Utilization of river sediments as topsoil to reclaim brownfields and other sites

R. G. Darmody, J. C. Marlin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Dredging of water bodies is done to maintain and enhance their economic and environmental qualities. This is necessarily accompanied by the need to deal with the dredged sediments. In the USA, dredged material was historically viewed as spoil to be disposed in the least expensive method; later, concern over social and environmental issues with dredging and sediment disposal created interest in finding better alternatives. Beneficial use of sediment as topsoil is an option for uncontaminated, finegrained material. Our studies in Illinois show that sediment improves degraded soil at old commercial and industrial sites or “brownfields.” Due to improved handling technologies and changing perceptions beneficial use of dredged sediment will continue to gain acceptance. The challenge is to develop improved project designs and dredging and sediment handling technology. In the future, sediment may become an important commodity for restoration of ecological, agricultural, and urban landscapes hundreds of kilometers from dredging sites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLegislation, Technology and Practice of Mine Land Reclamation - Proceedings of the Beijing International Symposium Land Reclamation and Ecological Restoration, LRER 2014
EditorsZhenqi Hu
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages157-162
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781138027244
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Symposium on Land Reclamation and Ecological Restoration, LRER 2014 - Beijing, China
Duration: Oct 16 2014Oct 19 2014

Publication series

NameLegislation, Technology and Practice of Mine Land Reclamation - Proceedings of the Beijing International Symposium Land Reclamation and Ecological Restoration, LRER 2014

Conference

ConferenceInternational Symposium on Land Reclamation and Ecological Restoration, LRER 2014
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period10/16/1410/19/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Pollution

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