M6 PM Fate and Transport of Pollutants from Dredging and Placement
Monday, 14 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in 324-326

(TRA-1117-851911) Remediation Dredging Feasibiliy Study for Philadelphia Naval Business Center Navy Reserve Basin (Philadelphia Shipyard).

Tracey, G¹, Allen, B¹, Poucher, S¹, Barclift, D², Speicher, J², Stillman, M¹, ¹ Science Applications International Corporation, Newport, RI² US Navy Engineering Field Activity Northeast, Lester, PA

ABSTRACT- The Navy is embarking on a large (up to 600,000 cy) dredging project to deepen PNBC Reserve Basin for navigation dredging and sediment remediation purposes. In the present study, a three phased approach was implemented to collect and evaluate a wide range of information for purposes of supporting the sediment remediation Feasibility Study. In Phase I, Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) that had been previously developed were further evaluated to ensure that the necessary CoCs and associated concentrations that will be remediated are sufficient and protective of ecological and human health risks. Accordingly, issues regarding pollutant transport, chemical partitioning, bioavailability and regional background concentrations were investigated. In Phase II, questions regarding the long term effectiveness of remediation were investigated including factors such as contaminant source control, hydrodynamics and water quality that may limit the recovery of the system after dredging is complete. Finally, in Phase III, additional information on sediment removal and disposal options was collected in terms of volume, treatability (dewatering and engineering characteristics) and specific removal issues (i.e., sediments near wharfs) which may greatly affect the logistics of the remediation process. A number of key conclusions have been reached on the basis of the individual studies and assessments. Taken together, the results indicate that the proper PRGs have been developed and recontamination after dredging is not likely to occur. The results of these studies as well as the range of potential remedial options under consideration will be presented.

Key words: PRGs for ecological and human health risks, Chemical sources, partitioning, bioavailability, Sediment transport characterization, Balancing navigation and remediation dredging needs