Dr. Lucien Halleux, explains that some of the risks associated with dredging and land reclamation projects cover multiple financial, technical and operational aspects. And as with any other industrial activity, the risk control of dredging operations starts with a thorough understanding of the processes and a comprehensive analysis of the associated risks, in order to edict and apply adequate procedures, explained the Managing Director at G- Tec.
“The soil related risk is of a very different nature. Soil conditions have a major impact on the timely completion of a project, but they also have a major incidence on the short and long term stability of the works. The dyke failures around New Orleans triggered by hurricane Katrina are a powerful reminder of the importance of soil conditions, both as foundation material of the dykes or as building material for the levees, ” he said.
“The presence of soils with poor bearing capacity, of cavities, or similar problems can all have an adverse impact on the stability of constructions at some stage in their lifetime. Such conditions must be anticipated and detected, in order to carry out suitable ground improvement and/or design the construction accordingly, ” explained Halleux.
Shahariah Tahir , not only talks about the risks but she also talks about what her firm the Port Of Tanjung Pelepas is doing to reduce risks related to dredging.
“In terms of risks of using dredged material, I have read that dumping toxic dredged material in densely populated areas will be highly dangerous to the residents. As a result of this, the toxic material could infiltrate the ground water, which could subsequently lead to adverse effects on the drinking water in the area. Normally, these spoils should be treated prior to dumping at populated areas ,” said Tahir.
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Source: dredgingasia, October 4, 2011