ADVANCING SCIENCE-BASED SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
The Sediment Management Team (SMT), part of ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory (EL), delivers technical expertise, laboratory testing, modeling, engineering analysis, and research to address sediment management challenges across the United States. The multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' navigation and ecosystem restoration missions by evaluating dredged material, contaminated sediments, and sediment remediation strategies that improve both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
The SMT works across a wide range of federal initiatives, including USACE Civil Works projects, EPA/USACE Superfund efforts, and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative programs. Its multidisciplinary expertise enables the evaluation of sediment behavior, contaminant transport, and environmental impacts associated with dredging and placement activities.
Unlike traditional environmental laboratories that primarily perform routine testing, the SMT integrates laboratory experimentation, field investigations, and advanced modeling to evaluate sediment behavior, provide actionable insights, and develop innovative solutions for complex dredged material management and remediation challenges.
Capabilities & Services
Sediment Characterization & Analysis
Performs geotechnical and contaminant characterization, including specialized testing of settling behavior and consolidation properties
Laboratory Testing & Custom Experimentation
Conducts standard and non-routine laboratory analyses, including column settling and consolidation testing, with capabilities spanning bench- and mesocosm-scale studies as well as large-scale experimental systems
Sediment Processes Modeling
Applies advanced modeling tools to evaluate sediment transport, contaminant fate, consolidation behavior, and remediation effectiveness across diverse placement scenarios
Pilot-Scale & Field Investigations
Collects field data and sediment samples to support validation of laboratory results and modeling predictions in real-world conditions
Engineering Analysis & Decision Support
Provides technical evaluation of dredged material management alternatives, including confined disposal, open-water placement, beneficial reuse, and capping strategies
Research & Technology Development
Develops innovative approaches to sediment management challenges, including beneficial use applications, sediment remediation technologies, and advanced decision-support tools
Equipment
Eight-foot transparent settling columns with sampling ports positioned every six inches enable detailed evaluation of sediment settling behavior to support confined disposal facility design and dredged material management studies.
Settling Columns
Partnership & Collaboration
Inquiries from interested parties will be received directly by the ERDCWERX team. Following initial discussions, ERDC will determine which agreement mechanism is the most appropriate.
Potential Partnership Pathways
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)-
Testing Service Agreement (TSA)
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Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (Government)
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Interagency Agreement (IAA) (Government)
Learn more about the available pathways to work with ERDC.
Request Information Form
Organizations interested in funding reimbursable services may submit the form below to inquire about collaboration opportunities. Parties interested in submitting solutions for potential funding consideration may visit ERDCWERX.org.
Featured Video
ERDC Sediment Research Delivering Critical Data for Contaminated Sediment Mitigation
01.07.2025
