Beneficially Using Dredge Material

Comments on the Process From Someone Who’s Been There

ByMichael Rezsutek, Ph.D.

Wetlands and Waterfowl SpecialistTexas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

TPWD’s Experiences

• Four large-scale restorations– Tom Jackson Marsh (USACE-TPWD effort in

Bessie Heights Marsh)– Chevron Restoration Site (not BU)– Port of Orange– Golden Pass LNG

• Planning for a fifth– Nelda Stark Unit (Bessie Heights Marsh)

Port of Orange• USACE dredging of channel• Port of Orange as local sponsor• Cooperative effort– TPWD– Port of Orange– Ducks Unlimited– Private landowner

• Restored 500 acres– 300 on public lands– 200 on private lands

Golden Pass LNG• Maintenance dredging of berth• Totals 1,900 acres (±)• Cooperative effort– TPWD– GPLNG– Ducks Unlimited

• On-going partnership

Nelda Stark Unit

• Planning Stage• Goal is to provide space

for small BU projects• Estimated space

available– 1,000 acres (±)– 1-2 million cubic yards

What is Involved?

• Partnerships are paramount– Who needs beneficial use material?– Who has beneficial use material?– What other resources/needs does each have?– How can these parties work together?

What is Involved?

• Planning is key– Availability of sites in need of beneficial use– Habitat features required/desired– Available quantity and quality of BU material– Containment infrastructure

• Is it needed?• Is it available?

– Moving BU material• Is it feasible/cost effective to do so?

What is Involved?

• Permitting– Applicant for CWA Section 404 Permit• Landowner?• Dock Owner (as part of dredging permit)?

– Other permits, agreements or clearances– Active period of permit• One time only• Multiple dredging cycles

How to be successful at BU

• Don’t be just a customer– Walk up to the counter– Just a place to put material– Doing it just to appease the agencies– Walk away when dredging is done

• Be a Partner– Take ownership of the project– Take an active role in ensuring success

• Form a community

How to be successful at BU

• Be involved from start past finish– Active in planning and design– Assist in permitting– Monitor/oversee placement during dredging– Assist with planting efforts– Assist with post-placement monitoring

How to be successful at BU

• Approach this as habitat restoration– Assist with oversight of placement– Make reaching habitat conditions part of

dredging contract– Share the credit, or the blame, for the project– Blow your own horn about the project– Be prepared to pay a bit more

Questions?