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Sediment Strategies: Considerations and Case Studies for Beneficial Use | Proof Projects LLC / Anchor QEA, Inc.
Project statement
PROJECT STATEMENT
It is expected that half of the wetlands along the Atlantic coast will be gone by 2050. Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of cubic yards of sediment are dredged every year. Sediment Strategies is an innovative guide that views the byproducts of dredging as opportunities to revitalize marshes. It draws on applied research from across the United States to present proven best practices for coordinating dredging and restoration. Complex information is presented in an easy-to-understand and engaging format, answering questions and providing a common language for those involved in sediment management and coastal restoration. This document empowers institutions, communities and practitioners to transform a looming crisis into a model of climate resilience.
Half of the wetlands on the Atlantic coast are projected to be lost by 2050. At the same time, hundreds of millions of cubic yards of sediment are dredged annually. Sediment Strategies is an innovative guide that sees this as an opportunity to transform the byproduct of dredging into a lifeline for marshes. It draws on applied research from across the US, presenting proven best practices to align dredging and restoration. Complex information is presented in an accessible and engaging format answering questions and providing a common language for those involved in sediment management and coastal restoration. This document empowers agencies, communities, and practitioners to turn a looming crisis into a model for climate resilience.
▲How to use this document | This guide’s step-by-step framework helps practitioners navigate the beneficial use of dredged materials from concept to construction. How to Use This Document | The guide’s step-by-step framework helps practitioners navigate beneficial use of dredged material from concept through construction. © Proof Projects, LLC
Project Description
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Sediment Strategies is a hands-on guide that provides a common language and accessible technical reference for practitioners, agencies, and communities seeking to implement beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) as a lifeline for U.S. coastal marshes, with an emphasis on implementation in Maryland.
Along the Atlantic coast, marshes play a vital role in daily life. They buffer storms, filter water, support fisheries, and store carbon. They are the backbone of water recreation, business and community. By 2050, however, nearly half are expected to disappear. At the same time, hundreds of millions of cubic yards of sediment are moved each year through dredging—a critical management action that keeps ports open, tributaries navigable, and commerce flowing. The link between these systems is sediment. However, although one is a sediment source and the other is a sediment sink, they are often not managed together.
This is the beauty of beneficial use: recycling sediment to enhance aquatic ecosystems while reducing dredging costs. It’s a simple idea, but implementing it is no easy task. It requires a shared vision, conscious coordination and technical understanding. Sediment Strategies is a BUDM resource for experienced practitioners and early adopters. The document is divided into five user-friendly sections:
* Background—Ecological and policy drivers shaping sediment recycling
* Implementation—outline technical considerations and implementation strategies
* Case studies – an in-depth look at exemplary projects
* Project Governance – Provides insights into how to navigate permitting and procurement pathways
* Project Development – Identify key funding and strategic partnership opportunities
The biggest obstacle to the BUDM project is the complex, multidisciplinary process involving numerous organizations and changing coastal conditions. The Sediment Strategy was developed through collaboration with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and practitioners. It draws on peer-reviewed research, state and federal regulatory frameworks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers best practices, and exemplary case studies from across the United States.
These complex and dynamic elements are synthesized into easy-to-read diagrams, workflows and comparative visuals that provide a complete roadmap for beneficial use projects: from site selection, permitting, potential funding options and partners, to construction and post-project monitoring. Designed for planners, restorers, and grant writers, this guide helps move projects from early concept to implementation.
Distributed as a free PDF through professional networks, institutional channels and the Nature Conservancy’s website, the document is widely available and easily accessible. As sea levels rise and extreme storm events become more frequent, coordinating dredging with restoration has never been more urgent for coastal resilience. Communities facing the loss of marshes need durable, cost-effective tools that integrate ecological goals with local priorities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to beneficially reuse 70% of dredged material by 2030. The Sediment Strategy was created at this critical time as a playbook that brings together practitioners, institutions and communities to provide actionable, easy-to-follow steps to start a BUDM project.
▲Regional Context | The Regional Context map highlights key BUDM sites in Maryland, showing connections between waterways, sediment sources, and marsh wetlands. Regional Context | Regional context map highlights major BUDM sites across Maryland, showing links between navigation channels, sediment sources, and marsh wetlands. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Project Roadmap | A framework for the beneficial use of dredged materials, from project definition and target elevation, to design, construction and adaptive management. Project Roadmap | Framework for beneficial use of dredged material, from project definition and target elevations through design, construction, and adaptive management. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Target elevation | Illustration showing the stages and considerations for setting the BUDM target elevation, taking into account consolidation and dewatering. Target Elevation | Diagram showing stages and considerations for setting BUDM target elevations, accounting for consolidation and dewatering. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Data Collection | A multidisciplinary data overview of the BUDM plan, integrating sediments, geomorphology, hydrology, dredging logistics and ecology to guide the design. Data Collection | Overview of multidisciplinary data for BUDM planning, integrating sediment, geomorphology, hydrology, dredging logistics, and ecology to guide design. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Dredging Equipment | Overview of dredging equipment showing how dredging types match site conditions, sediment volumes, access constraints and placement requirements. Dredging Equipment | Overview of dredging equipment, showing how dredge types match site conditions, sediment volumes, access limits, and placement needs. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Conclusion Strategies | Illustrations and aerial photography demonstrate sediment containment strategies, illustrating the trade-offs between sediment control, hydrology and habitat. Containment Strategies | Diagram and aerials showing sediment containment strategies, illustrating tradeoffs between sediment control, hydrology, and habitat. