Dredging activities may focus on removal of contaminated or non-contaminated sediment allowing for port entry of larger vessels or cleaning an impacted riverbed after a discharge. Regardless of the purpose of the dredging, monitoring for turbidity is required to protect water quality. Monitoring occurs in the direct vicinity of the dredging activities and in the surrounding area of anticipated impact. The monitoring activities allow for rapid feedback and real-time data distribution to the dredging operations of any potential issues with re-suspension of sediment affecting water quality of possible migration of contaminants.
The United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) guidelines recommend a comprehensive monitoring plan for implementation prior to initiation of any dredging project. |