Beneficial Use of Dredged Material from the Illinois Marine Transportation System

Abstract

This project presents several successful case studies in 15 categories of dredged material along with the statutory and regulatory requirements for beneficial use of dredged material in Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency classification criteria for contaminated and uncontaminated dredged material are included with emphasis on Illinois requirements and characterization. Nine sites that have sandy dredged material stockpiles in Illinois are presented with suggestions for beneficially using the material. Based on this study, there is a high potential for beneficially using dredged material in Illinois for a range of projects. Currently, it is a state policy in Illinois to formally evaluate the history of possible nearby sources of chemicals that may have impacted the project sediments and to test the dredged material for chemical contamination before accepting for use on any highway project. However, the research team suggest that if the dredged material is mainly uncontaminated sand (e.g., greater than 80% sand) and is from a local site that does not have a history of contamination as determined by a formal evaluation, then the material is unlikely to be contaminated and may be easier to use and require little to no contaminate testing. Nevertheless, this proposed rule needs more testing and examination to be verified.