CHL conducts a wide range of research on dredging activities to support the Corps’ navigation mission, which is to provide safe, reliable, efficient, effective and environmentally sustainable waterborne transportation systems for movement of commerce, for national security needs, and for recreation.

CHL dredging related research spans a wide range of topics including structures to stabilize riverine channels to reduce shoaling (i.e., bendway weirs), evaluating innovative techniques for dredging (see DOER Innovative Technologies), developing improved dredging equipment, systems for monitoring and evaluating dredging contracts (see National Dredging Quality Management), predictive models and tools for addressing dredging and placement processes and options (see DOER Dredged Material Management), and methods for increasing beneficial uses for dredged material.

Recent Corps Dredging Statistics

To maintain navigation in 2003, the Corps removed approximately 250 million cubic yards (190 M cubic meters) for a total cost of $900M.