1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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:

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Questions?