may assist the
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development of an appropriate maximum pit depth at borrow deposits that are dredged
more than once.
5.3.4 Wave Climate Alterations by Changes in Bathymetry
Approaches to avoiding or mitigating this impact are addressed in the Physical and
Biological Monitoring Protocols that have been developed for the MMS and therefore are
not addressed here.
5.3.5 Damage to Hard/Live Bottom Habitats
There are four possible ways that dredging activities in an MMS borrow area may
result in this impact: 1) direct impact of the dredge vessel or dredge head or anchor wires
on sensitive hard/live bottom habitat; 2) through direct sedimentation associated with the
footprint of the sediment from the overflow of TSHDs or from the draghead or
cutterhead; 3) re-suspension and subsequent transport of fines beyond the initial
sedimentation footprint; and 4) development of near bed turbidity plumes or currents that
may travel well beyond normal bounds of a plume sedimentation footprint.
The first concern of direct damage through physical impact has largely been
addressed through improved maneuverability and better navigation systems on dredge
vessels. These improvements in dredge positioning have meant that any buffer designed
to address sedimentation impact will be more than sufficient to address accidental direct
contact. Therefore, the focus of this review is on potential indirect damage through
sedimentation. There is overlap between these approaches and those that address
elevated levels of turbidity as discussed in Section 5.3.7.
The approaches and equipment reviewed include: 1) stipulation of a blanket buffer
zone width for all situations; 2) stipulation of region- or habitat-specific buffer zone
width; 3) use of analysis or numerical modeling to define a site and project specific
buffer zone width; 4) monitoring turbidity to meet a general stipulation; 5) development
of site-specific levels based on monitoring of background levels; 6) Green Pipe (or re-
circulation of overflow to the draghead); and 7) Anti-Turbidity valve.
5.3.5.1 Implementation of a Blanket Buffer Zone for All Situations
Appropriateness:
It is certainly appropriate to protect adjacent hard/live bottom and other sensitive
habitat where this habitat has special ecologic significance.
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A single blanket buffer is inappropriate as it may be overly protective at some (or
all) locations and insufficient at others.
Practicality:
It may not be practical to develop a single buffer distance that is appropriate for
all conditions (this would require a consideration of the worst case condition in
terms of level of suspended sediment generation, degree of advection/dispersion
and sensitivity of local habitat).
Effectiveness:
In order for these measures to be effective, it is necessary to have some
understanding of lethal or detrimental levels of sedimentation for the most
sensitive species.
It is likely this approach would be ineffective in most conditions (either overly
conservative or insufficient to protect in others).
5.3.5.2 Implementation of a Region/Habitat Specific Minimum Buffer Zone
Width Together with Monitoring at the Sensitive Habitat
In some jurisdictions, such as Florida (and the Gulf of Mexico), a specific buffer
zone distance for dredging sand deposits near hardground habitats is specified under the
Endangered Species Act. NOAA Fisheries Regional Biological Opinion requires a 400 ft
buffer to protect hardgrounds used by sea turtles for foraging or shelter from sand mining
offshore Florida. Recognizing that the width of the buffer zone may be insufficient in
some circumstances, real or near real-time monitoring is performed during dredging
operations to ensure sedimentation rates do not exceed predefined limits. The monitoring
technique is in the form of turbidity measurements or sediment traps. Exceedance of
these pre-defined thresholds triggers direction to the dredging vessel to cease or modify
operations. Evans (1994) reported on the application of this approach to protect coral
for a dredging project offshore Hong Kong.
Appropriateness:
It is certainly appropriate to protect adjacent hard/live bottom and other sensitive
habitat with ecological significance.
To a large extent the appropriateness depends on the knowledge of the severity of
impacts to different habitat types and the uniformity of the habitat of concern (or
its sensitivity) within the region of application.
The appropriateness also depends on whether the conditions at the range of sites
within the region of application are indeed relatively uniform (i.e., with respect to
advection/dispersion).
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Practicality:
It is practical to specify a minimum buffer zone width.
At some locations, the specification of a buffer width may make borrow deposits
too small to dredge.
It is more difficult to perform real-time or near real-time monitoring of
sedimentation or turbidity, however, with recent advances in underwater
telemetry techniques this is possible.
Sedimentation rates are difficult to measure because of low levels of
sedimentation, and difficult to separate from background levels.
Effectiveness:
As explained above, the effectiveness will depend on establishing reasonable
minimum buffer for a geographic area that has: 1) similar level of sensitivity for
habitat; 2) similar generation of turbidity and sedimentation levels (associated
with dredge type/operation and borrow deposit sediment characteristics); and 3)
uniformity in advection/dispersion characteristics.
The effectiveness will also depend on the ability of the dredging operation to
respond to required reduction without significant escalation of costs of the
operation.
This approach has been applied successfully before (see Evans, 1994).
5.3.5.3 Use of Analysis to Determine a Site-Specific Buffer Zone
The Plume model that has been developed for MMS to simulate plumes released by
TSHDs (Baird, 2004) could be applied to pre-determine the potential zone of
sedimentation impact for the planned dredging operations and accordingly determine a
suitable and appropriate site-specific buffer zone width.
Appropriateness: see Section 5.3.5.2.
Practicality:
MMS now has the MMS Plume model for TSHDs to perform this assessment.
It would be necessary to determine additional input parameters including: a)
sediment characteristics [available]; b) specific dredge vessel characteristics
[available only after a dredging contractor has been retained for the work but a
range of representative characteristics could be considered]; c) some indication of
the possible tracklines of the dredge [a worst case scenario could be estimated];
and d) local environmental conditions (waves, currents, etc.) [may be available
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for some sites but probably would have to be estimated for some where not
available].
Effectiveness:
The MMS Plume model has only recently been developed and has not been
extensively tested against measured data.
This would provide at least an initial estimate of the possible sedimentation
footprint.
If applied, this approach should be probably combined with some other method of
direct measurement.
Recommendation on Buffer Zones to Protect Sensitive Habitat from Sedimentation
Three approaches were assessed with respect to the stipulation of buffers to protect
hard/live bottom areas from sedimentation: 1) a blanket buffer; 2) a region/habitat
specific buffer together with real-time monitoring; and 3) the use of the Plume model to
assist in the definition of an appropriate site-specific buffer. It is appropriate to apply
some form of buffer to protect ecologically sensitive hard/live ground habitat from
sedimentation impacts. A blanket buffer for all conditions is inappropriate and would not
be practical. Real-time monitoring near the limits of pre-defined buffers is now possible
as an ongoing test of buffer effectiveness and as a trigger to invoke additional mitigation
measures during dredging operations. The MMS Plume model could be applied to pre-
define buffers considering site-specific conditions. However, considering the limited
validation of this model, it should be combined together with monitoring. Specific
information on acceptable levels of sedimentation is required either through direct
exposure testing of the site-specific hard/live ground habitat or through background
station monitoring.
5.3.5.4 Monitoring Turbidity to Meet a General Stipulation
In many jurisdictions a general stipulation of a maximum turbidity level is specified.
For example, the DNR in Florida specifies that turbidity levels cannot exceed 29 NTUs
above background levels measured at mid-depth at the boundary of a 150 m mixing zone.
Background levels for beach nourishment projects are typically measured 1,000 m
upcurrent from the dredging operations. More details are presented in Section 2.3.7.
This approach could be applied to limit turbidity to levels that result in acceptable levels
of sedimentation in order to protect hard/live bottom habitat. This approach is also
discussed under Section 5.3.7 as a measure to address the impact of elevated levels of
water column turbidity.
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Appropriateness:
It is certainly appropriate to protect adjacent hard/live bottom and other sensitive
habitat, where ecologically sensitive.
A general stipulation may be inappropriate, as it may not apply to all habitats
requiring protection. For example, the 29 NTU limit was based on an original
value of 50 JTU developed to avoid ecological impact in streams and rivers in
Florida and may or may not be appropriate to protect coral habitat at all locations.
A general stipulation on turbidity would not translate to the same sedimentation
rates at all locations due to variability in environmental conditions (e.g., currents
and sea bed topography).
Practicality:
One difficulty of this measure is associated with where and when the
measurements are taken to compare to the stipulated maximum turbidity levels.
Turbidity associated with a dredge plume is highly variable in time and space and
also background levels are highly variable in time and space.
In the study workshop for this project, representatives of leading dredging
contractors in the US indicated that when dredging for sand in sandy areas the 29
NTU above background requirement, measured 150 m from the dredge, was not
difficult to meet (no special measures were required), at least for the way in which
this limit is currently applied and monitored.
Effectiveness:
This approach will only be effective in those areas where the specified turbidity
level is low enough to protect the most sensitive habitat in the worst-case
conditions.
In all other areas, this approach will be overly conservative.
At the study workshop, USACE representatives indicated that point
measurements of turbidity seldom provide a reliable estimate of the true range of
turbidity. This observation was based on their measurements with ADCP giving a
much more thorough picture of the spatial/temporal variability of turbidity.
Therefore, it is difficult to measure the temporal and spatial turbidity levels with
conventional point measurement techniques, profiling techniques such as ADCP
are more effective.
It is difficult to relate turbidity levels directly to sedimentation rates and the
resulting potential indirect damage to hard/live bottom habitat. At the very least,
effectiveness in this respect would require ADCP measurements of turbidity
variability in space and time.
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Recommendation on Turbidity Monitoring to Protect Hard/live Bottom Areas from
Sedimentation Impacts
This is a less direct approach than simply monitoring sedimentation rates. Point
measurements of turbidity (either snapshots or continuous) are difficult to convert
directly to spatially varying sedimentation rates. Once site- or habitat-specific
information is developed on acceptable levels of sedimentation, this must be somehow
translated to acceptable levels of turbidity. More widespread measurements of turbidity
in time and space (e.g., through the application of ADCP) may be necessary for this
indirect approach (i.e., linking sedimentation to turbidity levels) to be effective. Data
from turbidity monitoring may be useful in calibrating or verifying the MMS Plume
model for definition of buffer zones to protect hard/live bottom areas as discussed above.
5.3.5.5 Development of Site-Specific Limits Based on Background Levels
It may be more appropriate to develop limits for sedimentation that are within the
range of natural background levels. The approach would consist of analyzing measured
sedimentation rates to determine the maximum levels (peak values and persistence),
frequency and timing of these events and then to assign appropriate maximum levels
(with duration) for the dredging operation (see Section 5.3.5.3). The alternative approach
to developing a site-specific limit for sedimentation rates is to evaluate the direct impacts
to organisms. This type of work has not been performed in the OCS environment and
could involve a very extensive research program compared to the method of evaluating
the characteristics of background sedimentation levels.
Appropriateness:
It is certainly appropriate to protect adjacent hard/live and other sensitive habitat,
where ecologically sensitive.
As dredging events at a given location are generally infrequent (e.g. once every
two or more years), if repeated at all, the sedimentation generated by such an
event could be compared to that generated by an extreme storm event with return
period similar to the frequency of dredging. The rationale is that the natural
environment would have adapted to avoid or recover from such events in the
natural system.
Practicality:
The main requirement here is measured sedimentation rates at the proposed
dredging site. In most proposed borrow sites or areas in OCS waters, this type of
data are not available. A requirement is that the temporal variation in
sedimentation rates must be determined (i.e., not only the cumulative
sedimentation rate for a period of time). Sedimentation traps are one type of
apparatus that could be applied for these measurements.
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Where project lead-time permits, it would be practical to acquire at least one or
two years of data prior to dredging at locations where sedimentation may be a
concern. The length of the data set required would depend on whether a
significant sedimentation event, for example related to the passage of a hurricane
or tropical storm, was captured in the monitoring period. However, few OCS
projects have lead times of 1-2 years where the exact borrow site is known.
Effectiveness:
This approach relies on the premise that the natural environment will have
adapted to certain levels of sedimentation, and therefore, this should be a reliable
approach for preventing negative impacts of sedimentation generated by
dredging.
Understanding the seasonal timing of the natural sedimentation fluctuations and
the relationship to the seasonal timing of ecological functions of various
organisms would also have to be evaluated for this approach to be effective.
The possibility of the sedimentation generated through the dredging operations
unacceptably contributing to cumulative impacts would have to be considered to
evaluate the effectiveness of this proposed approach.
Recommendation on a Site-Specific Limit Derived from Background Levels
The premise of this approach is to define a limit that is within the range of natural
variability. The main practical limitation is the lack of sedimentation data, new
measurements would have to be made at most locations for a minimum period of one to
two years prior to dredging. This approach would be appropriate at locations where there
is justifiable concern for sedimentation impacts to Essential Fish Habitat.
5.3.5.6 Use of Green Pipe (re-circulation of overflow to draghead)
With the Green Pipe equipment modification, overflow water is fully re-circulated to
the draghead eliminating all or most overflow. In theory, this significantly reduces the
size of the plume from dredging (by confining the release of sediment to an area close to
the bed), and therefore, the sedimentation footprint. However, at the same time, the same
amount of sediment is released thereby concentrating sedimentation related to the release
or re-suspension of sediment in a smaller area leading to higher sedimentation rates
within the smaller footprint.
Appropriateness: see Section 5.3.5.2.
Practicality:
This would require significant overhaul of existing dredges with very significant
capital investment.
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It would require additional pumps and greater weight on the vessel, probably
reducing loading capacity.
These costs would be passed on to the consumer as higher unit dredge costs.
Effectiveness:
Sediment balance considerations suggest that no less sediment would be
overflowed or returned to the bed with this approach, the only difference is that
it would be released close to the bed.
There is a concern that this could promote the development of a turbidity current
near the bed (i.e., due to the high and concentrated sediment loading at the drag
head with this approach). If a turbidity current were to develop at the bed, the
sedimentation footprint may extend much further from the borrow site than
normally expected.
Recommendation on the Green Pipe Equipment Modification
In most cases the Green Pipe approach is likely unjustified. There may be some
circumstances where it is desirable to confine the sediment loading associated with
dredging to close to the bed. However, there may be other less costly approaches to
achieving the same goals.
5.3.5.7 Use of Anti-Turbidity Valve
The anti-turbidity valve is a device, which prevents the entrainment of air into the
hopper and overflow discharge, thus improving the settling characteristics of the
discharged sediment laden flow (see Section 4.6.1 for more detail). The idea here would
be that improved settling will lead to a smaller sedimentation footprint, and therefore less
chance of impacts to hard/live bottom areas located outside the dredge area. The dredge
contractors that attended the workshop (representatives from Bean Stuyvesant LLC and
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.) indicated that most TSHDs are now outfitted with this
device.
Appropriateness: see Section 5.3.5.2.
Practicality:
According to the dredge contractors that attended the workshop, most TSHDs are
already equipped with an anti-turbidity valve of some form.
For this equipment modification to have been widely implemented it must be a
relatively straightforward and inexpensive change in relative terms.
71
Effectiveness:
This approach reduced both the size of the plume (and thus the sedimentation
footprint) in addition to the total sediment released from the hopper.
There is a concern that this could promote the development of a turbidity current
near the bed (i.e., due to promotion of a higher and more concentrating settling
process). If a turbidity current were to develop at the bed, the footprint may
extend much further from the borrow site than normally expected.
Recommendation on the Anti-Turbidity Valve Device
It is understood that this device has been widely applied to TSHDs in the US. Where
it is important to restrict the extent of the sedimentation footprint, such as near to
hard/live bottom areas, this would be an appropriate device to require on the TSHD. The
possibility of turbidity current development should be evaluated at sites with strong tidal
currents or steep slopes in the vicinity of the borrow area (refer to the discussion of
Section 2.3.7).
Overall Recommendation on Protecting Sensitive Habitat from Sedimentation
There is a need to establish field-tested sedimentation limits for different types of
sensitive habitat. A blanket buffer zone width for all locations is probably unjustified.
Another way of defining acceptable site-specific sedimentation levels, that may be more
expedient, is through the monitoring of natural sedimentation rates. Once sedimentation
limits are established for the local sensitive habitat, the best approach would consist of a
pre-dredging assessment of the plume sedimentation footprint using the MMS Plume
model (or equivalent), followed by real-time or near real-time monitoring of
sedimentation levels as a trigger to invoke additional mitigation measures in the dredging
operations, as required (see the recommendations summary for buffer zone approached at
the end of Section 5.3.5.3 for more details). Turbidity monitoring may also be helpful to
validate the Plume model, however, it is not a suitable replacement for direct monitoring
of sedimentation. It would be appropriate to require the Anti-Turbidity valve device at
locations where restricting the sedimentation footprint is important. At almost all
locations the Green Pipe approach (where the overflow water is re-circulated to the
draghead) is likely unjustified. At borrow sites with strong tidal currents or steep slopes,
the possibility of the development of a near-bed turbidity current generated through the
pancaking effect of the dynamic plume phase should be evaluated (see Section 2.3.7 for
details).
72
5.3.6 Creation of Depressions and Furrows
This was not thought to be an important impact and, therefore, was not discussed in
any detail. However, the issue of developing pits was addressed under the discussion of
Impact 3 (see Section 5.3.3).
5.3.7 Increased Short-Term Turbidity (Turbidity Limits)
This impact has been partly addressed under Section 5.3.5 above owing to the fact
that sedimentation is directly related to turbidity levels. Therefore, some of the
techniques presented in Section 5.3.5 are repeated here with some additions to their direct
applicability to this concern.
The approaches and equipment reviewed include: 1) stipulation of a maximum
turbidity level for all locations; 2) stipulation of a site-specific level; 3) Green Pipe (or re-
circulation of overflow to the draghead); and 4) Anti-Turbidity valve.
5.3.7.1 Implementation of a General Stipulation
As discussed under Section 5.3.5.4 related to damage to hard/live bottom habitats, in
many jurisdictions a general stipulation of a maximum turbidity level is specified. For
example, the DNR in Florida specifies that turbidity levels cannot exceed 29 NTUs above
background levels measured at mid-depth at the boundary of a 150 m mixing zone.
Background levels for beach nourishment projects are typically measured 1,000 m
upcurrent from the dredging operations. More details are presented in Section 2.3.7.
Appropriateness:
In open ocean OCS areas, restrictions on dredging operations are not typically
required as it is believed that adult fish are sufficiently mobile to avoid dredge
plumes and levels are almost always sub-lethal and plumes are not persistent or
frequent enough to have an effect at the sub-lethal level.
The concern is generally related to the sedimentation impacts.
There may be some locations where high levels of turbidity could result in an
unacceptable degradation to Essential Fish Habitat.
Practicality:
One difficulty of this measure is associated with where and when the
measurements are taken to compare to the stipulated maximum turbidity levels.
Turbidity associated with a dredge plume is highly variable in time and space and
also background levels are highly variable in time and space.
73
In the study workshop for this project, representatives of leading dredging
contractors in the US indicated that when dredging for sand in sandy areas the 29
NTU above background requirement, measured 150 m from the dredge, was not
difficult to meet (no special measures were required), at least for the way in which
this limit is currently applied and monitored.
Effectiveness:
This approach will only be effective in those areas where the specified turbidity
level is low enough to protect the most sensitive habitat in the worst-case
conditions.
In all other areas, this approach will be overly conservative.
There has been very little field-testing to determine impacts of elevated water
column turbidity at sub-lethal levels. At the workshop, the USACE
representatives argued for more investigation of this issue. Without this
information, there is no way of knowing how effective limits on turbidity levels
(at whatever level they are set) are in protecting the environment.
At the study workshop, USACE representatives also indicated that point
measurements of turbidity seldom provide a reliable estimate of the true range of
turbidity. This observation was based on their measurements with ADCP giving a
much more thorough picture of the spatial/temporal variability of turbidity.
Therefore, it is difficult to measure the temporal and spatial turbidity levels with
conventional point measurement techniques. Profiling techniques such as ADCP
are more effective.
Recommendation on a General Stipulation for Turbidity Levels
The 29 NTU limit above background levels that is sometimes applied to dredging
operations, particularly in nearshore zones, would not appear to be scientifically justified
for application to open ocean environments. Little work has been completed on
understanding the impact of sub-lethal levels of elevated turbidity on fish and other
organisms. It is believed that adult fish are able to avoid the turbidity plume and that
other organisms are simply not influenced by this relatively low level of elevation above
background levels. Point measurements of turbidity levels in space and time are
probably inaccurate and not representative of the variability of actual levels.
Nevertheless, the dredging representatives indicated that the 29 NTU limit above
background measured 150 m from the dredge at mid-depth is not difficult to achieve.
5.3.7.2 Development of Site Specific Limits Based on Background Levels
It may be more appropriate to develop limits for turbidity that are within the range of
natural background levels. The approach would consist of analyzing measured
74
suspended sediment data (TSS or NTU) to determine the maximum levels (peak values
and persistence), frequency and timing of these events and then to assign appropriate
maximum levels (with duration) for the dredging operation (see Section 5.3.5.3). The
alternative approach to developing a site-specific limit for turbidity levels is to evaluate
the direct impacts to organisms. This type of work has not been performed in the OCS
environment and could involve a very extensive research program compared to the
method of evaluating the characteristics of background turbidity levels.
Appropriateness:
In open ocean OCS areas restrictions on dredging operations are not typically
required as it is believed that adult fish are sufficiently mobile to avoid dredge
plumes and levels are almost always sub-lethal and plumes are not persistent or
frequent enough to have an effect at the sub-lethal level.
The concern is generally related to the sedimentation impacts.
There may be some locations where high levels of turbidity could result in an
unacceptable degradation to Essential Fish Habitat.
This approach may be important where a case is made to protect Essential Fish
Habitat and it is necessary to determine the acceptable levels of turbidity.
As dredging events at a given location are generally infrequent (e.g. once every
two or more years), if repeated at all, the turbidity generated by such an event
could be compared to that generated by an extreme storm event with return period
similar to the frequency of dredging. The rationale is that the natural environment
would have adapted to avoid or recover from such events in the natural system.
Practicality:
The main requirement here is measured TSS or NTU at the proposed dredging
site. In most proposed borrow sites in OCS waters this type of data is not
available. This information could be obtained in tandem with velocity data
through the deployment of ADCP. The backscatter signal from the ADCP,
together with ground truth TSS measurements consisting of direct water samples,
can be used to develop a record of turbidity.
Where project lead-time permits, it would be practical to acquire at least one or
two years of data prior to dredging at locations where turbidity may be a concern.
The length of data set required would depend on whether a significant turbidity
event, for example related to the passage of a hurricane or tropical storm, was
captured in the monitoring period.
Effectiveness:
This approach relies on the premise that the natural environment will have
adapted to certain levels of turbidity, and therefore, this should be a reliable
approach for preventing negative impacts of turbidity generated by dredging.
75
Understanding the seasonal timing of the natural turbidity fluctuations and the
relationship to the seasonal timing of ecological functions of various organisms
would also have to be evaluated for this approach to be effective.
The possibility of the turbidity generated through repetitive dredging operations
unacceptably contributing to cumulative impacts would have to be considered to
evaluate the effectiveness of this proposed approach.
Recommendation on a Site Specific Limit Derived from Background Levels
The premise of this approach is to define a limit that is within the range of natural
variability. The main practical limitation is the lack of turbidity data. New measurements
would have to be made at most locations for a minimum period of one to two years prior
to dredging. This approach would be appropriate at locations where there is justifiable
concern for turbidity impacts to Essential Fish Habitat.
5.3.7.3 Use of Green Pipe (re-circulation of overflow to draghead)
With the Green Pipe equipment modification, overflow water is fully re-circulated to
the draghead eliminating all or most overflow. In theory, this significantly reduces the
size of the plume from dredging (by confining the release of sediment to an area close to
the bed). As noted in Section 5.3.5.6, this approach may potentially contribute to
significantly expanding the actual sedimentation footprint. Nevertheless, it would create
a significant improvement to water column turbidity levels.
Appropriateness:
In open ocean OCS areas restrictions on dredging operations are not typically
required as it is believed that adult fish are sufficiently mobile to avoid dredge
plumes and levels are almost always sub-lethal and plumes are not persistent or
frequent enough to have an effect at the sub-lethal level.
The concern is generally related to the sedimentation impacts.
There may be some locations where high levels of turbidity could result in an
unacceptable degradation to Essential Fish Habitat.
Application of this equipment modification would only be justified where a strong
case is made to eliminate any increase in turbidity above background levels to
protect Essential Fish Habitat and fish species that were particularly sensitive to
relatively small increases in turbidity above background levels.
Practicality:
This would require significant overhaul of existing dredges with very significant
capital investment.
76
It would require additional pumps and greater weight on the vessel, probably
reducing loading capacity.
These costs would be passed on to the consumer as higher unit dredge costs.
Effectiveness:
Measurements provided by the Belgian dredging contractor Jan de Nul showed
that this approach was very effective at eliminating any plume higher than about 4
m above the bed. The only source of plume generation with this approach is from
the draghead itself.
Recommendation on the Green Pipe Equipment Modification
In most cases the Green Pipe approach is likely unjustified. There may be some
circumstances where it is desirable to confine the sediment loading associated with
dredging to close to the bed. However, there may be other less costly approaches to
achieving the same goals.
5.3.7.4 Use of Anti-Turbidity Valve
The anti-turbidity valve is a device which prevents the entrainment of air into the
overflow discharge, thus improving the settling characteristics of the discharged
sediment-laden flow (see Section 4.6.1 for more detail). The idea here would be that
improved settling will lead to a more confined sediment plume (although the total
sediment released from the overflow process is not reduced). The dredge contractors that
attended the workshop (representatives from Bean Stuyvesant LLC and Great Lakes
Dredge & Dock Co.) indicated that most TSHDs are now outfitted with this device.
Appropriateness:
In open ocean OCS areas restrictions on dredging operations are not typically
required as it is believed that adult fish are sufficiently mobile to avoid dredge
plumes and levels are almost always sub-lethal and plumes are not persistent or
frequent enough to have an effect at the sub-lethal level.
The concern is generally related to the sedimentation impacts.
There may be some locations where high levels of turbidity could result in an
unacceptable degradation to Essential Fish Habitat.
Application of this equipment modification is justified where a large plume or a
large sedimentation footprint must be avoided.
77
Practicality:
According to the dredge contractors that attended the workshop most TSHDs are
already equipped with an anti-turbidity valve of some form.
For this equipment modification to have been widely implemented it must be a
relatively straightforward and inexpensive change in relative terms.
Effectiveness:
Measurements provided by the Belgian dredging contractor Jan de Nul showed
that this approach was very effective at reducing the size of the plume and the
total quantity of sediment released from the hopper during the overflow process
(see Appendix C.5).
Recommendation on the Anti-Turbidity Valve Device
It is understood that this device has been widely applied to TSHDs in the US. Where
it is important to restrict the extent of the turbidity plume, this would be an appropriate
device to require on the TSHD.
Overall Recommendation on Addressing the Impact of Turbidity
It is generally viewed that elevated levels of turbidity generated from TSHD
operations in open ocean waters does not represent a significant ecological impact. It is
believed that adult fish can avoid plumes and that other organisms can survive the sub-
lethal levels of short-term elevated turbidity. A one-size fits all limit of 29 NTUs above
background levels measured at 150 m from the dredging operation is probably
scientifically unjustified for the ocean environment. Nevertheless, representatives of the
dredging industry that attended the workshop indicated that the 29 NTU limit was not
difficult to achieve. At locations where a more scientifically justified level is required,
for example where there is a specific ecological concern about turbidity levels, it may be
possible to develop a site-specific limit based on measurements of turbidity levels over a
minimum period of one or two years.
The Anti-Turbidity valve device is widely applied in the US and significantly
reduces the size of plumes from TSHDs and the total sediment overflowed in the
discharge process. It would be appropriate to require the use of this device wherever
turbidity is a concern. The Green Pipe approach consisting of re-circulation of the
overflow water to the draghead eliminates the plume above 4 to 5 m above the seabed
(i.e. outside of the region of the draghead plume), but it does not reduce the total
sediment discharged in the overflow process. However, this approach is not included on
any US dredge vessels and would represent a significant and expensive equipment
overhaul that would be passed on to the client through higher unit prices and is likely
unjustified at most locations.
78
5.3.8 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
This impact was not discussed at any length. The MMS has recently awarded a
contract to Emu Ltd. of the UK to study this issue and develop recommendations.
5.3.9 Seafloor Pipeline Breakage and Leakage
This impact was not discussed in any detail. The MMS has recently awarded a
contract to Baird & Associates to study this issue and develop recommendations.
5.3.10 Collisions With Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles
It was concluded that this potential impact is adequately addressed through the
current MMS stipulation listed below.
If operating in areas of known whale occurrences, observers are required. If
whales are observed, avoid intentional approaches within 100 yards (500 yards
for right whales) and slow speeds to less than 4 knots.
5.3.11 Archaeological Resources
This impact was addressed through the recommendation of approaches to define
buffers in a recently completed project for MMS (see Research Planning, Inc. et al.,
2004).
5.3.12 Alteration or Destruction of Essential Fish Habitat
This impact is currently being addressed in an MMS study by Applied Coastal
Research Ltd. However, during the workshop there was some discussion of possible
approaches to address this issue. In addition, subsequent discussions with Chris Spaur of
the Baltimore District office of the USACE have resulted in other possible approaches to
addressing this issue. The primary focus is to avoid disrupting the geomorphic integrity
of ridge and shoal features that have been targeted for dredging. As noted in Section
2.3.12, there is a concern that removing large quantities of sand from a shoal may disrupt
the processes that maintain the shoal and trigger the deflation or disappearance of these
features.
The approaches reviewed include: 1) dredge depositional areas on the features; 2)
post-dredge monitoring of changes; 3) complete an assessment of sediment dynamics of
79
the shoal feature; 4) limit the sediment removal to some threshold level determined
through analytical techniques.
5.3.12.1 Dredge Depositional Areas that are Undergoing Constant Natural
Recovery (and Burial) in a Physical Sense
Appropriateness:
As some areas of shoals (and the features themselves) may represent unique
habitat for important and/or commercial species, it will be important to implement
protective measures.
The aggrading section of the shoal is subject to continual deposition and burial of
surface dwelling communities, therefore, it may have lower ecological importance
(this needs to be verified on a site-specific basis).
Practicality:
Generally this is the steepest (and thus narrowest or smallest) part of the shoal so
it limits the area available for dredging.
Steepness of the aggrading slope may also cause difficulty for dredging,
particularly for TSHDs (however this may not typically be a practical constraint
as slopes are usually in the 1:15 to 1:25 range).
Effectiveness:
The degree to which this measure prevents a possible impact to the geomorphic
integrity of the future needs to be assessed on a site-specific basis.
Some activities that would help evaluate the effectiveness of this approach
include: numerical modeling of the sediment dynamics and morphodynamics of
the feature; geomorphic review of the sedimentology and stratigraphy of the
feature; and monitoring of the changing form of the shoal.
5.3.12.2 Post-Project Monitoring of Changes
Appropriateness:
As some areas of shoals (and the features themselves) may represent unique
habitat for important and/or commercial species, it will be important to implement
protective measures.
80
Post-project monitoring together with other measures may be appropriate,
however this alone does not provide a projection of possible irreversible changes
to the morphologic integrity of shoal features.
Practicality:
The Protocols report completed for MMS by Research Planning, Inc. et al., 2001
(see also Nairn et al., 2004) provides recommendations for monitoring
bathymetric changes within and adjacent to borrow areas.
These approaches are fully practical and based on conventional hydrographic
surveying approaches.
Effectiveness:
This measure is effective in identifying indirect impacts after the fact, at which
time it may be too late to avoid an irreversible impact.
In some cases, this approach may provide a means of avoiding future additional
impacts by repeated dredging operations on the same shoal.
5.3.12.3 Complete a Sediment Dynamics Study of the Shoal to Determine the
Most Appropriate Areas to Dredge to Avoid or Minimize Impacts
Appropriateness:
As some areas of shoals (and the features themselves) may represent unique
habitat for important and/or commercial species, it will be important to implement
protective measures.
The wave dynamics and sediment dynamics on shoal features are very complex
and a site-specific investigation of these processes is fully justified to support the
development of a dredging plan that minimizes impacts to the morphologic
integrity of the shoal and to areas adjacent to the borrow area.
Practicality:
The complexity of the wave and sediment dynamics requires the application of
sophisticated numerical models, and specifically wave models that are capable of
simulating crossing wave patterns over the crest of the shoals. This process has
been shown by Hayes and Nairn (2004) to have a key influence on the natural
maintenance of these features.
This class of wave and sediment dynamic models is inappropriate for long-term
applications required to assess geomorphic changes and integrity. Therefore,
special techniques must be applied to integrate the results of event-based models
to predict long-term changes.
81
Effectiveness:
The effectiveness of this measure will be strongly influenced by the experience
and capabilities of the team to apply the necessary models and address the
complexities discussed above.
In any event, even the best numerical models and the most experienced
interpretations of these complex processes have limitations and long-term
monitoring is an indispensable component of this measure.
5.3.12.4 Limit Removal of Sediment to Some Threshold Level (to Avoid
Deflation or Irreversible Damage to the Morphologic Integrity of the
Shoal)
Appropriateness:
As some areas of shoals (and the features themselves) may represent unique
habitat for important and/or commercial species, it will be important to implement
protective measures.
There is a concern (Hayes and Nairn, 2004) that removal of too much sediment
from a shoal could lead to dramatic deflation of the shoal eliminating most or all
habitat associated with the shoal feature.
How important is the loss of a shoal if there are other shoals nearby? This can
only be answered on a site-specific basis.
Practicality:
Whether this is a practical approach will depend in part on the total quantity that
is determined to be available without creating irreversible damage to the shoal
integrity.
Discussions between R. Nairn of Baird & Associates and C. Spaur of the
Baltimore District office of the USACE, subsequent to the workshop, have
resulted in the development of some possible guidelines for dredging. From a
review of shoals offshore Maryland/Delaware on the OCS it was determined that
the existing features had a wide range of volumes from 6,000,000 to 160,000,000
3
m . This may suggest that removal of several million cubic m from the larger
shoals may not impact their geomorphic integrity. Spaur also reviewed the length
to width ratios of the various shoals and found that the width of the features
varied in a relatively small range, mostly between 1.6 and 3.2 km. This may
suggest that the width of the feature is the key dimension and that any dredging
should be planned to avoid reducing the width below a threshold level, possibly in
the range of 1.6 km.
82
Effectiveness:
It is unlikely that the approach of evaluating shoal morphometrics would, on its
own, provide sufficient understanding to determine guidelines for removal of
sediment at the same time as protecting the geomorphic integrity of the feature.
Nevertheless, this approach shows promise in supporting the development of
appropriate guidelines on where and how much to remove from each shoal.
Recommendation on Protecting Essential Fish Habitat and, Specifically, Shoal
Integrity:
There is much to be learned about the processes that maintain the form of shoals, and
therefore, the potential impacts of dredging sand from these features. Hayes and Nairn
(2004) have summarized the literature on this topic and suggested a new mechanism for
the maintenance of OCS shoals; however, the understanding of these features requires
more investigation. The new mechanism suggested by Hayes and Nairn (2004) consists
of converging and crossing wave patterns (resulting from refraction processes on either
side of the shoal) leading to a convergence of sand transport at the crest of the shoal. This
convergence of sediment transport maintains the shape of the feature and explains why
they fall into the dominant wave direction and migrate in the direction of the dominant
wave propagation. This understanding and the development of guidelines for the
removal of sand through dredging (specifically, how much and where) will require
several lines of investigation including: a review of shoal morphometrics (as C. Spaur of
the USACE, Baltimore District has initiated); an investigation of the sedimentology and
stratigraphy of these features; and numerical modeling of waves, sediment transport and
morphodynamics.
83
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Conclusions
This study was commissioned to evaluate on a worldwide basis existing and
emerging environmentally friendly approaches to dredging for sand and gravel in
offshore waters on the Outer Continental Shelf. The focus was primarily on Trailing
Hopper Suction Dredges as these are the most likely vessels of choice for dredging
operations where the borrow area and the project site requiring the sediment are several
kilometers or miles apart. However, in some cases Cutter Suction Dredges and Dust Pan
Dredges may also be utilized so these have also been considered.
Twelve key impacts were identified and prioritized through discussions with the
Federal and State resource agencies that are actively dealing with dredging impact issues.
Each of these impacts is described in detail in Section 2 of this report. The existing state-
of-the-knowledge on these impacts was summarized through a literature review by
Newell and Seiderer (2003) commissioned for this study (see Appendix A) and by
updating the review of impacts completed by Research Planning, Inc. et al. (2001) and
earlier MMS studies.
Of the twelve impacts identified, a short list was developed for detailed investigation
by focusing on those issues which were not being actively investigated through other
MMS or other agencies, and which did not have sufficient existing MMS stipulations.
The list of concerns for focus in this project, in order of priority ranking based on
discussions with the resource agencies in the US, is:
1. Short-term and cumulative impacts from dredging that lead to loss of entire
benthic communities and possible re-colonization by an altered biological
community;
3. Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size, dissolved oxygen,
compaction and organic content) that lead to a reduction in benthic
communities and suitability of the area for future dredging;
5. Sedimentation (burial) impacts to adjacent hard/live bottom or other sensitive
habitats; and
7. Impacts from short-term increased turbidity from cutterhead or draghead and
overflow from hopper dredges on benthic communities.
Other key concerns such as impacts to turtles (ranked 2), shoreline impacts through
changes to wave climate (4), spatial and seasonal conflicts with recreational and
commercial fishermen (8), potential damage to pipelines (9), damage to archeological
resources (11), and potential harmful alteration or destruction of Essential Fish Habitat
(12) are being or have been recently addressed in other MMS (and USACE in the case of
84
sea turtle impacts) studies. The impact to Essential Fish Habitat was discussed in a
preliminary manner during the project workshop and some other recommendations were
developed. Creation of depressions and furrows (ranked 6) was agreed to be of minor
concern, or covered by Impact 3, which considered the development of dredge pits. The
existing stipulations for collision with marine mammals (10) were determined to be
sufficient.
A review of the range of existing and emerging environmentally friendly techniques
and approaches to dredging was supported by a literature review and an industry survey.
The industry survey included both US and European dredging contractors. In general,
this review found that the US dredging industry is not lagging the European market in
development of innovative approaches. Two of the key recent developments to address
dredging impacts in offshore waters, and particularly the size and extent of dredge
plumes, consisted of the use of an anti-turbidity valve to reduce air entrainment in the
overflow process and an approach of re-circulating the overflow water to the draghead (a
closed system sometimes referred to as Green Pipe), eliminating the plume from the
upper part of the water column. Both the European and US dredging industries had
adopted widespread use of the anti-turbidity valve. Neither the European nor US
dredging industries had adopted the closed system approach to overflow due to capital
and operational costs and lack of justification to eliminate overflow in the upper part of
the water column. Another approach that is becoming universally adopted, at least
within the US market where aggregate dredging and screening are not carried out, is
below hull release of the hopper overflow. This approach also reduces the size of the
turbidity plume.
The key area of difference between the US and European dredging industries was the
size of hopper dredges. Within a decade in Europe the maximum hopper size of TSHDs
has moved from around 12,000 m
3
to in excess of 35,000 m
3
. In contrast, in the US, the
largest hopper dredges are the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Liberty Island (5,000 m
3
) and
Bean Stuyvesant (8,360 m
3
). With respect to dredging impacts, the primary implication
of this difference is that almost all of the recent research on hopper design (and
efficiencies related to the overflow process) has been completed in Europe. However,
US dredging contractors ultimately benefit from these developments.
There has also been a tremendous amount of development in dredging equipment
related to controlling the release of sediment at the dredge head, particularly for projects
involving the removal of contaminated sediments. These techniques were reviewed and
discussed as part of this project but do not really contribute to the evaluation of issues
and techniques appropriate for most OCS dredging operations.
From the industry survey and the literature review it was apparent that most
approaches and equipment development has focused on reducing turbidity levels
associated with overflow from hopper dredges. These various efforts have reduced the
sedimentation footprint associated with the overflow plume to extending no more than
about 200 m beyond the dredge area, at least at locations where ocean currents are not
85
strong. The success of concentrating the overflow plume may be leading to a new
problem, at least in some cases, and that is the development of a near bed turbidity
current. In these cases, a turbidity current consisting of a highly sediment-laden flow can
travel 100s of meters up to several kilometers away from the borrow deposit,
significantly expanding the area of impact. Turbidity currents are triggered under certain
conditions consisting of a steep seabed slope and/or strong currents (with the dredge
operating in line with the currents).
Very little if any development in either equipment or dredging approaches has been
devoted to the key issue of loss of benthic communities. Some possible approaches,
consisting of setting aside spatial or temporal refuges, were developed by the study team
for further evaluation. In other cases, where environmentally friendly approaches or
equipment had not been developed to address particular key impacts, some suggestions
were generated by the team members for further evaluation.
The final phase of this study consisted of a workshop to evaluate the various
environmentally friendly approaches that had been identified under each of the impact
headings, with particular focus on the ones noted above. The workshop was attended by
representatives of: the study team, MMS, USACE, and the dredging industry. For each
type of equipment, procedure or approach that was reviewed, the evaluation was
completed for three criteria: appropriateness, practicality and effectiveness. The
recommendations for each key impact are summarized in Section 6.2.
6.2 Recommendations
A summary of the recommendations developed through the course of the study
workshop is presented below for each of the key impacts identified for review.
6.2.1 Recommendation on Spatial/Temporal Refuge Areas to Promote Re-
Colonization of Benthic Communities
It may be appropriate, practical and effective to impose spatial or temporal refuge
areas at locations with one or more of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of a
unique assemblage of benthic communities; 2) special commercial significance of a
benthic community in a borrow area; 3) at locations where the benthic community is
spatially limited with respect to recruitment and re-colonization; and 4) where the
importance of a benthic community within the borrow area is significant for higher
trophic levels or where this relationship is uncertain. In order to develop a layout of
refuge areas that is practical and does not significantly influence the cost of the dredging
operation, the type of dredging equipment and borrow deposit layout should be
considered. Some specific dimensions for minimum feasible dredge areas are presented
in the report as a guideline for developing a feasible layout of dredge and refuge areas.
The MMS Plume model should be applied to determine the required size of the refuge
86
areas considering the sedimentation footprint from the dredging operations. This
proposed approach should be field tested along with a technique to monitor the
effectiveness.
6.2.2 Changes to Substrate Characteristics and Recommendation on a Pit
Depth Rule
A blanket maximum pit depth rule is inappropriate. However, it is appropriate to
determine a local maximum pit depth to avoid development of a mud cover and/or
anoxia. The minimum practical pit depth would be greater than 1 m from TSHDs and
greater than 2 m for CSDs. Maximum pit depths should be determined on a site-specific
basis through analysis combined with monitoring where necessary (as described above).
Monitoring may assist the development of an appropriate maximum pit depth at borrow
sites that are dredged more than once.
6.2.3 Recommendation on Protecting Sensitive Habitat from Sedimentation
It is appropriate to consider the implementation of these measures at locations where
there is nearby habitat that is sensitive to sedimentation, such as hard/live bottom areas or
coral habitat with specific sedimentation sensitive organisms. In these cases, there is a
need to establish field-tested sedimentation limits for different types of sensitive habitat.
A blanket buffer zone width for all locations is probably unjustified. Another way of
defining acceptable site-specific sedimentation levels, that may be more expedient, is
through the monitoring of natural sedimentation rates. Once sedimentation limits are
established for the local sensitive habitat, the best approach would consist of a pre-
dredging assessment of the plume sedimentation footprint using the MMS Plume model
(or equivalent), followed by real-time or near real-time monitoring of sedimentation
levels (for more details see the recommendations summary for buffer zone approaches at
the end of Section 5.3.5.3). Turbidity monitoring may also be helpful to validate the
Plume model, however, it is not a suitable replacement for direct monitoring of
sedimentation. It would be appropriate to require the Anti-Turbidity valve device at
locations where restricting the sedimentation footprint is important. At almost all
locations the Green Pipe approach (where the overflow water is re-circulated to the
draghead) is likely unjustified. At borrow sites with strong tidal currents or steep slopes,
the possibility of the development of a near-bed turbidity current generated through the
pancaking effect of the dynamic plume phase should be evaluated (see Section 2.3.7 for
details).
87
6.2.4 Recommendation on Addressing the Impact of Turbidity
It is generally viewed that elevated levels of turbidity generated from TSHD
operations in open ocean waters does not represent a significant ecological impact. It is
believed that adult fish can avoid plumes and that other organisms can survive the sub-
lethal levels of short-term elevated turbidity. A one-size-fits-all limit of 29 NTUs above
background levels measured at 150 m from the dredging operation is probably
scientifically unjustified for the ocean environment. Nevertheless, representatives of the
dredging industry that attended the study workshop indicated that the 29 NTU limit was
not difficult to achieve. At locations where a more scientifically justified level is
required, for example where there is a specific ecological concern about turbidity levels,
it may be possible to develop a site-specific limit based on measurements of turbidity
levels over a minimum period of one or two years. The Anti-Turbidity valve device is
widely applied in the US and significantly reduces the size of plumes from TSHDs and
the total sediment overflowed in the discharge process. It would be appropriate to
require the use of this device wherever turbidity is a concern. The Green Pipe
approach consisting of re-circulation of the overflow water to the draghead eliminates the
plume above 4 to 5 m above the seabed (i.e. outside of the region of the draghead plume),
but it does not reduce the total sediment discharged in the overflow process. However,
this approach is not included on any US dredge vessels (nor on most European vessels)
and would represent a significant and expensive equipment overhaul that would be
passed on to the consumer through higher unit prices and is likely unjustified at most
locations.
6.2.5 Recommendation on Protecting Essential Fish Habitat, and
Specifically, Shoal Integrity
There is much to be learned about the processes that maintain the form of shoals, and
therefore, the potential impacts of dredging sand from these features. Hayes and Nairn
(2004) have summarized the literature on this topic and suggested a new mechanism for
the maintenance of OCS shoals (see sect. 5.3.12.4 for an explanation of this new
mechanism), however, the understanding of these features requires more investigation.
This understanding and the development of guidelines for the removal of sand through
dredging (specifically, how much and where) will require several lines of investigation
including: a review of shoal morphometrics (as C. Spaur of the USACE, Baltimore
District has initiated); an investigation of the sedimentology and stratigraphy of these
features; and numerical modeling of waves, sediment transport and morphodynamics.
88
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94
Appendix A
Literature Review On Ecological
Impacts Of Dredging
Report By Newell And Seiderer (2003)
Completed For This Study.
Appendix
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF MARINE AGGREGATE
DREDGING ON SEABED RESOURCES
Prepared For
Baird Associates,
627 Lyons Lane, Suite 200,
Oakville, ONTARIO. Canada L6J 5Z7
By
R.C.Newell D.Sc.(Lond.) & L.J.Seiderer Ph.D.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited
Trewood Cottage, Steeple Lane,
St. IVES. Cornwall TR26 2PF.
Tel: +44 (0)1736-795975
Fax: +44 (0)1736-793727
E-Mail: SEASURVEY@aol.com
Web Site: www.marineecologicalsurveys.co.uk
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
CONTENTS.
SUMMARY .........................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................3
1.1. The Dredging Process. ..........................................................................3
1.2. The Fate of Overboard Discharges. .........................................................6
1.3. Impacts on Biological Resources........................................................... 14
2. IMPACTS WITHIN THE DREDGING AREA. ..................................................... 16
3. RATE OF RECOVERY FOLLOWING CESSATION OF DREDGING. ...................... 21
3.1. Scenario 1. The Sediment Composition of the Deposits Remains
Substantially Unaltered following Cessation of Dredging. ............................... 21
3.2. Scenario 2. The Sediment Composition of the Deposits becomes
Sandier following Removal of Coarse Components and Rejection of Fines. ....... 28
3.2.1. Short-Term Impacts .............................................................. 28
3.2.2. Long-Term Impacts ............................................................... 29
3.2.3. Approaches to the Assessment of Recovery ............................. 33
4. IMPACTS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF DREDGED AREAS.......................... 34
5. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ................................................................................ 37
6. IMPACTS ON FISHERIES. ............................................................................. 38
7. ASSIGNING SIGNIFICANCE TO IMPACTS ..................................................... 39
8. RISK ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................... 41
8.1. Risk Assessment for Communities & Habitats. ........................................ 41
8.2. Risk Assessment for Fisheries Resources. .............................................. 42
9. MITIGATION ............................................................................................... 47
9.1. Minimise the Dredged Area.................................................................. 49
9.2. Manage the Dredging Operation. .......................................................... 49
9.3. Liaison & Reporting. ........................................................................... 49
10. MONITORING. ........................................................................................... 50
10.1. Number and Position of Monitoring Sites.............................................. 51
10.2. Benthic Infauna. .............................................................................. 53
10.2.1. Sampling Methods. .............................................................. 53
10.2.2. Laboratory Identification & Analysis........................................ 54
10.3. Benthic Epifauna. ............................................................................. 55
10.4. Data Recording & Analysis of Results. ................................................. 56
10.5. Identification & Mapping of Marine Biotopes. ........................................ 57
11. REFERENCES.............................................................................................. 58
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
SUMMARY.
Our assessment of the likely impacts of marine aggregate mining on seabed resources is
based mainly on the results of impact studies on physical and biological resources in
relatively shallow water sites of up to 30m depth in European waters. Most of the
conclusions are therefore strictly applicable mainly to seabed deposits that are subject to
disturbance by waves and tidal currents, and where the resident organisms are adapted
to disturbance under natural conditions. We consider the most likely impacts on benthic
biological resources to be the following:-
1. The species variety, population density and biomass of benthic fauna is likely to
be suppressed by as much as 60-90% within dredged areas. This suppression will
reduce during the recovery process following cessation of dredging, but may be
significant in coarse deposits for at least half of the overall recovery time, ie. at
least 6-10 years (see below). In sandier deposits, recovery times are likely to be
shorter (approximately 2-4 years).
2. There is likely to be a zone extending for a variable distance outside the dredge
area (depending on the velocity and direction of the tidal streams at the seabed)
where deposition and subsequent seabed transport of material discharged
overboard has an impact on biodiversity, population density and biomass of
benthos.
3. Studies recently completed in the North Sea in the vicinity of Licence Area 408
show that where sand rejected during the screening process has been returned to
the seabed, areas of fine well-sorted sand extend from the dredged sites along
the axis of net transport by tidal streams for at least 2km. The distribution of
these fine sands varies with local seabed current direction, and is consistent with
the deposition and transport of material rejected during the screening process.
4. The biomass of benthic infauna within an actively dredged zone at this Licence
Area was suppressed by 82% compared with that at control sites well outside
any impact of dredging. Biomass is suppressed by as much as 66% within the
areas of fine sand outside the boundaries of the dredge site, and approaches that
of control sites at a distance of 4 km down the axis of net tidal transport to the
south-east of the dredged sites. Impacts of deposition of sand rejected during the
dredging and screening process can therefore extend for a considerable distance
outside the boundaries of a dredge site along the axis of transport of material on
tidal currents at the seabed.
5. Some components of the community, such as polychaete worms and small
crustaceans, are capable of relatively rapid recolonisation and growth following
cessation of dredging. Recovery of the biomass of some of the long-lived
components of the equilibrium communities such as larger bivalve species that
characterise gravel communities could, however, take as much as 15-20 years
even if the deposits remain of a suitable particle size composition for
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 1
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
recolonisation.
6. If removal of coarse material for marine aggregates, and rejection of fine sand
results in a long-term change in sediment composition towards more sandy
deposits, then the fauna is likely to revert to one with a low species variety
dominated by polychaete worms.
7. Impacts on transitory members of the biological community in the vicinity of the
dredge sites are less likely than impacts on benthic organisms that cannot evade
adverse conditions should they occur. Thus although impacts on plankton and fish
have been reported for long-term exposure experiments in the laboratory, under
natural conditions most species are likely to evade areas of disturbance or
turbidity.
8. We conclude, therefore, that the main impacts of the dredging proposals will be a
suppression of species diversity, population density and biomass of benthic
animals within the dredge sites and along the axis of deposition of material
mobilised by the dredging and screening processes.
9. Benthic communities probably represent an important food resource for fish, but
we doubt whether losses to the marine food web from the dredged areas would
result in a detectable impact on the carrying capacity of the waters surrounding a
dredge site for commercial fish stocks. Of more significance are possible impacts
on areas of localised or seasonal importance such as spawning grounds and
nursery grounds for fish and shellfish such as scallop and crab.
10. Recent proposals for Risk Assessment to marine resources, including invertebrate
communities of conservation significance and commercial fish stocks, take into
account both the sensitivity of the resources to the physical impacts of marine
aggregate dredging, and their actual vulnerability based on the location of the
resources in relation to the dredge site and contours known physical impact. We
consider this to be an important approach that allows a full identification of Risk
to specific environmental resources located near to a dredge site, before possible
mitigation or remedial measures are considered.
11. There are currently few practical or cost-effective ways of minimising the impacts
of marine aggregate dredging within the dredge sites themselves, nor in the
sedimentation zone which is likely to surround the dredge sites unless restriction
of discharge of screened material were a commercially-acceptable option.
Experimental studies are being undertaken to determine whether restoration of
the seabed surface with a thin layer of gravel could assist in restoration of
community composition following cessation of dredging, but the results of this
work have not yet been reported or evaluated as a cost-effective option.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 2
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
1. INTRODUCTION.
In order to assess the likely impacts of marine aggregate dredging on biological
resources, it is necessary to summarise the data which are available from impact
studies, and to clarify the assumptions inherent in the environmental impact assessment
process. This includes features of the extraction process itself, as well as the key points
at which an impact on biological resources might be anticipated beyond the immediate
boundaries of disturbance by the drag head.
The impact of marine aggregate dredging on seabed resources has been widely reviewed
and are comparatively well-documented for coastal sites in European waters (see
Dickson & Lee, 1972; Shelton & Rolfe, 1972; Cruikshank & Hess, 1975; Eden, 1975;
Millner et al., 1977; de Groot, 1979; Van der Veer et al., 1985; Glasby, 1986; Lart,
1991, Gajewski & Uscinowicz, 1993; ICES, 1993; Land et al., 1994; Whiteside et al.,
1995; Hitchcock & Drucker, 1996; Newell et al., 1998; Desprez, 2000; van Dalfsen et
al., 2000; Boyd et al., 2003). There have, however, been several recent studies that
confirm and amplify what is known about the extent and distribution of material
discharged during the dredging process, and the impacts that this might have on benthic
biological resources.
1.1. THE DREDGI NG PROCESS.
Most of the sea-going aggregate dredgers are self-contained and use a centrifugal pump
to lift aggregates from the seabed into a hopper where the material may be screened
before being transferred to a hold of 5000-8000 tonnes capacity. Where the gravel
deposits are in a restricted area of seabed, the suction dredger may operate at anchor, a
method of dredging that can result in pits or depressions in the seabed that can reach as
much as 20m depth and 75m diameter (Dickson & Lee, 1972; Cruikshank & Hess, 1975).
These pits formed from anchor-dredging are likely to be persistent features of the
seabed for several years except in areas where the sands are mobile (Eden, 1975). In
such cases, slumping of the sides of the pit and subsequent infilling by fine particles
transported by tidal currents may lessen the physical impact, restoring the pits to their
former level. However, this can lead to heavily anoxic sediments within such dredge pits,
and to colonisation by a community that differs considerably from that in the original
deposits (Dickson & Lee, 1972; Shelton & Rolfe, 1972; Kaplan et al., 1975; Bonsdorff,
1983; Hily, 1983; Van der Veer et al., 1985; Hall, 1994).
The normal process of extraction involves suction dredging whilst the vessel is slowly
under way. This process of trailer dredging results in a series of tracks of 2-3m wide
and up to 50cm deep (van Moorsel & Waardenberg, 1990; Kenny & Rees, 1994; Boyd et
al., 2003), although deeper troughs of up to 2m have been recorded from areas where
the drag head had crossed the area several times. Davies & Hitchcock (1992) reported
dredge cuts of between 20-55cm depth and 3.0-3.8m width in commercially exploited
deposits of the Bristol Channel. Somewhat deeper troughs of up to 70cm were reported
for the Baltic (Gajewski & Uscinowicz, 1993). Desprez (2000) reported furrows up to 5m
deep separated by crests of shingle in dredged deposits off Dieppe, France. In all these
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 3
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
cases removal of the surface 0.5m of the seabed is sufficient to eliminate the benthos
from the deposits. The total depth of removal depends on the intensity of dredging at a
particular worked site.
In some instances, in situ gravel deposits are transferred in bulk into the hold for
subsequent use as beach feed or landfill (see Hess, 1971), but in most instances the
proportion of sand:gravel in the cargo is adjusted to suit customer requirements by a
process of screening which can involve rejection of significant quantities of sand
overboard at the site of dredging. The in situ reserves that are suitable for economic
exploitation generally range from 15-55% gravel whereas the sand:gravel ratio in the
final cargo is generally adjusted to between 50:50 and 65:35 depending on customer
requirements, local geology and ship performance. This implies that 20-80% of the
material dredged may be rejected overboard during the screening process.
If we assume a relatively low figure of 30% for material returned to the seabed following
screening, then a total of 6500te of seabed deposits will be dredged to obtain a 4500te
cargo load. This process takes 4-6h depending on the type of dredger and nature of the
seabed deposits and is likely to be associated with a discharge of a minimum of 1,500te
of fine deposits comprising mainly sand-sized particles from the reject chutes following
screening.
Settlement of this reject material can result in a significant overburden of sand within
production licence areas, the deposits then requiring increased screening compared with
newly-exploited deposits to obtain a suitable commercial cargo. In some coastal areas,
for example, mass balance studies of emissions from dredgers operating in Production
Licence areas such as Owers Bank and in relatively sandy deposits of the North Sea off
Southwold show that much higher proportions of up to 1.7 x the cargo load may need to
be processed by the dredger to obtain a suitable cargo (Hitchcock & Drucker, 1996;
Newell et al., 1998, 1999). The possibility of significantly higher rejection of screened
material than the 30% assumed above for typical gravel deposits cannot therefore be
excluded if an overburden of sand develops after a period of exploitation of the resource.
Discharge of increased quantities of sand by screening is likely to significantly increase
the impact of discharged material on benthic biological resources in the immediate
vicinity of the dredge site, but is unlikely to settle over a wider area than when smaller
quantities are discharged.
Progressive removal of the coarse fraction of deposits, and rejection of fine material by
overboard screening can result in significant changes in particle size composition of the
deposits both within the dredged area, and along the axis of deposition of material
discharged overboard by the screening process. This effect is more marked in
undisturbed environments where screened material is not moved rapidly away from the
site of deposition by local currents. van Dalfsen et al (2000), for example, reported that
at a dredge site in the Mediterranean at Costa Daurada, Spain, grain size changed
considerably as a result of deposition of material from the spillways during the dredging
operation. After two months, scuba divers observed a 5-20cm thick layer of very fine
sediment (MD
50
= 0.016-0.018mm) on top of the native sand (MD
50
= 0.1-0.15mm).
One year later the fine sediment still formed on average 27% of the sediment by weight
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 4
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
(Manzanera et al., 1996). Changes in particle size composition of the sediments following
dredging have also been reported for sediments in relatively shallow water off Dieppe by
Desprez (2000; for review, see Boyd et al., 2003).
A second source of loss of material from the dredger during the dredging process is fine
suspended material which overflows through the spillways once the hold has filled with
water and screened cargo. In most aggregate areas the fines comprise at least 1-2%,
and often as much as 8-10% of the deposits. Assuming that all of these fines are
discharged through the spillways, then even based on the lowest figure of 1-2% silt, the
mass of silt likely to be discharged during processing of the 6500te of seabed deposits
required to load a 5000te cargo is likely to be 65-130 tonnes, and it could be a good deal
higher in some of the dredge sites.
This fraction dominates the overspill material although there is also a varying component
of sand that is maintained in suspension by turbulence within the hopper. This can result
in an obvious visible plume which carries for as much as 2-3km down-current astern of
dredgers operating in deposits that contain significant quantities of silt.
Plate 1. Typical marine aggregate dredger loading a cargo and discharging screened material from reject
chutes. Overspill losses from the cargo hold can also be seen. Copyright MESL-PhotoLibrary.
A typical suction trailer dredger operating in the North Sea is shown in Plate 1.
Overboard losses from the two screening towers and reject chutes can be seen, as well
as those from the spillways located along the upper parts of the cargo hold.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 5
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
1.2. THE FATE OF OVERBOARD DI SCHARGES.
Most direct studies on the fate of the material discharged through the overboard reject
chutes suggest that coarse material, including sand-sized particles settle rapidly to the
seabed as a density current jet. The rate of settlement during this initial dynamic phase
depends on the overflow density, the diameter of the discharge pipe, the water depth,
the velocity of discharge and the speed of the dredger (Whiteside et al, 1995). During its
passage through the water column, and following impact on the seabed, the sediment is
dispersed into the water column and forms a well-defined plume astern of the dredger.
This second, longer phase has been referred to as the passive phase of dispersion by
Whiteside et al (1995) and starts approximately 10min after discharge. During this
phase, the material behaves in a relatively simple settling mode according to Stokes
Law, the plume then decaying to background levels after a period of 2-3h. This
dispersing plume is a clearly visible feature of many marine aggregate dredging
operations, and is supplemented by losses of fines from the spillways amounting to at
least 1-2% of the total material dredged.
Plume generation and decay from dredgers operating at Owers Bank off the south coast
of UK has been studied by Hitchcock & Dearnaley (1995; see also Hitchcock & Drucker,
1996). Their results support the view that particles rejected through the screening
process move rapidly to the seabed. Conventional water sampling techniques used in this
study suggested that concentrations of sand-sized particles were reduced to background
levels only 200-300m from the point of release into the water column and that
concentrations of silt-sized particles are also reduced to background levels of 2-5mg per
litre over this distance.
Acoustic backscatter techniques were also used to define the plume morphology in
relation to distance and time down-current of a dredger operating at anchor and
rejecting the screened material overboard as described above. These measurements
suggest that sand settlement occurs in a zone extending up to approximately 600m
astern of the dredger. Silt-sized particles disappeared from the water column at
approximately 1800m. Other components, thought to be organic matter, disappear from
the water column at 2.5 - 3.0km astern of the dredger.
A series of sections through the outwash plume down-current of the dredger based on
Hitchcock & Drucker (1996) is shown in Figure 1.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 6
Figure 1. Acoustic Backscatter images across the plume at varying distances downstream of an anchor-
dredger during loading of a screened cargo at Owers Bank off the south coast of UK. Based on Hitchcock &
Drucker (1996). The black band at the seabed is a data corruption zone which precluded assessment of plume
morphology at the sediment-water interface. The red signal indicates coarse sand-sized particles; the yellow
signal indicates the settlement of silt; and the white signal is considered to represent organic flocculating
material.
Several features of interest emerge from these results:-
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Relative Backscatter (Average all beams) Transects 1- 9
#1 - 80m astern
#9 - 3335m astern #8 - 2640m astern #7 - 1835m astern
#6 - 1540m astern #5 - 880m astern #4 - 590m astern
#3 - 365m astern #2 - 205m astern
the were not
et al.


