Dredging Support Services/Sediment Evaluations

Maintenance dredging is conducted regularly by USACE and private entities such as port authorities to keep navigation channels and turning basins accessible to shipping traffic. New work dredging is often associated with harbor expansion or deepening projects. The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA) regulates the transportation and disposal of material in the ocean, prohibits ocean disposal of certain wastes without a permit, and prohibits the disposal of certain materials entirely.

Under the authority of Section 103 of the MPRSA, USACE may issue ocean disposal permits for dredged material if EPA concurs with the decision. Dredged material proposed for ocean disposal undergoes an extensive multi-tiered evaluation to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of 40 CFR 227. These evaluations are called Section 103 Sediment Evaluations, and the intent of this tiered approach is to ensure the suitability of dredge material proposed for ocean disposal while using testing resources efficiently. This is achieved by testing the proposed material only as intensely as is necessary to provide sufficient information for determining suitability of material for disposal.

ANAMAR specializes in providing complete "cradle to grave" services related to conducting sediment testing in support of Section 103 Sediment Evaluations for ocean disposal of dredged material as well as Section 404 (Clean Water Act) Evaluation for upland disposal of dredged material. As specialists, we have spent significant resources (time, money, hours) keeping current with the newest technologies and regulations and purchasing custom equipment for projects to improve sample collection success and efficiency. At ANAMAR, we are well aware there is a difference between just sampling and understanding the reasons for and the goals of the sampling.

Our staff's fundamental understanding of environmental chemistry and toxicology as it relates to sample collection and analysis has helped ANAMAR establish itself in the dredging industry. We are also known for our ability to get difficult work done properly, safely, efficiently, and on short notice. ANAMAR uses its knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, engineering, hydrology, geology, and ecology to review historical data before beginning sampling activities. This added value has greatly benefitted our clients when developing sampling and analysis plans for their projects.

Our dredging support services include:

• Preparation of Sampling and Analysis Plans/Quality Assurance Project Plans (SAP/QAPPs)
• Planning and execution of sampling operations
• Facilitating coordination with appropriate regulatory agencies
• Data QA/QC, validation, compilation, and statistical analysis
• ADDAMS modeling
• Final report deliverables