Dredge Material

There are a number of open sites routinely used for dredge disposal. Further sites are either closed (not having been used for at least 10 years) or disused (not having been used for at least five years). Sea disposal sites are selected based on a number of criteria including their location in relation to amenities and other uses of the sea in the area, economic and operational feasibility and physical, chemical and biological characteristics.

The aim is to minimise seabed disposal and seek alternative, beneficial use by conducting a Best Practicable Environmental Option ( BPEO) assessment and considering practicable alternative options before granting a licence. Dredged material may be re-used for land reclamation or beach nourishment where it is uncontaminated and physically suitable. Biologically inert or natural materials may also be considered for disposal.  Disposal at sea of fish waste (from land based processing) has historically been permitted under licence. Few licences for this activity have been granted and none have been issued in recent years.

Dredged material is assessed for contaminants before disposal to reduce environmental impacts. In general, dredged material with contaminant levels below a certain threshold can be disposed of at sea. Above this, but below a higher threshold, may require further consideration and testing before a decision can be made, whilst above the higher threshold there is a presumption against disposal at sea.