Although suspended sediment concentrations in plume significantly
different from background levels beyond 200-300m from the point source of discharge
using conventional water sampling and optical transmissometer techniques, it is
possible to track the plume using acoustic backscatter techniques for a distance of up
to 3.5km. Subsequent studies suggest that this far-field effect reflects the presence of
organic material derived from benthos fragmented by the dredging and screening
process (Newell , 1999).
The sedimenting plume is approximately 200m wide and 3000m long in the region
where settlement from the water column is occurring.
The technique is useful for identifying the zone of settlement from the water column,
but there is a data corruption zone at the sediment-water interface amounting to
approximately 6% of the water depth, where further tracking of subsequent deposition
and movement of material is not possible.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 7
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Because the benthic organisms are likely to be mainly affected by heavy sedimentation
loads on the seabed, direct studies showing the relatively rapid sedimentation of
particulate material within 600m from the point of discharge have until recently
suggested that most, if not all impacts of the rejection of screened material are likely to
be confined to the immediate vicinity of the point of discharge and are unlikely to have a
potential impact beyond the boundaries of the dredge site itself.
Recent studies suggest, however, that at some sites the potential impacts of screened
material are not confined to the relatively small zone of initial sedimentation from the
water column. Dickson & Rees (1998) deployed a series of mini-POD samplers located
approximately 50cm above the seabed in the vicinity of Area 107 off Skegness in the
southern North Sea. They have shown that marine aggregate dredging in that area is
associated with a benthic plume of mobilised sediment that extends along the sediment-
water interface for as much as one tidal excursion (ie., as much as 10km) along the axis
of the tidal stream in that area (Dickson & Rees, 1998). Simultaneous deployment of a
mini-POD near the Area 107 South Coast Shipping dredge site and on Race Bank
approximately 6.5km away from the dredge site in May-June 1995 allowed some
estimates of the transport of material between the dredge site and adjacent areas.
( )
4
3
2
1
0
2 1 3 4 5 6
D ate J une
S
u
s
p
e
n
d
e
d

L
o
a
d

R a c e B ank
A re a 107
Sta rt
Sto p
Figure 2. Mini-POD records showing suspended sediment spikes at dredge Area 107 (magenta) and at Race
Bank (black) at a distance of 6.5 km from the dredge site in 1995. Redrawn after Dickson & Rees (1998).
Figure 2 shows the suspended sediment load measured at a mini-POD located on the
seabed at the site of dredging at Area 107 and at Race Bank approximately 6.5km
downstream. Each period of dredging activity by the dredger Sand Weaver (shown in
green for the start and red for the stop below the X-axis in Figure 2) is followed by a
high concentration of suspended sediment at the dredge site mini-POD, followed
approximately 5h later by the arrival of a smaller spike at Race Bank. The speed of travel
of the pulse of sediment at the sediment-water interface is therefore approximately
1.3km per hour.
A deployment of 4 mini-PODs was then made in June 1996 to record the passage of a
sediment plume from the site of dredging at Area 107 to Race Bank. The dredger used in
this experiment was the modern Ham 311'. The results shown in Figure 3 provide the
first clear and unequivocal evidence of an individual outwash plume passing in sequence
from one mini-POD to the next across the whole distance from the dredge site to Race
Bank.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 8
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
0
1
2
3
C
D
C
D
Tim e
V
o
l
t
s
042 'E
0 4 3 .5 'E
0 4 5 'E
048 'E
R ac e B an k - E
Ar ea 1 07 - B
B - Ar ea 10 7
E - R a ce B a n k
S ta r t
S to p
1 6h48 1 8h48 20h4 8 22h4 8 00h4 8 0 2h48
Figure 3. Traces from 4 Mini-PODs recording the passage of a benthic sediment plume from a site of dredging
at Area 107 to Race Bank in June 1996. Redrawn after Dickson & Rees (1998).
Impacts at the sediment-water interface are of particular significance to marine benthos
because activities such as larval settlement, irrigation and feeding occur at the surface of
the seabed. It is therefore of interest to know the particle size spectrum of the material
carried from the dredge site at the seabed. Dickson & Rees (1998) used event-triggered
syringe samplers and passive sediment traps to provide a calibration of Miniature Optical
Backscatter Sensors (MOBS) by gravimetric analysis and analysis of particle size
spectrum at a mini-POD site within dredge Area 107 and at a site approximately 8.5km
to the south at Nut and Spanner Buoy on Docking Shoal. This is the furthest site at
which dredge plumes from Area 107 have been detected at Spring tide conditions.
0 1 10 1000
l )
0
i
100
Partic e Size (m
2000
4000
6000
8000
R
e
l
a
t
i
v
e

%

b
y

v
o
l
u
m
e

Dredge s te Area 107
Nut & Spanner Buoy
Figure 4. Relative Particle Size composition of the benthic boundary plume at the dredge site at
Area 107, and at Nut & Spanner Buoy 8.5 km to the south of the dredge site. Redrawn after
Dickson & Rees (1998).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 9
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Figure 4 shows that the main difference between the benthic plumes at the dredge site
in Area 107 and that at the Nut and Spanner site 8.5km to the south is an overall
reduction in the concentration of material. This probably reflects progressive losses by
sedimentation to the seabed along the axis of the plume. There is, however, no evidence
of a relative loss of coarse-sized particles (0.2mm) at the extreme of the plume. This
suggests a relatively uniform loss of material along the length of the plume, rather than
a differential settlement based on particle size. It suggests that the generation of a
seabed plume may be more like a density current generated by material discharged to
the seabed from the reject chute, rather than a simple settlement of material from a
dispersing sediment plume. Very little further work has been carried out at other sites to
investigate whether the results of this important study apply to other dredge areas, and
the extent to which the scale of the seabed plume is related to local hydrographic
conditions and the amounts of material rejected by screening within the dredge site.
These results were used by Dickson & Rees (1998) to show that dredging on Area 107
had a potential to deliver an extra 50-150mg/l to the near-bottom sediment layer at
Race Bank during about 7% of the Spring/Neap tidal cycle. The Race Bank is an
important over-wintering ground for berried brown
crab (Cancer pagurus) typical landings being reported
as 300,000 p.a in 1997-8 (Dickson & Rees, 1998).
Since the sedimented material was carried towards
this sensitive resource area on the ebb tide,
agreement with the dredging company to confine
dredging of Area 107 to the flood tide only,
successfully minimised potential impacts on biological
resources of economic significance.
Cancer pagurus MESL-PhotoLibrary
These direct measurements on the characteristics of near-bed sediment plumes in the
southern North Sea are supported by a recent re-analysis of the acoustic backscatter
data originally reported by Hitchcock &
Drucker (1996) for marine aggregate dredging
at Owers Bank on the south coast of UK.
These also provide some evidence of a plume
at the benthic boundary layer which extends
along the axis of dispersion outside the zone
of deposition of sediment from the water
column Hitchcock et al. (2002).
Acoustic Backscatter Profiler MESL-PhotoLibrary
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 10
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
i
i
- 4
Eastng
505345 506345 507345 508345
85000
85600
86200
Northng
Depth
- 13
- 22
Figure 5. Longitudinal section of the sedimentation plume from a dredger loading a screened cargo at Owers
Bank in 1995. Based on Acoustic Backscatter data from Hitchcock et al, (2002). The red side of the scale
indicates high backscatter levels and the blue side of the scale indicates low backscatter levels.
Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section of the sedimentation plume from the dredger City
of Rochester during loading of a screened cargo at Owers Bank in 1995. The near-site
sedimentation of sand and the subsequent loss of finer material from the water column
with distance downstream from the dredger corresponds with that shown in Figure 1.
There is, however, also a strong signal along the benthic boundary layer, indicating the
presence of a sediment plume located at the sediment-water interface. This extends
outside the zone of sedimentation from the water column to the limits of measurements
at 2.7km from the dredger, and may correspond with that described by Dickson & Rees
(1998) from mini-POD measurements of benthic plumes in the southern North Sea.
This pattern of sedimentation and subsequent dispersion on the seabed is not confined to
dredgers discharging screened material overboard during the loading operation. Figure 6
shows a longitudinal section of the acoustic backscatter profile from a large dredger
Geopotes of 8000te hopper capacity loading an all-in cargo at Owers Bank in 1995
(from Hitchcock et al 2002). Again, it is clear that there is an initial rapid sedimentation
of material from the water column near to the point of discharge, but there is also an
extended dispersion plume at the sediment-water interface and this extends downstream
to the limits of measurements at least 4km from the dredge site.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 11
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
-6
510400 508400 509400 507400
Eas t i n g
88300
87300
No r t h i n g
-11
-16
-21
De p t h
Figure 6. Longitudinal section of the Acoustic Backscatter profile from a dredger loading an all-in cargo at
Owers Bank in 1995. Based on Hitchcock et al, (2002). The red side of the scale indicates high backscatter
levels and the blue side of the scale indicates low backscatter levels.
Studies recently completed in the North Sea in the vicinity of Licence Area 408 support
the view that fine sands rejected during the screening process, and mobilised by tidal
streams, may be transported considerable distances along the seabed outside the
boundaries of the dredge site. Net sediment transport at Area 408 is to the south-east,
with local variations due to the influence of topographic features on the tidal streams in
the west of the survey area. Newell et al (2002) and Evans (2002) have shown that
areas of fine well-sorted sand with a sorting coefficient of <0.5 phi extend from the
dredged sites within the Licence Area for at least 2km along the axes of local net
sediment transport towards the south-east in the survey area. These areas of well-sorted
fine sand overlay seabed sediments with a more variable composition, and could be
associated with remobilised material.
The distribution of sediment with a sorting coefficient of <0.5 phi is superimposed onto
the seabed morphology of the study area from high resolution side-scan sonar data
acquired during 2000 in Figure 7. This shows the actively-dredged site where the seabed
is disturbed by draghead trails, and an area of fine, well-sorted sediment extending
along the net transport direction to the south east of the dredged site. Since the samples
reported for Area 408 were taken with a Hamon grab, and therefore represent material
averaged down to 20-30 cm depth, it is probable that thin surface layers of fine sand
may extend further along the axis of tidal transport than is recorded from conventional
grab samples.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 12
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Figure 7. A section of the Licence Area 408 in the North Sea showing the seabed morphology
based on seismic interpretation. Superimposed on the map are contours of sorting coefficient for
seabed sediments with grain size finer than 0.5phi. The currently dredged area is represented by
the letter A. The letter B represents an area where dredging ceased in 1999. Based on Evans
(2002).
Areas of fine sand were also recorded outside the boundaries of zones at Licence Area
408 where dredging had ceased at least 12 months previously. Such patches of fine sand
that may be derived from deposition of material rejected and returned to the seabed
during the screening process thus appear to be relatively persistent, despite the
movement of sediment that occurs naturally at the seabed. These results support those
reported by Manzanera et al (1996) for a site at Costa Daurada, Spain.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 13
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
In summary, all recent information suggests the following features of the dredging and
sedimentation-dispersion profiles for material released from marine aggregate dredgers
relevant to the assessment of impact on biological resources on the seabed:-





Sedimentation of all components of material discharged overboard is faster than would
be anticipated from simple Gaussian models based on the settlement velocity of
component particles. This is due to cohesive properties of the discharged material
which forms a density current that enters the water column in a dynamic phase of
settlement.
Coarse material up to sand-size particles settles within 200-600 m of the point source
of discharge, depending on depth of water, tidal velocity and the velocity of flow from
the discharge pipe.
Even fine silt-sized particles reach background values within 2-2.5km of discharge,
although there is a residual signature from the dispersing plume at distances of up to
3.5km which may be attributable to organic matter derived from fragmented benthos
discharged during the screening process.
Settlement from the water column in the vicinity of the dredge site is only part of the
potential impact on benthic resources. There is now some evidence supporting the view
that recently-sedimented material is mobilised at the sediment-water interface to form
a benthic plume which can extend for as much as one tidal excursion in each direction
from the dredge site.
This benthic plume is of potential importance as a source of impact and is likely to
affect a zone of up to one tidal excursion (10km in the North Sea near Area 107) in
each direction on the Spring tide. The width is likely to be approximately 200m based
on acoustic backscatter measurements of the sedimented material in coastal dredge
sites.
1.3. I MPACTS ON BI OLOGI CAL RESOURCES.
The impacts of both the dredging process itself and the subsequent deposition of
material from the dispersing plume on biological resources beyond the boundaries of the
dredge site are likely to be complex. Impacts are affected not only by physical features
of the dredge site and adjacent zone of deposition of material rejected by the screening
process, but also by the nature of the biological communities that naturally occur on the
seabed. Different components of the biological communities in the vicinity of dredge sites
are known to have differing thresholds of sensitivity to such deposited material (Sherk,
1971; Sherk et al., 1974; Moore, 1977; Matsumoto, 1984; Holme & Wilson, 1985: for
review, see Newell et al., 1998).
Sediment stability is also known to have an impact both on suitability for recolonisation
and the type of communities that are initially established in recently sedimented material
(Holme & Wilson, 1985; Newell et al., 1998) and is a feature of potential impacts that is
poorly understood. The type of community that inhabits shallow water wave-disturbed
deposits under natural conditions generally comprises mobile opportunistic species with
a high rate of growth and reproduction. Conversely, communities that occur on more
stable coarser deposits comprise communities that are dominated by a wide range of
equilibrium species that have a slow rate of recolonisation and growth. The rate of
recolonisation and recovery following cessation of dredging is thus partly dependent on
the type of substratum and partly on the natural community which is available to
colonise the deposits (see van Dalfsen et al., 2000; for review, see Newell et al., 1998).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 14
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The nature and scale of impact of aggregate dredging on seabed resources can be
assessed by addressing the following key issues in relation to the physical features of the
dredging and screening processes described above:-
The impact of dredging within the dredged area itself.
The rate of recovery following cessation of dredging.
The extent of likely impact outside the boundaries of the dredged area.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 15
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
2. IMPACTS WITHIN THE DREDGING AREA.
The impact of dredging on benthic communities within dredged areas varies widely
depending, among other factors, on the intensity of dredging in a particular area, the
degree of sediment disturbance and recolonisation by passive transport of adult
organisms and the intrinsic rate of reproduction, recolonisation and growth of the
community that normally inhabits the particular deposits (for Reviews, see Newell et al.,
1998; ICES, 2001; Boyd et al., 2003).
Some examples of the impact of dredging on the species variety, population density
(number of individuals) and biomass of benthic organisms from a variety of habitats
ranging from muds in coastal embayments and lagoons, to oyster shell deposits, and to
sands and gravels are summarised in Table 1.
Table 1. Table showing the impact of dredging on benthic community composition from various habitats. Based
on Newell et al, (1998).
LOCALITY HABITAT TYPE % REDUCTION AFTER DREDGING SOURCE
Species Individuals Biomass
Chesapeake Bay Coastal 70 71 65 Pfitzenmeyer, 1970
Embayment
Muds-sands
Goose Creek, Shallow Lagoon 26 79 63-79 Kaplan et al, 1975
Long Island, NY Mud
Tampa Bay, Oyster shell 40 65 90 Conner & Simon, 1979
Florida
Moreton Bay, Sand 51 46 - Poiner & Kennedy,
Queensland, 1984
Australia
Dieppe, France Sands-gravels 50-70 70-80 80-90 Desprez, 1992
Klaver Bank, Sands-gravels 30 72 80 van Moorsel, 1994
Dutch Sector,
North Sea
Lowestoft, Gravels 62 94 90 Kenny & Rees, 1994
Norfolk, UK
Hong Kong Sands 60 60 - Morton, 1996
Lowestoft, Sands-gravels 34 77 92 MESL, 1997
Norfolk, UK
Dieppe, France Sands-gravels 80 90 90 Desprez, 2000
Bayou Texar, Mud 55 77 - Lewis et al, 2001
Florida
North Nab, UK Gravels 66 87 80-90 Newell et al, 2001b;
2003
Hitchcock et al, 2002
Area 408, North Sandy gravel 0 0 82 Newell et al, 2002
Sea.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 16
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Clearly, the extent of impact within a particular dredge site is likely to reflect the net
balance between the rate of removal of benthos at a particular dredging intensity, and
the rate of recolonisation of the deposits by inward immigration of adults and settlement
of juveniles. The rate of recolonisation can be fast in deposits where the benthic
community is naturally-adapted to high levels of sediment disturbance.
In a recent study of the composition of benthic communities in the vicinity of an actively
dredged site at Licence Area 408 in the North Sea, we found that the rate of immigration
of colonising individuals in the mobile deposits of the study area was evidently in
equilibrium with the rate of loss by dredging (Newell et al., 2002). Hence we could
detect no significant difference in population density and species diversity between
dredged sites and undredged (control) sites. There were, however, major differences in
body size of individuals within dredged sites compared with those in the surrounding
deposits, reflecting the small size of the recently-colonised individuals compared with
those in undredged areas. In most other sites, however, a major suppression of species
abundance and population density has been reported, as well as changes in species
composition that may reflect changes in sediment composition following removal of the
coarse fraction by aggregate dredging (Desprez, 2000; van Dalfsen et al., 2000; Boyd
et al., 2003; Boyd & Rees, 2003).
Despite the wide differences in habitat type, and the nature of the benthic communities
in the dredged areas, it is clear from Table 1 that the dredging process itself can be
expected to result in a 30-70% reduction in species variety, a 40-95% reduction in the
number of individuals, and a similar reduction in the biomass of benthic communities in
the dredged area.
Generalisations on the impact of dredging on the number of individuals or component
species is complicated further by the fact that some components of the benthos are likely
to recolonise dredged deposits faster than others, and to therefore dominate the
community in the initial phases of the recolonisation process. This process can result in
a community that is initially dominated by a small variety but large numbers of mobile
opportunistic species that are supplemented with time by other more slow-growing
species that characterise the surrounding deposits.
(
(
ing)
)
REFERENCE SITE SAMPLES
MARCH Pre-dredging)
S =0.03
MAY Post-dredging)
AUGUST (Post-dredg
S =0.23
DECEMBER (Post-dredging
S =0.09
S =0.16
TREATMENT SITE SAMPLES
Figure 8. Two-dimensional multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination for the benthic
communities in a Norfolk (UK) experimental survey area in March 1992 prior to dredging, and in
May, August and December 1992. (After Kenny & Rees, 1994).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 17
0
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Figure 8 shows the output of a multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination for macrofauna
sampled before dredging of an experimental dredge site in the North Sea off the East
coast of UK in March 1992, and in the 7 months after dredging (Kenny & Rees, 1994).
Their work shows that the community at the site prior to dredging in March 1992 formed
a small cluster on the MDS-ordination. This indicates that the communities sampled
within the experimental site were similar to one another, and were evidently also similar
to those at the reference site since they are close to one another on the MDS-ordination
shown in Figure 8.
The experimental site was again sampled in May 1992, one month after completion of
dredging. Figure 8 shows that the communities in all the samples from the dredged site
were well-separated in the MDS-ordination from those recorded prior to dredging. This
implies a major change in community composition within the dredged site following
dredging. The communities within the dredged site were evidently very different from
one another. This is indicated by the increased variance (S) between samples and the
wide spacing of the dredged samples on the MDS-ordination (see also Warwick & Clarke,
1993).
Much of the initial process of recolonisation and recovery of the benthic community
composition at this site off the Norfolk coast was evidently accomplished within 7 months
following cessation of dredging. Figure 8 shows that the community in the dredged area
became more similar to those in the surrounding undredged deposits and to those in the
pre-dredged deposits, and also had a closer internal similarity to one another (S
reduced to 0.09) in the months following cessation of dredging. This suggests that many
of the commoner species present in the deposits prior to dredging in March 1992 had
recolonised by December 2002. The clear difference from both the reference site and the
community prior to dredging suggests, however, that many of the rarer components of
the community had not yet colonised the dredged area in the following 7 months.
Subsequent studies reported by Kenny & Rees (1996) suggested that the community
composition at this site was not fully restored even 2 years after dredging, a result that
has been confirmed in studies by others at several commercially-exploited dredge sites.
i
l
i
80
60
40
20
0
Spec es Rank
C
u
m
u
a
t
i
v
e

