Beneficially Using Dredge Material Comments on the Process From Someone Who’s Been There By Michael Rezsutek, Ph.D. Wetlands and Waterfowl Specialist Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

TPWD’s Experiences Four large-scale restorations Planning for a fifth Tom Jackson Marsh (USACE-TPWD effort in Bessie Heights Marsh) Chevron Restoration Site (not BU) Port of Orange Golden Pass LNG Planning for a fifth Nelda Stark Unit (Bessie Heights Marsh) Working at TPWD, I have been involved in 4 large scale restoration projects in Jefferson and Orange counties, and am in the planning stages of a fifth. I’ve worked with the USACE as well as private dock operators and the Port of Orange to effect these projects. I’ll give a brief overview of two of these projects and discuss the way dockthe project in planning.

Port of Orange USACE dredging of channel Port of Orange as local sponsor Cooperative effort TPWD Port of Orange Ducks Unlimited Private landowner Restored 500 acres 300 on public lands 200 on private lands

Golden Pass LNG Maintenance dredging of berth Totals 1,900 acres (±) Cooperative effort TPWD GPLNG Ducks Unlimited On-going partnership

Nelda Stark Unit Planning Stage Goal is to provide space for small BU projects Estimated space available 1,000 acres (±) 1-2 million cubic yards

What is Involved? Partnerships are paramount Who needs beneficial use material? Who has beneficial use material? What other resources/needs does each have? How can these parties work together? Whether we like it or not, beneficial use will become the standard direction for private dredging along our waterways. Dock owners and resource agencies can try to carry on as separate entities (regulated and regulators), or can form partnerships among industry, federal and state resource agencies, and interested landowners to facilitate beneficial use for wetlands enhancement and restoration. To start the process, we first must ask and answer these four questions before the first bucket of mud is placed in a bu site.

What is Involved? Planning is key Availability of sites in need of beneficial use Habitat features required/desired Available quantity and quality of BU material Containment infrastructure Is it needed? Is it available? Moving BU material Is it feasible/cost effective to do so? Like any successful operation, planning is the key. You can’t get bu done well while working off the cuff. The more time partners have to plan and explore options the more likely they are to have a successful bu project that adds to available fish and wildlife habitat. These points are important, but are not the only things that will be considered in planning.

What is Involved? Permitting Applicant for CWA Section 404 Permit Landowner? Dock Owner (as part of dredging permit)? Other permits, agreements or clearances Active period of permit One time only Multiple dredging cycles Another big aspect is permitting. BU becomes more efficient in delivery when the permitting allows for greater flexibility in placement of material. We’ve found that if the landowner holds the permit on a large area for bu work the process for contributors of smaller amounts of material is somewhat streamlined. And having a large area requiring several hundred thousand cubic yards will allow placements from multiple dredging cycles, reducing the burden of gaining regulatory approval.

How to be successful at BU Don’t be just a customer Walk up to the counter Just a place to put material Doing it just to appease the agencies Walk away when dredging is done Be a Partner Take ownership of the project Take an active role in ensuring success Form a community Having said all that, what is the take home message for a successful BU project. That message is:

How to be successful at BU Be involved from start past finish Active in planning and design Assist in permitting Monitor/oversee placement during dredging Assist with planting efforts Assist with post-placement monitoring

How to be successful at BU Approach this as habitat restoration Assist with oversight of placement Make reaching habitat conditions part of dredging contract Share the credit, or the blame, for the project Blow your own horn about the project Be prepared to pay a bit more Finally, you must approach this as habitat restoration from the start, and be willing to work with your partners to reach the habitat restoration goals. This includes anyone you bring to the party as well. The project will be a lot more successful if everyone from the guy sitting at the end of the dredge pipe to the CEO in the penthouse office knows what the goals are and takes a personal interest and some pride in accomplishing those goals.

Questions?