Expanding a port, deepening a navigation channel or creating new land for development, introduces changes to our physical, social, economic and political environment. Changes may result from events during the construction process, or relate to the nature of the completed structure. Changes can be positive or negative, short-term or long-term, and may affect the immediate vicinity of the project or a larger geographical area. Predicting and assessing all possible effects of a planned dredging activity in a scientifically-sound and reliable manner is essential, so that appropriate control measures can be taken to avoid or mitigate unwelcome impacts. This book provides guidance for a complete holistic environmental evaluation procedure and for the design and implementation of environmental control measures. The book is of particular interest to engineers, government agencies and port authorities, as well as civil engineering consultants and contractors involved in planning and designing dredging, maritime infrastructure and fluvial projects.

This note describes a major US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) policy initiative to define an appropriate and effective framework for developing and implementing the concept of a Long-Term Management Strategy (LTMS) within the national navigation dredging program. It presents a five-phase conceptual approach or framework for developing an LTMS with emphasis on lessons learned and a summary of selected field experiences. (MM).