D
o
m
n
a
n
c
e

%

10 100
Anchor - Dredged
Trailer - Dredged
Figure 9. Dominance curves for pooled samples of macrofauna within an anchor-dredged
site and within a trailer-dredged part of North Nab Production Licence Area 122/3. Based
on Newell et al, (2001b: see also Hitchcock et al, 2002).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 18
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The relative contribution of the component species to a community can be illustrated by
means of k-dominance curves (see Lambshead et al., 1983). These show the
cumulative representation of each of the component species (Y-axis) plotted as a
function of the number of species in the community (X-axis). The k-dominance curves in
Figure 9 show the relative contribution of component species to the total species
complement in an anchor-dredged site and in an adjacent trailer-dredged site at North
Nab Production Licence Area 122/3 to the east of the Isle of Wight. The data show that
the intensively exploited anchor-dredge site was dominated by one species (Balanus sp)
which represented almost 80% of the species recorded in the deposits. In contrast, the
adjacent trailer dredged site supported a wider variety of species which were less
dominated by one or a few species (from Newell et al., 2001b, 2003; Hitchcock et al.
2002).
The inference from these results is that the deposits within the anchor-dredged site were
dominated by species capable of rapid recolonisation by planktonic larvae (see also Van
Dalfsen et al., 2000) whereas the community in the less intensively exploited trailer
dredged site had a wider variety of species reflecting the lower rate of removal by the
drag-head of the dredger. The results show that a relatively low level of exploitation by
trailer-dredging at the North Nab site had a smaller impact on the diversity of biological
resources than intensive production by static dredging.
Recent studies by Boyd & Rees (2003) and Boyd et al (2003) have confirmed and
amplified the relationship between dredging intensity and impacts on benthic biological
community composition. Boyd & Rees (2003) have shown that dredging intensity is an
important determinand of macrofaunal community composition in actively-dredged sites
in the English Channel to the east of the Isle of Wight, increasing dredging intensity
resulting in an increase in the proportion of species affected. These impacts appear to
persist for several years in the relatively stable deposits of the study areas in the English
Channel, and may be related to restoration of complex features of the deposits such as
stability of the seabed sediments (see also Kenny & Rees, 1996; Kenny et al., 1998,
ICES, 2001).
Boyd et al (2003) studied an area in the English Channel to the east of the Isle of Wight
at which dredging had ceased 4 years previously. They showed that there were
significant differences in the macrofaunal assemblages between areas subjected to
different dredging intensities. As might be anticipated, the area that had been previously
dredged at a high intensity had a reduced number of species and lower numbers of
individuals than the surrounding deposits. As in the case of the experimental dredge site
off the Norfolk coast referred to above, replicate samples taken from the formerly
heavily-dredged site were dissimilar from one another in terms of species composition -
a common feature of communities in disturbed habitats (see also Clarke & Warwick,
1994; Kenny & Rees, 1994, 1996). Correlation analysis suggested that at this site, the
dominant factor associated with macrofaunal community composition was dredging
intensity in the area four years previously. Although the precise physical forcing
functions are unknown at present, it is clear that the time required for restoration of
community composition may depend on complex features of the seabed and may also
vary according to the physical conditions to which the resident organisms are adapted.
In wave-disturbed shallow water environments such as the North Sea, recolonisation by
opportunistic species is reported to be rapid, with even the biomass of the benthic
community being restored within 2-4 years (see van Dalfsen et al., 2000, Desprez,
2000; Desprez & Duhamel, 1993; de Groot, 1979; Kenny et al., 1998; Newell et al.,
1998; Van Moorsel, 1993). In some areas of the North Sea which are subjected to
natural disturbance of the sediments, and where the benthos comprises mainly small
mobile (opportunistic) species with a high rate of reproduction and growth, the rate of
invasion of the deposits even within actively-dredged sites, is sufficiently fast that there
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 19
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
is no detectable net reduction in species diversity or population density compared with
non-dredged deposits (Newell et al., 2002, see also Table 1).
Elsewhere, in deeper waters or where wave energy is lower, dredge tracks may take 3-7
years to infill and a correspondingly longer time is required before community
composition approaches that of the undredged deposits (see Boyd et al., 2003). Coarse
stable deposits are characterised by long-lived and slow-growing components which have
a slow rate of reproduction (for review, see Newell et al., 1998). The benthic fauna in
low-energy environments off the Mediterranean coast of Spain, for example, comprises a
number of slow-growing components and recovery takes longer (van Dalfsen et al.,
2000). In such areas a footprint of impact on species variety, population density and
biomass might be anticipated both within actively dredged sites and in the zone of
deposition of material rejected during the screening process for several (or many) years
after cessation of dredging.
The following section reviews the nature and rate of the recovery process in different
types of deposits including those which are more typical of the deep water shell gravels
and coarser deposits that are commonly dredged for marine aggregates in the coastal
waters of the United Kingdom. This information is then used to predict the likely rates of
recovery of biological resources following cessation of dredging in coastal deposits of
different composition.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 20
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
3. RATE OF RECOVERY FOLLOWING CESSATION OF DREDGING.
The rate of recovery of biological resources following capital and maintenance dredging,
disposal of dredged spoils and marine aggregate dredging has been widely studied and
conforms with well-known general principles of ecological succession. That is,
communities that inhabit fine semi-liquid and disturbed sediments comprise mobile
opportunistic species (r-strategists) that have a high rate of recolonisation and which
can reach high population densities within weeks or months of a catastrophic mortality
(see MacArthur, 1960; Grassle & Grassle, 1974; Osman, 1977). Conversely,
communities that inhabit less disturbed deposits of deeper waters or coarse substrata
have complex associations and are characterised by large slow-growing species that are
selected for maximum competitive advantage in a habitat that is already crowded. These
large slow-growing K-selected equilibrium species recolonise only slowly following
disturbance and may take several (or many) years for recovery of full species
composition and biomass (MacArthur & Wilson, 1967; Gadgil & Bossert, 1970; McCall,
1976). These general features of community structure have been reviewed in relation to
the impacts of marine aggregate dredging by Newell et al (1998).
The question of recovery of biological resources following cessation of dredging is not an
easy one to define for complex communities whose composition can vary over time, even
in areas that remain undisturbed. The situation is further complicated by the fact that
the deposits in an area at which dredging has ceased may not be sufficiently similar
following dredging to allow recolonisation and establishment of a similar biological
community to that which occurred prior to removal of the coarse aggregate fraction.
Estimates of the rate and nature of the recolonisation process may therefore be
considered under two different scenarios:-
The deposits that remain after dredging has ceased are either sufficiently similar
to the pre-dredge deposits to allow recolonisation by a similar biological
community immediately, or sediment composition recovers following loss of
overburden sands by tidal currents over a period of time.
The sediment composition of the deposits is permanently altered towards a more
sandy substratum following removal of the coarse components and deposition of
fine material rejected during the screening process.
3.1. SCENARI O 1.
THE SEDI MENT COMPOSI TI ON OF THE DEPOSI TS REMAI NS SUBSTANTI ALLY
UNALTERED FOLLOWI NG CESSATI ON OF DREDGI NG.
Table 2 shows the rates of recovery of benthic biological resources following dredging in
various habitats. We have included semi-liquid muds from freshwater tidal areas and
have arranged the data along a gradient of increasing environmental stability and
predictability through estuarine and coastal muds to sands, gravels and reef
assemblages.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 21
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Table 2. Table showing the rates of recovery of the benthic fauna following dredging in various habitats.
Examples have been arranged along a gradient from disturbed muds of freshwater-tidal estuarine conditions to
stable reef assemblages. From Newell et al, (1998).
LOCALITY HABITAT TYPE RECOVERY
TIME
SOURCE
James River, Virginia Freshwater semi-liquid 3 weeks Diaz, 1994
muds
Coos Bay, Oregon Disturbed muds 4 weeks McCauley et al, 1977
Gulf of Cagliari, Sardinia Channel muds 6 months Pagliai et al, 1985
Mobile Bay, Alabama Channel muds 6 months Clarke et al, 1990
Chesapeake Bay Muds-sands 18 months Pfitzenmeyer, 1970
Goose Creek, Long Island, Lagoon muds >11 months Kaplan et al, 1975
NY
Klaver Bank, Dutch Sector, Sands-gravels 1-2 years van Moorsel, 1994
North Sea (ex-bivalves)
North Sea (Area 408) Sands-gravels 1 year Newell et al, 2002
English Channel (North Coarse gravel >2 years Newell et al, 2001b
Nab) Hitchcock et al, 2002
Dieppe, France Sands-gravels >2 years Desprez, 1992
Lowestoft, Norfolk, UK Gravels >2 years Kenny & Rees, 1994,
1996
Dutch Coastal Waters Sands 3 years de Groot, 1979, 1986
Tampa Bay, Florida Oyster shell (complete >4 years US Army Corps of
defaunation) Engineers, 1974
Tampa Bay, Florida Oyster shell (incomplete 6-12 months Conner & Simon, 1979
defaunation)
Boca Ciega Bay, Florida Shells-sands 10 years Taylor & Saloman, 1968
Beaufort Sea Sands-gravels 12 years Wright, 1977
Florida Coral reefs >7 years Courtenay et al, 1972
Hawaii Coral reefs >5 years Maragos, 1979
Area 222 Isle of Wight, Gravel >4 years Boyd et al, 2003
English Channel
Inspection of the data summarised in Table 2 shows that the recovery of the benthic
fauna in highly-disturbed semi-liquid muds can occur within weeks. This is associated
with an ability for the resident species to migrate through the surrounding deposits and
to recolonise disturbed muds as adults (see van Dolah et al., 1984); tidal currents may
also transport juveniles into the dredged area (see Hall, 1994). However settlement of
larvae from the plankton is probably of dominant importance in controlling the rate of
recolonisation and sequence of colonising species in most coastal gravel deposits (Boyd &
Rees, 2003).
Inspection of the recolonisation rates reported in the literature and summarised in Table
2 suggest that a period of 2-4y is a realistic estimate of the time required for recovery of
species diversity and biomass of the benthic fauna in coastal gravels and sands,
especially those where the resident organisms are ones that are naturally adapted to
dynamic conditions in mobile deposits. But this time may be increased to more than 5y
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 22
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
in coarser deposits where the species diversity is high and where the resident organisms
are mainly sessile with a relatively slower rate of growth and reproduction.
The data also suggest that the intensity of dredging may have an influence on the rate of
recovery of species diversity at some dredge sites. Areas in Tampa Bay, Florida that had
been dredged for oyster shell, suggest that a period of as much as 10y may be required
for recovery following complete defaunation whereas a recovery time of only 6-12
months was required for recovery following partial dredging and incomplete defaunation
(Benefield, 1976; Conner & Simon, 1979). This suggests that areas of undisturbed
deposits between dredged furrows may provide a source of colonising species that
enable faster recovery than might occur solely by larval settlement and growth from
spawning adults located in the deposits surrounding the dredge site (see also van Dolah
et al., 1984; van Moorsel, 1993, 1994).
The likely recolonisation rates for the benthic community of estuarine muds, sands,
gravels and reef areas have been superimposed onto a generalised colonisation
succession in Figure 10. This allows some predictions to be made on the rates of
recovery of deposits following dredging.
A
B
U
N
D
A
N
C
E

10
%
20
40
60
80
ECOTONE POINT
NUMBER of SPECIES
BIOMASS
TIME (years)
COLONISATION
COMMUNITY
EQUILIBRIUM
COMMUNITY
TRANSITIONAL
COMMUNITY
NUMBER of INDIVIDUALS
0.1 1.0

R
E
C
O
V
E
R
Y

100
ESTUARINE MUDS SANDS REEFS
E
N
V
I
R
O
N
M
E
N
T
A
L


D
I
S
T
U
R
B
A
N
C
E

GRAVELS
PEAK of OPPORTUNISTS
Figure 10. Schematic diagram showing the likely recolonisation rates for the benthic community of
estuarine muds, sands, gravels and rocky reefs. Based on Newell et al, (1998).
The fine muds which characterise coastal embayments, estuaries and lagoons are likely
to be colonised by large populations of a relatively restricted variety of "opportunistic" r-
selected species which are capable of rapid colonisation within months of space being
made available for colonisation and growth. Because such deposits are subject to regular
disturbance under natural conditions, the ecological succession recovers to the
colonisation phase shown in Figure 10, but does not proceed to the development of K-
selected slow-growing "equilibrium" species within the community. Recovery of the
"normal" community in disturbed deposits such as muds can therefore be achieved
within months of cessation of dredging, or disposal of spoils.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 23
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The natural communities of gravel and sand deposits, however, contain varying
proportions of slow-growing, K-selected equilibrium species, depending amongst other
factors on the degree of disturbance by waves and the speed of tidal currents. In this
case, the "tail" of the sigmoid recovery curve becomes more pronounced because the
rarer components of the equilibrium community may take several years to recolonise the
deposits, even after the main components of the community have become established.
Where the deposits are sandy, periodic mortality of the long-lived components may
result in major seasonal changes in community composition such as occurs in the North
Sea on the Klaver Bank (van Moorsel, 1994), and as has been reported for the
sediments of Liverpool Bay by Eagle (1975). Under these conditions, the community will
be held in a transitional state by natural environmental disturbance, and is likely to
recover within a period of 2-3 years after cessation of dredging.
As might be expected, the recolonisation sequence is a good deal more complex than
indicated in Table 3. Studies on the rate of recolonisation of sands and gravels following
dredging off Norfolk, U.K. by Kenny & Rees (1994, 1996), off Dieppe, France by Desprez
(2000), as well as at the North Nab site to the east of the Isle of Wight (Newell et al
2001b; Hitchcock et al., 2002) and at Area 408 in the central North Sea (Newell et al.,
2002) show that restoration of species richness and population density is achieved
relatively rapidly compared with restoration of the biomass.
0
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
16 months
28 months
Richness Abundance Biomass
Figure 11. Diagram showing the percent recovery of species richness, abundance and
biomass of benthic fauna following cessation of dredging at a site off Dieppe, France. Based
on Desprez (2000).
Figure 11 shows that both species diversity and population density of benthic
invertebrates was restored in deposits off Dieppe within 16 months after cessation of
dredging. The biomass values were continuing to increase even 28 months after
cessation of dredging at the Dieppe site. In contrast, in the North Sea site at Area 408
restoration of biomass was complete after 12 months (Newell et al., 2002).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 24
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
A generalised scheme showing the likely recovery time for the benthos in shallow water
coastal deposits, based on data from the North Nab study site is shown in Figure 12.
I
ll
I
RECOVERY OF
BIOMASS OF
DEPOSITS
RECOVERY OF
POPULATION
DENSITY
RECOVERY OF
SPECIES
DIVERS TY
INITIAL COLONISERS
sma mobile species
larval recolonisation
ADDITIONAL
COLONISING
SPECIES
PROBABLE
RECOVERY
TIME
2 - 10 years
12 months
7 months
1 month
INCREASE IN SIZE
INCREASE IN NDIVIDUALS
INCREASE IN SPECIES
ADDITIONAL
COLONISING
SPECIES
Figure 12. Generalised sequence showing the nature and rate of recolonisation of benthic
macrofauna in coastal deposits following cessation of dredging. This sequence is applicable only to
mobile sandy gravels. Note that the recovery of long-lived components of the community can take
more that 10 years in stable coarse deposits. Based on Newell et al, 2001b; see also Hitchcock et
al, 2002.
This indicates an initial colonisation by mobile opportunistic species within days, or even
during the dredging process. This can lead to communities dominated by mobile species
such as the amphipod crustacean Ampelisca sp or
by species such as barnacles that can rapidly
recolonise from the plankton, in the initial phases
of recolonisation of deposits disturbed by
dredging. This phase is followed by an increasing
variety of colonising species, an increase in the
population densities of the component species and
finally by growth of the individuals which leads to
restoration of the biomass.
Ampelisca sp MESL-PhotoLibrary
Obviously, the rate at which recovery of the species diversity occurs is dependent on the
complexity of the fauna and the inter-relationships that control larval recruitment and
settlement. Many species do not recolonise regularly, and most require specific physico-
chemical and biological cues to induce settlement (for review, see Newell, 1979). This
implies that even if the deposits in a dredge site after cessation of dredging remain
similar to those prior to dredging, there may be a significant interval before all the
species components are present in the community.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 25
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The community recovery curve for stable reef communities shown in Figure 10 indicates
that a period of at least 10-years may be required for the process of establishment and
growth of the long-lived and slow-growing K-selected equilibrium species and for the
development of the biological interactions which characterise undisturbed deposits. This
long process of establishment of an equilibrium community reflects partly the time
required for colonisation by rarer components of the community, but is also influenced
by the nature and stability of the substratum following cessation of dredging, and the
time required for complex stabilisation processes involving both physical compaction and
biological interactions.
Benthic communities in coarse stones and gravels generally comprise a significant
proportion of sessile and slow-growing equilibrium species
characteristic of stable substrata. As an example of the
likely time scale for recolonisation by one of the
characteristic long-lived components of the community of
marine gravels, we have recently analysed the size-
frequency distribution and age structure of the dog cockle
(Glycymeris glycymeris) in a survey which covered much
of the deposits characteristic of the central part of the
eastern English Channel (MESL, 2002). This species is
widely distributed in gravel deposits and is a typical
component of biotopes described for the central part of the
English Channel.
Glycymeris glycymeris MESL-PhotoLibrary
Figure 13a shows the relationship between the age and shell size of Glycymeris
glycymeris within the area surveyed in August 2001. Shell heights for the population
ranged from 1-6cm. The age of the shells can be estimated from growth bands and
indicate that the largest members of the population are as much as 15 years in age.
Glycymeris glycymeris Age/Size Data
A
g
e

(
y
e
a
r
s
)

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Shell height (cm)
Figure 13a. Graph showing the relationship between the shell height (cm) and age (years)
of the dog cockle Glycymeris glycymeris from deposits in the East Channel Region in August
2001. Based on MESL, (2002).
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 26
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Glycymeris glycymeris Size Frequency
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
1 2 3 4 5 6
%

O
c
c
u
r
r
e
n
c
e

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
C
u
m
u
l
a
t
i
v
e

%

% occurrence cumulative %
Shell height (cm)
Figure 13b. Size-frequency histograms and cumulative curve showing the percentage
occurrence of different sized Glycymeris glycymeris in deposits of the East Channel Region
in August 2001. Based on MESL, (2002).
Figure 13b shows that the dog cockle population comprises a large group of individuals
of 5cm shell height (ie., approximately 14 years old) and another large proportion at
2cm shell height (ie., approximately 5 years old). This implies that for this species, there
was a major recruitment of young cockles 5-6 years prior to the survey in August 2001,
and another major recruitment approximately 14 years prior to the survey.
The population structure thus suggests that there is an intermittent pattern of settlement
by post-larvae of Glycymeris glycymeris. These events evidently occurred mainly in 1987
and 1996 in the East Channel Region survey area. Furthermore the relatively slow
growth rate achieved by the oldest cohort in the population suggests that restoration of
the biomass of this species is likely to require a period of at least 15 years after
successful settlement by post-larvae from the plankton.
If we assume that the deposits in the dredged area remain sufficiently similar to those
prior to dredging to support the original benthic community type, it can be inferred that
a period of 5-10 years might be required for initial establishment of a population of
juvenile Glycymeris glycymeris and that a further period of 12-14 years would be
required for restoration of the biomass of this component of the community. An estimate
of 17-24 years for restoration of the population density and biomass of the slowest-
growing components of an equilibrium community conforms well with estimates based on
the curve for reef communities shown in Figure 10.
Clearly, many of the components of the benthic communities that occur in the sands and
gravels of the East Channel region will have a shorter life-span and faster growth rate
than the dog cockle. It is probably safe to assume that at least 50% of the species
diversity, population density and biomass is likely to be restored within 4-6 years after
cessation of dredging, with a gradual restoration of the full species complement and
biomass in the following years.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 27
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
3.2. SCENARI O 2.
THE SEDI MENT COMPOSI TI ON OF THE DEPOSI TS BECOMES SANDI ER
FOLLOWI NG REMOVAL OF COARSE COMPONENTS AND REJ ECTI ON OF FI NES.
3.2.1. Short- Term I mpacts.
The interaction between sediment composition and biological communities within a
dredged area and in surrounding deposits where sedimentation of screened material
occurs has been studied in relation to a marine aggregates dredging site off Dieppe,
France by Desprez (2000).The effects of extraction within the boundaries of the dredge
site itself were a decrease of species richness by 63%, 86% in abundance and 83% in
biomass. His results also give an important indication of the type of changes in
community composition that can occur following discharge of screened material to the
sea bed.
He reported that the structure of the community had fundamentally changed after
several years of intensive extraction, with decreased densities of crustaceans,
echinoderms and bivalves. The population density became
dominated by errant polychaetes and the biomass by
echinoderms. On a basis of a survey carried out in 1993,
the benthic community within the dredged area off Dieppe
had changed from one of coarse sands characterised by the
lancelet Branchiostoma to one of fine sands dominated by
the polychaetes Ophelia borealis, Nephtys cirrosa and
Spiophanes bombyx, with the heart urchin Echinocardium
as a complementary characteristic species.
Ophelia borealis MESL-PhotoLibrary
The effects of sand deposition approximately 200m from the site of extraction were
studied in 1996. The results are of considerable interest because they show that sand
deposition surrounding the dredge site resulted in a greater impact on the benthic
biological resources than dredging itself. Presumably this reflects the patchy impact of
the drag-head within the dredge site, in contrast to the wider and more uniform impact
of deposition of material rejected from the dredger.
Table 3. Comparison of the percent composition of the sediments and main population parameters for the
three sampling areas of the dredging site off Dieppe (in 1996). After Desprez, 2000.
Dredging Area Deposition Area Reference Area
Shingles and gravels 26 11 47
Coarse sands 8 12 34
Fine sands 54 63 18
Very fine sands 19 13 1
Silts 1 1 0
Biomass (g.m-) 2.4 0.3 6.8
Density (ind.m-) 810 230 1440
Species richness 44 17 39
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 28
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Table 3 shows that significant differences exist between the sediment composition of the
dredged area compared with that of the surrounding zone of deposition and with a non-
dredged reference area. There was an increase in fine sands in the deposition area
compared with either the dredge area or a non-dredged reference area. The biomass of
invertebrates was lower in the deposition area than in the dredged area, and this in turn
was lower than in the non-dredged reference area. Table 3 shows that similar differences
exist between the three areas in terms of both the number of individuals and the
species richness of benthic fauna.
The community composition of the benthic fauna in the zone of deposition was also
different from that characteristic of gravels and shingles. The community in the sediment
deposition zone was dominated by species
characteristic of fine sands. These included
the bivalve Tellina pygmaea (29%) and the
annelid Nephtys cirrosa (22%) along with
other sand-dwelling species such as the
polychaetes Scoloplos armiger (3%) and
Spiophanes bombyx.
Scoloplos armiger MESL-PhotoLibrary
Species that are characteristic of coarse sands comprised only 1% of the community and
included the echinoderms Echinocyamus pusillus and
Amphipholis squamata and species characteristic of
gravels were absent.
Echinocyamus pusillus MESL-PhotoLibrary
These results show that the impacts of deposition of material rejected overboard during
the screening process can have a significant impact on both nature and abundance of
benthic macrofauna.
3.2.2. Long- Term I mpacts.
It is well-known that the species variety of benthic communities in mobile sands is often
sparse compared with stable communities such as occur on coarse gravels and reefs.
This can be only partially accounted for in terms of differences in the particle size
composition of the sediments (Seiderer & Newell, 1999; Newell et al., 2001a).
Differences between the biological communities recorded in sandy deposits and in
gravels can, however, be used to make some predictions on the type of marine
communities which might be anticipated if there were a permanent or long-term
alteration in sediment type associated with the dredging and extraction process and with
discharge of screened material.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 29



























Figure 14. K-dominance curves for the 3 main macrofaunal communities identified by
multi-variate analysis of the fauna in deposits of Licence Application Areas 458 & 464
(West Bassurelle). MESL, (1999).


Figure 14 shows a series of k-dominance curves for the three principal communities of
benthic macrofauna identified in a baseline survey of West Bassurelle Licence Application
Areas 458 & 464 (MESL, 1999). Curve A is for a community that characterised sandy
deposits within the survey area, Curve B characterised communities that occurred in
gravely sands whilst Curve C represents a community that occurred in coarse gravels
within the survey area.


The total number of species recorded for the sandy community (curve A) was 13 species,
that for the gravely sand was 63 species, and that for the coarser gravel deposits was
155 species per 0.2 m Hamon grab sample (Recalculated from MESL, 1999). One
species, a paddle worm (Eteone sp) accounted for approximately 22% of the community
of the sandy and mixed sands and gravels whereas this same species formed a smaller
proportion of the wide species variety recorded in gravels.


The sequence of change in species diversity and community composition associated with
a transition from coarse deposits to ones that are dominated by sand-sized particles is
shown in Figure 15. The upper part of the figure shows a two-dimensional Multi-
Dimensional Scaling (MDS) ordination for the biological communities of West Bassurelle
Licence Application Areas 458 & 464. Superimposed on the ordination is the relative
abundance of gravel-sized particles of 4.0mm diameter and above where the size of the
symbol represents the relative proportion of gravel at each site. Also shown in Figure 15
is a list in order of importance of the genera that account for 75% of the similarity of
each of the three communities of macrofauna identified in the survey area.






C
u
m
u
l
a
t
i
v
e

D
o
m
i
n
a
n
c
e

%
Species rank
0
20
40
60
80
100
1 10 100 1000
C
B
A 13 spp
63 spp
155 spp
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 30
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
=
B
C
A
l l l
l
Syllis
i
i
i
llis
il
Golfi ia
i lis
lis
i inar ia
l ia
la
Syllis
i
i
Gl is
is
Pi llis
i
Stress 0.21
Sand - Sandy Grave - Grave - Coarse Grave
Eteone
Ga athea
Pr onos pio
Ech nocyamus
Scalibregma
Lum brineris
Pomatoceros
Glycera
Notomastus
Pionosyllis
Nemertea
Psammech nus
Aonides
Odontosy
Am pharete
Poec ochaetus
Eunice
ng
Maer a
Am ph pho
Typos yl
Harmothoe
Ab et
Hydral man
Exogone
Moer el
Eteone
Glycera
Euryd ce
Glycera
Aon des
Exogone
Echinocyam us
ycym er
Notomastus
Nemertea
Nere
Eteon e
Glycera
ono sy
Nemertea
Genera represent ng 75% of the complement of each community
Figure 15. Two-dimensional multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) ordination for the macrofauna
assemblages in the West Bassurelle Areas 458 & 464. Circles show the relative proportion of
particles >4mm at each site. The lower part of the figure shows the genera of macrofauna
accounting for 75% of the similarity of the communities in gravel (Group C), in sandy gravel
(Group B) and in sandy deposits (Group A).
Figure 15 shows a wide range of species including polychaetes, crustaceans and
echinoderms characterised the gravel community (Group C) whereas the mixed sandy
gravel deposits were characterised by fewer species accounting for 75% of the similarity
within the community. Finally the Group A community which characterised sandy
deposits within the survey area, was dominated mainly by a few species of polychaete
worms.
These data suggest that if marine aggregate extraction and discharge of screened
material results in an alteration of sediment composition from coarse deposits towards
sandy ones, then this is likely to be associated with a decrease in species diversity from
approximately 155 species to only 13 species per 0.2 m within the zone of sediment
deposition, and by an increased dominance by components of the community such as
polychaetes that can survive in sandy deposits.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 31
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
In high-energy habitats such as the North Sea, winnowing of the sediments in the
dredged site and sediment transport from outside the boundaries of the dredged area
may result in sufficient restoration of particle size composition of the deposits to allow
substantial restoration of the benthic community composition following cessation of
dredging. This appears to be the case at the experimental dredge site studied off the
east coast of Norfolk, UK by Kenny & Rees (1994. 1996; see Figure 8). At this and most
dredge sites, however, the gravel-sized fraction is not capable of being mobilised by
waves and tidal currents at the seabed, so dredge trails and pits left from marine
aggregate dredging will generally be infilled by fine sand and silt-sized material
depending on the depth of water and prevalent wind and current conditions (see also
Dickson & Lee, 1972; McGrorty & Reading, 1984; Millner et al., 1977; van der Veer et
al., 1985). The seabed deposits in dredged sites are therefore generally unlikely to
recover to their pre-dredge particle size composition unless this is artificially adjusted by
deposition of surface aggregate.
The main conclusions currently available from the results of work carried out on
biological communities within dredge sites in UK waters may be summarised as follows:-
a 50-90% of
dredged area.
In wave
a is

a


The process of dredging can result in reduction species richness,
population density and biomass of benthic invertebrates within the boundaries of the
disturbed sites the natural population of benthic organisms comprises
opportunistic species that are well-adapted for recolonisation and growth in deposits
that are disturbed. This leads to rapid recolonisation of deposits that are disturbed by
dredging to an extent that at some sites the rate of restoration of species richness and
population density within dredge site evidently in equilibrium with the rate of
removal by dredging. The net impact of dredging within the boundaries of a dredge site
thus reflects an equilibrium between the rate of colonisation and the intensity of
dredging at a particular site.
Restoration of biomass is achieved by growth of the colonising species. This is always
slower than initial restoration of species composition and population density. Generally
time of 2-4 years is characteristic of restoration of biomass in shallow water
environments, but a period of 10-20 years may be required for some of the slowest
growing components of stable equilibrium communities which have a wide species
variety and which are characterised by a slow rate of growth and reproduction.
The process of removal of coarse material from a dredge site and the return of sand-
sized particles following screening can result in long-term changes in the particle size
composition of the dredged deposits. Studies off Dieppe suggest that the deposition of
sand from the dredging process results in a greater suppression of species variety,
population density and biomass than occurs from the dredging itself. This suppression
of the benthos is associated with significant changes in community composition, leading
to an impoverished community that is dominated by polychaete worms.
Differences in the species richness and community composition is gravels and sands of
the East Channel Region allow some realistic estimates of the changes which might be
anticipated in that area if dredging and screening were associated with a long-term
shift in particle size composition towards more sandy deposits. The results suggest that
the community would change from one with at least 155 species per 0.2 m to one with
only 13 species per 0.2 m and that the sandy community would be dominated by
polychaetes.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 32
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
3.2.3. Approaches to the Assessment of Recovery.
The results summarised above raise the question of whether it is necessarily a practical
objective to expect benthic communities to revert to the same community composition to
that which existed in the deposits prior to dredging. We know that removal of the coarse
fraction and return of fine sands to the seabed will result in a change in the particle size
distribution of the deposits in a relatively small area of seabed corresponding with the
dredged site and zone of deposition and transport of material. It is also well-established
that sandy deposits tend to have a reduced species diversity compared with more
complex habitats including cobbles and gravels. It is therefore to be expected that
benthic communities in sites from which the coarse fraction of the deposits has been
selectively removed are likely to be different from those prior to dredging.
One approach to the question of recovery of benthic biological resources is to define
recovery as the establishment of a community that is capable of maintaining itself, and
in which at least 80% of the species diversity and biomass has been restored (Newell et
al., 1998). This implies a substantial restoration of the carrying capacity of the benthic
food webs leading to fish, even though the precise composition of the benthic community
may not be identical to that recorded in the pre-dredged system.
Ellis (1998, 2003) has developed the concept of sustainable ecological succession in
assessing the recovery of seabed biodiversity in relation to mine tailings disposal in fjord
sediments off Vancouver Island, Canada. This is based on the recognition that:-
once ecological succession is established, it will progress to an eventual complex
and variable climax community in equilibrium with a range of features of the
habitat unless setback by another perturbation.
measures of sustained succession are easier to obtain and clearer to interpret
than measures of climax community establishment and its range of variability.
He reported that effective prediction of the time required for sustainable restoration of
benthic communities at the Island Copper Mine submarine tailings placement site during
three years of monitoring following closure of the mine could be achieved using two
criteria:-
the numbers of species and the total number of organisms must fall within, or
above the ranges at unaffected stations (at the Island Copper Mine site the values
were 20 or more species per 0.15m, and more than 1000 individuals per m).
several rapidly colonising (opportunistic) species must have sustained themselves
in large numbers for one or more years (at the Island Copper Mine site values
were more than 3 species had sustained themselves at a population density of
>100 per m for 2 or more years).
Although the criteria used to define recovery will be different for other locations and
ecosystems, this does represent a practical approach to defining what is meant by
recovery in the context of biological communities that vary in space and time, and
where the environment may in any case have been significantly modified by dredging
activities on the seabed.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 33
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
4. IMPACTS OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF DREDGED AREAS.
The effects of deposition of sand-sized particles on the benthic macrofauna
approximately 200m outside the boundaries of a dredge site off Dieppe, France, based
on the work of Desprez (2000) have been summarised in Section 3. These agree well
with the differences between in situ biological communities in sands and gravels
elsewhere in the East Channel Region, and probably provide a reliable basis for
predicting the impacts of the dredging and recovery processes within the boundaries of
individual dredge sites and in the immediate zone of deposition of material rejected
during the screening process.
Generalised predictions of the biological impact of discharge of sand-sized particles
outside the boundaries of dredged sites following screening depend to a large extent on
whether such material settles over a similar area to that described for shallower waters,
and the rate at which the sand is transported away from the initial site of deposition.
Currently our best estimate based on work summarised above is that there is likely to be
a zone of approximately 200m width and up to 800m length, reflecting a zone of primary
deposition and extending in each direction from the dredge site along the axis of the tidal
streams. This material may then be remobilised and transported away from the site of
initial deposition, with the possibility of impacts on benthic communities where these lie
in the path of the transported material.
We can be reasonably confident that long-term changes in sediment composition from
gravels to more sandy deposits in the immediate zone of sediment deposition
surrounding a site of dredging and screening will result in a paucity of benthic
macrofauna and a change in community composition to one that is dominated by
polychaetes. There is, however, much less information on whether the subsequent
remobilisation and transport of material from the near-site deposition areas elsewhere
along the tidal current stream is likely to have an impact on biological communities.
Many of the macrofauna that live in areas of sediment disturbance are well-adapted to
burrow back to the surface following initial burial (Schafer, 1972). Studies by Maurer et
al (1979) showed that some benthic animals could migrate vertically through more than
30 cm of deposited sediments, and this ability may be widespread even in relatively deep
waters, as well as in estuarine sediments. Kukert (1991) showed for example, that
approximately 50% of the macrofauna of the bathyal sea floor of the Santa Catalina
Basin were able to burrow back to the surface through 4-10cm of rapidly deposited
sediment.
More recently, Elliott et al (2001) showed that many estuarine invertebrate species are
able to survive relatively high rates of sedimentation, the rate of survival being
dependent on the depth of sediment. As an example, survival of the bivalve Macoma
balthica was as high as 95% following deposition of 1-7cm depth of mud. Under a single
deposition of 15cm mud only 66% survived whilst only 25% survived burial by 25cm
mud. Other studies also summarised in Elliott et al
(2001) suggest that the polychaete Hediste diversicolor,
and molluscs such as Retusa obtusata and Hydrobia
ulvae, as well as Oligochaete and Nematode worms are
capable of migrating up through as much as 20cm of
dredged material. Survivorship in these species was
reported to be >90% irrespective of whether the
sediment was added as a single layer of up to 20cm
depth, or whether it was deposited at intervals of 4 days
to give a total of 20cm of consolidated sediment.
Macoma balthica MESL-PhotoLibrary
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 34
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
A recent study carried out by Newell et al (2002) in the vicinity of a heavily screened
dredge site in the North Sea at Production Licence Area 408 was partly designed to
investigate whether there was any evidence of impact of discharge of screened material
on benthic biological resources surrounding the dredge site. Quantitative estimates were
made of the species composition, population density and biomass of benthic
invertebrates at a series of as many as 167 sampling stations in August 2000 including
areas that had been dredged, those which had been abandoned for known times, and
along the axis of the tidal streams from these dredge sites. The results showed that
although the species richness and population density were evidently restored rapidly in
the mobile deposits of the survey area, the dredged site was characterised by an 82%
suppression of biomass, reflecting the presence of small colonising species.
The biomass of benthos in previously-dredged sites that had been abandoned for 12
months prior to the survey in August 2000, was generally similar to that in control
sites. This suggests that recolonisation and subsequent growth of the benthos was
substantially complete 12 months after cessation of dredging at this particular site. Of
particular interest is that non-dredged sites outside the boundaries of the dredged
areas, but within the zone of potential impact of fine sands mobilised by the screening
process, also show a significant suppression of biomass. The average biomass for such
sites was 0.4356 g (AFDW) compared with 1.2763 g (AFDW) per 0.1 m for the control
sites. That is, the zone of deposition and transport of material outside the boundaries of
the dredged sites was associated with a suppression of biomass by approximately 66%.
The study at Licence Area 408 showed that this zone of suppression of biomass extended
for as much as 3km to the south-east of the actively dredged site, but for only 100m to
the north-west. This is consistent with the net south-east transport of sand rejected
during the screening process. It suggests that even in deposits where the marine
community is well-adapted to rapid recolonisation and growth, there is evidence of a
residual footprint on the biomass of the benthos for up to 3km from the dredge site.
This corresponds in general with the zone of settlement and transport of material
rejected during the screening process (see also Section 1.2.).
We are not aware of any other studies which provide sufficient information to assess the
likely far-field impacts of marine aggregate dredging and overboard screening on benthic
biological resources apart from those cited above for a dredge site off Dieppe (Desprez,
2000) and that at Area 408 in the North Sea (Newell et al., 2002). Studies adjacent to a
sand dredge site at Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia by Poiner & Kennedy (1984)
have shown, however, that there can be an enrichment of species diversity and
population density of benthos immediately outside the boundaries of the dredged area.
They attributed this to the effects of enrichment from organic matter released from the
sediments during the dredging process. Similar enrichment of benthos along the axis of
the tidal stream adjacent to a dredged site at North Nab has recently been described by
Newell et al.(2001b; also Hitchcock 2002), as well as at other sites off the east coast of
the Isle of Wight in the eastern English Channel (Boyd & Rees, 2003) and close to a
dredge site at Area 408 in the North Sea (Newell et al., 2002). This may reflect
settlement of organic matter derived from benthos fragmented during the dredging
process (Newell et al., 1999), or an impact of organic matter released at the sediment-
water interface.
The results cited above are for relatively shallow water sites where the sediments are
subject to natural disturbance and where the fauna is adapted for rapid recolonisation
and growth. Any assessment of the likely scale of impacts on the stable equilibrium
communities that characterise the coarse shell gravels and current-swept reefs and
cobbles elsewhere and in deeper waters is therefore largely anecdotal. Studies of the
macrofauna of reefs and stones in the central English Channel by Holme & Wilson (1985)
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 35
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
show that the anemone Urticina felina, various hydroids, and the bryozoan Flustra
foliacea are able to withstand abrasion by mobilised
sand and intermittent burial. Urticina felina can
extend its column to maintain its disc above the sand
surface and similar behaviour has been described for
the anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Taylor &
Littler, 1982; Littler et al., 1983).
Flustra foliacea MESL-PhotoLibrary
Holme & Wilson (1985) also showed, however, that areas of abrasion by mobilised sand
are associated with relatively impoverished epifaunal communities compared with rocks
and reefs which are not subject to sand scour. Some impacts of mobilised sand on the
epifaunal communities associated with rocks and reefs in the vicinity of dredge sites are
therefore to be anticipated, although the nature and scale of any such impacts are
unclear, particularly in view of the complexity of the faunal associations described for
some of the adjacent habitats of the eastern English Channel and elsewhere (see
Sanvicente-Aorve et al. 1996).
The possible impacts of marine aggregate dredging on biological resources outside the
boundaries of the dredged area, based on studies in relatively shallow water coastal
sites, may be summarised as follows:-

