Best Management Practices for Coastal Inlets: Ensuring Sustainable Restoration through Dredging and Beneficial Use

Introduction:

Coastal inlets play a crucial role in shaping our shoreline ecosystems, but their management requires careful consideration to maintain ecological balance. The Corps of Engineers has long been at the forefront of dredging and coastal restoration efforts, and their reports provide valuable insights into best practices for these complex operations. In this article, we will explore the latest findings on best management practices for coastal inlets, focusing on the use of beneficially used dredged sediment to restore tidal marsh habitats.

Tidal Marsh Restoration: A Success Story

The transformation of estuarine sediments into marsh soils is a critical component of successful tidal marsh restoration. Recent research published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology (538, 151526) has demonstrated the importance of this process in restoring coastal ecosystems. By incorporating beneficially used dredged sediment into restored habitats, we can create more resilient and sustainable ecosystems.

The Impact of Dredged Sediment Deposition Events

While dredging operations are essential for maintaining navigable waterways, they can also have unintended consequences on local ecosystems. Benthic video landers, as described in a study by Iornwell (Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 18:1162-1173), have revealed the acute but transitory impacts of dredged sediment deposition events on mobile epifauna.

Benefits of Beneficial Use

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has long advocated for the beneficial use of dredged sediment as a sustainable practice for restoring coastal marsh habitats. This approach not only reduces waste disposal costs but also provides a valuable resource for ecosystem restoration. A regional beneficial use testing manual for the Great Lakes, developed by the Corps of Engineers, offers guidance on evaluating and managing dredged material for beneficial use.

The Corps of Engineering's dredging report highlights the importance of adopting best management practices for coastal inlets. By incorporating beneficially used dredged sediment into restored habitats, we can create more sustainable and resilient ecosystems. As we move forward with future restoration efforts, it is essential that we consider the latest research and guidance from organizations like the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center to ensure the long-term health of our coastlines.

Corps of engineering dredging report