The construction industry is expanding rapidly, but there is growing concern of its impact on the environment. In recent years, the topic of sustainable construction methods and practices has been a hot topic.

Government and military construction contracts involve stringent rules and guidelines to ensure environmental protection during the construction process. According to studies, the construction process contributes to approximately 50% of landfill waste, 40% of water contamination, and 23% of air pollution.

Whether private or government contracts, nearly all construction projects have an impact on the environment. The growing weather changes and climate change are directly influenced by the

• type of construction materials
• the use of natural resources
• waste management
• type of land and soil where the construction will take place

The federal government has established specific environmental guidelines that construction companies and contractors must adhere to. The goal of using sustainable methods is to reduce carbon footprint and minimize energy usage.

The Importance of Dredging and Turbidity Monitoring

Dredging is a standard process that involves removing sediments and debris from lakes, rivers, and seas. The dredging process is crucial for the construction, maintenance, or expansion of ports, harbors, and shipping channels.

Construction projects along lakes, streams, rivers, and coastal locations often impact local water quality. Turbidity is the term used to describe the method that helps determine water clarity. The suspended elements, such as sand, silt, and clay, easily mix and affect water quality.

The dredging process alters the flow of water and increases the frequency at which the silt and sand mix with water. The excessive concentration of sediment leads to a high level of turbidity, which compromises water quality and poses a threat to marine life. Apart from mixing sand and silt, certain materials are added to the water once construction starts. The contamination of water directly threatens marine wildlife and other organisms.

Turbidity monitoring is an essential step in the environmental assessment of a federal construction project. The various ecological impacts of turbidity are

• Increase the chance of disease and impact the growth of fish and other marine animals
• Prevent the development of fish eggs and larvae
• Alter the natural movement and migration of fish
• Food scarcity for fish makes it harder for them to survive
• Makes it more challenging to catch fish

eCertify offers numerous online Safety, Control, and Environmental courses. The courses are necessary to certify the skills of individuals involved in government construction projects, such as those associated with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC).

For example, the Turbidity Monitoring for Dredging Operations Course is valuable for SSHOs (Site Safety and Health Officers) and Quality Control Managers when performing an environmental baseline study. The course consists of 14 Modules that cover every aspect of dredging and turbidity monitoring.

The first few lessons focus on dredging and its environmental impact. Conversely, the latter part of the course emphasizes turbidity testing and monitoring. Individuals enrolling in the online course will learn the parameters, equipment, and tools necessary to monitor turbidity.

One of the key things you will learn is ‘navigational dredging,’ which increases the depth of water channels for boats and ships to pass and anchor. This process helps to reduce the impact of dredging on fish and other marine wildlife.

Typically, dredging operations generate additional turbidity, necessitating assessment and evaluation. Not many people may know, but dredging is a critical step for various construction projects, such as

• Waterway projects that involve excavation and construction of bridges, underwater tunnels, piers, and docks
• Land reclamation projects
• Deepening waterways to allow ships and large vessels a passage with maximum depth

The Turbidity Monitoring for Dredging Operations Course helps determine the extent of turbidity fluctuations in dredging operations. The Quality Control Manager or SSHO will assess and monitor turbidity levels before, during, and after construction. The extensive assessment and regular checks help to identify the developments that indicate erosion along the coastal and offshore locations.

The course also includes numerous guidelines devised by the USACE and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to ensure proper dredging methods and minimize potential environmental impact. The continuous monitoring efforts enable SSHO and project managers to respond promptly if sediment levels exceed the minimum criteria.

The online course is ideal not only for SSHO and Quality Control Manager but also for contractors and workers. There are short quizzes at the end of each module that you need to pass. To obtain a certificate, you need to pass the final examination with 70% marks.

Bottom Line

eCertify is one of the only recognized institutions offering certifications for Government Construction Projects. The online course will provide you with information about the requirements, expectations, and goals of Turbidity Monitoring during Dredging Operations. The goal is to remove sediment with minimal impact on the environment and the underwater ecosystem.