In this text, drawn from presentations and discussion at a May 2005 NATO Advanced Research Workshop, current approaches to the assessment and remediation of contaminated sediments are discussed with emphasis on in-situ management. The text addresses physical, chemical and biological approaches for the assessment and remediation of sediments. The development of regulatory and strategic approaches is discussed with emphasis on the potential for biological remediation in the management of contaminated sediments.

This document is a compendium of scientifically valid and accepted methods that can be used to assess sediment quality and predict ecological impacts...the intent here is to provide the most useful overall measures or predictors of ecological impacts currently in use rather than procedures that may have limited application outside of a particular regulatory framework... parag The information provided in the compendium on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different assessment methods can provide assistance in selecting the appropriate methods.

This report reviews and evaluates technologies for the remediation of contaminated sediments. It is not intended to be a cookbook which tells the reader what must be done for each area being considered. It does, however, critically evaluate each technology and provide guidance on choosing a particular option. Although precise costs could not be ascribed to each technology, dollar ranges based where possible on actual costs are provided. In addition, the factors or parameter affecting the cost of a particular technology are discussed. This report is one of two documents which present guidance on contaminated sediment issues. The companion report, prepared by the Assessment Work Group, examines the methods for assessing the nature, severity and extent of imparment due to contaminated sediments. This information is essential prior to examining and choosing remedial options.