in

each

and
Best estimates of the size of the zone of sand deposition surrounding a dredged area is
that the screened material will be deposited as an ellipse of approximately 200m width
and extending for up to 600-800m in each direction along the length of the tidal stream
Within this zone there is likely to be an impoverished fauna terms of species
richness, population density and biomass. The community composition is also likely to
be different from that in gravel deposits and to be dominated by polychaete worms.
Little is known of the fate of this material following initial sedimentation. Studies in the
North Sea and on the south coast of UK show that there is a benthic plume at the
sediment-water interface that may extend for up to one tidal excursion in
direction along the axis of the tidal stream from the site of dredging. But there is very
little information on whether this is likely to occur at other dredge sites, or the extent
to which it is related to the return of screened material to the seabed during the
dredging process.
Studies on the benthos associated with a heavily screened site at Production Licence
Area 408 in the North Sea has established an impact of screened material on the
biomass of benthic invertebrates up to a distance of approximately 3km along the axis
of net sediment transport from the dredge area.
We are unable to provide firm estimates of the possible impacts of abrasion
possible intermittent submersion by sand mobilised from the near-site sedimentation
zone on the relatively complex equilibrium communities that characterise stable reefs
and gravels that occur near to some dredge sites. This is because the impacts on
community structure are likely to be complex. However the footprint of impact on
biological communities is likely to extend for up to 3km along the axis of transport of
material from the dredge sites, based on results for the North Sea.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 36
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
5. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS.
Potential cumulative effects of marine aggregate dredging have been reviewed in a
Report by Oakwood Environmental (1999). This review includes recommendations on
existing policy framework, a framework for the assessment of cumulative effects on
marine and coastal environments, and a review of Good Practice Methodology for the
assessment of cumulative impacts on biological and physical resources. The review also
includes the results of impact assessments for a Pilot Study Area on the south coast of
U.K. The reader is referred to this review for general aspects of cumulative impacts
associated with marine aggregate dredging in coastal waters.
Our best estimate of the likely cumulative impacts of marine aggregate dredging, based
on what is known for the impacts and rates of recovery for the coastal Production
Licence areas described in the previous sections is as follows:-
a 50-90%
of at the


in


(Glycymeris glycymeris) may take
coarse by

some
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 37
Within the boundaries of any one production area, there is likely to be
reduction in species richness, population density and biomass of marine invertebrates.
This impact is likely to extend for a distance least 400-600m outside
boundaries of each dredge site along the axis of initial settlement of reject material.
It is possible that dredging may also be associated with production of a benthic plume
at the sea bed and extending for up to one tidal cycle along the axis of the tidal
currents. Studies to date suggest that dredging is associated with a detectable impact
on the biomass of benthic fauna for up to 3km along the axis of net tidal transport of
sediments mobilised during the screening process.
Recovery of biological community composition is generally initiated by an increase in
species diversity and population density and is followed only later by restoration of
biomass. Because the species characteristic of equilibrium communities coarse
stable deposits have a slow rate of reproduction and growth, the process of restoration
of community structure and biomass of the benthos is likely to take as much as 15-20
years for some long-lived components.
In its simplest form, therefore the cumulative area of impact of the proposed dredging
works for any one year can be estimated from the area dredged within each Licence
Area plus the area likely to be affected outside the boundaries of the dredge site at
each side of the tidal stream multiplied by the number of sites dredged.
The cumulative area impacted over time will be the figure for one year, multiplied by
the number of years required for recovery. It is likely that the earliest dredged sites will
be in a stage of partial recovery within months, but species such as the dog cockle
as much as 15-20 years for colonisation and
restoration of biomass following cessation of dredging. We estimate that at least 50%
of the species variety, population density and biomass is likely to be achieved within 4-
6 years after cessation of dredging, even in deposits characterised
equilibrium communities.
Added to this likely impact zone are the (unknown) potential impacts of seabed
sediment plumes on both the physical features of the sea bed, and on the biological
resources including fish eggs. Not enough is known to assess whether such plumes
have a potential impact on seabed resources. However the fact that benthic plumes
may extend well outside the boundaries of the immediate deposition zone implies that
the areas of impact from adjacent dredge sites may overlap one another at
stages of the tidal cycle.
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
the

affected in any one year

We have also provided estimates of what might be anticipated if sediment
composition of the worked areas and surrounding deposits were to become sandier
following removal of the coarse components and discharge of fine components by
overboard screening. Again there is good evidence from both studies of impacts in
nearshore Production Licence areas, and from communities resident in more stable
offshore sands and gravels, that discharge of sands has an important impact on both
the richness and community structure of the benthos.
Reversion towards a sandy deposit is likely to result in a suppression of biodiversity and
the replacement of a heterogeneous assemblage of benthic invertebrates to one which
is dominated by a small species variety comprising mainly polychaetes. The area
is likely to be similar to that estimated above.
However the rate of recovery of sandy deposits is faster than in complex equilibrium
communities, so a less-diverse sandy substrate community may come into equilibrium
with the new environmental conditions within a period of 2-4 years, based on results
for sandy gravels in the North Sea.
6. IMPACTS ON FISHERIES.
The impacts of suspended sediments on a wide variety of animals including plankton,
benthic invertebrates and fish species has been reviewed by Sherk (1971) and Moore
(1977). Early studies by Loosanoff (1962; see also Collinson & Rees, 1978) showed that
different species of commercially significant filter-feeding molluscs were differently
affected by suspended sediment. Subsequent studies by Sherk (1971) and Sherk et al
(1974) showed that, as in the case of bivalves, fish species have varying tolerances of
suspended solids, filter-feeding species being more sensitive than deposit-feeders and
larval forms being more sensitive than adults (see also Matsumoto, 1984).
Estimates based on trophic food web models suggest that as much as 30% of the total
exploitable fish yield to man in waters of the North Sea are derived from benthic food
webs (Steele, 1965; Newell et al., 1998). Indirect effects on fish stocks thus include a
reduction or alteration in the food available from benthic resources (Daan et al., 1990),
as well as potential direct effects on vulnerable stages of the life cycle such as the eggs
and larvae. It should also be noted that a reversion
from a mixed invertebrate assemblage which is
characterised by a high species diversity, towards one
which is dominated by a less diverse community that
is dominated by polychaetes, may not necessarily
result in a loss of commercially significant fish stocks
(Millner et al., 1977). Fish are opportunistic feeders,
and a relatively uniform food availability comprising
mainly polychaetes may enhance some stocks such as
Dover sole (Solea solea) at the expense of others.
Solea solea MESL-PhotoLibrary
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 38
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The likely impacts of marine aggregate dredging on fisheries resources have been
summarised by Desprez (2000). He concluded that in general, fish are less affected by
dredging activities than shellfish and other sessile benthic species because fish can evade
the area of disturbance. However, some fish species, particularly demersal spawners
such as herring and sandeel, may be vulnerable to damage through smothering of fish
eggs on the spawning grounds (Westerberg et al., 1996). Changes in the sea bed
topography caused by dredging and by exposure of oversize material on the sea bed
may also have an impact on the suitability of the sea bed for subsequent commercial
fishing activities (de Groot, 1979), although the presence of more heterogeneous
conditions on the sea bed may also favour the creation of new habitats for epibenthos
and fish communities (Desprez, 2000).
The consensus view is that the impacts on commercial fishing activities are mainly
related to exclusion from traditional fishing grounds, and to potential losses of eggs and
larvae of demersal species, rather than to damage of commercially significant target
species. It should however be noted that alteration in sediment composition may have
complex effects not only on benthic food resources leading to fish, but may also inhibit
settlement and survival of larvae of commercially significant shellfish. Partly for this
reason, any Risk Assessment for fish and shellfish resources needs to include a wide
range of potential impacts as described in Section 8.
7. ASSIGNING SIGNIFICANCE TO IMPACTS.
Assigning significance to impacts on environmental resources is essentially a subjective
judgement based on the professional experience and objectivity of those involved. It is
therefore important to present as much information as possible on the reasons for
arriving at a particular assessment for each of the environmental resources concerned.
The following sections summarise the key features of environmental resources that can
be used in the assessment of potential impacts of marine aggregate dredging. Where
appropriate, the following criteria should be taken into account:-
The Extent of Impact:
! A Small
! A Limited
! A Local
! A Regional Impact - an impact over a relatively wide area >10km.
The Duration of Impact:
! A Temporary
! A
! A Medium Term
! A Long-Term Impact - existing for more than 10 years.
Impact - localised within the immediate dredge site.
Impact - over an area extending up to 1km from the dredge site.
Impact - extending up to 5km.
Impact - existing for less than 1 year.
Short-Term Impact - existing for 1-5 years.
Impact - existing for 5-10 years.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 39
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
The significance ratings assigned to the impacts can be as follows:-
An Impact is of High Significance
!
!
!
!
An Impact is of Moderate Significance
!
!
!
!
An Impact is of Low Significance
!
!
!
!
An Impact is of No Significance
!
if:-
the extent is regional
the duration is long-term
the impact is on species or communities afforded Statutory protection
the impact is on resources of high economic or conservation significance
if:-
the extent is local
the duration is medium-term
the impact is on species or communities afforded Statutory protection
the impact is on resources of high economic or conservation significance
if:-
the extent is small or limited
the duration is temporary
there is unlikely to be an impact on species or communities afforded Statutory
protection.
there is unlikely to be an impact on resources of high economic or conservation
significance
if:-
there is no predicted effect on environmental resources.
The significance of the impacts can then be incorporated into a tabular summary of
impacts and used as the basis of a Risk Assessment for each of the main environmental
resources located in the vicinity of a particular dredge site. The Risk Assessment process
takes into account both the sensitivity of the resource in question, and the actual
vulnerability of the resource based on its distribution in relation to the dredge site.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 40
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
8. RISK ASSESSMENT.
There have been a number of proposals to derive a numerical assessment of Risk to
environmental resources based on what is known of their sensitivity to disturbance, and
the likely scale and sources of impact by man (Department of the Environment, 1995;
Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions, 2000; Associated British
Ports, 1997). Estimates of Risk for activities such as marine aggregate dredging to
important economic resources such as fisheries can be derived from a matrix that relates
the potential sensitivity of species or communities to each component impact of the
dredging operation and the actual vulnerability at a particular site (Carlin & Rogers,
2002). In other cases, impacts on resources of conservation significance have been
related to both biotope sensitivity and recoverability (MarLIN, 2003).
8.1. RI SK ASSESSMENT FOR COMMUNI TI ES & HABI TATS
The sensitivity of particular communities or species to the relatively complex impacts
imposed by man are not easy to quantify, and often involve a subjective assessment
based on experience and judgement. In the case of biotopes, sensitivity can be defined
in terms of species that are considered to be important components of the community as
follows:-
T Key Structural Species. Species that provide a distinct habitat that supports an
associated community. Loss or degradation of the species would result in a loss or
degradation of the biotope, eg. Sabellaria spinulosa.
T Key Functional Species. Species maintaining community structure and function through
interactions with other members of the community (eg by predation, grazing and
competition). Loss or degradation results in change to the biotope.
T I mportant Characterising Species. The species are characteristic of the biotope and are
important in the classification of the biotope. Loss or degradation would result in a loss of
the biotope.
T I mportant Structural Species. The species which interact with the key or characterising
species and are important for their viability. Loss of these species may reduce the viability
of the key, or characterising species. Structural species may prey on epiphytes and
parasites of the key characterising species.
T I mportant Functional Species. These are the dominant source of organic matter or
primary production within the ecosystem. Loss could result in changes in community
function and structure.
The following scales have been used to define the sensitivity and recoverability of marine
biotopes to disturbance by man:-
Biotope Intolerance Scale (based on MarLIN 2003).
High Intolerance - Key structural or functional species are likely to be killed and/or the
habitat is likely to be destroyed.
Moderate Intolerance - The populations of key structural or functional species may be
reduced or degraded, the habitat may be partially destroyed, or the diversity and
population density of a community may be reduced.
Low Intolerance - Key structural or functional species are unlikely to be killed, but the
viability, diversity and functionality of a community may be reduced.
No Intolerance - The factor has no detectable effect on structure and functioning of a
biotope or the survival and viability of key structural or functional species.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 41
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Biotope Recoverability Scale (based on MarLIN 2003).
None - Recovery is not possible.
Very Low - Partial recovery in 10 years, but full recovery time may be at least 25 years,
or never.
Low - Partial recovery in 10 years, but full recovery time up to 25 years.
Moderate - Partial recovery within 5 years and full recovery up to 5-10 years.
High - Full recovery complete within 5 years.
Very High - Full recovery is within 6 months.
Immediate - Full recovery within a few days.
The Intolerance and Recoverability can then be combined into a single scale that can
be used to give some indication of the sensitivity of marine communities to
environmental change. A Sensitive community or habitat may then be regarded as one
that is easily adversely affected by human activity, and is expected to recover only over
a long period of time. This method of risk assessment has not, so far been widely applied
to marine habitats and communities.
8.2. RI SK ASSESSMENT FOR FI SHERI ES RESOURCES
A rather similar approach of combining the perceived sensitivity of marine resources
with the actual vulnerability at any particular site has been proposed for risk assessment
of Fisheries resources by Carlin & Rogers (2002). They propose a matrix that relates the
potential sensitivity of particular fish components or stages in the life cycle to the actual
vulnerability based on the occurrence in a particular area. The scales in this case for both
sensitivity and vulnerability are:-
! Very high
! High
! Moderate
! Low
They propose that the risk assessment for Fisheries should be assessed under the
following key headings:-
4. Cumulative Effects.
1. Temporal & Spatial Scale of the Operation.
2. The Method of Aggregate Extraction.
3. Plume Effects.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 42
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Impacts on the following need to be listed under each of the above headings:-
1. The Benthic Fish Community.
2. Breeding & Spawning Grounds.
3. Nursery Grounds.
4. Over-wintering Grounds.
5. Migratory Routes.
6. Reduction in Income.
The Fisheries Impact Assessment can then be summarised into an Evaluation Protocol as
outlined by Carlin & Rogers (2002). This comprises a table summarising the potential
sensitivities of the fisheries resources to potential impacts of marine aggregate dredging.
The data for a typical North Sea aggregate licence area are summarised in Table 4.
Table 4. Evaluation Protocol for Fisheries Resource Risk Assessment at a typical aggregate dredging area in the
southern North Sea.
1. Temporal and Spatial Scale of the Operation
Benthic Community Survey carried out at 38 sites with triplicate samples at 12 sites. Trawl
samples taken at 14 sites. Benthic community rich with an average of 40
species and 470 individuals per 0.1 m. Sabellaria present mainly as isolated
tubes, but in large quantities possibly forming biogenic reef structures mainly
well outside boundaries of the dredge site.
Breeding & Spawning
grounds
Not known to be a spawning ground for commercial fish. Possibly suited for
herring outside boundaries of the dredge site Likely to be important lobster
resources and potentially significant pink shrimp spawning grounds to the east
in deeper water.
Nursery Grounds Not known to be an important nursery ground for any commercial fish or
shellfish resources.
Over-wintering Grounds Not considered to be an important over-wintering ground for any fish or
shellfish.
Migratory Routes Not a specific migration route for any commercial species, although pink
shrimp, herring, roker and several other species that move between deeper
water and coastal waters to reach breeding and nursery grounds probably
pass through the area.
Direct Mortality Most fisheries exploitation is by potting for crab and lobster outside the
boundaries of the dredge site. Risk of direct mortality on these resources is
zero.
Reduction of Income Assuming complete exclusion of vessels currently exploiting the general
vicinity of the dredge site, the losses are estimated to be 120K per year split
amongst 6 vessels. However we consider the estimate of value of catches is
either too high (based on the productivity of the seabed elsewhere in the
region) or represents an unsustainable level of exploitation.
Displacement of Vessels The 6 local vessels reported to operate in the vicinity of the dredge site may
be displaced from parts of the licence area, depending on zoning agreements.
However the evidence from the benthic ecology surveys suggests that the
most important areas for commercial fisheries resources are located well
outside the boundaries of the dredge site
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 43
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
2. Method of Aggregate Extraction
Benthic Community The infaunal invertebrates are likely to be removed by suction trailer dredging
within the dredged zones. The structure of the community suggests that
recovery will be achieved in 2-4 years after cessation of dredging. The
temporary loss of potential invertebrate food species is unlikely to affect the
carrying capacity for fish because population densities of fish are well below
historical levels due to commercial fishing pressure. Hence the remaining fish
stocks are unlikely to be limited by food availability.
Breeding & Spawning
grounds
The area is not regarded as an important spawning ground for any commercial
target species. The risk of a direct impact on fisheries resources outside the
boundaries of the dredge site is negligible.
Nursery Grounds The area is not regarded an important nursery ground.
Over-wintering Grounds The area is not considered an important over-wintering ground.
Migratory Routes There is likely to be some generalised movement of fish and shellfish species
between shallow coastal waters and deeper waters through the dredge site.
But this occurs over a wide area and is not specific to the dredge site.
Reduction of Income Trailer hopper dredging results in relatively shallow furrows in the seabed that
are infilled with sand over time, depending on the rate of transport of material
on the seabed. Most fisheries exploitation is by potting, although some foreign
beam trawlers are reported in the area. The method of dredging is unlikely to
detract from the suitability of the seabed for fisheries exploitation after
cessation of dredging.
3. Plume Effects
Benthic Community The high gravel content of the seabed resources implies that the amount of
material returned to the seabed following screening will be relatively small.
Plumes of dispersing material have been described for some areas extending
up to 600m along the axis of transport. There is likely to be a temporary
impact on the benthic community in the immediate vicinity of the dredge site,
but there is currently little evidence to suggest impacts on the benthic
community beyond 200m.
Breeding & Spawning
grounds
There is no evidence that the dredge site, or the deposits potentially affected
by sediment mobilised by the dredging and screening process are of
importance as a breeding ground for commercial fish or shellfish.
Nursery Grounds Mobilised material will be moved for a limited distance outside the dredge site
along the axis of the tidal currents. The only potentially significant nursery
grounds lie to the east across the axis of the tidal streams. It is considered
unlikely that dredging in zoned sites within dredge area will result in potential
sediment transport across the tidal currents into potential nursery ground
areas, or that the quantities of material will be significant.
Over-wintering Grounds The dredge site does not constitute a known over-wintering area for fish or
shellfish. The relatively small quantity of material likely to be rejected during
screening is unlikely to have an effect on over-wintering species.
Migratory Routes The dredge site does not constitute a migratory route for fish or shellfish. The
relatively small quantity of material likely to be rejected during screening is
unlikely to have an effect on migratory species.
Reduction of Income The relatively small amount of material likely to be rejected by screening is
unlikely to have an impact beyond the immediate boundaries of the site being
dredged. Potential reduction of income (if any) is mainly likely through
displacement of vessels from actively dredged sites within the dredged area.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 44
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
4. Cumulative Effects
Benthic Community The total area under licence for aggregate dredging in the region as a whole
has been reduced by 50% in recent years, and there are plans for further
reductions. The risk of cumulative impacts from other dredging activities is
now significantly less than it was in the past.
Breeding & Spawning
grounds
The area is not known to be of importance as a breeding or spawning ground
for any commercial fish or shellfish species. Cumulative effects (if any) will be
significantly less than in the past.
Nursery Grounds The area is not known to be of importance as a nursery ground for any
commercial fish or shellfish species. Cumulative effects (if any) will be
significantly less than in the past.
Over-wintering Grounds The area is not known to be of importance as an over-wintering ground for
any commercial fish or shellfish species. Cumulative effects (if any) will be
significantly less than in the past.
Migratory Routes The area is not known to be of importance as migratory route for any
commercial fish or shellfish species. Cumulative effects (if any) will be
significantly less than in the past.
Reduction of Income A reduction of income from the combined dredging activities in the area is a
lower risk than in the past following a 50% reduction of the area under
Licence in recent years. Part of the proposal is to further reduce the area
under Licence by progressively relinquishing depleted sites in the adjacent
dredged areas.
Displacement of Vessels Displacement of fishing vessels can occur if the occupancy of an area by
dredging increases. The area dredged is, however reduced by more than 50%
compared with previous years, and is set to be reduced further by
relinquishment of depleted areas nearby. The risk of displacement is therefore
now significantly less than in the past.
The second stage in the Risk Assessment is to assign a value to the actual vulnerability
of the fisheries resources to each of the potential impacts of marine aggregate dredging
at the particular site in question. This involves a balance of judgement between the
sensitivity of the resource in question to particular impacts, and the distribution and
abundance of the resource in relation to the proposed dredge site. This is a subjective
process, but is based on the data summarised in the Impact Assessment and in Table 4.
The actual vulnerability of the resources are then allocated to one of the four following
categories :- Very High, High, Moderate and Low. These are shown for the typical dredge
site in the southern North Sea in Table 5 and provide the basis for a Risk Assessment
Matrix.
Table 5. Fisheries Resources: Risk Assessment Matrix for a typical aggregate dredge site in the southern North
Sea.
1. Temporal & Spatial Scale of the Operation. Actual vulnerability
Potential Sensitivity Very High High Moderate Low
Benthic Community Very High 1
Breeding & Spawning Grounds Very High 1
Nursery Grounds Very High 1
Over-Wintering Grounds Very High 1
Migratory Routes Moderate 1
Direct Mortality Low 1
Reduction in Income High 1
Displacement of Vessels Low 1
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 45
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
2. Method of Aggregate Extraction. Actual vulnerability
Potential Sensitivity Very High High Moderate Low
Benthic Community High 1
Breeding & Spawning Grounds High 1
NurseryGrounds High 1
Over-Wintering Grounds High 1
Migratory Routes Moderate 1
Reduction in Income High 1
3. Plume Effects. Actual vulnerability
Potential Sensitivity Very High High Moderate Low
Benthic Community Very High 1
Breeding & Spawning Grounds Very High 1
Nursery Grounds Moderate 1
Over-Wintering Grounds Very High 1
Migratory Routes Moderate 1
Reduction in Income High 1
4. Cumulative Effects Actual vulnerability
Potential Sensitivity Very High High Moderate Low
Benthic Community High 1
Breeding & Spawning Grounds Very High 1
Nursery Grounds High 1
Over-Wintering Grounds High 1
Migratory Routes Low 1
Reduction in Income High 1
Displacement of Vessels High 1
The final stage in the Risk Evaluation is a matrix that combines the scores for the
potential sensitivity of each component of the fisheries resource to each of the potential
impacts, with the actual vulnerability of those resources at the particular site in question.
This matrix is shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Table showing the total scores for actual sensitivity of fisheries resources in relation to their potential
sensitivity to impacts from marine aggregate dredging at a typical dredge site in the southern North Sea.
Compiled from Table 5.
Potential
Sensitivity
Actual Sensitivity
VERY HIGH HIGH MODERATE LOW
VERY HIGH 2 6
HIGH 6 6
MODERATE 4
LOW 2 1
This gives the final scores shown in Table 7 for Environmental Risk to the Fisheries
Resources at the dredge site.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 46
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Table 7. Table showing the final summed scores for Environmental Risk to fisheries that is likely to be posed by
marine aggregate dredging at a typical dredge site in the southern North Sea. Compiled from Tables 5 & 6.
OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL SCORE
RISK
HIGH 0
HIGH-MEDIUM 2
MEDIUM 6
MEDIUM-LOW 12
LOW 4
NEAR ZERO 3
Table 7 shows that the assessed risk to Fisheries Resources posed by marine aggregates
dredging for the typical dredge site in the southern North Sea used as an example is
mainly in the MEDIUM-LOW category. This is similar to Risk Assessments for Fisheries at
Area 407 in the English Channel to the south of the Isle of Wight, UK, but poses a
significantly lower assessed risk than at some other Licence Areas where this form of
evaluation has been carried out (Carlin & Rogers, 2002).
9. MITIGATION.
United Kingdom policy guidelines for the marine aggregate dredging industry have been
summarised in:-
! Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) 2002. Guidance on the Extraction by Dredging
of Sand, Gravel and Other Minerals from the English Seabed. Marine Minerals Guidance
Note 1. (ISBN 0 11 7536342 Her Majestys Stationery Office 30 pp).
This gives detailed guidance on Policy Objectives relevant to applications for marine
aggregate dredging as follows:-
! The careful location of new dredging areas
! Considering new applications for Dredging Permissions in relation to the findings of an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
! Minimising the total area permitted for dredging.
! Controlling dredging operations through the use of legally enforceable conditions attached
to Dredging Permissions.
! Requiring operators to monitor, as appropriate, the environmental impacts of their
activities during, and on completion of dredging.
! Adopting dredging practices that minimise the impact of dredging.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 47
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Several mitigation measures are potentially available to protect environmental resources
adjacent to dredging areas in coastal waters, and to enhance recolonisation after
cessation of dredging. Whether these are cost-effective depends on a commercial
decision on the importance of the resources and the costs and feasibility of mitigation
measures. Typically these include the following:-
! Reduction of Overboard Screening
on
major
!
Successful
.
!
. It has been shown that one of the main sources
of impact benthic biological resources is the practice of overboard rejection of
screened material. The fact that this material accumulates within the dredged site
means that an increasing amount of dredging (and screened discharge) is required as
the dredge area is exploited over time. Studies cited above show that the deposition of
screened material on the sea bed may have a more serious impact on sea bed
resources than dredging itself. The screening process must therefore be viewed as a
source of impact on sea bed resources. Obviously the option on whether
screening is essential depends on a commercial decision whether there is a beneficial
use for sands on this scale, and the costs implications of bulk transport of all in cargo
compared with screened cargo suited to customer needs.
Adj ustment of the timing of exploitation. Some areas close to the sites of dredging
may support biological resources of conservation significance, or resources that are of
importance as a spawning ground or nursery area for commercially significant fish and
shellfish species. mitigation of potential impacts of seabed plumes on
breeding areas for crab has been achieved by dredging only when the tidal stream
transports sediments away from the sensitive area. In other areas, there may be a
seasonal variation in importance for fish and shellfish. If it is established that some
parts of the seabed surrounding a potential dredge site are of importance as a habitat
for fish spawning, and if these areas lie within potential sedimentation plume zones, it
may be necessary to consider cessation of dredging close to these sensitive areas
during the breeding season
Establishment of Refuge Areas to enhance recolonisation. Our review of the
literature shows that significantly faster recolonisation and recovery rates have been
reported for shell deposits in which non-dredged areas were left between strips of
dredged sea bed. The presence of patches of non-dredged deposits within a dredge site
may assist recolonisation. It should be pointed out, however, that recolonisation by
planktonic larvae is likely to be of more importance than migration of adults from the
surrounding seabed in most gravel deposits. In general we view the establishment of
refuge areas as a positive proposal, but not one which is seriously likely to represent
the primary source of recolonising larvae for a particular dredge site.
In line with Policy Objectives summarised above, proposals to reduce the impacts of
marine aggregate dredging generally centre on minimisation of the dredged area, and
the amounts of material likely to be rejected by screening. The principal options for a
typical marine aggregate dredge site are:-
Minimise the dredged area
Manage the dredging operations
Liaison & reporting
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 48
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
9.1. MI NI MI SE THE DREDGED AREA.
Resources of sufficient depth and quality need to be located within the potential dredge
site. This will:-
1. Minimise the area to be dredged
2. Reduce the amount of screened material returned to the seabed
3. Minimise direct impacts on benthic biological resources
4. Allow maximal access for fishing vessels to use the surrounding seabed
9.2. MANAGE THE DREDGI NG OPERATI ONS.
Dredging operations can be managed with the following objectives:-
1. Avoid formation of depressions on the seabed that might interfere with fishing once
the site is relinquished
2. Minimise loading times to avoid interference with other legitimate users of the sea
3. Resources to be worked to depletion in small zones before moving to a new zone,
allowing maximal time for recovery of benthic biological resources in each dredged
zone without further disturbance
4. The deposits on the seabed to be left in a similar condition to assist recovery of
biological resources in relinquished areas
9.3. LI AI SON & REPORTI NG.
As part of the proposals to minimise conflicts with other legitimate uses of the marine
environment management proposals can include:-
1. Minimise interference with fishing activities by proper liaison protocols with
Fisheries representatives
2. Inform other potential users of the area by provision of information on dredging
activities and other relevant information
We consider that there are not any practical or cost-effective ways of minimising the
impacts of marine aggregate dredging within the dredged zones themselves, nor in the
400-600m primary sedimentation zone, unless a reduction of material returned to the
seabed following screening were a commercially-acceptable option. It is also unlikely that
there are cost-effective measures that could be taken to enhance the rate of
recolonisation and recovery of the complex and slow-growing equilibrium communities
that typically occur in coarse gravels that characterise many aggregate extraction sites.
Such communities probably represent an important food resource for fish, but we doubt
whether losses to the marine food web from the dredged areas, even when summed
over a 10-20y time period, would result in a detectable impact on the carrying capacity
of the surrounding seabed for commercial fish stocks. This is because the area dredged
is very small compared with the feeding habitat available for fish, and partly because
pressure on commercial fish stocks in UK waters has been so great that currently the
feeding requirements of the fish population is well below the potential carrying capacity
of the seabed resources for commercial fish species. Of more significance are possible
impacts on areas of localised or seasonal importance such as spawning grounds and
nursery areas for fish and shellfish including scallop and crab. This implies that the
dredging strategy for a particular site needs to take into account the seasonal sensitivity
of the seabed resources, and the likelihood of Risk to those resources bearing in mind
what is known of the physical impacts of dredging both within the dredge site and on the
surrounding deposits.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 49
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
10. MONITORING.
A common objective of monitoring studies has been to assess the nature and sensitivity
of benthic biological resources to potential disturbance by dredging activities within the
proposed dredge site, and to identify resources or communities of conservation
significance that warrant special protection. Most surveys include an assessment of the
significance of the areas for commercial fishing, and as a breeding or nursery ground for
young fish. However because of the strong seasonality of fisheries data, and the fact that
most fisheries investigations require a long series of surveys extending over several
years, it has not generally been cost-effective or practical to carry out primary fisheries
investigations as part of the normal environmental impact process.
The first requirement of the environmental resource survey is to carry out an assessment
of resources over a relatively wide area to establish the baseline conditions prior to
dredging and to assess the likely risk based on what is known of the sensitivity of the
resources and their location in relation to likely impacts from the dredge site. The most
common form of survey has been to establish a box-grid of sampling stations which
generally extends for a distance of at least one tidal excursion at each end of the
proposed dredging area. It also includes stations located across the axis of the tidal
stream as well as control stations located well outside the boundaries of any likely
impact of dredging activities within the proposed Production Licence Area. The
information is then used to predict what might be the impact of dredging activities, and
to make proposals on how any impacts might be minimised.
A secondary objective is to identify sites which, because of the sensitivity of their
communities, or because of their location in relation to the dredge site, can be used as
monitoring stations. The main purpose of a monitoring survey is to confirm whether or
not the predictions of impact made in the initial dredging licence application are correct,
and to trigger mitigation measures if impacts exceed those accepted as part of the
project proposal. In general, the number of monitoring sites is fewer than that used in
the baseline survey grid, but there is a need to include an assessment of the variance of
the samples at each site. Apparent impacts might otherwise merely reflect the well-
known variability, particularly of biological samples, on the sea bed.
The procedures commonly used in baseline surveys for the marine aggregates industry
in recent years have been summarised in some detail in a Report on Procedural
Guidelines for the Conduct of Benthic Studies at Aggregate Dredging Sites (Department
for Environment, Transport & the Regions (DETR) 2001). A further study on the use of
mapping techniques suitable for the identification of marine biotopes has been reported
in Mapping of Gravel Biotopes and an Examination of the Factors Controlling the
Distribution, Type and Diversity of their Biological Communities (Brown et al. 2001).
The following sections outline a general procedure for establishment of a benthic
biological monitoring survey for a particular Production Licence area. However it is
recommended that reference is made to the above Reports for much background
information on suitable survey gear, analytical methodology and recommendations for
reporting of data. A general procedure based on common practice to date is given below.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 50
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
10.1. NUMBER AND POSI TI ON OF MONI TORI NG SI TES.
Most studies on the benthic communities of sands and gravels suggest that a minimum
of 2-3 replicate samples of 0.1 m are required to identify the majority of the species
present in sandy deposits of the North Sea whereas at least five replicates are necessary
for more complex communities that characterise stable substrata such as rocks and
cobbles (see Newell et al., 2001a & 2003). Clarke &
Green (1988), Warwick & Clarke (1996) and more
recently Somerfield & Gage (2000) have addressed
the problem of the number of replicates and the
appropriate spacing between samples to
accommodate the patchiness that occurs in the
macrofauna of marine deposits.
Retrieval of 0.1m Hamon grab MESL-PhotoLibrary
Somerfield & Gage (2000) studied the macrofauna of Scottish sea lochs and concluded
that there was a need to understand and guard against the problem of
pseudoreplication (Hurlbert, 1984) in the design of a sampling strategy. They
recommended that samples to be taken as replicates should be taken at least 40 m
apart. By ensuring this, an investigator is unlikely to collect samples more similar to one
another than they should be and reduce the chances of concluding that a difference
exists when it does not.
We have shown above that there is evidence of an impact of marine aggregate dredging
on benthic biological resources within a dredged site, and that an impact has been
reported for the zone of deposition of material rejected during the screening process.
This zone is likely to be between 400-600m on each side of the dredge site along the
axis of the tidal streams. We have also shown that there is evidence for the presence of
a benthic sediment plume which may extend as much as one tidal excursion along the
axis of the tidal streams on each side of the dredge site.
The distribution of sample sites for a monitoring survey should thus take into account
the need for replicate samples to assess variance, and the need to cover an area of sea
bed that extends for up to one tidal excursion on each side of the proposed dredge site.
Control sites situated perpendicular to the axis of flow of material from the dredge site
are also required to assess the natural variations in benthic biological resources against
which any impacts need to be assessed.
Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of an idealised dredge site together with
recommended positions and numbers of replicates for monitoring sites both within the
dredge site and along the axis of probable dispersion of material from the dredge site.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 51
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
i
l
l l
l
idal
i i
li i i l
i
i i
le
i
8000m 4000m 1000m 8000m 1000m 4000m
Dredge S te
Contro
Contro Contro
Contro
Axis of T Flow
Flood & Ebb tdal Excurs on
Transect samp ng staton, 5 repl cate sampes
spaced approxmately 40m apart
Epibenthc trawl staton
Benthic Grab Samp
Monitoring survey plan for an hypothetical dredge site
Dredge S te
Figure 16. Monitoring survey plan for an hypothetical dredge site. The sites of benthic grab
sampling stations including monitoring and control sites (spots) are shown, together with trawl
sites for epibenthos (arrows).
Ecologists will have their own preferences, but the following general recommendations
can be made on a basis of Figure 16:-
1.
areas the
2.
4.
In order to monitor impacts within the dredge site itself, we recommend at least 15
sample sites. This is because it is difficult to locate dredge tracks within a trailer dredge
site and one needs to have sufficient samples to locate impact within
Production Licence area. The data from these samples can be pooled to give an estimate
of impact and variance of benthic communities within the dredge site as a whole.
Monitoring stations have been arranged at 1000m, 4000m and 8000m on each side of
the dredge site along the axis of the tidal streams. Each monitoring station comprises a
target area of 200m, within which 5 replicate samples can be taken at distances of 40m
to avoid the problem of pseudoreplication of patchy organisms referred to above. The
results from these samples can be used to express mean population characteristics and
variance between samples at each site in relation to distance from the dredge site.
3. Control stations have also been indicated across the main axis of the tidal stream. It is
considered unlikely that these will be impacted by the dredge site shown in Figure 16,
but clearly the position will need to be located away from possible impacts of adjacent
Production Licence Areas. Note that we have indicated a minimum of triplicate samples
in these control stations, but that this might need to be increased to 5 replicates if the
substrate comprises a gravel with rich fauna.
The epifauna comprises organisms that live on the surface of the sea bed and which are
not sampled quantitatively with conventional grabs. We recommend a series of single
epibenthic trawl samples should be taken within the dredge site and at each of the
monitoring stations. These sample site are indicated by arrows in Figure 16.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 52
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
5. a There is serious lack of information on the size and scale of the sedimentation
processes and no information on the extent to which screened material may accumulate
on the sea bed, or whether benthic turbidity layers occur at the sediment-water interface
in relatively deep water sites. We consider that monitoring of the quantities and fate of
overboard screened material is an important component of the monitoring programme,
and that direct measurements of plume characteristics by seabed mini-pods coupled with
side scan sonar and appropriate visual techniques could make a significant contribution
to our understanding of the likely scale of impact of this project on biological resources
surrounding aggregate dredge sites.
The generalised scheme for a monitoring survey of biological resources thus involves 57
grab samples and 12 epibenthic trawl samples. Clearly the number of stations may be
reduced if it is shown that the impact along the axis of the tidal streams is significantly
less than one tidal excursion. All evidence from dynamic environments is that any impact
on benthic biological resources is confined to distances of up to 400-600m from the
dredge site, corresponding with the zone of deposition from the discharge plume. But in
view of the unknown impact of a probable benthic plume at the sediment:water
interface, monitoring should be carried out for a full tidal excursion until the limits of
impact are established for the dredge site at a particular location.
10.2. BENTHI C I NFAUNA
10.2.1. Sampling Methods.
The benthic infauna are commonly sampled with either a 0.2m or, more recently a
0.1m Hamon grab. Use of this grab has the
advantage that loss of material by washout from
the jaws experienced with conventional grabs is
reduced (Holme & McIntyre, 1984; Sips &
Waardenburg, 1989; Kenny & Rees, 1994; van
Moorsel, 1994; DETR, 2001). The larger 0.2m
grab takes approximately 16 litres of sediment
whereas the smaller 0.1m grab takes
approximately 9 litres of sediment. The latter is
easier to sort and has been increasingly used in
recent studies of the benthos.
0.1m Hamon grab MESL-PhotoLibrary
The samples taken with the grab may be sieved aboard the survey vessel to separate the
macrofauna from the bulk of the deposits. However it is often preferable to carry out the
entire separation of the macrofauna from the sediment sample ashore, rather than
partially at sea as recommended in the Guidelines referred to above.
This is for the following reasons:-
1. Collection of samples at sea often involves long hours in rough sea conditions and poor
lighting. Samples are often taken at night because larger survey vessels operate a 24h
shift system. This reduces the effectiveness of initial sorting aboard the survey vessel.
2. Sorting at sea can significantly reduce the rate of sample collection. Because of the costs of
a survey vessel and the short weather window often available for sampling, the time
taken for collection of samples at sea needs to be kept to an absolute minimum.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 53
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
3. If sorted alive aboard the survey vessel, many of the benthic infauna (especially the
polychaetes) can escape collection through the apertures of the sieve mesh.
4. Although transport of the whole sample ashore for sorting involves a significant amount of
material, the quantitative extraction of the fauna is maximised under ideal lighting in the
laboratory.
Once the sediment sample has been taken with the grab, a small sub-sample is taken for
particle size analysis of the sediments. The remainder is
transferred to a 15 litre bucket, agitated with formalin
and sealed with a lid before being transported to the
laboratory for subsequent separation and identification of
the macrofauna.
Sediment sub-sampling MESL-PhotoLibrary
10.2.2. Laboratory I dentification and Analysis.
On arrival at the laboratory, the samples are thoroughly washed with tap water and the
supernatant poured through a 1mm mesh sieve to collect
the smaller macrofauna. The residual sediment is then
washed on to a 1mm mesh sieve and the larger stones
and shells retained on the sieve are carefully sorted by
hand to remove the larger macrofauna and organisms
attached to stones and pebbles.
Sorting on a 1mm mesh sieve MESL-PhotoLibrary
The biological material is then preserved in methanol for subsequent separation in to
major faunal groups, identification and enumeration. Biomass is commonly expressed as
ash-free dry weight (AFDW) for marine organisms. However measurement of the ash-
free dry weight results in destruction of the
samples which are not therefore available for
subsequent Quality Assurance control if required.
The normal procedure is therefore to measure the
blotted wet weight of either the individual species
or the main phyletic groups in the sample, and to
estimate the AFDW from standard conversion
figures. A reference collection is kept and the
identified material is retained for use in Quality
Assurance procedures if required.
Identification & enumeration in the laboratory MESL-PhotoLibrary
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 54
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
10.3. BENTHI C EPI FAUNA.
Although the methods used for sampling the benthic infauna are similar for most of the
baseline surveys carried out as part of the
Environmental Impact Assessment process for
marine aggregate dredging areas, very few have
used compatible methods for analysis of the motile
epifauna. In some cases samples have been taken
with a scallop dredge, in others a small 2m beam
trawl has been used. Few have quantified the
catches sufficiently to allow use of multivariate
statistical techniques to assess community structure.
CEFAS 2m beam trawl MESL-PhotoLibrary
Recent studies by Ellis & Rogers (2001) show, however, that analysis of the community
composition of the epifauna sampled with a commercial sized beam trawl can give an
insight into this important component of the benthos. Furthermore, the data include both
fish and epibenthos, and thus give information on the epibenthic community as a whole
as well as information on commercially exploitable fish stocks at the time of the survey.
Some recommendations on the suitability of gear to sample the epibenthos is also given
in the Guidelines referred to above (DETR, 2001).
We recommend that a series of trawl samples should be taken in the survey area as part
of a comprehensive monitoring survey that includes both benthic infauna and the
epibenthic community as a whole. The length of haul needs to
be adjusted to obtain a representative sample of the mobile
epifauna, without obtaining so much catch that sub-sampling
is required. Generally a haul of 5-10 minutes yields sufficient
sample for macrofauna analysis. The entire sample should be
transferred to a sealed bucket, immersed with seawater and
preserved in formalin for separation and analysis ashore. The
position of the deployment and hauling of the net from the sea
bed should be recorded and used to estimate the numbers of
epifauna per unit area trawled.
Cod end sample release MESL-PhotoLibrary
On arrival at the laboratory, the main components of the macrofauna are washed over a
1mm mesh sieve, identified and weighed. These
data are not quantitatively compatible with those
for the infauna collected with a Hamon Grab. But
the data are suitable for community analysis and
can be used to establish spatial and temporal
variations in community structure using similar
methods to those suitable for the benthic infauna.
Weighing epibenthic macrofauna MESL-PhotoLibrary
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 55
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
Three points are worth noting in relation to the use of trawl surveys to study the
distribution and abundance of the epibenthos:-
1. The nature of the catch varies a good deal with the type of gear used and the way it is
rigged, as well as with the speed of the vessel and other factors. A trawl suited to capture
of small epibenthic invertebrates will not capture larger more mobile fish species. Therefore
although a beam trawl rigged with a fine mesh net will give compatible results within one
survey area for the epibenthic invertebrates, it will seriously under-record fish. If fish
catches are of primary interest, it is recommended that a small commercial otter trawl or
beam trawl is used, and that the by-catch of invertebrates is used for analysis of epibenthic
invertebrates.
2. The epibenthos and fish vary a great deal seasonally. In contrast to the benthic infauna, it
is probably necessary to take several epibenthic trawl surveys per year to establish the
variation in baseline conditions that occurs in the absence of impact by man.
3. If surveys are carried out using a small mesh suitable for capture of undersize fish,
Fisheries Regulations may apply.
10.4. DATA RECORDI NG & ANALYSI S OF RESULTS.
The analytical procedure for interpretation of community structure in marine benthos is
now widely agreed and adopted in all of the baseline surveys carried out in UK waters.
These are reviewed in some detail in the Guidelines (DETR, 2001). A recommended
procedure for the recording format is as follows:-
1.
British Isles & Surrounding Seas. by The
2.
3.
structure of and

