Alternative Strategies for the Disposal of UK Estuarine Dredgings

UK research into the beneficial uses of dredged material is being undertaken at Strathclyde University, and includes initiatives in research in the use of dredgings for soil in land restoration projects, and for brick manufacture. Extensive research in the historically industrial River Clyde in Scotland has shown that pollutant levels do not preclude the use of selected materials for land restoration work. However, limitations are imposed on the use of the material for agricultural or grazing purposes at this time. Brick manufacture from clay sediments has proved that an attractive, quality product can be provided to the industry although some further testing is required; particularly in the area of atmospheric emissions during firing. The use of dredged clay for landfill capping and lining also remains a viable possibility. Economic considerations for each application vary, and require further investigation, however, the options are technically feasible and if employed on a larger scale, can account for a significant proportion of dredged sediments which are currently disposed of at sea.