Open-water Disposal Site Optimization

Dredging disposal in areas with environmental constraints requires that decisions about the placement of dredged material be made with little margin for error. A nonlinear programming model has been developed to assist in the management of open water dredged material disposal sites. The model has been developed based on conditions at the near-shore open water disposal site near the mouth of the Columbia River. The optimization model considers available capacity of cells within the disposal area to produce a plan that minimizes mounding within the site. Initial testing of the optimization model indicates that it produces reasonable dumping plans. Ultimately, the optimal dumping plans will be simulated for various stages of the dredging disposal cycle.

Link to Rutgers Working Paper