Soil Washing Potential at Confined Disposal Facilities

Abstract : The diminishing capacity of existing confined disposal facilities (CDFs) is a significant operational concern, as land development and acquisition costs continue to rise. Alternatives such as capacity expansion and restricted use (that is, storage of only the most contaminated sediments or sediment fractions) have been considered for extending the life of CDFs. Some U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' facilities are evaluating the reclamation of clean dredged material fractions from existing CDFs to recover storage capacity. This clean material has a market value, as fill or as a soil amendment, which helps offset the recovery costs. Several low-cost alternatives exist for clean sediments, including beneficial uses and open-water disposal. However, for sediments with high amounts of contaminants, the only option that has traditionally been available has been placement in CDFs.