Erie Pier: Finding Sustainable Markets For Dredged Materials

Jacob CaldwellTarik Gaertener

Iva Wepner

Overview

I. Introduction

II. Problems

III. Potential Solutions

IV. Discussion

Port of Duluth/Superior: Background● Located within cities of Duluth, MN and Superior,

WI.

● Allows shipping companies to move large quantities of commodities through the port to their destination.

● Maximize loads on vessels that carry cargo in and out of the port.

● Top 20 leading port in U.S.

Port of Duluth/Superior: Dredging● Dredging is necessary to maintain adequate

depth for ships to pass through.

● Dredging is responsibility of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE).

● ACE gets funding from: money allocated from Congress, Harbor Maintenance Tax, and docking fees.

● Dredged Material: non-toxic sand and silt

Erie Pier● Port of Duluth/Superior’s Contained Disposal

Facility (CDF).

● Most dredged material goes to Erie Pier.

● In 5 years, Erie Pier will no longer have a place to store the dredged materials.

● Ports Management is searching for a low cost alternative to a CDF.

Problems?

● Transporting to Erie Pier is more expensive than hydraulic pumps and

open water dumping

● Water level fluctuations

● Can only dredge in summer

● Silt is not very useful

● State Regulations

● Limited storage for dredged materials

● No other CDF allowed.

● Dredging funded through government.

State Regulations

Minnesota: A dredge site must be analyzed prior to dredging for a risk assessment. Beneficial reuse of dredged materials is in the best interest of the state.

Wisconsin: Dredged materials are considered solid waste and can only be exempted on a case by case basis, which requires a formal meeting

Dredged Materials Management Plan

● In 1998 various groups developed the DMMP for a 20-year period

● They identified three major alternatives:

1. Erie Pier 2. Continuous 3. “Deep Holes” within the

Beach Nurishment harbor

Short Term Markets

Too far away

Not Recurring

High Fee and Special Requirements

Other Short Term Potential Markets

1. Highway Construction

- Contractors won’t go beyond 50 miles to haul materials

- Competition from local sand and gravel pits

2. Farmland Enhancement

- Material is acceptable for soil enrichment use by farmers

- Hauling cost is very high for farmers

Long Term Opportunities

Project Use Distance (Miles)Needs (Cubic

Yards)Annual

Recurring

Hibbard Power Plant

Construction Material

3 1,000,000 No

21 St AvenueCreate Wildlife

Habitad1 950,000 No

CN RailroadProvide

protection for steel pilings

2 900,000 No

Sky Harbor Airport

Construction of new Runway

7 250,000 No

Erie Pier Cost Assumptions

Almost 30% more material can be hauled with the same cost→ Distance is a crucial aspect!

Discussion

We, the Port’s Management Team, are searching for a low cost alternative to the CDF in order to extend the life of Erie

Pier.

Dredged Material Placement

Discussion

We, the Port’s Management Team, are searching for a low cost alternative to the CDF in order to extend the life of Erie

Pier.

Discussion: Reuse or Dump?

Option 1:

Reuse dredged materials in sustainable ways. If so, how?

Option 2:

Lobby for open water dumping.

Conclusion● Long Term: 21st Street Avenue West Project

● Short Term: Farmland Enhancement

● Additional Suggestions: Beach nourishment when possible