Page 34: of Marine News Magazine (June 2023)

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Feature

Dredging

USACE

USACE dredging helped to combat historic low water levels on the United States’ inland waterway system in 2022. issues Brogan noted that “contaminants in sediments are BU research, seeking ways to “maximize the value of the generally not as prevalent in our region, as opposed to older dredging program and to better understand and predict industrialized harbors and areas in the East.” sedimentation patterns at Southwest Pass.”

Dave Deegan is with EPA’s public affairs of? ce in New Another research focus is on innovative contracting

England. He too said that “although there has always been methods such as the Regional Dredge Demonstration Proj- an interest in ? nding bene? cial uses for dredged material, ect that allows early award contracts for hopper dredges in there is a renewed focus on this topic in 2023 at both the Southwest Pass and combining contracts that have similar regional and national levels.” BU challenges arise when dredging needs into a single contract. Parker said “this al- there are concurrent multiple, large-volume dredge proj- lows for fewer ‘no bid busts’, a reduced cost per cubic yard, ects, not just with siting but with limited shoreside han- and a more ef? cient process of awarding contracts” (see dling facilities. In addition, Deegan said, dredging in older sidebar on AI and contracting).

port areas raises contamination concerns.

In MVD, Parker said the Division is partnering with SOME PRIVATE SECTOR INSIGHTS

USACE’s Engineer Research & Development Center on Great Lakes Dock and Dredge (GLDD) is the largest 34 | MN June 2023

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