Overview of Corps Environmental Effects of Dredging Programs
Author | : C. C Calhoun (Jr) |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 6 |
Release | : 1984 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:228020505 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (05 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: Before the early 1970's, little was known of the environmental effects of dredging and dredged material disposal. As a result, the Congress of the United States recognized that there was no technical or scientific basis for regulating the disposal of dredged material. Consequently, proposed regulations would prove to be excessive and counterproductive. Therefore, the Congress directed the Corps of Engineers (Corps) to conduct a comprehensive research program to develop procedures for determining the environmental consequences of dredged material disposal and to develop new or improved methods of minimizing any adverse effects. The Corps was given the lead responsibility for conducting the research since, in the United States, the Corps is responsible for maintaining over 25,000 miles of waterways and 1000 harbors. In addition, Federal legislation requires the Corps to issue permits to regulate disposal of dredged material in waters of the U.S. The DMRP was conducted by the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES).