Pacific Northwest Dredge Cleanup
A major port city in the Pacific Northwest performed dredging activities as part of a remedial event due to the presence of dioxins.
Case Details
A major port city in the Pacific Northwest performed dredging activities as part of a remedial event. Due to the presence of dioxins, the work was conducted between the state and the port city. The overall objectives of the project were:
Re-establish the federally permitted depth of the port’s shipping berths
Reduce potential long-term environmental risks through removal and disposal of dioxin contaminated sediment present at the site
Approximately 10,000 cubic yards of contaminated dredge sediment was removed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of dredge methods, and to conduct post-dredge monitoring and determine impact on sediment and water quality. Based on results from this project, design work will be completed for the second removal phase.
WM was responsible for providing dozens of 110 ton rail gondolas and logistics services to transport sediments for disposal at WM’s Columbia Ridge Landfill and Recycling Center, located near Arlington, Oregon. WM worked closely with the port, the dredge contractor, and three railroads. They were able to successfully expedite turn times for rail equipment in order to meet the very aggressive schedule required to complete the project.
Permits and technology specific to Columbia Ridge Landfill allowed WM to accept this semi solid material for direct landfill application keeping the costs to our client manageable and contained through out the life of the project.
Waste Materials Included
Dioxin waste and contaminated sediment
