Authors: John Rice & Ben Wachholz | July 18, 2024

Approximately 200 to 300 million cubic yards of sediment are dredged each year by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal interests (USEPA, 2007). Most of this dredging is performed to improve navigation in harbors, channels and rivers, providing economic benefits and recreational opportunities.

Strategically thinking about beneficial use opportunities for sediments is important to local governments, developers, property owners and other stakeholders. However, serious issues and inaccurate perceptions often prevent the beneficial use of sediment. Although this dredged sediment could be a valuable resource, most is placed in confined disposal facilities (CDFs) or dumped in open water.

Given the current activity in the emerging contaminants field, this paper is focused on potential impacts in dredged sediments from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are particularly challenging contaminants because they are widespread, are of a concern even at relatively low levels, are persistent and are resistant to degradation.

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John Rice

John Rice is a consulting engineer and hydrologist working out of TRC’s Madison, Wisconsin office. He has over 26 years of experience in the environment field. John provides technical expertise in surface water and groundwater hydrology, sediment and groundwater remediation. He has designed and overseen the successful construction of sediment remediation systems, including complex dredging and capping alternatives. He has also designed and installed active groundwater and soil remediation systems that include innovative in-situ remedies. John is a leader in the development of new conceptual models for migration of liquid coal tar and of recalcitrant organics from sediment. These efforts have yielded new understanding of risks and appropriate remedies. John was awarded a patent for an innovative approach to facilitate the in-situ degradation of chlorinated organic compounds and has patent applications awarded and pending for improved sediment cap designs. John is active in the advancement of the profession through the presentations and publication of professional articles. Contact John at JRice@TRCcompanies.com.

Ben-Wachholz-2
Ben Wachholz

Ben Wachholz, P.E., is a consulting engineer for TRC in the Madison, WI office. He has over 10 years of engineering experience with over 7 years in the remediation discipline. Ben’s specialties include soil, groundwater, and sediment remediation as well as construction management. Ben can be reached at BWachholz@TRCcompanies.com. .