The role of agencies, scientists, and the public in planning dredged-sediment disposal

Alternative disposal strategies could facilitate the handling of harbor sediments for port development but advancements in the technology has been exceeding advancements in planning for such options. In an attempt to expedite the implementation of alternatives the NY District Army Corps of Engineers formed a steering committee of those federal and state agencies with jurisdiction in NY. One of the alternatives they studied was the subaqueous burial of dredged sediment. A demonstration project was developed in 10 months from a scientific study that was reviewed every 6 weeks by the committee. The project was delayed, however, because of the public response and although it began in December 1981 it has now been interrupted by litigation. The interagency steering committee was a viable mechanism for developing this alternative; the presentation of planning information to the public is as important as the presentation of technical information by scientists to the managers.