Hugo Neu Corporation Sustainability Seminar Series: Turning Sediment into Solutions: Beneficial Uses of Dredged Material
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering
Speaker: Nicholas Brown, Ph.D., Coastal Project Manager, HDR
ABSTRACT
Dredging is essential for maintaining navigation channels, ports, and waterfront infrastructure, yet the management of dredged material remains a significant environmental and economic challenge. Sediment once viewed as a waste product is more often being recognized as a valuable resource that can support climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable infrastructure development. Across coastal and even upland environments, beneficial use projects are helping address sediment deficits, restore degraded habitats, enhance flood protection, and build more resilient shorelines.
This presentation will explore the evolving practice of beneficially using dredged material to achieve both engineering and environmental objectives. Through case studies from across the United States, participants will learn how dredged sediment is being applied for beach nourishment, wetland and marsh restoration, living shorelines, habitat creation, and climate adaptation initiatives. The presentation will also include how sediment can be used for industrial purposes in the construction of roadways and other infrastructure. The discussion will highlight the technical, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations that influence project success, as well as emerging opportunities to advance sediment management as a cornerstone of sustainable water resources and coastal resilience planning. By viewing sediment as a resource rather than a disposal problem, communities can unlock innovative solutions that provide lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Nick Brown is a coastal geologist and project manager at HDR. He provides coastal services, including resilience and adaptive planning to reduce tidal flooding, storm impacts, and long-term climate effects like sea level rise. With a doctorate in geoscience focused on coastal hazards and resilience, his skills include the implementation of nature-based solutions and infrastructure for shoreline protection, wetlands restoration, coastal permitting, waterfront planning and design, and managing hydraulic and mechanical dredging programs. Dr. Brown is a nationally recognized expert in coastal science and engineering, serving as the Science & Technology Chair and Director for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association and Vice-President of the Coastal Zone Foundation.
Zoom Link:
https://stevens.zoom.us/j/99998532806
Website:
https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability-seminar-series
Jointly Sponsored by:
HUGO NEU Corporation
WSP
HDR
NOMADICS
H2M Architects and Engineers
Dewberry
Contact:
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