UPDATES IN ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSAL OF DREDGED MATERIAL

摘要

With the decreased availability of upland sites for dredged material disposal and the need for evaluating open-water disposal options, it is important to develop a clear understanding of the regulatory requirements for dredged material management.Ocean disposal of dredged material is regulated under Title I of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Ocean dumping regulations are clearly stated under CFR Section 40. Similarly, the discharge of dredged material in inland waters, near coastal waters, and surrounding environs is regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).Historically, two guidance documents, Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Discharge in Waters of the U.S. (Inland Testing Manual) (USEPA/USACE 1998) and Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal (Green Book) (USEPA/USACE 1991) have been used for technical and regulatory guidance for the evaluation of dredged material. These documents describe relevant requirements for chemical, physical, and biological evaluations of dredged material proposed for ocean disposal and technical guidance for determining the potential for contaminant-related impacts associated with the discharge of dredged material.USEPA and USACE are currently collaborating on a manual, The Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Disposal under MPRSA Section 103 (Ocean Disposal) or CWA Section 404 (Inland Disposal), herein referred to as the Integrated GBATM Manual, intended to combine technical guidance for evaluating dredged material placed in open-water as previously provided in the two guidance documents.The technical guidance provided in the new manual is intended for use by USACE, USEPA, regulatory personnel, permit applicants, and testing laboratories involved in dredged material evaluations and management. The manual will provide a consistent national guidance that offers the most recent scientific and technical approaches that can be used to make risk-based decisions regarding the potential for contaminants in dredged material.