4.
a
The species identification should be recorded in a standard format using Picton B.E. &
Howson, C.M. (1999). The Species Directory of the Marine Fauna and Flora of the
CD-Rom version. Published Marine
Conservation Society and The Ulster Museum. (ISBN 0-948150-11-4). Note that the
coding in this latest version differs somewhat from the 1997 hard copy.
Data for the sediment characteristics, positions of the sampling stations, species
variety, population density, biomass and all other relevant physical and biological data
obtained in the survey should be recorded on an EXCEL format.
The analysis of sediment types and biological data should be carried out using
multivariate methods or compatible methods. The most convenient and purpose-
designed statistical software package for use in marine benthic surveys in the UK is the
Plymouth Routines in Multivariate Research (PRIMER) version v5 (Clarke & Gorley,
2001). This version has additional features that allow calculation of biodiversity indices
based on taxonomic distinctness of the species comprising a quantitative sample or
species list. These indices have statistical properties that are robust in relation to
variations in sampling effort and may therefore be considerably more useful than some
of the more conventional indices used in earlier studies. Other software packages
including TWINSPAN & DECORANA and, more recently, CANOCO for Windows are also
widely used for ordinating multivariate species data and for providing insight into the
biological communities their relationship with environmental
determinands (see Hill & Gauch, 1980; ter Braak & milauer, 2002).
The presentation of the results should be in electronic format using a suitable GIS
system. We have found MapInfo 7.0 to be well-suited for coastal surveys as it allows
data from dredging vessels and bathymetric data to be superimposed on to the results
of baseline and monitoring surveys. Obviously use of an EXCEL spreadsheet in the
Report allows other software packages such as ArcView to be used without difficulty.
5. The full Report should be made available on CD-ROM as PDF file. This allows
electronic transmission without the Report being inappropriately modified.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 56
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
10.5. I DENTI FI CATI ON AND MAPPI NG OF MARI NE BI OTOPES.
Because of the need to identify and manage coastal zone resources, there has been
some interest in the development of methods for the rapid assessment and mapping of
marine biotopes in recent years. These have varied from relatively crude assessment of
the main types of sea bed substrata, coupled with sporadic assessment of communities
associated with the main sediment types to a sophisticated combination of methods
including grab sampling, acoustic ground discrimination systems (AGDS) such as RoxAnn
and QTC-View, sidescan sonar and photographic methods (see Brown et al., 2001).
The use of these methods is outside the scope of this Review. However several points
are worth noting in the context of monitoring marine aggregate dredging and other
impacts of man on marine resources.
1. Remote sensing systems have obvious attractions for overall habitat mapping for
management of coastal resources. However it is clear from most detailed benthic surveys
that community composition can vary significantly within particular substrate types.
Consequently fine-grained resolution of marine community structure is likely to require
relatively large numbers of epibenthic and grab samples to ground-truth the remote
sensing data. Brown et al (2001) therefore emphasise the need for survey techniques to be
used in combination when producing high-resolution biotope maps of an area. In particular
they caution against the use of acoustic methods in isolation as a tool for predicting
biological and physical traits on the sea bed.
2. Such systems (used in conjunction with several other techniques) have some potential
value in baseline surveys, especially in areas where rocky outcrops and reefs prevent
suitable sampling by grabs or trawls.
3. It is unlikely that remote systems, even when used in combination, will provide sufficient
discrimination to monitor changes in community composition associated with potential far-
field impacts of marine aggregate dredging. Neither is it likely that they could be used as
an effective tool to quantitatively demonstrate the nature and rate of recovery in marine
deposits after cessation of dredging. They may, however, be useful in establishing the
gross near-site impacts of dredging and overboard screening on physical and biological
resources on the sea bed.
Marine Ecological Surveys Limited - October 2003 57
Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging
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Appendix
Romagnoli, R., Van Dewalker, H.M., Doody, J.P. and Anckner, W.H. 1998. The
Future Challenges of Environmental Dredging. WODCON: World Dredging
Congress on Dredging into the 21st Century/ WEDA, Vol. 2, pp. 651-661.
Rosati, J. 1999. Automated Inspection Tool "Silent Inspector" Undergoes Field
Testing. Dredging research, Vol.2 No.1.
Saloman, C.H., Naughton, S.P. and Taylor, J.L. 1982. Benthic Community Response
to Dredging Borrow Pits, Panama City Beach, Florida. USACE Report No. MR
82-3, Coastal engineering research center Kingman building, Fort Belvoir, VA
22060.
Sasaki, K. 1975. Investigation on the Environmental Change Caused by Seabed Sand
Mining. United States Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources,
Marine Mining Panel, (unpublished)
Scarratt, D.J. 1987. Fisheries Interests and Ocean Mining. Marine Mining, Vol. 6,
pp. 141- 147.
Sea Technology. 1998. Environmental Protection Spurs Dredging Technology. Sea
Technology, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 45-51.
Selby, I. and Ooms, K. 1996. Assessment of Offshore Sand and Gravel for Dredging.
Terra et aqua, No. 64.
Singleton, G.H. 2001. Marine Aggregate Dredging in the UK: a Review. Underwater
Technology, Vol. 25, No. 1.
Smits, J. 1998. Environmental Aspects of Dredging, Machines Methods and
Mitigation. IADC /CEDA.
Stevens, B.G. 1981. Dredging Related Mortality of Dugeness Crabs Associated with
Four Dredges Operating in Grays Harbor, Washington, Report No. DA-79-45,
Washington Department of Fisheries and US Army Engineer District, Seattle,
Seattle, WA.
Thevenot, M.M., Prickett, T.L. and Kraus, N.C. 1992. Tylers Beach, Virginia,
Dredged Material Plume Monitoring Project 27 Sep to 4 Oct 1991. USACE
Report No. DRP-92-7, WES.
Tsurusaki, K., Iwasaki, T. and Arita, M. 1988. Seabed Sand Mining in Japan. Marine
Mining, Vol. 7, pp. 49-67.
Uren, M..J. 1988. The Marine Sand and Gravel Dredging Industry of the United
Kingdom. Marine Mining, Vol. 7, pp. 69-88.
USACE CERC 1980. Ecological Evaluation of a Beach Nourishment Project at
Hallandale, FL, Volume Evaluation of Fish Populations Adjacent to Borrow
Areas of Beach Nourishment . CERC report MR No. 80-1.
USACE WES. 1990. Engineering Design And Environmental Assessment of
Dredged Material Overflow from Hydraulically Filled Hopper Barges in Mobile
Bay Alabama. USACE report D-90-4.
Appendix
Van Dipen, H., Hunt, A., Van Raalte, G.H. and Pennekamp, J.G.S. 1993. Dredging
and the Environment: new Developments from the Netherlands. Bulletin de
PIANC, Vol. 167 No. 80 pp. 29-37.
Van Drimmelen, N.J. and Loevendie, N.J. 1988. Modern Dredging Methods and
their Environmental Aspects. CEDA Dredging Days, No. 7, pp 1.
Van Rhee, C. 2001. Numerical Simulation of the Sedimentation Process in a Trailing
Suction Hopper Dredge. Dredging for Prosperity: Achieving Social and
Economic Benefits: World Dredging Congress and Exhibition/ WODA, Vol.2
no. 6.
Verweij, J.F. and Winterwerp, J.C. 1999. Environmental Impact of Water Injection
Dredging. Proceedings CEDA Dredging days 99, 18-19 Nov 1999 Amsterdam,
the Netherlands, pp. 175-189.
WDCM. 1995. Overview of Dredging International's Environmental Operations.
World Dredging Mining and Construction, Vol. 31, No. 8, pg. 8.
Whiteside, P.G.D., Ooms, K. and Postma, G.M. 1995. Generation and Decay of
Sediment Plumes from Sand Dredging Overflow. World Dredging Congress
Vol. 2, pp. 877- 892.
Williams, S.J., Reid. J.M. and Manheim. F.T. 2003. A Bibliography of Selected
References to US Marine Sand and Gravel Mineral Resources, US Geological
Survey Open-File Report 03-300.
Windom, H.L. 1976. Environmental Aspects of Dredging in the Coastal Zone. CRC
Critical Reviews in Environmental Control. New York.
Zhou, Q.Y. 2001. Environmental Impact Assessment of Dredging Projects in the
Yangtze Estuary. Dredging for Prosperity: Achieving Social and Economic
Benefits: World Dredging Congress and Exhibition/ WODA, Vol.1, no. 8.
Appendix
Appendix C
Dredging Industry Survey
Appendix C1 -
Appendix C2 -
Appendix C3 -
Appendix C4 -
Appendix C5 -
Questions And Responses
Cover Letter to US Dredging
Contractors
List of Questions For US
Dredging Contractors
MIRO Sponsored Questions To
European Dredging Contractors
Summary of All Industry
Responses
Document and Powerpoint
Presentation Provided by
Jan de Nul
Appendix
Appendix C1
Cover Letter To
US Dredging Contractors
Appendix
February 4, 2004
Dredging Contractor
1234 Easy Digging Way
Anytown, World
Gentlemen:
W.F. Baird & Associates has been retained by the U.S. Department of the Interior,
Mineral Management Service (MMS) to conduct studies relative to the mining of sand
for beach nourishment and construction aggregates. The borrow areas are located on the
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) under Federal jurisdiction.
The United States (U. S.) Government, and specifically, the MMS, a bureau within the U.
S. Department of the Interior, has jurisdiction over all mineral resources on the Federal
OCS. The MMS has the authority to convey, on a noncompetitive basis, the rights to
OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for shore protection, beach or wetlands restoration
projects, or for use in construction projects funded in whole or part or authorized by the
Federal Government. MMS has provided Federal sand for beach nourishment projects in
New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana.
Offshore sand-dredging for beach nourishment projects employ hydraulic dredges almost
exclusively and are normally either cutterhead or hopper dredges. The process may result
in adverse effects on various components of the marine or coastal environment.
The offshore-dredging industry is constantly changing as the industry strives to make
operations more efficient. New advances in offshore-dredging technology are leading to
more environmentally-sensitive offshore operations. Researchers are actively increasing
the knowledge base relative to physical processes involved in dredging procedures.
Physical and mathematical modeling of these processes is being conducted with the aim
to reduce the negative environmental aspects (biological and physical) associated with
the offshore removal of sand. New engineering technologies currently used overseas are
now contemplated for use in U.S. waters.
Page 2
As the Federal agency responsible for regulation of OCS sand resources, the MMS must
ensure that sand and gravel dredging operations conducted under its jurisdiction are
conducted in a safe and environmentally-sound manner. This may, in some instances,
entail the required use of particular dredging equipment or techniques. Thus, MMS must
have sound knowledge of the most current dredging technologies available.
The objective of the study is to review and analyze dredging equipment and projects on a
worldwide basis to identify both existing and emerging dredging technologies that aim to
lessen or avoid potential adverse effects on the offshore biological and physical
environment.
Contacts were made with Federal and State natural resources agency staff and others
involved in research on the impacts of dredging, studies of the life history of special
species of concern, and permit approvals to determine the direct and indirect impacts that
are of greatest concern for dredging operations in the OCS. Recent MMS-sponsored
reports and environmental assessments on dredging impacts in the OCS were also
reviewed. This identification of the perceived environmental impacts of greatest concern
will be used to evaluate the advances in dredging techniques and equipment to measure
their success in reducing the degree of such impacts.
The prioritized list of perceived concerns from OCS dredging operations on marine
biological and physical resources is shown below. For the concerns that are currently
being addressed by stipulations in the MMS lease for a site, the stipulations are
summarized for ease of review.
1. Short-term and cumulative impacts from dredging that lead to loss or reduced
stability of benthic habitats, including recolonization by an altered biological
community. All resource managers raised this concern. The greatest concern
was in known benthic-associated fishery areas, such as the surf clam fishery
off New Jersey and the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. There was less
Page 3
concern in areas of general biological productivity or dynamic processes, such
as in South Carolina.
2. Injury and death of special species of concern (e.g., Sea Turtles) from being
sucked into the draghead or cutterhead during dredging operations. This
concern was raised by every Federal agency with management responsibility
for T&E species. Most agency staff thought the existing stipulations were
effective, but even a single take was considered a significant impact.
Existing stipulations include:
a. Presence of a trained observer following specific protocols.
b. Use of a rigid Sea Turtle deflector (i.e., one designed by NRDC or
similar.)
c. Operation of the dredge in a manner that will reduce the risk of
interaction with any Sea Turtles, which may be present in the dredge
area. Keep the draghead on the bottom except: 1) when the dredge is
not in a pumping operation and the suction pumps are turned
completely off; 2) when the dredge is being reoriented to the next
dredge line during borrow activities; and 3) the vessels safety is at
risk.
d. Dredge equipped with inflow screening baskets (4-inch mesh) to better
monitor the intake and overflow of the dredged materials for Sea
Turtles and their remains. These screens should sample at least 70% of
the overflow area and should be installed at the applicable area.
e. Assessment/relocation trawling to further assess/reduce the potential
for incidental takes during dredging. Trawling is conducted repeatedly
in front of the dredge as it moves along the track lines. Any turtles
collected are to be relocated.
Page 4
3. Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size, dissolved oxygen,
compaction and organic content) that lead to a reduction in benthic
communities AND suitability of the area for future dredging. This concern
was identified in South Carolina where 3-to 40m of sediment was removed.
The depressions persisted for many years and filled with fine-grained
sediments.
4. Changes in bathymetry that can alter the wave climate reaching the shore. The
importance of this concern varied by region. Where the OCS sand bodies were
close to shore and/or shallow enough to influence the wave climate, there was
high concern regarding the potential for increased shoreline erosion. The
orientation, depth, and shape of the sand body and borrow areas should be
considered in evaluating the impact of dredging on wave climate.
5. Damage to hardbottom habitats: physical damage during dredging; burial by
suspended sediment during dredging; and altered sediment processes that
could bury hardbottom. This issue was of concern when dredging smaller
sand bodies in between hardbottom habitat, even though these areas are
supposed to be avoided.
6. Creation of depressions and furrows from removal of substrate. Though MMS
has a no pits stipulation, there was still concern that furrows might interfere
with bottom fishing. At least one responder thought that the furrows acted as
recruitment sources, supporting the idea of leaving strips of undredged areas.
Existing stipulations include:
a. To assure that deep pits and furrows are not created, conduct post-
dredging hydrographic surveys.
Page 5
7. Short-term increased turbidity from cutter head on benthic species. Most
responders assumed that OCS dredging occurred in sandy substrates, thus
turbidity would be short-term and animals would avoid turbid areas. However,
turbidity might be more of a concern in areas where a fine-grained overburden
has to be removed to access the coarser sediment.
Existing stipulations include:
a. Turbidity shall not exceed background levels by more than 29
Nephelometric Turbidity Units. If monitoring shows that turbidity
exceeds the maximum amount allowable, dredging activities shall
cease immediately and not resume until corrective measures have been
taken and turbidity has returned to acceptable levels.
8. Spatial and seasonal conflicts between dredging and commercial and
recreational fisheries.
9. Potential to break an active or abandoned pipeline, resulting in a release of
petroleum.
10. Collisions with marine mammals and Sea Turtles during vessel operations.
Existing stipulations include (and are probably adequate):
a. If operating in areas of known whale occurrences, observers are
required. If whales are observed, avoid intentional approaches within
100 yards and slow speeds to less than 4 knots.
b. See stipulations for Sea Turtles.
Page 6
11. Damage to archaeological resources.
Existing stipulations include:
a. Identification (by remote sensing) and avoidance of potential
archaeological site locations (minimum avoidance ratios around
potential site.)
Our current study is focused on Atlantic and Gulf Coast sand borrow sites. The sites
range from 5 kilometers to 20 kilometers offshore. The water depth at these sites varies
from 5 meters to 25 meters deep. The material to be dredged for borrow is assumed to be
sand with an average grain-size of 0.30 mm and less than 10% passing the 200 sieve. As
a part of this study, we are reviewing the current scientific data to determine which of the
perceived concerns enumerated above are real and need to be addressed.
With this letter, we intend to inform the dredging industry of this study and request
comments from the industry. This study is to focus on new and emerging technologies
and operational techniques that are designed to reduce the degree of adverse impacts to
the environment from dredging offshore borrow sites.
We would greatly appreciate your answering the enclosed questions by February 24.
Please return your comments to me at WF Baird & Associates, 2981 Yarmouth
Greenway, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711 or email me at tkenny@baird.com. Feel free to
include any comments you feel are germane.
Sincerely,
W. F. Baird & Associates
Thomas F. Kenny
enc: as stated
File No. 10687
Appendix C2
List Of Questions
For US Dredging Contractors
Appendix
Please reply by February 24.
We appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions concerning new and
emerging technology and techniques designed to reduce the adverse environmental
impacts of dredging sand in Federal offshore borrow areas. Some of the questions are of a
scientific nature and are asked to see if you have any information that will contribute to
the database
For the following questions, please give an estimate of cost differential due to
environmental restrictions where appropriate?
Plume Related Impacts
Much of the perceived concerns were due to the plume resulting from hopper overflow
and the bottom agitation at the draghead.
1) What percent of material overflows the hopper while digging sandy, low-silt
content material, assuming a 10 km sailing distance to pump ashore?
2) Can a hopper dredge mine sand from below a 1-meter silt overburden without
removing the overburden? Does this result in significantly increased material
overflow and consequently an increase in turbidity?
3) In mining sand with a low-silt content, with a turbidity requirement not to
exceed 29 NTUs above background, is it necessary to take special measures to
meet this maximum turbidity requirement?
4) What measures do you employ to minimize turbidity?
5) If you use measures such as recycling overflow water back to the draghead, is
there a reduction in dredging production?
6) Have you completed research on passive and dynamic plume processes
associated with overflow and is this information publicly available?
7) Do wind, wave, and/or current forces offshore determine the direction the
dredge works? What are the consequences of dredging perpendicular to the
current in order to influence the shape and dispersion of the dredge plume? Do
1
you have any data to demonstrate the direction and rate of deposition of
material discharged by the dredger during dredging operations?
8) Given a mandate to reduce turbidity, what are the most cost effective ways of
accomplishing the reduction? We understand this is a question of degree.
Please explain the consequences to us.
9) What are your views on requiring overflow to be discharged below the hull?
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
Considerable concern was expressed relative to the loss of benthic community.
Recolonization rates are being studied, as are changes in substrate characteristics
such as grain size, dissolved oxygen, etc. It has been suggested that dredging in patterns
may speed the recolonization rate by leaving refuge areas (that have undisturbed
sediment characteristics and undisturbed benthic communities).
10) If there is a stipulation in the specifications that required that only 70% of a
borrow area can be used and the unused portion cannot be on the boundaries,
what would be the most efficient use of the area? What is the minimum width
cut that a hopper can dig efficiently? The reason for this proposed stipulation
is that the benthic community will recolonize faster if the area is dredged with
intermittent non-dredged areas. Do you have any comparative data to show
whether dredging in strips to leave recolonizing adults in the dredge site
enhances recovery rates compared with sites where all the surface deposits are
removed?
11) Are you aware of any damage to hard bottoms caused by dredging including
covering by sediment? If yes, was a buffer or exclusion zone applied and was
it sufficient?
12) Are your dredges capable of tracking and recording the position of each
draghead? Have you done tracking relative to a buffer zone? Would you have
a problem providing this information to the regulatory agencies?
2
13) When offshore sand dredging is completed for a beach project, what does the
bottom look like? Are there draghead tracks, (width and depth?) throughout
the area? Are the tracks parallel or crossing? Can you provide examples to us
of high resolution mapping of pre- and post-dredging seabed conditions for
offshore dredging with TSHD?
14) When mining sand off shore, is the dredge tended by a survey boat?
There is an ongoing concern with marine mammal/dredge collisions and entrainment of
Sea Turtles.
15) Other than turtles, has your dredge ever been in a collision with a marine
mammal? Do marine mammals have a tendency to swim near an operating
dredge?
16) When appropriate, does your dredge use a draghead designed to reduce the
probability of entraining sea turtles? Is this use mandated by the Owner? Does
the use of these dragheads reduce the productivity of the dredge? Is the
modified draghead effective? Do you have any recommended changes to the
design of the turtle deflector? Do you have any recommendations on
operating techniques to avoid entraining turtles during offshore dredging
operations?
17) What effect do the seasonal requirements restricting dredging due to the
proximity of turtles have on the overall annual dredging schedule?
18) Does your dredge have a system to reduce pressure/flow at the draghead when
the draghead is off the bottom? How does it work?
19) How effective are observers and trawling to reducing turtle takes?
3
Additional questions
20) What has been your experience dredging in a fishing ground? Has any
fisherman or commercial fishing company complained about any aspect of the
dredging process? Did you modify your operation to accommodate the
fisherman?
21) What measures do you, the dredge operator, take to insure that the dredge
does not damage underwater pipelines and cables, or archaeological
resources?
22) Some operating companies have a policy of dredging localized zones to
exhaustion before moving to further zones within the dredge area. This assists
management of the resource, but it also helps to minimize occupation of
seabed and allow maximum time for recovery of seabed resources. Does your
company have a policy of zoned dredging, and what are your reasons for
dredging policy? Do you have any information that documents the impact of
your dredging operations on marine organisms in specific dredge sites? Do
you have any information on the rates of recovery of biological resources at
your sites following cessation of dredging?
23) Do you have any comments, general or specific, regarding dredging
equipment and procedures and the reduction of adverse impacts on the
environment?
4
Appendix C3
MIRO Sponsored Questions
To European Dredging Contractors
Appendix
Minerals Management Service
dredging sand and gravels in offshore borrow areas.
application of environmental restrictions?
A.
No. Question Response
1
overflows the hopper while
digging sandy, low silt content
ashore
2 Can a hopper dredger excavate
overburden without removing
overflow losses and
Mi l i on
A REVIEW OF EXISTING AND EMERGING ENVIRONMENTALLY-
FRIENDLY OFFSHORE DREDGING TECHNOLOGIES
We appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions concerning new and emerging
technology and techniques designed to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of
For any appropriate question below, could you give an estimate of cost increase due to the
PLUME RELATED IMPACTS
Many of the perceived concerns are due to the plume resulting from hopper overflow and
the bottom agitation at the draghead.
What percent of material
(5% less than 63 micron)
material, assuming a 10 km
sailing distance to pump
sand from below a 1-meter silt
the overburden? Does this
result in significantly increased
consequently an increase in
turbidity?
ner a I ndust r yResear chOr gani sat
No. Question Response
3 In mining sand with low silt
content (5% less than 63
micron), with a turbidity
requirement not to exceed 29
NTUs above background, is it
necessary to take special
measures to meet this
maximum turbidity
requirement?
4 What measures do you employ
to minimize turbidity?
5 If you use measures such as
recycling overflow water back
to the draghead, is there a
reduction in dredging
production?
6 Have you completed research
on passive and dynamic plume
processes associated with
overflow and is this
information publicly available?
7 Do wind, wave, and/or current
forces in licensed exploitation
areas determine the direction
the dredger works? If so, at
what level do they begin to
influence operations?
8 What are the consequences of
dredging perpendicular to the
current in order to influence
the shape and dispersion of the
dredge plume?
9 Given a mandate to reduce
turbidity, what are the most
cost effective ways of
accomplishing the reduction?
We understand this is a
question of degree. Please
explain the consequences to us.
10 What are your views on
requiring overflow to be
discharged below the hull?
B. IMPACTS TO BENTHIC HABITATS
Considerable concern has been expressed relating to the loss of benthic community.
Recolonization rates are being studied, as are changes in substrate characteristics such as
grain size, dissolved oxygen, etc. It has been suggested that dredging in patterns may speed
the recolonization rate by leaving refuge areas (that have undisturbed sediment
characteristics and undisturbed benthic communities).
No. Question Response
11 If there is a stipulation in the
specifications that required that
only 70% of a borrow area can
be used and the unused portion
cannot be on the boundaries,
what would be the most
efficient use of the area? What
is the minimum width of cut
that a hopper dredger can dig
efficiently? The reason for this
proposed stipulation is that the
benthic community will
recolonize faster if the area is
dredged with intermittent non-
dredged areas. Assume a
borrow area 1000 meters x
2000 meters.
12 Are you aware of any damage
to hard sea bed caused by
dredging, including covering
by sediment? If yes, was a
buffer or exclusion zone
applied and was it sufficient?
13 Are your dredgers capable of
tracking and recording the
position of each draghead?
Would you have a problem
providing this information to
the regulatory agencies?
No. Question Response
14 When sand dredging is
completed for a beach project,
what does the bottom of the
dredging area look like? Are
there draghead tracks, (width
and depth?) throughout the
area? Are the tracks
continuous or crossing? Can
you provide examples to us of
high resolution mapping of
pre- and post-dredging seabed
conditions for offshore
dredging with TSHD?
15 When mining sand, is the
dredger tended by a survey
boat?
There is an ongoing concern with marine mammal dredge collisions.
C. IMPACTS ON MARINE MAMMALS
No. Question Response
16 Has your dredger ever been hit
by a marine mammal or turtle?
Do marine mammals or turtles
have a tendency to swim near
an operating dredge?
17 When appropriate, does your
dredger use a draghead
designed to reduce the
probability of hurting
mammals or turtles? Is this use
mandated by the Owner? Does
the use of these dragheads
reduce the productivity of the
dredger? Is the modified
draghead effective?
18 What effect do the seasonal
requirements restricting
dredging due to the proximity
of mammals or turtles have on
the overall annual dredging
schedule?
No. Question Response
19 Does your dredger have a
system to reduce pressure/flow
at the draghead when the
draghead is off the bottom?
How does it work?
20 How effective are observers
and trawling to reducing
mammal or turtle takes?
D. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
No. Question Response
21 What has been you experience
dredging in a fishing ground?
Has any fisherman or
commercial fishing company
complained about any aspect
of the dredging process? Did
you modify your operation to
accommodate the fisherman?
22 What measures do you, the
dredger operator, take to insure
that the dredger does not
damage underwater pipelines
and cables?
23 Do you have any comments,
general or specific, regarding
dredging equipment and
procedures and the reduction
of adverse impacts on the
environment?
No. Question Response
24 Some operating Companies
have a policy of dredging
localized zones to exhaustion
before moving to further zones
within the Licensed dredge
area. This assists management
of the resource, but is also
stated to minimize occupation
of seabed and allow maximal
time for recovery of seabed
resources. Does your Company
have a policy of zoned
dredging, and what are your
reasons for dredging policy?
25 Do you have any information
that documents the impact of
your dredging operations on
marine organisms in specific
dredge sites?
26 Do you have any data to
demonstrate the direction and
rate of deposition of material
discharged by the dredger
during dredging operations?
Do you have information on
the amounts of material
discharged overboard as a
proportion of that removed
from the seabed?
27 Do you have any information
on the rates of recovery of
biological resources at your
sites following cessation of
dredging?
28 Do you have any comparative
data to show whether dredging
in strips to leave recolonising
adults in the dredge site
enhances recovery rates
compared with sites where all
the surface deposits are
removed?
No. Question Response
29 What steps do you take to
identify archaeological
material in the dredged
material? What steps do you
take if such material is
observed?
30 How do you determine the
width of any exclusion zone
that might be required to
protect archaeological or
biological resources of
conservation significance
within your dredge site?
31 Have your dredging operations
been subjected to any form of
environmental window /
seasonal constraint related to
the natural marine
environment, i.e. fish
spawning/migration? If so,
what is the main basis for such
restrictions?
32 How have post-dredging
conditions been monitored as
part of your operations? How
have these results been
disseminated following
analysis?
Contact details of your organisation
Your Organisation
Your Name
Your Position
Your Contact Details
Contact details for return of the questionnaire
R N Bray
Dredging Research Ltd
High Pines
Hoe Lane
Peaslake
Surrey GU5 9SW
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1306 730867
Fax: +44 1306 730882
E-mail: nickbray@drl.com
RETURN DATE: End January 2004
Appendix C4
Summary Of
All Industry Responses
Appendix
Question
Number
Question
Plume Related
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Bean Stuyvesant Weeks Marine Manson Westminster
Dredge
International
USACE
1. What percent of material
overflows the hopper while
digging sandy, low-silt content
material, assuming a 10 km
sailing distance to pump
ashore?
We have not conducted an exhaustive
study of this because it is not generally
required. In dredging sand for beach
projects or for other uses it is usually
desirable to have a coarser product
than a finer product. Therefore, unless
there are restrictions regarding
overflow, loading typically continues
until the dredge obtains an economic
load measured in displacement of the
vessel. If silt or very fine-grained
sands are part of the materials being
dredged a considerable quantity may
overflow.
We have not conducted specific studies
of this although I would suspect that
the Corps of Engineers or others have
studied or modeled these items over
the years for various purposes.
In rule of thumb type thought it is very
difficult when loading sand to the ships
maximum tonnage to retain more than
a few % of particles smaller than the
200 sieve (ie. .076mm). Sands with
grain sizes between .076mm and
150mm are not well retained in a
hopper. As the grain size increases
they become more easily retained.
Sands in the range of 150- 200mm
become increasing retained within the
hopper and above 200 mm I believe
that most are retained.
Other factors impacting overflow
losses are loading concentration, flow
rate, method of loading, hopper size,
hopper layout / configuration. On a
beach project in San Diego with a 3600
cy hopper dredge we experienced
retention rates of between 16 and
100%. The majority of loads retained
between 40 and 65% of the quantity
discharged into the hopper. The
average retention percentages and
grain size distributions were as
follows:
Retention D15mm D50mm D85mm
90%. 3 .56 .9
60% na .2 na
31 na .09 na
The percentage of material
overflowed is the result of
many different factors, the most
important of which is the %
fines (i.e. silts and clays) in the
material being dredged. The
other factors that come into
play are the overall grain size
distribution, the overflowing
method (overflow type and
location) and the duration of
overflowing. The greater the
sailing distance the longer the
overflowing duration in order
to achieve an economic load,
The % overflow increases with
increasing overflow duration.
Unable to answer with any
accuracy due to a lack of
information provided. Overflow
losses are a function of several
variables. The terms sandy
and low-silt content is used to
describe the material. A grain-
size distribution curve is needed
to determine both the grain size
and the percentage of fines that
are to be expected in a
representative sample. Sand is
classified as having a grain size
between .06mm and 2mm.
Obviously, the higher the
concentration of fines, the
greater the losses will be.
Additionally, it is impossible to
determine the percentage of silts
from the information provided
without a grain-size distribution
curve, although, one could
expect that most if not all of the
silts will be lost via overflow.
Sailing distance noted in the
question has no bearing on
overflow losses expected.
Material less than 200 sieve
will be lost in the overflow
as the dredge loads.
The amount of fines
overflowing during the
hopper loading process
depend on grain size
distribution of the incoming
material, the method of
overflowing (function of
vessel design and of
operational settings) and
especially of duration of
overflowing (in order to
obtain an economic load).
The amount of overflow is
not dependent on sailing
distances.
Very little. Any silt
overflowing during sailing is
not dependent on the sailing
distance, probably more
dependent on prevailing sea
condition.
Little or none. Sandy
material becomes a dry
load (No spillage to
dump)
1
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With respect to sailing distances,
generally, the greater the distance the
longer the vessel will overflow
attempting to achieve its maximum
load. 10 kms is a relatively short
distance and therefore the vessel may
depart the borrow site with somewhat
less than a full load.
I have attached a research paper from
MTI Holland on overflow losses.
Please reference 04-06 Research on
Hopper Settlement.
2. Can a hopper dredge mine sand
from below a 1-meter silt
overburden without removing
the overburden?
Does this result in significantly
increased material overflow
and consequently an increase in
turbidity?
Depending on the nature of the silt it
may not be necessary to strip an area of
silt before dredging the sand below it
as the drag heads will penetrate
through some of the silt. However it is
likely that in dredging an area over
time that the silt will eventually pass
through the pumps and be returned as
overflow.
Where this silt settles will depend on
currents and sea conditions in the area.
Much of it may settle back very close
to where it was originally dredged and
may even be dredged and overflowed
many times during subsequent dredge
passes through the same area.
Turbidity will be related to the volume
of silt overflowing. If overflow occurs
near the surface it will be more visible
than if it overflows at a lower elevation
such as through overflows which
discharge beneath the hull. However
since hopper dredges normally dredge
when underway to avoid potholing, the
ships propulsion propellers may tend to
spread the turbidity out even making it
more visible at the surface. Air
entrained in overflow water columns
may also tend to bring turbidity to the
surface increasing its visibility.
This is possible but generally
leads to a significant increase in
the turbidity created during
dredging as part of the
overburden material is sucked
in during the dredging process.
In addition the characteristics
of the silts must be such (very
soft and low density) that the
draghead be able to penetrate
the overburden by means of its
own weight.
Yes, as explained above, some
overburden will get mixed into
the mixture leading to more
fines being overflowed. These
additional fines will lead to
more hindered settling and a
higher percentage of fine sands
being overflowed.
A hopper dredge is not suited to
remove material below a layer of
silt without removing the
overburden first. If the
overburden must be removed
first, any overflow of material
will create increased turbidity.
It is likely to increase
turbidity by entraining the
silt along with sand as
dragheads work by erosion.
In principle, yes, depending
on silt properties. Whether
this is an effective operation,
in relation to environment
and to quality of the load, is
doubtful. Turbidity would
most likely increase.
No. For aggregate dredging
purposes we would not
entertain exploitation
without having first removed
the overburden.
Consequently we would not
normally choose an area
with an overburden for
exploitation.
No.
3. In mining sand with a low-silt
content, with a turbidity
requirement not to exceed 29
NTUs above background, is it
necessary to take special
It can require measures to meet a 29
NTU standard. Generally the only
very successful means is to restrict
overflow time. This can result in
reducing the load size dredged. This
This is highly dependent upon
the exact location and timing of
the turbidity sampling relative
to the working area and dredge.
In low-silt material the settling
Again, the percentage of silt
encountered will greatly affect
the turbidity created during
dredging operations. One
special measure which could be
For 29 NTU, with a low silt
material, no special
precautions are necessary.
Depends on where
measurements are taken, at
what distance from the
(moving) dredge, relative to
current, both velocity and
No experience of dredging
in open sea conditions with
such an imposition.
No, but probably depends
on the dilution zone 150
200 feet.
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measures to meet this
maximum turbidity
requirement?
can have severe economic effect on a
project.
Properties such as color of silt and
other items may also have significant
effect on measurement of turbidity. In
near shore borrow areas, the
background NTU level is highly
influenced by wind and current
conditions on a day-to-day basis.
Our understanding of the 29 NTU
standard is that it came originally from
State of Florida Statutes for industrial
discharges. What science the 29 NTU
standard was originally based on I do
not know. I am also unaware of any
studies that indicate that 29 NTUs is a
significant level in effecting species at
an offshore dredging site. It may be
that levels significantly higher within a
limited area or over a short duration
may have little effect on organisms.
of the fines is generally quick
enough to remain within
turbidity requirements.
implemented to reduce, to the
point of not exceeding turbidity
is to reduce time overflowing. A
second measure would be to
eliminate overflowing entirely.
A third measure would be to
recycle overflow water into the
drag arm jet system.
direction. If silt content is
low, sand is mainly quartz,
and fines are not lime, 29
NTU should in general not
be a problem
4. What measures do you employ
to minimize turbidity?
Typically turbidity at offshore borrow
areas has not been a big problem.
Primarily the borrow areas utilized
have been picked because they are
known to contain primarily clean sand
with low silt or clay content. Since the
primary uses of the borrowed materials
have been for beach nourishment and
for construction aggregates, sites have
been chosen which have quality
materials. Also in an offshore
environment the dispersal zone for
turbidity is large enough that mixing
occurs rapidly.
Dredging in more confined areas such
as channels, very near shore or in bays
and rivers can be more problematic.
Dredging near known reef areas or
near highly sensitive environmental
areas has increased immensely. In
recent years we have performed several
projects in the Dade County, Florida
area where the borrow sites were in
close proximity of reefs. The
Department of Environmental
Regulation Miami (DERM) has closely
monitored impacts to the reefs during
dredging and has worked with
contractors to modify dredging
By far the most effective is to
reduce the overflowing time if
necessary to nil, This reduces
or eliminates the turbidity
produced by the pumping
process but costs can as much
as double due to reduced loads.
There also exist various
limited overflow systems
which modify the dredging
process in such a way that the
dimensions and characteristics
of any turbidity plume are
reduced.
Reduction of time pumping
material past overflow or
elimination of time pumping
past overflow are two measures
that will minimize turbidity.
Limit overflow as
necessary, depending on
permit conditions.
Assumed this question
relates to hopper dredges:
limitation of overflow, or
ultimately allowing no-
overflow at all, is most
effective, but leads to
significant cost increases
(add 50 to 100%).
Application of green
overflow systems does not
reduce the amount of
material brought in
suspension, but modifies the
way the fines are released in
the environment in such a
way that turbidity plumes
are considerably reduced,
both in dimension,
dispersion and content.
We would employ underkeel
overflow.
Anti turbidity values,
restricted overflow.
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techniques as needed to minimize
impacts. This has included limiting
work in certain areas of the borrow site
periodically, reducing overflow time
when necessary, and even changing the
boundaries of the borrow site as actual
conditions require.
5. If you use measures such as
recycling overflow water back
to the draghead, is there a
reduction in dredging
production?
We have not recycled overflow water
back to the drag head because it has
not been necessary to meet the needs to
date. The costs of equipping or
retrofitting a dredge to recycle all the
excess water would be very expensive.
For example if a dredge loads
approximately 30% solids, you would
have to have a system which must
recycle as much as 70% of its flow
back to the drag head. This would take
an additional piping and pumping
system not much smaller than the
existing dredge pump loading
equipment.
By recycling part of the
overflow water the volume of
suspended sediments
discharged is reduced as part of
them are recirculated. This
wont affect productions in
sands but will lead to increased
costs due to the wear and tear
of those components involved
in the recirculation.
Typically no, however, there is
an increase in wear to the jet
water systems.
It is impractical to recycle
all overflow back to
dragheads. It will result in
silt being recirculated and
could increase turbidity over
a smaller area.
In principle re-cycling of
overflow to the draghead
will not influence dredging
productions in sand.
We do not use such
measures. They would
significantly increase energy
requirements and time on the
dredge area.
N/A
It might be accomplished without a
large loss of pump production, there
would be a huge Capital cost in
equipping the dredge and significantly
higher wear and maintenance costs for
the equipment. Additionally the
weight of the additional equipment
would reduce the tonnage available for
the Cargo and therefore reduce the load
size causing an increase in the number
of loads to complete a project. The
maintenance and wear to the additional
equipment would also add somewhat
to downtime for the dredge thereby
also negatively impacting the
production.
There were several foreign vessels
built in the late 90s equipped with
recycling systems. However, recent
US and Foreign new builds have not
included this equipment on the vessels.
6. Have you completed research
on passive and dynamic plume
processes associated with
overflow and is this
information publicly available?
We have not conducted research. We
have provided turbidity-sampling
results to the owner of a project.
However I know that the Corps
engineering station (WES) in
Studies such as those
mentioned are generally carried
out by large research institutes
that develop the theoretical
models and then turn to leading
The Norfolk District COE in
conjunction with VIMS
(Virginia Institute of Marine
Sciences) did an extensive
research project on this subject
Have not done any research. Some studies have been
undertaken by research
institutes. The mathematical
part of the subject is
normally covered by these
No. No.
Vicksburg has done studies and some dredging firms such as Bean in 1988 at the deepening of the institutes themselves; the
research on hopper overflow and
Turbidity. This information should all
Stuyvesant for the collecting of
field measurements.
York Spit Channel project. practical part of the study,
field measurements around
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Dredge
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USACE
be available. DERM may have some
specific information on the projects,
which they have monitored which they
would be willing to share.
A good outline of this type of
studies can be found in the
Report CIRLA C547 Scoping
the assessment of sediment
plumes arising from dredging.
dredging and disposal
project is often made on
instruction of and in co-
operation with dredging
contractors. Most of this
information is published, the
best overview is given in the
CIRIA C547 Report,
Scoping the assessment of
sediment plumes arising
from dredging.
7. Do wind, wave, and/or current
forces offshore determine the
direction the dredge works?
What are the consequences of
dredging perpendicular to the
current in order to influence the
shape and dispersion of the
dredge plume?
Do you have any data to
demonstrate the direction and
rate of deposition of material
discharged by the dredger
during dredging operations?
Yes, typically it is best to dredge
stemming the current and seas. The
ship is much more easily controlled in
this manner. If dredging broadside to
heavy seas the ships will roll causing
difficulty in maintaining bottom
contact with the drag heads as they are
dropped and snatched off the bottom
with each roll of the ship. The ships
hull also tends to set over the down
current drag head and away from the
up current drag head. This forces the
drag tender to continuously raise each
head and reset it on the seabed, which
impacts loading production.
It is much more difficult to maintain a
course if seas, current, or swells are
effecting the ship from a beam
direction. We have worked in such
conditions with difficulty and at times
have been unable to continue dredging
operations when we certainly could
have if the borrow site layout was
conducive to stemming currents, seas
or winds.
We do not posses any data showing the
direction and rate of deposition of the
overflow plume. However, the WES
or DERM may possess such
information.
Wind and wave conditions only
determine the dredging
direction when they reach
borderline magnitudes. At this
point the captains orient their
dredgers parallel to the wave
directions in order to avoid
excessive roiling of the vessel.
If strong currents are also
encountered a compromise is
reached that leads to minimum
rolling while avoiding damage
to the suction pipes.
Dredging perpendicular to a
current requires the vessel to
sail at an angle to the dredging
direction. The greater the
current the greater the angle.
This can lead to the dragheads
slipping under the vessel with
the consequent increased risk
of damage to the equipment.
Though there have been a
number of attempts to model
this process, to the best of our
knowledge there is no hard data
on this subject. This is in great
part due to the considerable
difficulties involved in tracking
and recording an ever
expanding plume with
suspended solids barely above
background levels.
All three elements (wind, wave
and current) have an impact on a
hopper dredges ability to
maneuver and maintain position
while dredging. As such, the
dredge will often dredge in
different orientations to the
winds, waves, and currents, as
conditions (both physical and
environmental) will allow. A
consequence of dredging
perpendicular to the current is
the vessels possible restricted
ability to maneuver and stay on
course during dredging
operations depending upon the
speed of the current
encountered.
Yes but only some bathmetry,
change of which may be
attributable to other factors.
The dredge typically works
against current or sea
conditions. Perpendicular
approach requires the
dredge to crab which can
lessen production by 10
20 %.
Hopper dredging is
preferably executed parallel
to the current and with head
or tail waves. This will not
always be possible if current
and wave directions are
different. Depending on
dominance by one or the
other optimal working
directions are defined.
Depending on the force of
the current when working
perpendicular to the current,
the risk exists that the
dredge is pushed over the
draghead, which might lead
to damage to the vessel of
the dredging system, if not
properly managed by
accurate maneuvering.
Our company does not have
any data other than some
theoretical modeling studies.
The direction of material
dispersion might be derived
from visual plume
observations. The relatively
limited quantity spilled
during dredging and the way
this material is dispersed
make it practically
impossible to monitor
deposition within the
accuracy of state-of-the-art
survey systems. Also the
dynamic behavior of the
seabed makes these
assessments virtually
impossible.
Theoretical sediment plume
The influence of wind, wave
and current are to an extent
linked to characteristics of
the vessel itself. The
direction the dredger works
is normally determined by
geological factors.
We would not choose to
work perpendicular to the
currents but the determining
factor is the geology.
Yes but only some
bathmetry, change of which
may be attributable to other
factors.
Yes.
Depends on sea state.
The angle of dredging is
determined by shiphandling
concerns.
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modeling is sometimes
undertaken as part of the
consenting process. Some
projects in sensitive
locations do require model
validation with field
measurements.
8. Given a mandate to reduce
turbidity, what are the most
cost effective ways of
accomplishing the reduction?
We understand this is a
question of degree. Please
explain the consequences to us.
A concern that we have is that there
will always be a perception that
reducing turbidity is important. This
can easily translate into a mandate
even though scientifically some
turbidity can be easily tolerated.
The most effective way to reduce
turbidity is to not allow overflow.
However when dredging sand, this will
seriously reduce the volume of sand
the ship carries on each load. In some
compact sands the loading density of
the slurry may be as low as 10%.
Obviously, if a ship can carry for
example 2400 cubic yards of sand in a
3600 cubic yard hopper but is
restricted to no overflow and therefore
can only haul 360 cubic yards (10 %)
of its hopper capacity there is a huge
impact as it will have to make almost 7
times the number of cycles to obtain
the same quantity. Even if loose
coarse sand can be loaded at 50 %
solids in the slurry it would nearly
double the number of loads with a
commensurate cost increase.
Eliminating overflow
eliminates virtually all turbidity
but at a very high cost. Limited
overflowing (e.g. I hour) puts
an effective ceiling on turbidity
at reduced cost. These costs are
inversely proportional to the
duration permitted. Use of
limited overflow systems
would have some cost impact
depending on the method
chosen.
The most cost effective way to
reduce turbidity during dredging
operations is probably to refit
the vessel to be able to recycle
overflow water and not limit
pumping times to the point of
reaching overflow.
The real way to limit
turbidity is to reduce
overflow time. This results
in a lesser load being carried
which increases the cost
proportionately. For
example, most dredges
reach overflow at about 10
minutes and full loads in
about 60 minutes. If a
dredge can carry 3000cy of
material it could load 500cy
in 10 minutes and 3000cy in
60. If the remainder of the
cycle (sailing ,discharging
and sailing) amounts to 150
minutes, then the dredge can
deliver 500cy in 160
minutes or 3000cy in 210
minutes. Assuming a cost of
$2,000. Per hour, this results
in a cost of $10.66/cy with
no overflow compared to
$2.33/cy with overflow
allowed. The above are just
hypothetical numbers.
No overflow, with
considerable cost
consequences; limited
overflow duration with pro
rata cost consequences;
application of green
overflow systems, with
limited cost impact. See also
response to question 4.
See 4. Above Limited to dredging due to
overflow.
Silt curtains/may not be
able to maintain effective
control in ocean
minimize overflows poor
production.
A reduction in the time of overflow
will also lessen the turbidity somewhat,
with less but still likely very significant
impact. The loading time reduction
necessary to bring turbidity into
acceptable levels will be dependent on
the character of the materials being
dredged, the conditions encountered at
the borrow site (ie: currents, seas,
water depths, background turbidity
levels, proximity and character of
environmental resources to be
protected), as well as the levels and
duration of turbidity produced. These
will be very difficult to model and
predict in advance of actual work and
therefore will cause extreme risk and
perhaps contingency in bids on
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projects.
Requiring overflow to be discharged
beneath the bottom of the hull will
reduce turbidity in the upper water
column. Some systems can be
employed at a cost to reduce the
amount of air that is entrained in the
overflow. This reduction of air that
helps lift some of the turbidity to the
surface will further lessen turbidity in
the upper water column, although
commensurately it may increase the
turbidity in the lower water column as
the sediments will be spread
throughout a lower volume of
seawater. This system is called an
anti-turbidity valve.
Re-circulation of water back to the
drag head may also have an impact in
reducing the visible turbidity in the
upper water column. However the
particles that cause the turbidity still
are not retained in the hopper and
eventually are returned to the sea.
Typically multiple dredging passes are
made in a borrow site and these
particles will be moved around within
the area regardless of what technique is
employed. While it may reduce visible
turbidity at the surface, it may cause
increased turbidity concentration in the
lower water column or at the sea floor.
I have attached a paper from MTI
Holland on overflow systems. Please
reference 04-09 Overflow Design.
9. What are your views on
requiring overflow to be
discharged below the hull?
This is the normal practice within the
industry except where the goal is to
deliberately agitate material in order to
have currents carry the material away.
For example at the Mississippi River
This is a simple and effective
way of reducing turbidity by
reducing the settling distance
and settling time of any
sediments released through the
Unsure if this question means
discharging at the drag head or
at the bottom of a thru hull
overflow system (as opposed to
a water surface overflow
Its not a problem. This is a standard feature on
most of our hopper dredgers.
It contributes to the
reduction of dispersion of
suspended overflow
See 4. Above This is our standard
practice.
Southwest Pass, the Corps deliberately overflow. All Bean Stuyvesant system). material, and it improves the
uses agitation dredging and requires
that overflow occur at or near the water
surface.
hoppers are equipped
accordingly.
direct visual aspects
Question
Impacts to Benthic
Habitats
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10. If there is a stipulation in the
specifications that required that
In general, borrow sites of
approximately 6000 feet in length are
It would be viable to define
dredging areas interspaced with
There is not enough information
to answer this question. What is
The best way to work a site
would be in rectangular
A division of the borrow
area into dredging zones and
We would normally
anticipate dredging in lanes.
Dot know.
only 70% of a borrow area can ideal. They allow the hopper dredge to non-dredging areas so long as the total surface area (length and strips, typically 300-500 no-dredging zones is Current practice is that the Can be done with Dynamic
be used and the unused portion
cannot be on the boundaries,
what would be the most
trail at 2kts, making one pass in each
direction to obtain a full load. If only
70% of the site could be utilized, a no-
the work areas have the
necessary characteristics not to
limit the standard dredging
width) that 70% would be
used. There is an enormous
difference between using 70% of
with by 5,000-6,000
lengths. No data is available
from Manson.
feasible. This can be
achieved by allowing for
relatively long dredging
footprint of dredging should
be less than 10 sq km
Position Dredging (cost $
high)
efficient use of the area? dredge zone in the middle of the area
would be preferred, as shown in the
process. To this end each
dredging area should be
a borrow area that is 500 X
5,000 and 70% of a borrow area
zones, parallel to the main
current direction, of
No but we are advised that
this would tend to promote
What is the minimum width cut following drawing. roughly rectangular with its that is 5,000 X 50,000. The sufficient width and allowed recolonisation.
that a hopper can dig
efficiently? The reason for this
proposed stipulation is that the
6000lf
150 ft
long axis aligned parallel to the
predominant currents and a
minimum width of 500 ft at the
minimum width that a dredge
can dig efficiently is dependent
on wind, wave, and current, but
dredging depth. A dredging
zone should minimally be
some 200 m wide at the
benthic community will maximum dredging depth. in general, a hopper dredge of bottom of the cut, with no-
recolonize faster if the area is
dredged with intermittent non-
dredged areas.
No Dredging Zone
Ideally this area should also be
at least 5000 ft long.
300 length and 55 width can
dredge efficiently in a cut width
of 300 500 feet. We have no
dredging zones of some 100
m at bed level, slope
distances to be defined as
An area less than 300 ft wide date for the final question on this function of cut depth and
Do you have any comparative (at the maximum dredging item. slope angle. A dredging
data to show whether dredging
in strips to leave recolonizing
adults in the dredge site
enhances recovery rates
compared with sites where all
the surface deposits are
removed?
The minimum width of the dredging
lanes should be 150 feet. This will
allow positioning of both drag heads
within the dredge area at all times and
eliminate any 1-arm dredging.
We do not have any data with respect
to the effect of strip dredging on
recolonizing adults. However, WES
and DERM may have such information
depth) would lead to reduced
productions due to increased
maneuvering as well as leading
to an inefficient removal of all
the available sands.
The reason for this proposed
stipulation is that the benthic
community will recolonize
faster if the area is dredged
with intermittent non-dredged
areas.
It is our understanding that
there is currently a study being
carried out in Europe under the
name Sandplt that addresses
this issue. The Dutch
Bijlcswaterstaat-NL has also
looked into this and a
width less than 100 m might
reduce operational freedom
for a larger type hopper
dredge. The question is
whether it is
environmentally more
attractive to take a thin layer
off a large area, or to affect a
smaller area only by
dredging deeper for a thicker
layer. This topic is presently
