COAST-BEST

Title: CO-ordinated Approach for Sediment Treatment and BEneficial reuse in Small harbours neTworks

Summary: The presence of contaminated sediment in coastal environments may lead to significant alteration of marine and coastal ecosystems. Since marine disposal is forbidden by national and international regulations, an alternative solution needs to be found to prevent the disposal of dredged sediment as landfill. Furthermore, the identification of proper treatment processes for sediment is required to promote the reuse of materials as a substitute for natural raw materials, thus allowing for reduced consumption of natural resources. Dredged sediment can represent a valuable material in some areas. However, reuse must have an acceptable cost/benefit ratio, which requires finding markets for the recovered materials. This can only be attained if potential end-users are actively involved in the definition of targets and requirements for sediment use and if sediment supply and demand are properly balanced.

The main objective of the project is to preserve the quality of coastal zones through integrated management of sediment from dredging activities in small harbours. The integrated management approach is expected to lead to the implementation of a network-based system involving nine small harbours located in the Emilia-Romagna Region. This network of harbours will carry out all the sediment related activities (i.e., dredging, separation/treatment, reuse, and disposal). After analysing the available options for the final destination of the separated and treated dredged sediment, the project will focus on actions to promote the environmentally friendly use of this sediment in an integrated system, involving beach nourishment applications, reconstruction of morphological profiles as well as industrial applications.

This approach will help to reduce the final disposal of sediment as landfill, as well as the consumption of natural primary resources. Communication of the network principles to all the interested stakeholders will promote sediment management, while demonstrating sediment characteristics will stimulate ideas for its use as a substitute for raw materials and for environmental applications.

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