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Construction Details | Appendix details showing hay bales and filter bags used for drainage control and perimeter fencing to manage sediment and protect the marsh surface. Construction Details | Appendix details showing hay bales and filter socks for drainage control and perimeter containment to manage sediment and protect marsh surfaces. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Vegetation Restoration | Illustration showing plant strategies after sediment placement, including natural restoration, plug seedlings, and aerial seeding. Revegetation | Diagram showing plant strategies after sediment placement, including natural revegetation, plugs, and aerial seeding. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Project Type | Project types are classified by wave energy and site context, including mudflats, shallow placements, edge marshes, marsh platforms and islands. Project Types | Project types are classified by wave energy and site context, including mudflats, shallow placement, fringe marsh, marsh platforms, and islands. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Case Study | Aerial photography and profiles demonstrate the use of geotube bags and rock sills to place dredged sediment to restore marshes while protecting adjacent bay waters. Case Studies | Aerial and section diagrams showing dredged sediment placement with geotubes and stone sills to restore marsh while protecting nearby bay waters. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Habitat conversion | Sediment placement causes habitat conversion with elevation changes, highlighting habitat changes, species responses, and ecosystem trade-offs. Habitat Conversion | Sediment placement shifts habitats across elevations, highlighting habitat change, species response, and ecosystem tradeoffs. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Annual Time Limits | Chart showing seasonal dredging limits in Maryland and how fish, bird, SAV and shellfish protections affect timing. Time of Year Restrictions | Chart showing seasonal dredging limits in Maryland and how protections for fish, birds, SAV, and shellfish affect scheduling. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Project Timeline | Timeline showing the phased BUDM project at Fort Smallwood Park and Barren Island, from planning and permitting to construction and adaptive management. Project Timelines | Timeline showing phased BUDM projects, from planning and permitting to construction and adaptive management, at Fort Smallwood Park and Barren Island. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Sediment Characteristics | Sediment particle size affects placement, consolidation, and habitat, which in turn affects project goals, site energy, and regulations. Sediment Characteristics | Sediment grain size affects placement, consolidation, and habitat, and in turn, influences project goals, site energy, and regulations. © Proof Projects, LLC
▲Funding Opportunities | BUDM’s federal, state and local funding pathways, showing how dredging and restoration funding can be coordinated across phases. Funding Opportunities | Federal, state, and local funding pathways for BUDM, showing how dredging and restoration funds align across stages. © Proof Projects, LLC
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Sediment Strategies is a how-to guide that provides common language and an accessible technical reference for practitioners, agencies, and communities who want to utilize the beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM) as a lifeline for coastal marshes across the United States, with an emphasis on implementation in Maryland.
Up and down the Atlantic Coast, marshes play an essential role in daily life. They buffer storms, filter water, support fisheries, and store carbon. They are the backbone of aquatic recreation, commerce, and community. Yet by 2050, nearly half are projected to be lost. At the same time, hundreds of millions of cubic yards of sediment are moved annually through dredging—a critical management action that keeps ports open, tributaries navigable, and commerce flowing. The link between these systems is sediment. Yet even though one is a sediment source and the other a sediment sink, they are not often managed together.
That is the beauty of beneficial use: recycling sediment to enhance aquatic ecosystems and lower the cost of dredging. It is a simple idea, but making it happen is anything but simple. It requires a shared vision, intentional coordination, and technical understanding. Sediment Strategies is a BUDM resource for both seasoned practitioners and early adopters. The document is organized in five user-friendly sections:
* Context — Frames the ecological and policy drivers for sediment recycling
* Implementation — Outlines technical considerations and implementation tactics
* Case Studies — In-depth examinations of example projects
* Project Controls — Gives insight on how to navigate permitting and procurement pathways
* Project Development — Identifies key funding and strategic partnership opportunities
The biggest hurdle to BUDM projects is the complex, multidisciplinary process involving numerous organizations and constantly changing coastal conditions. Sediment Strategies was developed through collaboration with state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and practitioners. It draws from peer-reviewed research, state and federal regulatory frameworks, USACE best practices, and example case studies from across the United States.
This complex collection of moving parts is synthesized into easy-to-read diagrams, workflows, and comparative visuals that offer a complete roadmap for a beneficial-use project: from site selection, permitting, and potential funding options and partners through construction and post-project monitoring. Designed for planners, restoration staff, and grant writers alike, the guide helps move projects from early concept to implementation.
Distributed as a free PDF through professional networks, agency channels, and The Nature Conservancy’s website, the document has broad reach and is easily accessible. As sea levels rise and extreme storm events become more common, aligning dredging with restoration has never been more urgent for coastal resilience.
Communities facing marsh loss need durable, cost-effective tools that align ecological goals with local priorities. The US Army Corps of Engineers aims to beneficially reuse 70% of dredged material by 2030. Sediment Strategies meets this pivotal moment as a playbook that brings practitioners, agencies, and communities together and provides actionable, easy-to-follow steps to initiate a BUDM project.
PROJECT CREDITS
*Isaac Hametz, Project Principal, TNC
* Austin Bamford, Project Manager, TNC
* Theresa Ruswick, Lead Author, Proof Projects
* Brian Davis, Lead Author, Proof Projects
*Walt Dincola, Lead Author, Anchor QEA
*Katie Haviland, Lead Author, Anchor QEA
*Mindy Strevig, Contributing Author, Anchor QEA
* Vanessa Woolley, Contributing Author, Anchor QEA
*Jill Zwierz, Contributing Author, Anchor QEA
* Zheng Fang, Graphic Design, Anchor QEA
* Lucy Salwin, Graphic Designer, Proof Projects
*Ruth Pensberthy, Graphic Designer, Proof Projects
* Ken Mayo, Editor, Anchor QEA
More: ASLA; Proof Projects LLC / Anchor QEA, Inc.
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