Based on historical records, an overview and projection of U.S. and Canadian dredging quantities in the Great Lakes are presented. Using current pollution criteria, future quantities of polluted maintenance dredging are estimated for each lake. Recent environmental policies have influenced dredging and particularly disposal practices. These policies, as well as sedimentation, lake levels, and economic factors are discussed in relation to dredging. During the next decade, maintenance and private dredging volumes will not change significantly, whereas new work will decrease. As in the past, most maintenance dredging will occur in U.S. projects, particularly in Lake Erie. A factor which will determine future U.S. maintenance dredging is the availability of confined disposal sites.

Prepared for National Environmental Research Center, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under grant R-801062, program element 1BA026, ROAP/Task no. 25ADX/03. Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-218).