Benthic deposits in our nation's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries are producing very difficult problems of pollution including eutrophication. The only solution for the majority of the problems is the removal of these deposits. However, this does not represent a final solution. Disposal of the voluminous dredgings may result in surface and ground water pollution at the disposal site. Such pollution can be controlled by dewatering the deposits prior to final disposal. Gravity dewatering of these highly organic, compressible materials on prepared soils appears practicable. The authors have made a theoretical analysis of gravity dewatering of dredging slurries and dilute organic suspensions. A three-parameter equation was developed relating dewatering rate to the solids content, specific resistance, and compressibility coefficient of the suspensions. It is felt that a rational basis for design and operation of dredging dewatering sites now exists. (Author Modified Abstract)