being studied under a
European Research program
Sandpit (check the website
with that name). Side
research at national level is
known to be executed by
CEFAS-UK and by
Rijkswaterstaat-NL. Also
much of this information is
conference was held on the
issue in 2003 (see EMSAGG
2003 conference).
in the public domain. A
useful overview is given in
the proceedings of the
EMSAGG 2003 conference.
Wherever possible we try to
minimize the area impacted
by dredging. This can
include the adoption of strip
zoning. However, we do not
have any site specific
monitoring information on
recolonisation.
11. Are you aware of any damage There have certainly been cases, Beyond the damages caused by No. When pumping silty Unknown. We are not aware of any No. No.
to hard bottoms caused by although the technology of monitoring one of our competitors in the borrow material directly from a damage to hard seabed
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USACE
dredging including
covering by sediment?
If yes, was a buffer or
exclusion zone applied and was
it sufficient?
has improved dramatically over the
years. I cited earlier the projects in
Dade County Florida. These were
Corps projects that were closely
monitored by DERM. Partnering
between the Corps, DERM and the
Contractor has been very successful at
minimizing impacts. The borrow areas
were first established with designated
buffer distances from hard bottoms and
then these buffers were modified as
necessary during the project in order to
account for actual conditions
encountered
very sensitive habitats of south
Florida we are unaware of any
additional impacts arising from
dredging operations.
In the case of Florida we do not
recall if buffer zones were
used. None the less, it is
evident that due to the heavy
activity taking place in the
dredging area and the nature of
the dredging process there is
always a high probability of
encountering noticeable side
effects in the contiguous areas.
As a result, based on the
specific characteristics of each
situation, buffer zones should
be defined where limited
impact of dredging is
acceptable.
borrow site, the concern is
greater, however on such
projects we have never seen it
occur.
caused by dredging.
12. Are your dredges capable of
tracking and recording the
position of each draghead?
Have you done tracking relative
to a buffer zone?
Would you have a problem
providing this information to
the regulatory agencies?
Yes, tracking and recording of
positional information is standard
operating procedure for our TSHD
operations. Great Lakes TSHD fleet is
equipped with real-time monitoring
electronics and positioning software
enabling us to effectively position our
dredges at all times. Because the
systems incorporate project control
criteria and real-time dredge
orientation our operational staff can
efficiently plan and manage of precise
dredging operations. Each of our
TSHDs use a combination of the
following electronic equipment for
dredge position monitoring.
Navigation / Guidance System. -
Compaq Workstation with Great
Lakes Hopper Positioning
Software.
DGPS Receiver. - Trimble
Navigation 4000 GPS receiver (or
like) using RTCM corrections
from US Coast Guard Beacon
Transmitter or site specific
Reference Stations.
Electronic Water Level Receiver.
- Valeport VTM-710 or Hazen
HTG 5000.
Heading Sensor. - Sperry Marine
MK-37VT Gyro Compass or like.
Drag Head Depth Sensors. -
Yes, all our hopper dredgers
are equipped with this
capability.
It is often the situation that we
must track the draghead
position relative to a known
feature or area, be that a buffer
zone, shipwreck or submerged
pipeline.
No problem, this is pretty much
standard procedure. In addition
the USACE often uses a silent
inspector system to track this
kind of information
independently of our own
systems.
Yes, the dredge guidance system
and Silent Inspector System is
capable of tracking and
recording the position (X,Y) and
elevation (Z) of each drag head.
Drag head and vessel tracking
has been performed on every
project for several years.
Information can be provided up
request.
We typically track and
record position of dredge,
draghead and other
parameters and furnish info
to COE on almost every
project.
Some of our dredgers have
the facility and can track the
draghead relative to buffer
zones or other features. As
far as we are aware this
information is not normally
required for UK projects.
However, the position and
status of any dredger is
required when operating
within Crown Estate marine
aggregate dredging licenses
within UK waters. The
Crown Estate holds this
data.
Yes but only with a special
installation
Yes.
Would not provide directly
to agencies. Reports
through PM or COR.
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USACE
Various sensors used to attain
depth readings can include:
differential pressure observator
device on the drag head and
gimbal, angle measurement
devices, and hull mounted vessel
draft / pressure sensors.
Great Lakes hopper positioning
system provides real-time displays of
the dredge and contoured channel plans
for reference by the dredge operators.
Dredge sensor information such as
DGPS information, heading, drag head
depth, tide, pump production
information, etc, is compiled for the
system through several interfaces and
Program Logic Controllers (PLC). In
addition, relevant dredge data, such as
dredge and drag head coordinates, is
displayed and may be stored at user-
specified intervals.
See Figure 1 Attached.
Examples of the type data stored
include:
Load No., Date mm/dd/yy
1/27/98,Time 24hr hh:mm:ss, Northing
of GPS Ant., Easting of GPS Ant., Port
Drag Head Depth, Stbd Drag Head
Depth, Fwd. Draft, Aft Draft, Port
Density, Stbd Density, Port Velocity,
Stbd Velocity, Port Pump RPM, Stbd
Pump RPM, Tide Ft., Gyro, Speed,
Port Gimbal Depth, Stbd Gimbal
Depth, Easting of Bow, Northing of
Bow, Easting of Port Drag Head,
Northing of Port Drag Head, Easting of
Stbd Drag Head, Northing of Stbd
Drag Head.
At user-defined intervals the data is
written to the hard drive of the
positioning systems computer in
comma separated form. For example:
135, 12/19/03, 00:00:15, 171929.66,
929651.55, -36.3, -36.8, 18.9, 20.3,
1.00, 1.00, 0.00, 0.00, 218, 200, 5.76,
152.2, 6.92, 15.7, 16.3, 171874.00,
929815.30, 172078.80, 929759.80,
172121.50, 929829.10
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Dredge operations staff utilize these
track data files to pinpoint where the
dredge has traveled throughout the
previous days operations. As shown in
Figure 2, the dredges draghead
locations and depth is compiled into a
track plot indicating the dredge area
limits, project stationing, etc.
To the question Have you done
tracking relative to a buffer zone? Yes
our TSHD positioning / tracking
systems track relative to any user
defined zone provided the buffer
zone means some area calling for
special dredging or non-dredging
areas.
Lastly, to the question Would you
have a problem providing this
information to the regulatory
agencies? No, we would not. The
process of providing information to
regulatory agencies is standard practice
on every project administered by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As you
may know, a majority of our domestic
operations are for the Corps so such a
requirements is expected.
See Figure 2 Attached.
13. When offshore sand dredging is
completed for a beach project,
what does the bottom look like?
Are there draghead tracks,
(width and depth?) throughout
the area?
Are the tracks parallel or
crossing?
Can you provide examples to
us of high resolution mapping
of pre- and post-dredging
seabed conditions for offshore
dredging with TSHD?
I have attached before and after
dredging plan view maps and cross
section overlays of the Miami Beach /
Sunny Isles North Borrow Area taken
in late 2001 and summer of 2002. The
cross sections clearly show drag head
tracks and multiple pass trenches.
These tracks / trenches are typically 10
to 20 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep.
See Miami Beach Survey Data
attached.
After offshore dredging in
sands the bottom is generally
somewhat more uneven than
before dredging. The average
roughness (i.e. difference
between the highest and lowest
spots in an area) will depend on
the original layer thickness to
be removed and the
characteristics of the borrow
area (length, width, currents)
A high quality survey would
allow individual tracks to be
recognized though currents and
wave action would steadily
smoothen the bottom until it is
difficult to distinguish from the
surface encountered before
dredging As mentioned
previously, a narrow borrow
area will lead to parallel tracks
and a higher roughness.
Unsure what the bottom looks
like at completion of the project.
Offshore borrow areas will
have tracks. The size and
condition will depend on
dimensions off the borrow
pit and how the vessel
works.
If you could take a direct
look, you would be able to
recognize the tracks of the
latest series of trails.
Depending on morphologic
activity a smoothing of the
area will occur sooner or
later. The direction of the
tracks will be mainly
parallel, refer to question 10.
But depending on contract
requirements additional
effort might be made to
deliver a flat bed. This is
normally applied in dredging
for navigational purposes,
but is not standard procedure
in sand mining. It would be
possible against some
additional cost. As a matter
of course we collect pre and
post dredge data although
this is generally
This is as much a question of
geology, prevailing currents
etc. as it is of operations.
Normally the dredger would
follow parallel tracks.
Yes.
We have the tracks on the
bridge display (see
Essayons Bridge).
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USACE
Though rarely done in borrow
area, this roughness can be
reduced at the cost of
diminished productions.
That information can be
provided to you separately as it
will entail very large tiles.
commercially confidential.
14. When mining sand off shore, is
the dredge tended by a survey
boat?
Normally, there is a survey boat
utilized. Most project owners require
at least before project and after project
surveys. Contractors typically will
survey for their own purposes in
managing the resource. This vessel is
typically employed on a 12 hour/day
basis
The availability of a survey
boat will generally depend on
the contract specifications and
the necessary level of follow
up. The regularity of the
surveys may vary between
twice daily or only for before
and after dredging surveys.
A Survey/Crew boat is assigned
to each dredge during all
projects.
Yes a survey boat is used. Within UK waters there is
generally no stipulation for a
dredge to be tended by a
survey boat when winning
sand or aggregate.
No. Our launch is our survey
boat.
15. Other than turtles, has your
dredge ever been in a collision
with a marine mammal?
Do marine mammals have a
tendency to swim near an
operating dredge?
We have never noted any collisions
with marine mammals, nor am I aware
of any collisions between a hopper
dredge and a marine mammal in the
United States. I did hear several years
ago that a dredge off of South Africa
collided with a whale, and there
certainly are documented collisions of
ships with Marine mammals. However
there is quite a difference between an
ocean going ship sailing at 20-30 knots
and most hopper dredges that typically
attain maximum speeds of 10-15 knots.
It should be noted turtle takes occur
from contact with the dredge drag head
at or near the sea floor not due to
contact from the hull of a sailing
dredge. We recently saw a permit that
restricted dredge sailing speed when
turtles were in the area. When
checking with the permit agency we
were told that they didnt request the
restriction or think that it was
necessary but that it had been in the
proposed application. Such a
restriction put in by an uninformed
person can have a huge impact on a
project.
We have not noted that marine
mammals are attracted to dredges.
To the best of our knowledge
this has never happened. In
order to reduce this risk we
generally employ biological
observers to carry out a
constant lookout for such fauna
in the areas of operation and if
any arc spotted we modify our
operations to minimize the risk
of collision.
Based on experience the only
mammals with a tendency to
swim near a dredge are
dolphins and seals. The former
tend to escort sailing ships of
any kind and the latter are
known for their curiosity and
tendency to sunbath on floating
lines and auxiliary equipment.
No incidents with other marine
mammals. In Ft. Pierce,
Manatees have been seen in the
vicinity of the dredge while it
was dredging and transiting
to/from the dig area.
No, Not in our experience. No, this is not an issue in
UK waters.
No. No.
16. When appropriate, does your
dredge use a draghead designed
to reduce the probability of
entraining sea turtles?
Is this use mandated by the
The following is the Corp turtle
exclusion devise specification from our
present dredging project in Kings Bay
Georgia.
Hopper Dredge Operation:
Yes.
In most cases.
Yes, in many cases it does.
When mandated by contractual
requirements, the dredges drag
heads are outfitted with NMFS
designed and approved TEDs
(Turtle Excluder Devices). The
use of TEDs does reduce
We use draghead deflectors
on most projects. The best
change would be to allow
the deflector to float on the
bottom.
No, this is not an issue in
UK waters.
No special measures
employed
This is an East Coast
problem.
No.
No Sea Turtles on Pacific
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Owner?
Does the use of these dragheads
reduce the productivity of the
dredge?
Is the modified draghead
effective?
Do you have any recommended
changes to the design of the
turtle deflector?
Do you have any
recommendations on operating
techniques to avoid entraining
turtles during offshore dredging
operations?
(1) The Contractor shall operate the
hopper dredge to minimize the
possibility of taking sea turtles and to
comply with the requirements stated in
the Incidental Take Statement provided
by the National Marine Fisheries
Service in their Biological Opinion.
(2) The turtle deflector device and
inflow screens shall be maintained in
operational condition for the entire
dredging operation.
(3) When initiating dredging, suction
through the drag heads shall be
allowed just long enough to prime the
pumps, then the drag heads must be
placed firmly on the bottom. When
lifting the drag heads from the bottom,
suction through the drag heads shall be
allowed just long enough to clear the
lines, and then must cease. Pumping
water through the drag heads shall
cease while maneuvering or during
travel to/from the disposal area.
(Information Only Note: Optimal
suction pipe densities and velocities
occur when the deflector is operated
properly. If the required dredging
section includes compacted fine sands
or stiff clays, a properly configured
arrangement of teeth may enhance
dredge efficiency, which reduces total
dredging hours, and "turtle takes." The
operation of a drag head with teeth
must be monitored for each dredged
section to insure that excessive
Though no hard evidence is yet
available, all signs indicate a
greatly reduced incidence of
sea turtle takes, It might be
questioned if this is due to the
effectiveness of the design or a
drop in turtle density but
anecdotal evidence suggests a
slight increase in turtle
numbers.
No, none at this time though
we have made some practical
modifications to reduce wear
and tear.
Our present operating
procedures for eliminating
takes apply equally well to
inshore and offshore activities.
productivity. Uncertain if the
TED is or is not effective as it is
designed. No recommendations
on changes to design or
operating techniques.
Coast.
material is not forced into the suction
line. When excess high-density
material enters the suction line, suction
velocities drop to extremely low levels
causing conditions for plugging of the
suction pipe. Dredge operators should
configure and operate their equipment
to eliminate all low level suction
velocities. Pipe plugging in the past
was easily corrected, when low suction
velocities occurred, by raising the drag
head off the bottom until the suction
velocities increased to an appropriate
level. Pipe plugging cannot be
corrected by raising the drag head off
the bottom. Arrangements of teeth
and/or the reconfiguration of teeth
should be made during the dredging
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process to optimize the suction
velocities.)
(4) Raising the drag head off the
bottom to increase suction velocities is
not acceptable. The primary adjustment
for providing additional mixing water
to the suction line should be through
water ports. To insure that suction
velocities do not drop below
appropriate levels, the Contractor's
personnel shall monitor production
meters throughout the job and adjust
primarily the number and opening
sizes of water ports. Water port
openings on top of the drag head or on
raised stand pipes above the drag head
shall be screened before they are
utilized on the dredging project. If a
dredge section includes sandy shoals
on one end of
a tract line and mud sediments on the
other end of the tract line, the
Contractor shall adjust the equipment
to eliminate drag head pick-ups to clear
the suction line.
(5) Near the completion of each
payment section, the Contractor shall
perform sufficient surveys to
accurately depict those portions of the
acceptance section requiring cleanup.
The Contractor shall keep the drag
head buried a minimum of 6 inches in
the sediment at all times. Although the
over depth prism is
not the required dredging prism, the
Contractor shall achieve the required
prism by removing the material from
the allowable over depth prism.
(6) During turning operations the
pumps must either be shut off or
reduced in speed to the point where no
suction velocity or vacuum exists.
(7) These operational procedures are
intended to stress the importance of
balancing the suction pipe densities
and velocities in order to keep from
taking sea turtles. The Contractor shall
develop a written operational plan to
minimize turtle takes and submit it as
part of the Environmental Protection
Plan.
(8) The Contractor must comply with
all requirements of this specification
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and the Contractor's accepted
Environmental Protection Plan. The
contents of this specification and the
Contractor's Environmental Protection
Plan shall be shared with all applicable
crew members of the hopper dredge.
The use to TEDs is mandated by the
Owner and dredging permit. The use
of TEDs negatively impacts the
productivity of the dredge. The
leading edge of the TED is held a
minimum of 6 inches in the seabed and
in effect plows sand away from the
drag head visor. Occasionally, the
TED will plow into the seabed,
burying the drag and slowing the
vessel.
When shell or gravel is encountered,
the inflow screens plug up and have
caused hopper deck piping plugs.
There is no hard data on the
effectiveness of TEDs. There is no
way of knowing what the number of
takes would be if TEDs were not
employed. Operating a hopper dredge
with one drag head TED equipped and
one head unequipped has not been
tested. The only testing we are aware
of was done by Scripts Institute and
involved the use of concrete turtles.
Our recommendation would be to
conduct dredging operations during the
low turtle population season. We
typically only encounter turtles in near
shore borrow areas or shipping
channels and do not have many
problems when working in offshore
borrow sites.
Please reference attached TED
Operational checklist.
17. What effect do the seasonal
requirements restricting
dredging due to the proximity
of turtles have on the overall
The seasonal effects have had a very
large impact on the hopper dredging
industry. Currently there are seasonal
restrictions enforced by the US Army
The use of seasonal restrictions,
either due to turt1es or other
factors, lead to a
disproportionate volume of the
Seasonal requirements increase
the cost of our services some
years, and some years it does
not.
It bunches some of the
work.
This is not an issue in UK
waters.
If such should apply the
implications are on shore
installations where
additional storage and buffer
N/A
annual dredging schedule? Corps on their projects in the South total annual dredging work capacity would be required.
Atlantic area. For maintenance and
new work channel dredging it effects
the Harbors from North Carolina south
being restricted to a limited
time period. As a result of this
there is a lack of dredging
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through the East Coast of Florida. The
allowable operating windows in these
areas run from December through
March with some of the Ports restricted
to Dec15-February. There is also
movement to extend these restrictions
to Virginia on the North and into the
Gulf of Mexico.
This concentrates dredging
requirements in these areas to a short
winter time period. This if coupled
with a considerable amount of new
work, heavy dredging needs on the
Mississippi River which sometimes
occur during this period, or with other
heavy demand elsewhere can
occasionally cause a short term
demand for hopper dredges which
strains capacity. However, during the
remainder of the year there can be
serious overcapacity with a lot of idle
plant. During the past few years there
was overcapacity and considerable idle
plant even during this time period
however.
Of more concern to contractors is that
with such tight contract periods there is
often little or no flexibility in
scheduling equipment. If a dredge
unexpectedly has a significant problem
requiring repair they can be hard
pressed to meet the schedules. With
windows it no longer is a matter of
being a few days late and perhaps
having some penalties, there can be a
risk that the project wont be
completed.
As regards maintenance and deepening
work, there is an effect that these
winter months are the worst weather
months. This can moderately lower
time efficiencies somewhat and make
surveying to monitor projects more
problematic. However, if and when,
beach projects are restricted to this
window these effects are much more
severe because the laying and moving
of pipelines offshore and connecting to
offshore pumpout connections requires
much better sea conditions to be
capacity (i.e. equipment) during
part of the year leading to
higher prices and. sometimes
insufficient capacity to
complete all projects. This is in
the interests of neither the
clients nor the contractors, both
of whom would benefit from a
reduced overlap in the seasonal
restrictions of different regions.
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USACE
accomplished safely. Waiting for
calmer seas to safely place, repair or
move an offshore pipeline can cause
weeks of delay to a project.
18. Does your dredge have a
system to reduce pressure/flow
at the draghead when the
draghead is off the bottom?
When the drag head is raised off the
bottom as can be evidenced by the
seating of the
swell compensator ram, the drag tender
manually reduces the dredge pump
In the event that the draghead
comes off the bottom we have
various technical solutions that
would apply. One possibility is
to redirect the flow so that it
No such system exists on our
dredges.
No Yes, the so called swell
compensator. A hydraulic
buffer system keeps a
constant tension on the
draghead wire. As soon as
No. Pump is stopped.
How does it work? speed. Raising the drag head off the doesnt come through the the draghead loses contact
seabed is typically not a problem in
borrow sites since there is generally
plenty of material to dredge above the
specified maximum depth, if one is
draghead, Another more
attractive possibility is to stop
the flow completely. Both these
solutions would require
with the bed, either through
a depression in the bed or by
an upward move (wave
induced) of the dredge, the
stipulated. In channel dredging where relatively minor adjustments to head hangs with a higher
a grade elevation must be achieved and
the contractor is not paid for excess
dredging, drags do occasionally hang
off above the seabed
the equipment. None the less,
the effectiveness of a reduced
flow in reducing turtle takes is
questionable.
weight in the wire, causing
the swell compensator to
veer out an additional length
of wire, until the draghead is
in contact with the bed
The system determines if the again, at the pre-set pressure.
draghead is off the bottom by
means of sensors on the
If the distance between bed
and vessel is reduced, by bed
draghead and swell
compensation system. The flow
elevation or wave trough,
the wire could come slack,
is then interrupted by use of which again is prevented by
valves or the pump control. the swell compensator
paying in some wire length.
19. How effective are observers
and trawling to reducing turtle
takes?
There is no relation between observers
and the number of turtle takes.
Observers may occasionally see turtles
on the surface, but turtle takes occur on
The only contribution of
observers is to inspect the
turtle cages at the hopper
inflows for any evidence of a
Observers have not proven to
reduce turtle takes. Trawling
has proven to be effective in
some instances.
Trawling when working in a
channel seems to help.
Observers just record
results.
This is not an issue in UK
waters.
Not understood. N/A
Trawling is not effective.
Turtles will swim back to
the seabed. Observers inspect the drag take. In addition, if turtles are nesting ground. That is
heads, inflow and outflow screens and
document / identify any takes.
spotted at the surface you may
draw the conclusion that there
what they do!
is a high density of turtles in
We believe trawling can be an the vicinity. This often triggers
effective method to reduce the number the requirement for turtle
of turtle takes. Great Lakes was trawling. Trawling follows
involved on an emergency contract in
Canaveral where trawling was
special guidelines (e.g. net type
and size) and often lead to the
performed by 2 vessels on a 24 hour / capture of turtles in the general
day basis for 3 days prior to the start of area which reduces the density
dredging and in front of the vessel of turtles in the vicinity of the
during dredging operations. Canaveral dredging though by no means
is one of the most populated turtle
areas and no turtles were taken during
does it eliminate the risk of
turtle takes.
the dredging operations
Additional
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20. What has been your experience
dredging in a fishing ground?
Has any fisherman or
commercial fishing company
complained about any aspect of
the dredging process?
Did you modify your operation
to accommodate the fisherman?
We have conducted hopper-dredging
operations near identified fishing
grounds. The majority of problems
involve contact with nets or traps
within the dredging area or the disposal
route. In some cases, the disposal
route was modified to avoid
concentrations of nets / traps.
The Portland Corp District has
investigated the impact of dredging on
the commercial crabbing industry in
several West Coast Ports.
Designated dredging areas are
always very clear-cut and it is
very rare that permission be
given to operate in a designated
fishing ground. In such an
event it would be the
responsibility of the authorities
to communicate to the
fishermen that such a
permission had been given and
to deal with any conflicts of
interest that might arise from it.
Fishermen, despite a lack of
evidence, often feel threatened
if dredging is carried out in or
close to their fishing grounds.
Contrary to these complaints,
the release of additional
nutrients into the water column
often attracts shoals of small
fish and game fish leading to an
improvement in the local sports
fishing.
In some cases small changes
have been made to the
operating methods in order to
resolve a potential conflict with
fishermen, The responsibility
for any additional costs arising
from these was determined
from the contract. Our
company takes a pro-active
stance with the fishing industry.
Any conflict of interest is
usually resolved prior to the
issue of any permission to
dredge and mitigation measures
adopted where appropriate.
Fishing liaison officers we
often employed at particularly
sensitive sites.
No experience dredging in a
fishing ground. Have
experienced isolated encounters
with crap pots, lobster traps, and
fishnets in the North East area,
which has resulted in complaints
from commercial fishermen who
claimed to have lost equipment
due to our operations.
No real problem as most
work is done in navigation
channels.
Our company takes a pro-
active stance with the fishing
industry. Any conflict of
interest is usually resolved
prior to the issue of any
permission to dredge and
mitigation measures adopted
where appropriate. Fishing
liaison officers are often
employed at particularly
sensitive sites.
This is an on-going feature
of operations. Normally
dealt with by consultation
pre license and regular
dialogue.
Disposal impacts are more
important than dredging
impacts to our agencies.
21. What measures do you, the
dredge operator, take to insure
that the dredge does not
damage underwater pipelines
and cables, or archaeological
resources?
As shown in previous examples, our
TSHD positioning displays provide
real-time dredge orientation at all
times. Using this system, operations
staff can integrate pipeline locations,
archeological resources, cables, etc.,
into the heads up displays such that the
dredges operator can avoid such
hazards. In Figure 3, a screen shot of
our positioning system displays, the
Assuming that accurate of such
obstacles are known with some
accuracy, The coordinates of
each obstacle, assuming that
they are known with some
accuracy, are used as a basis for
defining a no-dredging zone
which is input into the onboard
computer system. The
dimensions of this zone are
With respect to pipelines or
cables, we make every effort to
contact the owners of them and
request detailed location and
elevation information. We also
ask them to mark the location of
their utilities (sometimes marked
with buoys..etc) and give them
the option of placing their own
representative on board to
Notify owners and obtain
information on locations
that cross the work area.
We make every effort to
ensure that all known
positions of cables and
pipelines are highlighted in
our navigation package and
appropriate safety zones are
adopted. Safety zones of
500m either side of cables
and pipelines are industry
standards within the UK
Such services would
normally be identified on the
charts and track computer
with the operation of
security zones normally 500
m either side of a pipeline.
Not an issue in Fed nav.
Channels. Pre-Con-Solve
all these questions.
18
Question
Number
Question
Plume Related
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Bean Stuyvesant Weeks Marine Manson Westminster
Dredge
International
USACE
area highlighted in BLACK is an adapted to the local operating witness our operations while aggregate dredging industry.
avoidance area. In this instance it is for conditions to include sufficient dredging over or in the vicinity
shallow depths that could ground the safety margin, both in of their property. Should the
ship but the same application is horizontal and/or vertical pipeline or cable crossing be
indicative to any predefined caution direction. This no-dredging shown on the contract drawings,
area or obstruction. zone then shows up on the or the owner provide sufficient
operators screen and in certain location information (X,Y, Z),
See Attached Figure. cases activates a proximity that data is used to plot the
alarm signal. Depending on the utility on the dredge guidance
As a precautionary measure, some level of automation the screen so both the operator
projects warrant hydrographic survey draghead will be hoisted navigating the vessel and the
investigation prior to dredging automatically if coming within drag tender operating the
activates to determine the locations of the safety zone. The dredging gear can visually see
underwater obstructions. Such surveys dimensions of these safety where the utility is located.
are supported with a compliment of zones are based on risk and will Typically, the customer (COE,
equipment that could include Cesium generally be in the order of State, or Private) will give us
Magnetometers, side scan sonar, cable 50m 100m in the proximity written direction to dredge over
tracking devices, or high resolution of cables or pipelines. the utility, lift the dredging gear
multibeam / swath bathymetry while navigating over the utility
systems. In most US government while dredging, or avoid the area
contracts, such underwater pipelines completely where the utility is
and cables, or archeological resources located (buffer zone provided).
are previously located. Archaeological resources
typically are noted on the
Once the underwater obstruction contract drawing with an
locations are verified, operations staff avoidance buffer zone placed
integrates the information into the around it. These noted areas are
dredges positioning systems for dredge also put on the navigation screen
operator reference throughout dredging and are avoided.
activities. Further, project meetings are
held prior to dredging activities to
discuss the plan for avoiding such
obstructions.
22. Some operating companies Our standard operating procedure is to Our company does not have a We have no policy regarding Our work plans are typically The development of new UK Yes, this is specifically No.
have a policy of dredging dredge in specified lanes. In this way firm policy on this subject. zone dredging as you note. dictated by the owner as to marine aggregate licenses is targeted to reduce dredging
localized zones to exhaustion we can move the dredge to an adjacent Dredging strategies are project Given a borrow area to dredge, what areas we work. All largely guided by the footprint and mitigate effects
before moving to further zones lane while surveys and volume specific and aim to achieve the we follow the contract info concerning biological policies identified in MMG1 on surroundings.
within the dredge area. This computations are run to check progress best possible economic and specifications which typically resources would be 2002 (Marine Minerals
assists management of the
resource, but it also helps to
and output in the initial dredging lane.
This procedure is also beneficial
environmental situation. give directions for material
removal. Should no directives
accomplished by the
permitting agency.
Guidance Note 1). This
document offers guidance on
No but this is likely to be the
subject of future monitoring.
minimize occupation of seabed during clean up dredging and helps The collection of such be given, we typically seek to best practice which includes
and allow maximum time for limit over dredging. information is normally done find areas of the borrow area the adoption of zones as a No.
recovery of seabed resources. by the project client which have the best production means of reducing
Does your company have a We do not have any information in independently of the dredging and dredge that area to environmental impacts in
policy of zoned dredging, and
what are your reasons for
house on the impacts of lane dredging
on marine organisms. WES and
contractor. In addition these
studies often extend well
exhaustion before moving on to
less productive areas of the
addition to the exhaustion of
resources before moving
dredging policy? DERM have conducted extensive beyond the completion of borrow area. No additional zones. All companies now
monitoring studies of impacts to dredging making it difficult to information available regarding work with MMG1.
Do you have any information marine organisms and rates of recovery follow up on. additional questions listed.
that documents the impact of in borrow areas and should be No.
your dredging operations on
marine organisms in specific
contacted. As mentioned above, the results
of these studies are not always We do not have site specific
dredge sites? easy to come by, depend on information on recovery
19
Question
Number
Question
Plume Related
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Bean Stuyvesant Weeks Marine Manson Westminster
Dredge
International
USACE
many different factors and are rates.
Do you have any information very variable in their results.
on the rates of recovery of The European studies
biological resources at your mentioned in the answer to
sites following cessation of question 10 showed recovery
dredging? periods that ranged between a
few months and a few years.
23. Do you have any comments,
general or specific, regarding
dredging equipment and
procedures and the reduction of
adverse impacts on the
environment?
While special precautions are
obviously necessary when working in
proximity of highly sensitive
resources, these need to be addressed
on a project specific basis. Often
mandating restrictions and procedures
is unnecessary and based on feel
good perceptions rather than scientific
need or practicality. We should be
cautious about over regulating a
situation where the benefits are not
well founded.
It is essential that all parties
involved pool their knowledge
in an open discussion to
achieve a balanced result that
best achieves the interests of
all. This process is also
essential in building the mutual
trust and understanding that
will ensure the successful
solution of any hurdles that
might arise. Our company
recognizes the adverse impacts
that dredging might have.
Every effort is made to
minimize the impacts.
Mitigation might include
seasonal restrictions,
We have dredged +/- 50,000,000
cubic yards of sand from
offshore borrow areas for beach
nourishment in the past 10 years.
We have damaged (1) utility
cable, taken 0 turtles from
borrow areas and have not
damaged the environment or
archeological resources to the
best of our knowledge.
A typical hopper dredge
operation in clean sand is
probably the least disruptive
to the environment.
Our company recognizes the
adverse impacts that
dredging might have. Every
effort is taken to minimize
the impacts and mitigation
might include seasonal
restrictions, minimization of
impacted area and
developing site specific
procedures.
See 4. Above. For the most part routine
maintenance dredging
occurs in regularly
impacted navigation
channels, so benthic
communities are transient
in nature. Disposal site
issues are the main focus of
our coordination with
agencies, with the
exception of entraiment of
salmonid. This is avoided
by turing off pumps when
dragheads are more than 3
above bottom.
minimization of impacted area
and developing site specific
procedures just to name a few.
It is in the interest of all to
define a feasible methodology
that allows often critical
projects to proceed without
delay.
20
Appendix C5
Document And
Powerpoint Presentation
Provided By Jan de Nul
Appendix
JAN DE NUL
Group of Companies
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
13/01/05 1/ 11
2
3
INDEX
INDEX
SLIDES
1. INTRO 3
2. COMPANY AND ENVIRONMENT 4
3. DREDGE TYPES 4
4. TSHD CRISTOFORO COLOMBO 5
5. LOW TURBIDITY VALVE 6
6. GREEN PIPE 6
7. FILLING THE HOPPER 6
8. THE OVERFLOW FUNNEL 6
9. THE SECOND DREDGE PUMP 6
10. THE RE-CIRCULATION PIPE 6
11. THE SUCTION HEAD 6
12. SUCTION HEAD RE-ENTRY 6
13. PROCESS WATER 7
14. ADDITIONAL FILLING 7
15. MINIMUM TURBIDITY 7
16. LTD DIRK MARTENS 7
17. LOW TURBIDITY DREDGE HEAD 7
18. TSHD CRISTOFORO COLOMBO : TURBIDITY PLUME 8
19. THE DREDGING PROCESS 8
20. FIRST PHASE OF THE DREDGE CYCLE 8
21. LOADING WITHOUT OVERFLOW 8
22. ADDITIONAL LOADING WITH STANDARD OVERFLOW 8
23. PLUME GENERATION WHEN LOADING WITH STANDARD OVERFLOW 8
24. ADDITIONAL LOADING WITH LOW TURBIDITY VALVE 9
25. PLUME GENERATION WHEN LOADING WITH LOW TURBIDITY VALVE 9
26. ADDITIONAL LOADING WITH GREEN PIPE 9
27. PLUME GENERATION WHEN LOADING WITH GREEN PIPE 9
28. TURBIDITY PLUME DISPERSION COMPARISON 9
29. DREDGE TECHNIQUE COMPARISON 10
30. BACKGROUND TURBIDITY 10
31. CONCLUSIONS 10
32. OPERATIONS WITH LTD DIRK MARTENS 11
33. GENERATED TURBIDITY 11
34. SECONDARY SOURCES 11
35. BACKGROUND TURBIDITY 11
36. CONCLUSIONS 11
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
13/01/05 2/ 11
SLIDES
1. Intro
2.
3.
4.
JAN DE NUL Group is one of the mayor dredging contractors of the world, leading the
market with the most modern fleet of dredging equipment. During the last 10 years JDN
expanded its fleet with 13 newly built units. Some of these new dredging vessels have been
milestones in the industry. In 1992 the JFJ DE NUL, a trailing suction hopper dredge with a
hopper capacity of 11.750 m3, the biggest at that time in the world, was commissioned and
deployed at the construction of the century, as it was called at these times: The Chep Lap Kok
Airport Platform in Hong Kong.
The largest added vessel is a trailing suction hopper dredge with a hopper capacity of 33.000
m3: the Vasco Da Gama. Today the vessel is foreseen to be extended to 44.000 m3 hopper
hold, to become again the largest trailing hopper of the world. It is clear that these new vessels
have added to the companies growth thanks to their size and new technologies which were
implemented. The size of these equipment was unthinkable 10 years ago. Large reclamation
works in the Far East and Europe would not have been executed by dredgers without these
mega dredgers. Today almost the whole world fleet of jumbo and mega dredgers, constructed
over the last years is operating on large reclamation works in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea
and Taiwan. It would require too much time to talk about the technological developments
which helped built these vessels.
The South American dredging market normally has no requirement for these large dredges,
which have been built mainly for dredging sand at sea, transport it over considerable distances
in open sea and pump it over several km into reclamation areas. South America, and Argentina
in particular, with the relative shallow waterways and no need for large reclamation, will not
see these mega dredgers deployed in the near future.
Actually the group has a still 5 dredges under construction, 2 sister vessels with a capacity of
11.300 m3, another 2 sister vessels with a 4.400 m3 hopper and one new cutter suction dredge,
which will be again the most powerful of the world in its kind. These 5 dredges will come into
operation at the end of this year, while the next 4 split hoppers are already ordered and should
be delivered in 2005.
Another main development in the dredging technology is the evolution in alternative dredging
methods for environmental sensitive projects. The need for environmentally acceptable
solutions in dredging is something, which evolved all over the world, and will be more seen in
the near future, also in South America and Argentina. Therefore I will give an overview of
some new dredging methods developed by our company over the last years. Monitoring
campaigns have demonstrated their efficiency and limitations.
As an environmentally conscious international company, Jan De Nul is involved in
dredging projects around the world with strict requirements concerning removal and
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
13/01/05 3/ 11
spreading of pollutants. A major policy of Jan De Nul is translated in a continuous strive to
develop more efficient and environment friendlier dredging techniques.
5. Company and Environment
As environmental considerations continue to become more and more important throughout
the world there are continuing calls to reduce the effects of dredging operations on the
water column and surrounding marine environment. Dredging causes particulate
suspension when certain soil types are disturbed and this can effect not only the balance in
the water column, but also the sea bed environment following subsequent settlement of
suspended particles. In particular whilst removing layers of contaminated or polluted silt
for subsequent treatment processing, particulate suspension should be reduced to a
minimum.
Jan De Nul Company recognises both the necessary stringent constraints now being placed
on projects involving dredging works and the effect that dredging operations can, in some
circumstances have on the marine environment.
6. Dredge types
At present two categories of dredges were equipped with special facilities enabling to work
in accordance with strict environmental requirements.
In the next sections the performance of a trailing hopper dredge and a stationary dredge are
discussed with special attention to the impact on turbidity.
What is turbidity ?
Turbidity is a measure for the reduction of the transparency of a liquid due to the presence
of non dissolved particles.
A bundle of light beamed into a liquid will be attenuated when dissolved elements in the
liquid cause a change of colour and will be dispersed if the liquid contains non dissolved
particles.
Different approaches to measure the turbidity have been developed. Depending on the
approach the turbidity will be expressed in different units. International norm ISO 7027
explains 4 methods to determine the water turbidity : 2 semi-quantitative and 2
quantitative methods.
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
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Semi-quantitative method 1 : A clear graduated glass tube with a black mark on a white
background at the end is used to evaluate the liquid transparency by measuring the
height of the liquid (cm) when the mark fades
Semi-quantitative method 2 : A white round plate which is immersed into the water until it
becomes hardly visible. The depth is measured to 1cm accurate when less then one
meter and to 10 cm when more then one meter.
Quantitative method 1 : An optical sensor measures the intensity of the dispersed
(backscatter) light with a cell, immersed in a fluid with non dissolved particles. The
turbidity is given in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).
Quantitative method 2 : An optical sensor measures the intensity of the attenuated light
(transmissiometer) with a cell, immersed in a fluid with non dissolved particles. The
turbidity is given in nephelometric attenuation turbidity units (NAU).
Different methods use different units and depending on the used calibration fluid different
measuring units are adapted. The Jackson turbidity meter used to be the standard tool for
turbidity measurement and Jackson turbidity units (JTU) have been the standard for a long
time. At present optical sensors are calibrated using formazin calibration fluid and FTU
(formazin turbidity units) have become the new standard. No general correlation between
the different unit systems can be established.
Formazin is a chemical solution and is prepared as follows :
- dissolve 10 g hexamethylenetetramine in water and dilute to 100 ml
- dissolve 1g hydrazinesulphate (poisonous) in water and dilute to 100 ml
- mix 5ml from both dilutions and further dilute to 100 ml to obtain a 400 FTU solution
The suspended solids concentration is the dry weight of sediment devided by the weight of
sample (expressed in ppm) or by the volume of sample in liters (expressed in mg/l).
The terms turbidity and suspended solids concentration are similar but not equal.
7. TSHD Cristoforo Colombo
This modern dredge of Jan De Nuls versatile fleet combines following dredging
techniques :
standard dredging without overflow : dredging with one or two suction pipes until
the overflow level is reached in the hopper
standard dredging with overflow : continue loading the hopper barge with higher
density while process water leaves the hopper by standard overflow
low turbidity valve in the overflow funnel : an adjustable valve in the overflow
funnel chokes the flow in such a way that no air is taken down with the suspension
leaving the hopper
green pipe : the overflow suspension is pumped trough an additional pipe, mounted
on top of the suction pipe, back to the suction head where it is used as process water
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8. Low turbidity valve
When using the dredge technique with the low turbidity valve, without green pipe. An
adjustable valve chokes the flow in such a way, that no air is taken down with process
water leaving the hopper. The result is a density stream, causing a minimum of turbulence,
taking the excessive material back to the sea bottom.
Without low turbidity valve (standard overflow), a big volume of air is taken with the
overflow water due to the big fall height. Underneath the vessel a density stream of
haevier particles moves down and at the same time an upward airstream occurs. These
opposite actions cause a lot of turbulence with spreading of the plume as a result.
9. Green pipe
Using the green pipe feature , a recycling pipe is mounted on the dredge pipe. When the
overflow level is reached in the hopper, the overflow suspension is pumped through this
recycling pipe , back to the suction head where it is used as process water. As positive
result the overflow water does not fall through the complete watercolumn to the bottom.
10. Filling the hopper
Activating the green pipe : the hopper is filled up to the overflow level.
11. The overflow funnel
Activating the green pipe : the process water flows into the overflow funnel.
12. The second dredge pump
Activating the green pipe : the process water flows into the second dredge pump.
13. The re-circulation pipe
Activating the green pipe : the process water is pumped trough the re-circulation pipe.
14. The suction head
Activating the green pipe : the process is pumped back to the suction head.
15. Suction head re-entry
Activating the green pipe : the process water re-enters the suction head directly or trough
the jet pipes.
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16. Process water
Activating the green pipe : the process water flows into the overflow funnel is re-
circulated.
17. Additional filling
Activating the green pipe : additional filling of the hopper is enabled.
18. Minimum turbidity
Activating the green pipe : during additional filling of the hopper minimal turbidity is
generated.
19. LTD Dirk Martens
Focused on strict environmental performance criteria in mind a dredge with the following
features was developed:
- able to remove thin layers of silt with high accuracy reducing the overdredged
volume and the mixing of clean soil with slightly polluted silt
- dredge at in situ density for optimal utilisation of the barge capacity
- dredge in shallow areas
- minimise the mechanical disturbance to reduce the turbidity generation and the
mobilisation of pollutants
- extended automation and monitoring of the dredging process
20. Low turbidity dredge head
To cope with these challenges Jan De Nul developed a special suction head : the so called
Low Turbidity Dredge Head (LTDH). The sweephead for LTD (low turbidity dredge)
Dirk Martens has been designed to dredge at maximum productivity and accuracy and
with minimum disturbance to the environment.
The sweephead has two inlets and works without additional mechanical movements. A
hydraulic valve in the head opens the inlet towards the dredging direction while the shape
of the contact surfaces ensures optimal sediment transport. Process water is minimal,
which means that the material is pumped at almost in situ density.
Additional sensors and instruments allow for better process monitoring and more accurate
dredging.
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21. TSHD Cristoforo Colombo : turbidity plume
During dredge operations conducted with different dredging techniques, the performance
related to the turbidity criterion was established.
Using the standard dredging technique as reference the following techniques were
monitored :
- standard dredging without overflow
- standard dredging with overflow
- environmental valve in the overflow funnel
- green pipe
22. The dredging process
The turbidity generated during the dredge operations using the different dredging method
was monitored starting from an empty hopper.
23. First phase of the dredge cycle
During the first fase of dredge cycle, independent of the adapted dredging technique,
material is pumped into the hopper without overflow.
The suction head always causes some disturbance near the interface between dredged and
non-dredged material and a small amount of solids is brought into suspension near the
bottom.
24. Loading without overflow
The particles are brought in suspension at the suction head disperse in a plume close to the
seabed and settle down again within a relative short time.
25. Additional loading with standard overflow
Once the overflow level is reached, with the overflow water, a big volume of air is taken
due to the big fall height. Underneath the vessel a density stream of heavier particles
moves down and at the same time an upward airstream occurs. These opposite actions
cause a lot of turbulence with spreading of the plume as a result.
26. Plume generation when loading with standard overflow
While the dredge trails on the vessels propellers pass this area only seconds later. The
energy of the revolving propellers spread the particles at high speed in all directions.
The turbidity plume stretches now from the surface to the seabed and settlement is as
follows : the density stream of quasi unstirred and heavier particles and the slow
settlement of stirred material and fine particles.
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27. Additional loading with low turbidity valve
In contradiction with the standard cycle, almost no air is taken with the overflow water as a
result of the choking effect of the environmental valve. Underneath the vessel the density
stream is almost not disturbed and the overflow suspension sinks to the seabed.
28. Plume generation when loading with low turbidity valve
A small fraction, mainly fine particles, is caught in the turbulence around the vessel. This
fraction is spread out when the vessels propellers pass and settles slowly afterwards.
29. Additional loading with green pipe
The overflow suspension is pumped back to the suction head where it is recycled almost
integral as process water. The fraction leaving the suction head contains a suspension
which is mixed during the dredge process by passing through suction pipe, dredge pump,
hopper, discharge pump and discharge pipe and generates a turbidity increase near the
suction head.
30. Plume generation when loading with green pipe
Due to the mixing process the particles will stay longer in suspension compared to the
particles brought in suspension during the cycle without overflow.
31. Turbidity plume dispersion comparison
The graph shows cross sections of the turbitity plume for each dredge technique at an
interval of 5 minutes. High sediment concentrations are dark, low concertrations are light.
Comparing the plumes created with standard overflow and low turbidity valve :
- the plume width for the low turbidity valve is narrower
- the particles settle much faster from the upper section for the low turbidity valve
Comparing the green pipe and no overflow cycles with these cycles:
- the turbidity stays close to the bottom and the plume never reaches the water surface
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
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32. Dredge technique comparison
When using the environmental valve in the hopper overflow the quantity of solids
staying in suspension long enough to spread out through current effects is reduced to
41 percent of the quantity generated during the standard cycle.
With the green pipe cycle the quantity of solids in suspension is reduced to 21
percent compared to the standard cycle. Apart from this the generated plume is
situated just above the seabed which reduces the settlement time considerably.
Dredging without overflow reduces the generated turbidity to 13 percent of the
quantity measured for the standard cycle. Everything happens very close to the seabed
which further reduces the duration of the settlement process.
33. Background turbidity
The selection of the dredge technique to be adapted on a specific project will not only
depend on turbidity-related performance.
Many ports are located near river estuaries where huge quantities of silt carried from
upstream have settled. Exposed to hydro-meteorological forces, particles will be brought
in suspension during periods of strong current or wave action and will settle down again
during calm sea conditions.
The displayed example shows the tidal background turbidity at the cross entrance of the
Port of Zeebruges, located near the Scheldt estuary. The suspended solids concentrations
during periods of strong current raised to such a level that a different colour scale had to be
used. Dark brown for the dredge induced turbidity plumes indicated 300 mg/l or more, for
the background turbidity dark brown indicates concentrations higher than 1000 mg/l.
The graph on the right illustrates the contributing parameters even better. The brown line
shows the background concentration of suspended solids on a time axis, the other lines
show the impact of the different dredging methods.
34. Conclusions
Plume generation relative to the plume generated during the dredge cycle with standard
overflow is reduced to 41 % by using the low turbidity valve. Working with the green
pipe will generate 21 % and dredging without overflow will reduce the turbidity
generation to 13 % compared to the standard dredging cycle.
Application of alternative dredging techniques is not relevant if the additional turbidity
generated during the dredging works is only a fraction of the background turbidity.
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
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35. Operations with LTD Dirk Martens
To evaluate the performance of this dredging technique the following aspects were
considered :
- generated turbidity
- secondary sources
- background turbidity
36. Generated turbidity
During the dredging operations with low turbidity dredge Dirk Martens the turbidity
increase at 100 m from the dredge location amounted to 16 mg/l average and 43 mg/l
maximum. 150 m away from the dredge location these figures were respectively 11 and 31
mg/l. At 200 m from the dredge location the amounts further reduced to 6 and 23 mg/l.
37. Secondary sources
In shallow areas with a silty top layer on the bottom the suspended solids concentration
increase caused by secondary sources (e.g. a manoeuvring vessel) easily exceeds 150 mg/l.
38. Background turbidity
In silty shallow port areas where current speeds remain low 10 to 50 mg/l suspended solids
are measured for currents lower than 0.1 m/s, 70 to 150 mg/l for current speeds between
0.1 and 0.3 m/s.
39. Conclusions
With the development of the low turbidity head of Dirk Martens the amount of particles
brought into suspension during the actual dredging has been reduced to such a level that,
especially in shallow areas, secondary sources and background variations generate more
turbidity than the dredgehead.
3er Congreso Argentino de Ingenieria Portuaria 5-6-7/11/2003
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Environmental considerations become more
and more important throughout the world.
As an environmentally
conscious international
company, a major policy of
Jan De Nul n.v. is translated
in a continuous strive to
develop more efficint and
environment friendlier
dredging techniques.
Trailing hopper dredge :
- low turbidity valve
- green pipe
Stationary dredge :
- low turbidity dredge head
Multi - Functional Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge
Cristoforo Colombo
Features following dredging techniques :
- Standard dredging without overflow
- Standard dredging with overflow
- Low Turbidity Valve in overflow funnel
- Environmental dredging with Green Pipe
Low Turbidity Valve
An adjustable valve in the overflow
funnel chokes the flow in such a way
that no air is taken down with the
suspension leaving the hopper.
Green Pipe
The overflow suspension is pumped
trough an additional pipe, mounted
on top of the suction pipe, back to
the suction head where it is used as
process water.
Activating the Green Pipe
the hopper is filled up
to the overflow level
Activating the Green Pipe
process water flows into
the overflow funnel ...
Activating the Green Pipe
to the second dredge
pump ...
Activating the Green Pipe
and is pumped trough
an additional pipe ...
Activating the Green Pipe
back to the suction
head ...
Activating the Green Pipe
where it re-enters the
suction head ...
Activating the Green Pipe
and is re-circulated as
process water ...
Activating the Green Pipe
which enables additional
filling of the the hopper ...
Activating the Green Pipe
with minimal turbidity
generation.
Low Turbidity Dredge Dirk Martens
Features :
- accurate removal of thin layers of silt
- dredge at in situ density
- dredge in shallow areas
- minimise the mechanical disturbance
Low Turbidity Dredge Head
- two inlets
- a hydraulic valve opens the inlet towards the
dredging direction
- the shape of the contact surfaces ensures
optimal sediment transport
Turbidity plume generated during dredging
operations with TSHD Cristoforo Colombo
Compared dredging techniques :
- Standard dredging without overflow
- Standard dredging with overflow
- Low Turbidity Valve in overflow funnel
- Environmental dredging with Green Pipe
The dredging process :
- commencing from an empty hopper
- dredged material is pumped into the hopper
turbidity plume
- filling the hopper (loading without overflow)
turbidity plume
- additional loading with standard overflow
overflow
continue loading turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
- plume generation while loading with standard overflow
overflow
continue loading turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
New parameters :
- upward airstream
- propeller impact
- additional loading with low turbidity valve
overflow
continue loading turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
- plume generation while loading with low turbidity valve
overflow
continue loading turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
New parameters :
- density stream
- additional loading with green pipe
dredge head and
green pipe
continue loading turbidity plume
dredge head and
green pipe
continue loading
- plume generation while loading with green pipe
turbidity plume
New parameters :
- recirculation fluid
Comparison turbidity plume dispersion :
Standard overflow
Low turbidity valve
Green pipe
No overflow
Elapsed time : 00:30 05:00 10:00 15:00 min
Comparison dredge techniques :
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
i
ipe
low
Comparison dredge techniques
100
0:00:00 0:05:00 0:10:00 0:15:00 0:20:00 0:25:00 0:30:00 0:35:00 0:40:00 0:45:00
Time elapsed si nce plume generation
R
e
l
a
t
i
v
e

