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Beneficially Using Dredge Material. Comments on the Process From Someone Who’s Been There By Michael Rezsutek, Ph.D. Wetlands and Waterfowl Specialist Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. TPWD’s Experiences. Four large-scale restorations
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Beneficially Using Dredge Material Comments on the Process From Someone Who’s Been There By Michael Rezsutek, Ph.D. Wetlands and Waterfowl Specialist Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.
TPWD’s Experiences • Four large-scale restorations • Tom Jackson Marsh (USACE-TPWD effort in Bessie Heights Marsh) • Chevron Restoration Site (not BU) • Port of Orange • Golden Pass LNG • Planning for a fifth • Nelda Stark Unit (Bessie Heights Marsh)
Port of Orange • USACE dredging of channel • Port of Orange as local sponsor • Cooperative effort • TPWD • Port of Orange • Ducks Unlimited • Private landowner • Restored 500 acres • 300 on public lands • 200 on private lands
Golden Pass LNG • Maintenance dredging of berth • Totals 1,900 acres (±) • Cooperative effort • TPWD • GPLNG • Ducks Unlimited • On-going partnership
Nelda Stark Unit • Planning Stage • Goal is to provide space for small BU projects • Estimated space available • 1,000 acres (±) • 1-2 million cubic yards
What is Involved? • Partnerships are paramount • Who needs beneficial use material? • Who has beneficial use material? • What other resources/needs does each have? • How can these parties work together?
What is Involved? • Planning is key • Availability of sites in need of beneficial use • Habitat features required/desired • Available quantity and quality of BU material • Containment infrastructure • Is it needed? • Is it available? • Moving BU material • Is it feasible/cost effective to do so?
What is Involved? • Permitting • Applicant for CWA Section 404 Permit • Landowner? • Dock Owner (as part of dredging permit)? • Other permits, agreements or clearances • Active period of permit • One time only • Multiple dredging cycles
How to be successful at BU • Don’t be just a customer • Walk up to the counter • Just a place to put material • Doing it just to appease the agencies • Walk away when dredging is done • Be a Partner • Take ownership of the project • Take an active role in ensuring success • Form a community
How to be successful at BU • Be involved from start past finish • Active in planning and design • Assist in permitting • Monitor/oversee placement during dredging • Assist with planting efforts • Assist with post-placement monitoring
How to be successful at BU • Approach this as habitat restoration • Assist with oversight of placement • Make reaching habitat conditions part of dredging contract • Share the credit, or the blame, for the project • Blow your own horn about the project • Be prepared to pay a bit more