Munitions and Dredging Experience on the United States Coast

A number of dredging project have unknowingly and unfortunately encountered munitions and explosives of concern (MEC). MEC have been discovered on dredges (e.g., in dragheads, cutterheads, pump casings) and at the dredged material placement site. Detonations have occurred that have either damaged the dredge plant or have even sunk the dredging vessel. A number of recent dredging projects have proactively addressed MEC issues before the start of construction, thereby greatly reducing overall risk and MEC cleanup costs. This paper explains common dredging equipment, discusses techniques useful in reducing the inherent risks of dredging in sediments containing MEC, and discusses lessons learned during various dredging projects involving MEC. Application of MEC avoidance and exclusion techniques during dredging operatings is minor compared to the enormous cost of post-dredging MEC cleanup. Most importantly it is possible to avoid exposing the public to explosive safety hazards and minimize those to workers with proper planning and execution.