Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Connecticut Dredged Material Management Study

Dredge boat at sea on clear day.   Pile of dredged sand on a beach

(Photo Credit: USACE)

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut Port Authority and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are collaborating on a study to investigate and identify alternatives for management of non-federal dredged material from Connecticut ports and harbors. The goal of the study is to support long-term commercial and recreational navigation for ports and harbors in Connecticut by providing information on dredged material management alternatives that are protective of the environment, scientifically supported and cost effective. The study will build on the recommendations made in the December 2015 Regional Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) for Long Island Sound, adding to the list of potential dredged material placement facilities identified in the 2015 DMMP, as appropriate. A wide variety of placement alternatives will be considered, including beneficial uses (such as wetlands enhancement/creation, bird-habitat islands, oyster habitat improvement, or beach or nearshore bar nourishment), in-harbor placement with confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cells, construction of confined disposal facilities (CDFs), and upland disposal (landfill or brownfield placement).

The initial phase of the study, expected to be completed in early 2025, will produce a detailed inventory of non-federal dredging needs and dredged material placement opportunities throughout the Connecticut coastline, identifying high-priority placement sites. The study will investigate, in detail, the identified priority dredged material placement sites, emphasizing consideration of confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cells and beneficial-use sites for natural habitat enhancement.

The final draft of the Dredged Material Management report is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Map of Connecticut with pinpoints of dredging inventory and forecast assessment response locations as of August 2024.

The Study Team wants to hear from stakeholders!

Please provide input and feedback by accessing the CT Dredge Management Plan Collaboration Comment tool here, or through the QR code below. This tool offers an opportunity for you to

  • Provide comments
  • Ask questions
  • Identify projects on the map
  • Identify ongoing studies
  • Identify Stakeholders or interested parties

QR code for accessing the CT Dredge Management Plan Collaboration Comment tool

For general comments/questions on the CT Dredge Material Management Study please contact info@ctportauthority.com.

FAQs:
Once the surveys have been completed, what is the next step? 
 
Once the inventory data is synthesized, the Corps and State plan to identify and prioritize potential placement options. Prioritization will include needs by volume, suspected characterization of material, the timing of the need, as well as existing opportunities. 
 
How long until CT will see a change in dredge permit approvals? 
 
The purpose of this effort may not directly impact the permit approvals process. However, this study will help to inform the state of needs and opportunities, which may be used in future discussions in the permitting process.
 
How will this survey be helpful to the members of the CT Marine Trades Association?  
 
The study goal is aimed at helping not only CT Marine Trades Association, but all asset managers and operators within the state. This study is looking to identify efficiencies and opportunities for dredged material disposal; rather than hundreds of asset managers doing it on their own, the state in partnership with the Corps is investigating the issue at a statewide scale.

Content last updated March 21, 2025.