Confined Disposal Program for Polluted Maintenance Dredging in the Great Lakes

Prior to 1970, the decision of whether open lake disposal or confined disposal would be used for the ultimate disposition of dredged material was based primarily on economic considerations. However, rapid industrial growth in areas adjoining the waterways and resulting pollution raised concerns over the possible adverse effects open lake disposal might have on water quality and lake ecology. In 1970, PL 91-611 authorized the Corps of Engineers to construct, operate, and maintain confined disposal facilities in the Great Lakes where dredged materials were judged to be polluted. This authorization was intended only as an interim measure until the sources of pollution could be controlled. A ten-year period was specified. Seventy-seven out of 129 harbors were judged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to contain sediments unsuitable for open lake disposal.