Jacobs, on behalf of Canaveral Port Authority, contracted ANAMAR to conduct an MPRSA Section 103 evaluation of new work dredge material to determine the suitability of the material for ocean disposal in the Canaveral Harbor ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS). The new work dredging project is in support of the construction of a new cruise terminal at Port Canaveral.
Project Statute
- MPRSA Section 103
Cruise ship passenger volume at Port Canaveral has grown consistently over the last 20 years and as of 2022, Port Canaveral was the largest cruise port by passenger volume in the world. To better support this increasing demand, Port Canaveral plans to construct a new cruise ship terminal (CT4). Jacobs was contracted by Canaveral Port Authority to lead the construction and engineering/design of the project. The dredging work will involve deepening several marine areas and excavating a terrestrial area to a depth of -40’ MLLW to accommodate large cruise ships.
ANAMAR was contracted by Jacobs to lead an MPRSA Section 103 sediment evaluation to determine the suitability of new work material for disposal in the Canaveral Harbor ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS). ANAMAR designed the sampling and testing approach and prepared a sampling and analysis plan/quality assurance project plan (SAP/QAPP). ANAMAR coordinated closely with Jacobs, CPA, USACE, and EPA during SAP/QAPP review and approval to ensure the sample design would adequately characterize the dredged material.
The field effort for this testing program was complex. ANAMAR coordinated and led two concurrent field operations that included sonic drilling for the terrestrial sample locations and vibracoring for marine sampling sample locations. This project also included sampling the top layer as a separate DMMU (vertical split) due to concerns about prior activities in the area that may have impacted sediment quality. Personnel from local USACE and EPA field offices were present to observe and participate in the sampling activities. The field teams completed sampling in three days despite record-breaking heat. Completion of field work ahead of schedule resulted in significant cost savings for the client. Samples were homogenized, composited, and shipped to several labs to undergo chemical, physical, and toxicological testing.
ANAMAR completed QA review of all lab data deliverables and kept the client and the agencies updated on project status. The final sediment evaluation report and accompanying sediment testing report were submitted to EPA and USACE on schedule. The proposed dredge material was determined to be suitable for ocean disposal and received EPA concurrence on July 17, 2025.
