Chesapeake Bay Navigation Dredge Report: Understanding the Methods Used in Sediment Placement

The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important waterways in the United States, serving as a vital shipping channel for cargo and passengers. To maintain the navigability of this bay, dredging operations are necessary to remove sediment and debris that can accumulate over time. In this report, we will explore the methods used in sediment placement during navigation dredging projects.

One common method used is hydraulic dredging, which involves creating a slurry of sediment and water through the use of a cutterhead suction dredge. This mixture is then pumped through a pipeline to a designated area where it can settle and fill the basin. Hydraulic dredging has been widely used in the Chesapeake Bay, with records showing that this method was last employed in the northern part of the bay in 1997.

Another method used for sediment placement is the clamshell bucket dredge. This type of dredge scoops up sediments relatively intact and transfers them to waiting scows, which are then towed to a designated area where they can be released onto the bottom. Prior to 2010, this method was also used to dispose of dredged sediments from channels outside of the Port of Baltimore by placing them in open-water sites in the Chesapeake Bay.

Prior to the use of these methods, the Maryland Geological Survey conducted studies on the sediments placed in these open water sites. However, state law banned the practice of open water placement in 2010, and as a result, this method is no longer utilized. Today, routine dredging of the shipping channels is required to maintain the depth authorized by law.

In conclusion, the Chesapeake Bay Navigation Dredge Report highlights the various methods used in sediment placement during navigation dredging projects. By understanding these methods and their impact on the environment, we can better appreciate the importance of maintaining the navigability of this vital waterway.

Chesapeake bay navigation dredge report