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Beneficial Use of Dredged Material: Role of the Federal Standard
Beneficial Use of Dredged Material
Beneficial Use Planning Manual (PDF) (114 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF)
The National Dredging Team (NDT) recognizes that a number of steps need to be taken so that dredged material is used beneficially to the greatest extent possible. The NDT's 2003 Action Agenda, describes a number of recommended actions intended to enhance and facilitate increased beneficial use of dredged material. One recommendation was to develop a national guidance document that explains the role of the Federal Standard in implementing beneficial uses of dredged material from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) navigation projects.
The Role of the Federal Standard (PDF) (16 pp, 206K, About PDF) was developed as a guide for USACE Districts, other federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, and private interest groups. The Federal Standard Paper provides guidance on using dredged material as a resource to achieve environmental and economic benefits and is intended as a companion piece to the Beneficial Use Planning Manual (PDF) (114 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF).
The Federal Standard is defined in USACE regulations as the least costly dredged material disposal or placement alternative (or alternatives) identified by USACE. Disposal or placement must be consistent with sound engineering practices and meet all federal environmental requirements, including those established under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA).