p
l
u
m
e

Standard
Env ronmental valve
Green p
No overf
Background turbidity :
HW - 4:00
HW - 3:00
HW - 2:00
HW - 1:00
HW
HW + 1:00
HW + 2:00
HW + 3:00
)
0
200
400
600
800
(
le
l val
Wi low
Zeebrugge - CDNB
Importance of turbi dity, generated by dredging activi ties
compared to background turbidity,
near the dredge plume (75 m wide water column
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00
Time HW = 12:00 / dredgi ng = 12:00)
A
v
e
r
a
g
e

t
u
r
b
i
d
i
t
y

(
m
g
/
l
)

Background CDNB
Standard cyc
Environmenta ve
Green pipe
thout overf
Conclusions :
Plume generation relative to the plume generated during the dredge
cycle with standard overflow :
- low turbitiy valve : 41 %
- green pipe : 21 %
- without overflow : 13 %
Application of alternative dredging techniques is not relevant if the
additional turbidity generated during the dredging works is only
a fraction of the background turbidity .
Turbidity plume generated during dredging
operations with LTD Dirk Martens
Performance evaluation aspects :
- Generated turbidity
- Secondary sources
- Background turbidity
Generated turbidity :
Turbidity increase :
- 100 m from dredge location : average 16 mg/l - maximum 43 mg/l
- 150 m from dredge location : average 11 mg/l - maximum 31 mg/l
- 200 m from dredge location : average 6 mg/l - maximum 23 mg/l
Secondary sources :
The turbidity increase caused by a manoeuvring vessel
easily exceeds 150 mg/l.
Background turbidity :
10 - 50 mg/l during periods with
low current speeds (< 0.1 m/s)
70 - 150 mg/l during periods with
higher current speeds (0.1 - 0.3 m/s)
Conclusions :
With this dredging technique the amount of particles brought into suspension
during the actual dredging has been reduced to such a level that, especially in
shallow areas, secondary sources and background variations generate more
turbidity then the dredgehead.
Appendix D
Workshop Details
Appendix D1 - Invite Letter To Attendees
Appendix D2 - List of Attendees
Appendix D3 - Workshop Agenda
Appendix D4 - Powerpoint Presentation Given At
The Beginning Of The Workshop
(See Enclosed CD)
Appendix D5 - Meeting Summary Notes
By Jim Clausner, USACE
Appendix
Appendix D1
Invite Letter
To Attendees
Appendix
Baird
W.F. Baird & Associates Ltd.
March 22, 2004
2981 Yarmouth Greenway
Madison, WI 53711
Telephone: 608-273-0592
Fax: 608-273-2010
Re: MMS Contract 0103CT71516, Review of Existing & Emerging Environmentally
Friendly Offshore Dredging Technologies
Dear Sir/Madam:
You are hereby invited to attend a workshop on the above noted project sponsored by
MMS. Most of you will have already been informed of the workshop by Barry Drucker
at MMS. The workshop will be held at the Days Hotel and Conference Center in
Herndon, Virginia. We are planning sessions for the morning and afternoon of Thursday,
April 1
st
and the morning of Friday, April 2
nd
. We will have time on Friday afternoon for
further discussion if issues develop that need additional time. The hotel has set aside
rooms for those attending from out of town. Reservations can be made by calling the
hotel at 703-471-6700 and referencing the Baird conference. These reservations must be
made by March 25
th
to take advantage of the conference rate ($109.00/day). The Hotel
offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle from Washington Dulles Airport.
Attached is a brief outline of the study with a tentative Workshop Agenda. We intend a
full discussion on all agenda items but mostly focusing on Item 6, Item 7 and Item 8.
We look forward to your participation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
W.F. Baird & Associates Ltd.
Rob Nairn, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Principal
File No. 10687
Innovation, Excellence & Service
Oceans, Lakes & Rivers
Appendix D2
List of
Attendees
Appendix
Name Affiliation Telephone Email
Barry Drucker MMS 703-787-1296 barry.drucker@mms.gov
Chris Spaur USACE 410-962-6134 christopher.c.spaur@usace.army.mil
Tony Giordano MMS 703-787-1283 anthony.giordano@mms.gov
Will Waskes MMS 703-787-1287 will.waskes@mms.gov
Bill Hanson GLDD 630-574-3469 whhanson@gldd.com
Bill Pagendarm GLDD 630-574-2990 wfpagendarm@gldd.com
Nick Bray Dredging Research, Ltd. 011 44 1483 860 731 nickbray@drl.com
Jim Clausner USACE/ERDC 601-634-2009 James.E.Clausner@erde.usace.army.mil
Doug Clarke USACE/ERDC 601-634-3770 Douglas.G.Clarke@erdc.usace.army.mil
Shawn Alam MMS 703-787-1690 Shawn.Alam@mms.gov
Maureen Bornholdt MMS 703-787-1300 maureen.bornholdt@mms.gov
Keith Good MMS 703-787-1052 keith.good@mms.gov
Roger Amato MMS 703-787-1282 roger.amato@mms.gov
Ancil Taylor Bean Stuyvesant 504-587-8600 ataylor@efbean.com
Rob Nairn Baird & Associates 905-845-5385 rnairn@baird.com
Tim Kenny Baird & Associates 608-273-0592 tkenny@baird.com
Jacqui Michel Research Planning, Inc. (803) 256-7322 x 329 jmichel@researchplanning.com
Appendix D3
Workshop Agenda
Appendix
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Review of Existing and Emerging Environmentally
Friendly Offshore Dredging Technologies
April 1
st
and 2
nd
, 2004
Sponsored by Minerals Management Service, US Dept of the Interior
W.F. Baird & Associates has been retained by the U.S. Department of the Interior,
Minerals Management Service (MMS) to conduct studies relative to the mining of sand
for beach nourishment and construction aggregates. The borrow areas are located on the
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) under Federal jurisdiction.
The United States Government, and specifically, the MMS, a bureau within the U.S.
Department of the Interior, has jurisdiction over all mineral resources on the Federal
OCS. The MMS has the authority to convey, on a noncompetitive basis, the rights to
OCS sand, gravel, or shell resources for shore protection, beach or wetlands restoration
projects, or for use in construction projects funded in whole or part or authorized by the
Federal Government. MMS has provided Federal sand for beach nourishment projects in
New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana.
Offshore sand-dredging for beach nourishment projects employ hydraulic dredges almost
exclusively and are normally either cutterhead or hopper dredges. The process may result
in adverse effects on various components of the marine or coastal environment.
The offshore-dredging industry is constantly changing as the industry strives to make
operations more efficient. New advances in offshore-dredging technology are leading to
more environmentally-sensitive offshore operations. Researchers are actively increasing
the knowledge base relative to physical processes involved in dredging procedures.
Physical and mathematical modeling of these processes is being conducted with the aim
to reduce the negative environmental aspects (biological and physical) associated with
the offshore removal of sand. New dredging technologies being used overseas are
contemplated for work on the OCS.
As the Federal agency responsible for regulation of OCS sand resources, the MMS must
ensure that sand and gravel dredging operations conducted under its jurisdiction are
conducted in a safe and environmentally-sound manner. This may, in some instances,
entail the required use of particular dredging equipment or techniques. Thus, MMS must
have sound knowledge of the most current dredging technologies available.
The objective of the study is to review and analyze dredging equipment and projects on a
worldwide basis to identify both existing and emerging dredging technologies that aim to
lessen or avoid potential adverse effects on the offshore biological and physical
environment.
Contacts were made with Federal and State natural resources agency staff and others
involved in research on the impacts of dredging, studies of the life history of special
species of concern, and permit approvals to determine the direct and indirect impacts that
are of greatest concern for dredging operations in the OCS. Recent MMS-sponsored
reports and environmental assessments on dredging impacts in the OCS were also
reviewed. This identification of the perceived environmental impacts of greatest concern
will be used to evaluate the advances in dredging techniques and equipment to measure
their success in reducing the degree of such impacts.
The prioritized list of perceived concerns from OCS dredging operations on marine
biological and physical resources is shown below.
1. Short-term and cumulative impacts from dredging that lead to loss or reduced
stability of benthic habitats, including recolonization by an altered biological
community. All resource managers raised this concern. The greatest concern
was in known benthic-associated fishery areas, such as the surf clam fishery
off New Jersey and the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. There was less
concern in areas of general biological productivity or dynamic processes, such
as in South Carolina.
2. Injury and death of special species of concern (e.g., Sea Turtles) from being
sucked into the draghead or cutterhead during dredging operations. This
concern was raised by every Federal agency with management responsibility
for T&E species. Most agency staff thought the existing stipulations were
effective, but even a single take was considered a significant impact.
3. Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size, dissolved oxygen,
compaction and organic content) that lead to a reduction in benthic
communities AND suitability of the area for future dredging. This concern
was identified in South Carolina where 3- to 40 meters of sediment was
removed. The depressions persisted for many years and filled with fine-
grained sediments.
4. Changes in bathymetry that can alter the wave climate reaching the shore. The
importance of this concern varied by region. Where the OCS sand bodies were
close to shore and/or shallow enough to influence the wave climate, there was
high concern regarding the potential for increased shoreline erosion. The
orientation, depth, and shape of the sand body and borrow areas should be
considered in evaluating the impact of dredging on wave climate.
5. Damage to hardbottom habitats: physical damage during dredging; burial by
suspended sediment during dredging; and altered sediment processes that
could bury hardbottom. This issue was of concern when dredging smaller sand
bodies in between hardbottom habitat, even though these areas are supposed
to be avoided.
6. Creation of depressions and furrows from removal of substrate. Though MMS
has a no pits stipulation, there was still concern that furrows might interfere
with bottom fishing. At least one responder thought that the furrows acted as
recruitment sources, supporting the idea of leaving strips of undredged areas.
7. Short-term increased turbidity from cutterhead or draghead and overflow from
hoppers on benthic species. Most responders assumed that OCS dredging
occurred in sandy substrates, thus turbidity would be short-term and animals
would avoid turbid areas. However, turbidity might be more of a concern in
areas where a fine-grained overburden has to be removed to access the coarser
sediment. This impact could also include burial by sedimentation from fallout
of the plume.
8. Spatial and seasonal conflicts between dredging and commercial and
recreational fisheries.
9. Potential to break an active or abandoned pipeline, resulting in a release of
petroleum.
10. Collisions with marine mammals and Sea Turtles during vessel operations.
11. Damage to archaeological resources.
Our current study is focused on Atlantic and Gulf Coast sand borrow sites. The sites
range from 5 kilometers to 20 kilometers offshore. The water depth at these sites varies
from 5 meters to 25 meters deep. The material to be dredged for borrow is assumed to be
sand with an average grain-size of 0.30 mm and less than 10% passing the 200 sieve. As
a part of this study, we are reviewing the current scientific data to determine which of the
perceived concerns enumerated above are real and need to be addressed.
We have distributed a survey to the Dredging Contractors in the United States and
Europe, who mine sand from offshore borrow sites for aggregates and beach
renourishment. We have also sent the survey to the Corps of Engineers Hopper Dredge
Operations in Portland. The questions for the survey were based on the information
developed during the literature review portion of the study. There are twenty-three
questions in the survey meant to elicit comments relative to the perceived impacts
enumerated above. The questions fall into the broad categories of plume related impacts,
impacts to benthic habitats, dredge/marine mammal collisions and related questions.
Please see attached list of questions. We anticipate receiving comments from the
Contractors and Corps within the next week. Once the comments are received they will
be summarized in preparation for the Workshop.
The Workshop is intended to provide a forum for the interested parties to review the data
and opinions collected to date. It is hoped a discussion of the issues will provide a clear
direction for the remainder of the study. The goal is to provide MMS with
recommendations on the feasibility and performance of existing and emerging dredging
technologies that reduce the adverse environmental impacts of dredging on the Outer
Continental Shelf.
A tentative agenda for the Workshop follows. Once we have reviewed the Contractor
survey results, we will allocate times to the agenda that reflect the relative interest in the
different issues. There will be a full discussion of all agenda items with a focus on Items
6, 7, and 8.
AGENDA
1. Introduce background of the project and objectives
2. Review of Perceived Environmental Impacts of Dredging (US perspective)
3. Summary of Known Impacts Related to Offshore Dredging (US/UK/International
perspective)
4. Current Efforts to Mitigate by Stipulation (US Perspective)
5. Review of Contractors Survey (US, European and Worldwide)
6. Environmentally Friendly Technologies Related to Offshore Dredging (from
Contractors Survey and Literature Survey)
7. Assessment of Effectiveness of New Technology for Offshore Work
8. Recommendations Which technologies are feasible and effective, what is the cost
implication of these, if any. Methods to implement promising technologies.
Appendix D4
Powerpoint Presentation Given
At The Beginning Of The Workshop
(See Enclosed CD)
Appendix
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Review of Existing and Emerging
Environmentally-Friendly Offshore
Dredging Technologies
Workshop to Develop Recommendations
Workshop to Develop Recommendations
April 1, 2004
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Workshop Outline
Workshop Outline
Introduction to project and objectives
Review perceived impacts
Literature survey and questionnaires
Current efforts to mitigate by
stipulation
Appropriateness, effectiveness and
practicality
Recommendations and summary
830 - 915
915 - 1000
1015 - 1130
1130 - 1215 + pm
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Team Members and Workshop
Team Members and Workshop
Participants
Participants
Baird & Associates
Research Planning, Inc.
Dredging Research Ltd
Marine Ecological Surveys
MMS, USACE, dredging contractors and
consultants
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Goals and Objectives
Goals and Objectives
Evaluate dredging equipment and processes on a
worldwide basis to identify existing and
emerging technologies that aim to reduce or
avoid potential adverse impacts on the offshore
biological and physical environment
Develop recommendations for an
implementation strategy for promising
equipment or approaches
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Understanding the Impacts
Understanding the Impacts
UK/Worldwide and US state of
understanding reviews
Real vs. perceived is really a matter of
sensitivity of receptor to impact
Knowledge is rapidly developing on
impacts (mostly through monitoring, also
modeling)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Physical and Biological Environment
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Physical and Biological Impacts
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Environmentally
Environmentally
-
-
Friendly Technologies
Friendly Technologies
Literature surveys (scientific publications,
industry periodicals, etc.) were completed
in US and UK (latter with worldwide
focus)
Two questionnaires were issues, one from
the US (MMS sponsored) and the other
from UK (MIRO sponsored)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Stipulations Current and Future
Stipulations Current and Future
Review existing legislation, stipulations,
guidelines and best practices, US and
overseas
The primary focus of current stipulations
in the US are measures to protect turtles,
mammals, pipelines and arch resources
This project will provide
recommendations to revise, refine, add
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Evaluation of Possible Techniques
Evaluation of Possible Techniques
Appropriateness, effectiveness and practicality
Appropriate: consider sensitivity of the receptor
to impact and relative improvement
Effectiveness: how well does the proposed
measure work?
Practicality: feasibility of implementation, cost
to the dredging process (capital and
maintenance)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Summary and Recommendations
Summary and Recommendations
Matrix of physical and biological impacts
and related environmentally-friendly
approaches
Summary of appropriateness,
effectiveness and practicality of each
Propose guidelines and stipulations
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Purpose of this Workshop
Purpose of this Workshop
Discussion of real vs. perceived issues
Discussion of environmentally-friendly
technologies and approaches
Evaluation of appropriateness,
effectiveness and practicality of existing
and new technologies/approaches
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Framework for Evaluating
Environmental Impacts from OSC Sand
Dredging
action is necessary
Take actions to minimize impacts and speed
recovery
1. KNOW impacts are small or recovery is quick No
2. KNOW impacts are not small or recovery is slow
3. UNCERTAIN if impacts are small or recovery is
quick Take actions, monitor results, revise actions
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
PERCEIVED ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS FROM OCS DREDGING
ON MARINE BIOLOGICAL AND
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 1: Benthic Habitats
Short-term and cumulative impacts from
dredging that lead to reduced biological
productivity of benthic communities
All resource managers raised this concern. The
greatest concern was in known benthic-associated
fishery areas, such as the surf clam fishery off New
Jersey and the shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Mexico.
Less concern in areas of general biological
productivity or dynamic processes.
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 2 : Sea Turtles
Loggerhead - Threatened
Green -
Endangered
Endangered populations in
Florida; others are listed as Threatened
Leatherback -
Endangered
Endangered
Kemps ridley -
Endangered
Endangered
Hawksbill -
Endangered
Endangered
Green
Hawksbill
Leatherback
Kemps ridley
Loggerhead
Kemp's Ridley Kemp's Ridley Hawksbill Hawksbill Loggerhead Loggerhead Green Green Leatherback Leatherback
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 2 Turtles: Documentation
Galveston
New Orleans 39 (most in MR-GO)
Mobile 0 (only required observers
and screening in 2002)
Jacksonville 6
documented takes = 50% of actual
Sea Turtle Takes 1995-2003 (Channel Dredging)
31
NMFS: even with observers/deflectors/relocation,
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 2 Turtles: Documentation
Bouge Bank, NC 5 12/01-04/02
1 2003
Myrtle Beach, SC 11 1997-99
Canaveral Shoals 1 2001
None reported in the Gulf of Mexico
Sea Turtle Takes from Sand Dredging
Bouge Bank, NC
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 3: Changes in Substrate
Characteristics
Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size,
dissolved oxygen, compaction and organic content) that
lead to a reduction in benthic communities and
suitability of the area for future dredging.
This concern was identified in South Carolina
where 3-4 meters of sediment were removed. The
depressions persisted for many years and filled
with fine-grained sediments (van Dolah study).
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 4: Bathymetry Changes
Changes in bathymetry that can alter the wave
climate reaching the shore.
The importance of this concern varied by region.
Where the OCS sand bodies were close to shore
and/or shallow enough to influence the wave
climate, there was high concern about the potential
for increased shoreline erosion.
Modeling studies have been used to predict
impacts; need to determine what changes are
significant
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 5: Hardbottom Habitats
Damage to hardbottom habitats: Physical damage to
during dredging; burial by suspended sediment during
dredging; and altered sediment processes that could bury
hardbottom.

