HD16 - Beneficial Uses of Dredged Materials in Hampton Roads, Virginia

  • Published: 1993
  • Author: Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 150 (Regular Session, 1992)

Executive Summary:
Pursuant to the request advanced in House Joint Resolution No. 150 by the 1992 General Assembly, this report addresses beneficial uses of dredged material associated with the deepening of navigation channels in Hampton Roads Harbor and subsequent project maintenance. Particular focus is placed on material derived from channels in the Inner Harbor, that portion of the waterway system west of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. However, issues associated with long-term disposal of dredged materials must be viewed in the context of the entire Norfolk Harbor and Channels project, particularly as they relate to placement of material at ocean sites and the need for contained sites to accommodate materials unsuitable for ocean disposal. Moreover, issues associated with maintenance of navigation channels extend throughout the Commonwealth and the general issue of placement of dredged material must be viewed as a perpetual challenge.

The Corps of Engineers defines beneficial uses of dredged material as, "All productive and positive uses of dredged material, which cover broad use categories ranging from fish and wildlife habitat development, to human recreation, to industrial/commercial uses". Examples include:

• Beach nourishment, shoreline stabilization and erosion control,
• Habitat development or manipulation for aquatic and upland biota,
• Various reclamation projects such as port and industrial development.

Indeed, a review of past disposal activities in Virginia would provide illustrations of the above examples. Moreover, it is Commonwealth policy that priority consideration should be given to use of suitable dredged materials (sand) for nourishment of beaches (Code of Virginia, 10.1-704).

In keeping with the understood legislative intent, this report considers a more restrictive definition of beneficial uses of dredged material. In addition to beach nourishment, focus is placed on those uses from which benefits may accrue to living marine resources. Thus, particular attention is given to habitat development and manipulation.