The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) just released its 2016-2020 Port Planned Infrastructure Investment Survey. In that survey, AAPA reports that U.S. ports and their private sector partners plan to spend $154.8 billion on port-related freight and passenger infrastructure projects between 2016 and 2020. The biggest project investments will be in ports along the US Gulf Coast where $127.8 billion is planned to be spent in response to the need for new energy facilities and to handle the larger ships which are now allowed by the Panama Canal improvements.
As ports and private sector entities make these improvements, a key element in the planning phase is evaluating the disposal or use of the material to be dredged from port expansion and improvements. Options to be considered are disposal in upland areas, open ocean disposal, or restoration of beaches, marshes or wildlife habitat. Consideration of any of these disposal methods requires that projects evaluate the physical and chemical parameters of the dredged material prior to the project work and planned disposal. Guidance on preparing sampling plans, performing the sampling, and evaluating the sample data are provided by federal agencies such as the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in cooperation with local port authorities and regulations.
The planning, sampling, and reporting are key components to any successful project and project sponsors do not want to experience delays because disposal use and arrangements have not been properly satisfied. Consultants who bring together certified laboratories, sampling equipment providers, sampling personnel, and experienced analysts are valuable team members and help to facilitate a successful project.
How can we help? 360factors, Inc. helps companies improve business performance by reducing risk and ensuring compliance through its flagship software product Predict360. We also offer consulting services in the areas of air, water, and waste permitting and compliance, site investigation and remediation, environmental and dredge sediment sampling and evaluation, engineering and geology, expert testimony, health and safety, and operational risk management.
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