Highest along the Florida coast

OCS sand borrow sites

Of concern when dredging sand in hardbottom habitat
Growing awareness that hardbottom habitats are also
common along the mid-Atlantic coast, though not likely in
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 6: Depressions and Furrows
Creation of depressions and furrows from
removal of substrate that might interfere with
bottom fisheries
Rate of infilling by sedimentation or
slumping of the sides will be site-specific
No existing data on whether fisheries have
actually been impacted
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 7: Turbidity
Short-term increased turbidity from cutterhead
or draghead and overflow from hoppers on
benthic species.
Assume that OCS dredging occurs in sandy
substrates, thus turbidity is short-term/avoidable.
May be of concern where a fine-grained
overburden has to be removed
Extensive studies of sand and gravel sites in the
UK
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Hopper
Dredge
Plume
Dynamics
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Far Field Plume Impacts
Far Field Plume Impacts
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Race Bank is 6.5 km from Area 107 Dredge Site
mg/l elevation 7% of time 50 - 150
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Evidence of a Turbidity Current
Evidence of a Turbidity Current
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
MMS Plume Model
MMS Plume Model
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
MMS Plume Model
MMS Plume Model
- Baird RPI DRL MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Plume Model Output
Plume Model Output
Current Direction
Accum. (m)
Boundary of
Borrow Area
Direction of Dredging Operation
Sediment Footprint Outside of Borrow Boundary
0 100 200 300m
Scale
10m Grid
Spacing
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Turbidity
Turbidity

Quantity vs. Dispersion

Quantity vs. Dispersion
Total amount of overflow
Extent of dispersion
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Turbidity and Sedimentation Impacts
Turbidity and Sedimentation Impacts
Conundrum
Conundrum
Reduce dispersion - increase potential for
dynamic plume and pancaking/turbidity
current far field influence
Increase dispersion - larger plume
sedimentation is thinner, wider
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Spatial and seasonal conflicts between dredging
and commercial and recreational fisheries
No data on degree of significance
Could be prevented by coordination with
fisheries groups and notifications during
dredging
Impact # 8: Dredging - Fishing
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 9: Structural Damage
to O & G
Potential to cause structural damage to oil and
gas infrastructure by direct contact, soil de-
stabilization, and erosion
Great concern in the Gulf of Mexico
Planned MMS study to address this concern
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 10: Mammal/Turtle
Collisions
Collisions with marine mammals and sea turtles
during vessel operations
Existing stipulations include (probably adequate):
If operating in areas of known whale occurrences,
observers are required. If whales are observed,
avoid intentional approaches within 100 yd (500 yd
right whales) and slow speeds to less than 4 knots.
See stipulations for sea turtles.
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 11: Archaeological
Resources
Damage to archaeological resources
-
-
-
recreational access)
Structural damage from direct contact
Soil de-stabilization leading to exposure, erosion
Burial (not a technical problem, but could reduce
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
OCS Study MMS 2004
OCS Study MMS 2004
-
-
005
005
http://www.mms.
http://www.mms.
gov
gov
/
/
sandandgravel
sandandgravel
/
/
OtherGenericStudies
OtherGenericStudies
.
.
htm
htm
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Archaeological Study
Recommendations
strategy
define the potential archaeological
resource base
and identifying those resources
1. Implement a GIS-based data management
2. Refine and test baseline studies that
3. Require state-of-the-art means of locating
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Archaeological Study
Recommendations
for resource protection, based on:
Uncertainty in the resource location
Accuracy of dredge positioning
Ultimate stable slope
Prevention of full pedestals
4. Develop a scientific basis for buffer zones
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Guideline for Dredging to Prevent
Pedestal Formation
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Archaeological Study
Recommendations
Require DGPS positioning equipment and
tracking software
Require plots of actual dredge tracks and
buffer zones
5. Dredging operations
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MMS
Archaeological Study
Recommendations
(high-potential areas):
Onboard monitor
Random monitoring of sediment pumped onto
beaches
Test the relic landform hypothesis
buffers and slope stability of borrow site
6. Require monitoring during dredging
7. Post-dredging, document effectiveness of
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 12: EFH Impacts
Change in shoal shape that degrades fish habitat
Limited data on potential degree of impact;
greatest concern is cumulative, long-term
impacts
Current MMS study to assess stability of shoals
and potential impacts of dredging
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MMS
Unique Habitats Associated with
Shoals
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MMS
Ridges
and Shoals
Technical
Background
RPI DRL - MES Baird
MMS
Approach
Ridges and Shoals Technical
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MMS
Literature Review
Literature Review
TU Delft, Texas A&M, U Wisconsin,
CISTI, British Library
USACE DOER Program
World Dredging, International Dredging
Review, Terra et Aqua, Dredging and Port
Construction
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MMS
24
i l
l 2000
25
i l
1990 i l
26
i i ine
Fl li 1990 i l
27 i i XXXXXX 1998 l
28
igati i i i l
Law 20000 ional l
29 ? i i i l i ial F 1987 l l
30
Bi l i i ill Pl
1988 ine mi l
31 Fi i i 1987 ine mi l
32
i i i
Wi 2002 i ial
33 x
i i i l
i l li l ill 1990
34 x
l i i l
l i i i 1980
35 si
l i l li
All Ri i ------------
36
37 ?
i l i i i
1993
38 1 i l
i
1988
39 i j i j i 1999
40 1
i l i i
i l li 2000 / i l
41 x
i
2001
i i i i i l
iti l 1 no 8 pg 1
42 3
i l Si l i i i ling
i 2001
i i i i i l
iti l 2 no 6 pg 1
43 3
i l
ions 2001
i i i i i l
iti l 2 no 14 pg 1
44 i i 1994 ial l/Pl l
45 i i 1993 ll i l
46 3 i iendl 1992
47
i
US 1995 l 13 no 2 pg 6
48 i iendl 1997 l
49
i ineeri i ll
i Ki 1994 l
check
Assessment Of Short Term Envronmenta Impacts On Dredging In
A Tropica Estuary
Cbalchand A.N and K.
Rasheed Terra et Aqua number 79
Ocean Wave Attenuat on Due To Soft Seaf oor Sediments
(Personal Interest) Kraft L.M et al Mar ne geotechnology Vo 9 pp 227-242
check/se
nd rob
An Approach To The Phys cs And Model ng Of Submar
ows des Norem et al Mar ne Geotechnology Vo . 9 pp 93-111
check Envronmental Protect on Spurs Dredging Technology Sea technology, Vo 39 no 3 pg 45
Nav on In Mar ne Protected Areas: Nat onal And Internat ona
Spadi F Ocean development and internat aw
Envronmental Cons derat ons To Channe Dredg ng Ghobr Coasta Zone 87 Vo 1 pg 300
check
ologica Effects Of Mar ne Sand Mning And F acement For
Beach Replenishment: Lessons For Other Uses Hurme A.K Mar ning Vo 7 pp 123-136
check sher es Interests And Ocean Mning Scarratt D.J Mar ning Vo 6 pp 141- 147
check
A Process For Sett ng, Managing And Monitor ng Envronmental
ndows For Dredging Projects NRC US Transportat on research board spec report; 262
Engineer ng Des gn And Envronmenta Assessment Of Dredged
Mater al Overf ow From Hydrau cal y F ed Hopper Barges In USACE WES USACE report D-90-4
Ecologica evaluat on of a beach nour shment project at hal andale,
FL, Vo ume I evaluat on of f sh populat ons adjacent to barrow USACE CERC CERC report MR No. 80-1
A Common Sense P an For Prevent on Of Overf ows: App cable To
vers W th Sandy Channels Shaughnessy M ------------------------
Need To Get
Pract ca Cr ter a To Assess Dredging Methods On Envronmental
Aspects Arts T CEDA Dredging days, no 8 pg 1
Modern Dredging Methods And Their Envronmenta Aspects
Van Dr melen N.J and
Loevendine N.J CEDA Dredging days, no 7 pg 1
yes Envronmental Impact Of Water In ect on Dredging Verwei , JF, W nterwerp, JC CEDA Dredging days pg 175
Envronmental Dredging Technology In Cose Cooperat on Wth
Local Partner Sh pyards Pf ug J. and Oh g, F Int Conf Exhibit on on In and water transport and Dredging, no 10, pg 1
Envronmental Impact Assessment Of Dredging Project In The
Yagtze Estuary Zhou Q.Y.
Dredging for prosper ty: Achievng soc al and economc benef ts: Wor d dredging
congress and exhib on / WODA Vo
Numer ca mu at on Of The Sed mentat on Process In A Trai
Suct on Hopper Dredge Van Rhee C
Dredging for prosper ty: Achievng soc al and economc benef ts: Wor d dredging
congress and exhib on / WODA Vo
SSFATE (Suspended Sed ment Fate), A Mode Of Sediment
Movement From Dredging Operat Anderson E etal
Dredging for prosper ty: Achievng soc al and economc benef ts: Wor d dredging
congress and exhib on / WODA Vo
yes One Mans V ew Of Dredg ng Equipment 2020 Greener, G.E. Dredging and dredged mater disposa acement, Vo 1 pg 683
yes Dredging And The Envronment Van Depen H et al Bu et n de PIANC, Vo 167 no 80 pg 29
The Envronment Fr y IHC Cutter ------------- Ports and dredging No. 139 pg 12
yes
Envronmental Dredging: New Techniques From Europe And The
------------- Port Engineering Management, Vo
yes Envronmental Fr y Dredging Techniques In The Netherlands ------------- Port Engineering management, Vo 15, no 2, pg 24
yes
Sedimentat on Eng ng Techniques For Envronmenta y-
Fr endly Dredging rby R Underwater Technology, Vo 20, no 2, pg 16
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i i ll i l i
Mi l i
Title
2 si
i inimi
ing I l
Di l
i
3 ?
; i i i i
i Al i i
4 x
i i i
Ci lori l
l engi i i ildi
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5 x
l I i i
i i
i i
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l i i ldi
l
6
l i ini ial pl i
Mi l l
7 x
i I
l ion lle i l l
8 si
i i ions
i i i ll l i l
9 si
i l l i
l l
i l
( i l Eff i )
10 x i l i Ni i l i
11 x i l Eff ing
12 rob
i i ies
ll i i l I li
13 si
l ipeli i i i
i i l i f / / /
14 x
i l i
Ki i i l
15 qui ining I i i i l
16 si
i i l
ially I i f Fi i i i i l
17 si il i i i l
18 si
i l i i
Hi i i l l
19 i idi
20 x l l I
21 si idi ing; Vi I i
22
f i i i
23 si
ion I i f idi
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Mi i
/
/
/
/
/
/16 ( l
)
Full
Literature Revew - Envronmenta y Fr end y Dredg ng Technology
nera Management Servce 2004
Authors date Source
Proceedings Of The Nat onal Workshop On Methods To M ze
Dredg mpacts On Sea Turt es
ckerson Dena.D & Ne son
Davd A. 1988 USACE report EL-90-5, USAED, Jacksonville FL
Sand Waves Eng neer ng Cons derat ons And Dredging
Techn ques exander Mchael P 1990 USACE report HL-90-17, USACE Wash ngton DC
Benth c Commun ty Response To Dredging Borrow P ts, Panama
ty Beach, F da Saloman Car H et al 1982
USACE report MR 82-3, Coasta neer ng research center K ngman bu ng,
Fort Be voir, VA 22060
The Ecologica mpact Of Beach Nour shment W th Dredged
Mater als On The Intert dal Zone At Bouge Banks, NC
Franc s J Reilly and V ncent
J Be 1983
USACE report MR 83-3 , Coasta engineer ng research center K ngman bui ng,
Fort Be voir, VA 22060
beach
Ty ers beach, V rg a, dredged mater ume monitor ng project
27 Sep to 4 Oct 1991 chel e M Thevenot et a 1992 USACE report DRP-92-7, WES
Seasonal Restrict ons On Dredging: An Approach Toward ssue
Reso ut Mark W La Sa 1992 USACE report D-92-1, Envronmenta aboratory W ES
A Framework For Assess ng The Need For Seasonal Restr ct
On Dredg ng And Dsposal Operat ons Mark W La Sa e et a 1991 USACE report D-91-1, Envronmenta Laboratory WES and New England district
Effect veness Of Sea Turt e Def ect ng Hopper Dredge Draghead In
Port Canavera Entrance Channe , FL
Davd A Ne son and
Deborah J. Shafer 1996 USACE report D-96-3, WES EEDP Envronmenta ects of Dredg ng Programs
Effects Of Dredging And Dsposa On Aquat c Organisms na D Hrsch et a 1978 USACE report DS-78-5, US Army Wash ngton DC
Envronmenta ects Of Dredg ---------------------- 1983 ---------------------
Patterns Of Success on In Benth c Infaunal Communit
Fo owng Dredg ng And Dredged Materia Disposal n Monterey John S O ver 1977 USACE D-77-27
Natura Gas P ne Rupture And F re Dur ng Dredging Of Tger
Pass, Louis ana NTSB 1996 Nat ona Transportat on Sa ety board report NSTB PAR-98 01 SUM
The Mar ne San And Grave Dredging Industry Of The Un ted
ngdom Uren M.J 1988 Mar ne mning, Vo 7 pp 69-88
ck Seabed Sand M n Japan Tsurusak K. et al 1988 Mar ne mning, Vo 7 pp 49-67
Effects Of Mar ne Mning Dredge Spoi s On Eggs And Larvae Of A
Commerc mportant Spec es O sh, The Mah mahi Jok el P.L 1989 Mar ne mning, Vo 8 pp 303-315
The Red Sea P ot Project: Lessons For Future Ocean Mning Amann H. 1989 Mar ne Mning, Vo 8 pp 1-22
Liquefact on In The Coasta Envronment: An Analys s Of Case
stor es Chaney R C 1991 Mar ne Geotechno ogy Vo 10 pp 343-370
check Impact on the Envronment of turb ty caused by dredging
Pennekamp J G S and M.P
Quaak 1990 Terra et Aqua Number 42
Assessment Of Offshore Sand And Grave For Dredging Se by and Ooms K 1996 Terra et aqua Number 64
Turb ty Caused By Dredg ewed n Perspect ve Pennekamp J G S et al 1996 Terra et Aqua number 64
rob has
Effects O Dredg ng And Dump ng On The Marine Envronment Of
Hong Kong Evans N. C. 1994 Terra et Aqua number 57
Dispers n The Marine Envronment O Turb ty Generated
Overf Bonetto E 1995 Terra et Aqua number 58
crpph sche status
AD-A218 990 Abs
Abs
D103.42 8:82-3 Abs
Abs
D103.24 2:DRP-92-7 Abs
D103-24 2; D-92-1 Abs
D103.24 2:D-91 Abs
D103.24 4:D-96-3 Abs
D103.24 stacks 3rd f oor
Wendt
MMS
50 x Marine Aggregate Dredging In The UK: A Review Singleton G.H. 2001 Underwater technology, vol 25, no1 pg 3
51 3 Assessment Of The Impact On Seafloor Features In INDEX Area Sharma R 2000 Marine Georesources and Geotechnology, Vol 18, no 3 pg 237
52 x Protecting Manatees During Blasting Roeder D.A 1984 World dredging, Vol 20, No. 6 pg 20
53 yes Overview Of Dredging International's Environmental Operations 1995 World dredging mining and construction, Vol 31 no. 8 pg 8
Innovations In Dredging Technology: Equipment, Operations, And Proc. Western dredging association Twentieth Technical conferenceTexas
54 yes Management Francisques, NR et al 2000 A&M dredging seminar pg 3
Proc. Oresund Link Dredging and Reclamation Conference: Challenges, solutions
55 3 Reflections Made By The Dredging Industry Boer, P 1999 and lessons on environmental control, project management, construction
WODCON: World Dredging Congress on Dredging into the 21st Century/ WEDA,
56 yes The Future Challenges Of Environmental Dredging Romagnoli, R et al 1998 Vol 2 pg 651
Generation And Decay Of Sediment Plumes From Sand Dredging
57 yes Overflow Ooms, K and Postma , GM 1995 World dredging congress Vol 2 pg 877
58 yes Environmental Effects Of Dredging, The United States Experience Herbich J.B. 1985 Dock and harbour authority, Vol 66 no 771 pg 55
Investigation Of Benthic And Surface Plumes Associated With Hitchcock D.R and Drucker
59 yes Marine Aggregates Mining In The UK
Automated inspection tool "silent inspector" undergoes field
B.R. 1996 Oceanology International Vol 2 pg 221
60 testing James Rosati 1999 Dredging research Vol2 No1
Inovations in dredging technology: Equipment, Operations and McLellan N.T and Hopman
61 management R.J. 2000 USACE ERDC TR-DOER-5
Environmental aspects of dredging, Machines Methods and
62 Mitigation 1998 IADC /CEDA
63 yes Bibliography of Selected References to US Marine Sand & Gravel S. Jeffress Williams 2003 U.S. Geological Survey
Sand Transport and Morphology of Offshore Sand Mining SAND
64 yes PIT Jun-01
National Practices and Regulation in the Extraction of Sand &
65 yes Gravel
Research Brief: Environmebtal Effects of Near Shore Placement of
66 yes Dredged Material D.G. Clarke et al Nov-01 U.S. ERDC
A Process For Setting, Managing And Monitoring Environmental
67 yes Windows For Dredging Projects
Review of current state of knowledge of the impacts of marine
68 aggregate extraction - a U.K. perspective Boyd,S.E. et al. Feb. 2002 EMSAGG Conference Feb. 2003 Delft University
Assessing the impact of sand extraction on shore stability: project
69 for a methodological framework Cayocca, F. Feb. 2002 EMSAGG Conference Feb. 2003 Delft University
Aspects of sediment disturbance associated with Marine
70 Aggregate Dredging Hitchcock D.R 1997 University of Wales
71 Legislative and environmental development in the Netherlands Stolk, A Feb. 2002 EMSAGG Conference Feb. 2003 Delft University
72 Section 5 & 6 MIRO Recommendation for Best Practice From Nick Bray Minerals Industry Research Organization
73 Research on Hopper settlement using large-scale modeling S.C. Ooijens, et al MTI Holland
74 Hopper Overflow System Training Institute for Dredging
Baird RPI DRL - MES
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MMS
Approaches
Hopper settlement and overflow (design
modifications)

monitoring (Mineral Industry Research

Organization)
Innovations in dredging equipment -
technology
Literature Review Technologies and
Draft Best Practices mitigation and
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Approaches
Machines, Methods and Mitigation
Endangered Species Biological Opinion 7

Literature Review Technologies and

SANDPIT EC research initiative
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
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MMS
Draghead with turtle deflector
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MMS
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
Two questionnaires MIRO and MMS
sponsored
Bean, Great Lakes, Manson, Weeks,
USACE (Portland District), Westminster
(Boskalis), Dredging International, van
Oord, Jan de Nul, Rhode Nielsen,
BMAPA
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Questions To Dredging Contractors and
Responses
Plume Related Impacts
Much of the perceived concerns were due to
the plume resulting from hopper overflow
and the bottom agitation at the draghead.
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
hopper while digging sandy, low-silt
content material, assuming a 10 km
sailing distance to pump ashore?
All sediment below 200 sieve (0.07 mm)
is not retained, some losses 0.07 to 0.2
mm depending on loading rate and hopper
design (our estimates: 7 to 17% overflow)
Plume Related Impacts
1. What percent of material overflows the
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
2. Can a hopper dredge mine sand from
below a 1 m silt overburden without
removing the overburden? Does this
result in significantly increased material
overflow and consequently an increase
in turbidity?
Depends on the density of the overlying
silt
Plume Related Impacts
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
3. In mining sand with a low-silt content,
with a turbidity requirement not to
(about 50 mg/l) above
background, is it necessary to take
special measures to meet this maximum
turbidity requirement?
Depends on silt content and where it is
measured (among other factors
influencing overflow)
Not generally used by MMS
Plume Related Impacts
exceed 29 NTUs
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MMS
4. What measures do you employ to
minimize turbidity?
Turbidity in offshore borrow areas has
not been a problem (borrow areas
generally feature clean sand)
Plume Related Impacts
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MMS
5. If you use measures such as recycling
there a reduction in dredging production?
Requires dredge refit, would increase
cost, reduce carrying capacity and
increase maintenance
Most recently built dredges (US and
Europe) do not have this feature
Plume Related Impacts
overflow water back to the draghead, is
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
6. Have you completed research on passive
and dynamic plume processes associated
with overflow and is this information
publicly available?
No, but referred to CIRIA publication
C547 and Norfolk USACE and VIMS did
research study at York Spit Channel
Plume Related Impacts
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MMS
7. Do wind, wave, and/or current forces offshore determine
the direction the dredge works? What are the
consequences of dredging perpendicular to the current in
order to influence the shape and dispersion of the dredge
plume? Do you have any data to demonstrate the
direction and rate of deposition of material discharged
by the dredger during dredging operations?
Best when headed into current and/or parallel to wave
direction
Problem with down-current drag arm pushing under the
with turtles
Pre/post dredging surveys (insufficient resolution)
Plume Related Impacts
hull, also need to continually raise drag head problem
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MMS
the most cost effective ways of accomplishing
the reduction? We understand this is a question
of degree. Please explain the consequences.

the extent that would require special measures

If necessary, could reduce overflow by partially
loading (after 10 min of 60 min loading period
Aggregate dredges in UK use lower loading rate
with lower loss rate (longer loading = $$)
Plume Related Impacts
8. Given a mandate to reduce turbidity, what are
Responded turbidity has not been a problem to
1/6 load) US multi-purpose TSHDs
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MMS
be discharged below the hull?
All respondents indicated this was standard
practice in the industry
Plume Related Impacts
9. What are your views on requiring overflow to
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MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
Considerable concern was expressed relative to the
loss of benthic community. Re-colonization rates
are being studied, as are changes in substrate
characteristics such as grain size, dissolved
oxygen, etc. It has been suggested that dredging in
patterns may speed the re-colonization rate by
leaving refuge areas (that have undisturbed
sediment characteristics and undisturbed benthic
communities).
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
10. If there is a stipulation in the specifications that
required that only 70% of a borrow area can be used
and the unused portion cannot be on the boundaries,
what would be the most efficient use of the area?
What is the minimum width cut that a hopper can dig
efficiently? The reason for this proposed stipulation is
area is dredged with intermittent non-dredged areas.
Do you have any comparative data to show whether
dredge site enhances recovery rates compared with
sites where all the surface deposits are removed?
that the benthic community will recolonize faster if the
dredging in strips to leave recolonizing adults in the
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MMS
Ideal borrow area dimensions to leave refuge
areas are (assuming 3,000 cy hopper, distance
drag arms is about 75 ft):

Minimum Lane Width: 250 to 600 ft

These should be considered in determining plan of
borrow area and design of refuge zones
One respondent indicated refuge strips should be
100 m wide at the top
Several referred to the SANDPIT study
Plume Related Impacts
Length: 5000 to 6000 ft (one turn only - preferred)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
caused by dredging including covering by
sediment? If yes, was a buffer or exclusion zone
applied and was it sufficient?
There have been some instances, but real-time
monitoring of turbidity and sedimentation have
reduced impact considerably (DERM)
11. Are you aware of any damage to hard bottoms
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
12. Are your dredges capable of tracking and
you done tracking relative to a buffer zone?
Would you have a problem providing this
information to the regulatory agencies?
All dredges in the US have this capability and
would provide information
recording the position of each draghead? Have
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
a beach project, what does the bottom look
depth?) throughout the area? Are the tracks
parallel or crossing? Can you provide
examples to us of high resolution mapping of
offshore dredging with TSHD?
GLDD provided survey of tracks, typical track
is 10 to 20 ft wide and 3 to 4 ft deep
Bed will naturally smooth with time
13. When offshore sand dredging is completed for
like? Are there draghead tracks, (width and
pre- and post-dredging seabed conditions for
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MMS
Impacts to Benthic Habitats
14. When mining sand off shore, is the dredge
tended by a survey boat?
Yes
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MMS
Sea Turtles
There is an ongoing concern with marine
mammal/dredge collisions and entrainment of Sea
Turtles.
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MMS
Sea Turtles
in a collision with a marine mammal? Do
marine mammals have a tendency to swim
near an operating dredge?
No contact reported with any other mammals
15. Other than turtles, has your dredge ever been
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MMS
Sea Turtles
16.
designed to reduce the probability of entraining sea
turtles? Is this use mandated by the Owner? Does the
have any recommended changes to the design of the
turtle deflector? Do you have any recommendations
on operating techniques to avoid entraining turtles
during offshore dredging operations?
All use Turtle Deflectors, may reduce productivity
(but not a strong opinion), small changes have been
made to address wear & tear
When appropriate, does your dredge use a draghead
use of these dragheads reduce the productivity of the
dredge? Is the modified draghead effective? Do you
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MMS
Sea Turtles
restricting dredging due to the proximity of turtles
have on the overall annual dredging schedule?
Large impact on inshore hopper dredge industry
but not yet an influence on offshore dredging
17. What effect do the seasonal requirements
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MMS
Sea Turtles
is off the bottom? How does it work?
One possibility to redirect flow so it does not
come through draghead or stop flow completely
(more restrictive than the current stipulation)
18. Does you dredge have a system to reduce
pressure/flow at the draghead when the draghead
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MMS
Sea Turtles
turtle takes?
Observers document turtle takes but do not
directly influence reduction of takes
Trawling may be helpful in some circumstances
but does not eliminate risk

turtle abundances in channels

19. How effective are observers and trawling to reduce
ERDC perceived as effective under moderate
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MMS
ground? Has any fisherman or commercial fishing
company complained about any aspect of the dredging
process? Did you modify your operation to
accommodate the fisherman?
There are some problems with fishermen but these can
be addressed through coordination (pre-construction
meeting) and notification
Additional Questions
20. What has been your experience dredging in a fishing
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MMS
insure that the dredge does not damage underwater
pipelines and cables, or archaeological resources?
Structures and buffers show up on navigation displays
(MMS requires infrastructure is accurately located by
the lessee)
Additional Questions
21. What measures do you, the dredge operator, take to
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MMS
zones within the dredge area. This assists management of
seabed and allow maximum time for recovery of seabed
resources.
Does your company have a policy of zoned dredging, and
what are your reasons for dredging policy?

your dredging operations on marine organisms in specific

dredge sites?

biological resources at your sites following cessation of

dredging?
Additional Questions
22. Some operating companies have a policy of dredging
localized zones to exhaustion before moving to further
the resource, but it also helps to minimize occupation of
Do you have any information that documents the impact of
Do you have any information on the rates of recovery of
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MMS
Some companies dredge in lanes
Another responded they follow specifications
If no specification the contractor digs the best
material first
No direct information on recovery
Latest in UK: recently there is conflicting
opinion on whether to dredge low intensity or
thought to be the best approach)
Additional Questions
high intensity (exhaustive historically
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MMS
Sea Turtles
regarding dredging equipment and procedures and
the reduction of adverse impacts on the
environment?
Regulations and guidelines should be based on
scientific need and practicality
One respondent indicated no turtles taken in
50,000,000 cy of offshore dredged sand for beach
nourishment in the last ten years
23. Do you have any comments, general or specific,
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MMS
Low Turbidity Valve
An adjustable valve in the overflow
funnel chokes the flow in such a way
that no air is taken down with the
suspension leaving the hopper.
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MMS
Green Pipe
The overflow suspension is pumped
through an additional pipe,
mounted on top of the suction pipe,
back to the suction head where it is
used as process water.
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MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
the hopper is filled up
to the overflow level
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MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
process water flows into
the overflow funnel ...
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MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
to the second dredge
pump ...
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MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
and is pumped through
an additional pipe ...
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MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
back to the suction
head ...
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
where it re-enters the
suction head ...
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
and is re-circulated as
process water ...
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
which enables additional
filling of the hopper ...
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Activating the Green Pipe
with minimal turbidity
generation.
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
The dredging process:
- commencing from an empty hopper
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
- dredged material is pumped into the hopper
turbidity plume
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
) - filling the hopper (loading without overflow
turbidity plume
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
overflow
continue loading
- additional loading with standard overflow
turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
overflow
continue loading
- plume generation while loading with standard overflow
turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
New parameters:
- upward airstream
- propeller impact
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
overflow
continue loading
- additional loading with low turbidity valve
turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
overflow
continue loading
- plume generation while loading with low turbidity valve
turbidity plume
dredge head
turbidity plume
New parameters :
- density stream
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
dredge head and
green pipe
continue loading
- additional loading with green pipe
turbidity plume
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
dredge head and
green pipe
continue loading
- plume generation while loading with green pipe
turbidity plume
New parameters:
- recirculation fluid
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Comparison of turbidity plume dispersion:
Standard overflow
Low turbidity valve
Green pipe
Elapsed time: 00:30 10:00 15:00 min
No overflow
05:00
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Comparison dredge techniques:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
R
e
l
a
t
i
v
e

p
l
u
m
e

i l
flow
Comparison dredge techniques
0:00:00 0:05:00 0:10:00 0:15:00 0:20:00 0:25:00 0:30:00 0:35:00 0:40:00 0:45:00
Time elapsed since plume generation
Standard
Env ronmental va ve
Green pipe
No over
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Background turbidity:
)
0
(
)

l val
Wi low
HW
HW
HW
HW
HW
HW + 1:00
HW + 2:00
HW + 3:00
Zeebrugge - CDNB
Importance of turbidity, generated by dredging activities
compared to background turbidity,
near the dredge plume (75 m wide water column
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00
Time HW = 12:00 / dredging = 12:00)
A
v
e
r
a
g
e

t
u
r
b
i
d
i
t
y

(
m
g
/
l
Background CDNB
Standard cycle
Environmenta ve
Green pipe
thout overf
- 4:00
- 3:00
- 2:00
- 1:00
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Conclusions:
Plume generation relative to the plume generated
during the dredge cycle with standard overflow:
41 %
21 %
13 %

relevant if the additional turbidity generated during the
dredging works is only a fraction of the background
turbidity
- low turbidity valve:
- green pipe:
- without overflow:
Application of alternative dredging techniques is not
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL
EFFORTS TO MITIGATE BY
STIPULATIONS
(US Perspective)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 1: Benthic Habitats
Possible stipulations:
Leave strips of undredged areas to act as
recruitment sources
Refuge areas within dredging site
Exclusion zones to be avoided, identified
during pre-dredging studies
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact #2: Turtles
Existing stipulations include:
who follow specific protocols.
1) when the dredge is not in a pumping operation
and the suction pumps are turned completely off,
2) when the dredge is being re-oriented to the next
dredge line during borrow activities, and
3) the vessels safety is at risk
a. Presence of trained observer(s)50-100% of the time
b. Use of state-of the-art a rigid sea turtle deflector.
c. Keep the draghead on the bottom except:
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact #2: Turtles
Existing stipulations include:
(variable mesh sizes) to better monitor the intake and
overflow of the dredged materials for sea turtles and
their remains.
Screens sample 50-100% of the overflow area and
should be installed at the applicable area.
d. Dredge equipped with inflow screening baskets
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact #2: Turtles
Existing stipulations include:
assess/reduce the potential for incidental take during
dredging.
There are many details on:
e. Assessment/relocation trawling to further
- Trawl tow time
- Trawl speed
- Handling and relocation of captured turtles
- Ancillary data collection for turtle research
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact #2 Turtles
Existing stipulations include:
f. Minimal lighting on dredges and pump out barges
within 3 nm of nesting beaches
between December 1 and March 31, when sea turtle
abundance is lowest throughout Gulf coastal waters
NOTE: no windows for OCS dredging
- to reduce disorientation of females and hatchlings
g. Seasonal windows when dredging is allowed:
- In the GOM, hopper dredging shall be completed
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 3: Changes in Substrate
Characteristics
Changes in the substrate characteristics (grain size,
dissolved oxygen, compaction and organic content) that
lead to a reduction in benthic communities and
suitability of the area for future dredging.
Possible stipulations include:
In sandy substrates, specify maximum dredging
depths
Modeling studies to predict rate of infilling to
acceptable depths
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 5: Hardbottom Habitats
Damage to hardbottom habitats: Physical damage to
during dredging; burial by suspended sediment during
dredging; and altered sediment processes that could bury
hardbottom.
Existing stipulations include:
buffers of 60-120 m (but driven by turbidity
concerns)
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 6: Pits
Creation of depressions and furrows from
removal of substrate.
Existing stipulations include:
To assure that deep pits and furrows are not
created, conduct post-dredging hydrographic
surveys
Slopes are not to exceed 2:1
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 7: Turbidity
Short-term increased turbidity from
cutterhead or draghead and overflow from
hoppers on benthic species
Existing stipulations include:
If monitoring
shall cease immediately and not resume until
corrective measures have been taken and turbidity
has returned to acceptable levels.
Turbidity > 29 NTUs beyond 150 m.
shows turbidity exceedences, dredging activities
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 7: Turbidity
May be more of a perception problem for OSC
sand borrow sites
What is the footprint for sand overflow plumes?
There are mitigation measures to reduce
overflow but are they necessary for OSC sand
borrow sites?
See data from UK studies
Baird RPI DRL - MES
MMS
Impact # 12: EFH Impacts
Change in shoal shape that degrades fish habitat
Existing stipulations include:
Detailed bathymetric surveys prior to dredging,
immediately following dredging, and 5 years later to
determine the amount of recovery at the site
Surficial sediments be removed from shoal flanks, if
practicable. Avoid shoal crest and adjacent troughs,
which are generally more productive biologically