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Questions and Answers for the Record 



Hearing Before House MM&F-OGM&OCS on 30 March 1993 



Ocean Disposal of Contaminated Dredge Material 



Question from Mr. Weldon - You also mention in your testimony 

 that research has been conducted to classify sediments according 

 to contamination potential and also used to regulate dredged 

 material disposal in both a cost-effective and environmentally 

 responsive manner. Could you expand on this research? 



ANSWER Mr. Rees: Corps sponsored research in the 1970' s 

 emphasized basic understanding of the physical, chemical and 

 biological characteristics of dredged material, both contaminated 

 and uncontaminated. The tests developed were the first 

 generation approaches used by the Corps and EPA in classifying 

 and regulating sediments according to contamination potential. 



Research in the 1980' s focused on contaminated sediments and 

 produced field verified second generation sediment classification 

 procedures jointly with the EPA. It also dealt with improving 

 procedures for the design and management of confined disposal 

 areas, particularly for controlling contaminated sediments. The 

 key to the 1980' s research was the effects based approach jointly 

 developed with EPA for sediment classification for pollution 

 potential. The effects based approach can be used to identify 

 those sediments that require special handling or treatment, level 

 of special handling or treatment required, and assist in 

 determining the best possible disposal alternative. The process 

 allows for both cost-effective and environmentally responsible 

 assessment of dredged material and disposal needs. 



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