Corps Solicits Comments For Illinois Waterway Dredging
The Rock Island Engineer District has opened comments regarding the draft of the Illinois Waterway Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP).
The DMMP, titled “Illinois Waterway Federal Navigation Channel, River Miles 78.9 to 290.7,” is available for public review through June 27.
“USACE policy requires a DMMP for navigation projects to ensure dredged material is managed sustainably, cost-effectively and in compliance with environmental regulations,” the Corps said. “This DMMP covers all six pools within [the Rock Island Engineer District’s] area of responsibility, aiming to provide a minimum of 20 years of dredged material placement capacity while balancing operational and environmental needs.”
The Rock Island District completed a preliminary assessment of the Illinois Waterway navigation channel in July 2022. During that assessment, engineers found that dredged material placement sites had limited capacity. Thirteen out of 21 sites were near full capacity, and others would be filled in the next five years.
The Corps outlined four strategies to address the need. First, the Corps could revitalize current placement sites to accommodate a 20-year plan. Existing sites could see improvements aimed at increasing storage capacity, extending service life and enhancing operational efficiency. The Corps will also look at improving internal coordination and external outreach to foster better collaboration with communities in need of resources. Thirdly, the Corps will evaluate current placement practices and assess site acquisition and transportation costs, as well as review the distribution of resources in relation to the “federal standard,” the practice of disposing of dredged material in the most cost-effective manner possible. Lastly, the Corps will coordinate with regional sediment management, evaluate opportunities to use dredged material beneficially, and predict sediment needs and future transportation.
If no action is taken, the Corps predicts increased operational costs to transport dredged material, navigational challenges, increased use of in-water placements for material, disrupted trade routes and extended timelines.
The Illinois Waterway extends 336 miles, connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River in Grafton, Ill. The DMMP focuses on 212 miles of the waterway from Lockport Lock and Dam to below LaGrange Lock and Dam.
The full DMMP is available for review on the Rock Island Engineer District’s website, www.mvr.usace.army.mil. Comments can be sent by email to PublicInvolvement@usace.army.mil or by mail to the address listed online.
