Contaminated marine sediments threaten ecosystems, marine resources, and human health. They can have major economic impacts when controversies over risks and costs of sediment management interfere with needs to dredge major ports.


Contaminated Sediments in Ports and Waterways examines management and technology issues and provides guidance that will help officials make timely decisions and use technologies effectively. The book includes recommendations with a view toward improving decision making, developing cost-effective technologies, and promoting the successful completion of cleanup projects.


The volume assesses the state of practice and research and development status of both short-term and longer-term remediation methods. The committee provides a conceptual overview for risk-based contaminated sediment management that can be used to develop plans that address complex technological, political, and legal issues and the interests of various stakeholders. The book emphasizes the need for proper assessment of conditions at sediment sites and adequate control of contamination sources.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 The Challenge
2 Making Better Decisions: A Conceptual Management Approach
3 Forces Influencing Decision Making
4 Site-Specific Considerations
5 Interim and Long-Term Technologies and Controls
6 Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
Appendix B: Regulatory Framework for the Management and Remediation of Contaminated Marine Sediments
Appendix C: Case Histories of Representative Remediation Projects
Appendix D: Using Cost-Benefit Analysis in the Management of Contaminated Sediments
Appendix E: Using Decision Analysis in the Management of Contaminated Sediments
Index