DMCF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are a number of steps and there are several agencies involved. CENAP applied for and obtained a permit called a "Water Quality Certification" (WQC) from MDE, which is needed to use the Dredged Material Containment Facility (DMCF). MDE advised CENAP that they must ensure there will be no further degradation and that the drinking water issue is being addressed. CENAP fulfilled those requirements by installing a liner over the site prior to new dredged material placement, and working with the MDOT MPA for the installation of a drinking water supply system to the affected areas.

CENAP has installed a liner that covers the entire site. They have also developed a monitoring plan to evaluate changes in groundwater in the vicinity of the site. Please click HERE for more information regarding the groundwater monitoring plan. MDE also requires monitoring of the water discharged from the DMCF, per the requirements of the MDE WQC. Discharge monitoring will occur during any discharge event. The discharge monitoring plan will include key parameters such as: flow volume/discharge rate, total suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and metals. Please click HERE for more information regarding the discharge monitoring plan.

The environmental window for maintenance dredging of the Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal is from October 1st to March 31st annually. Inflow of dredged material will occur on the Elk River side of the facility approximately 0.4 miles from the Stemmers Run boat ramp and will not be visible from the communities. Dredged material is pumped in to the DMCF in a slurry as a ratio of about 80% water and 20% dredged material (silts and sands). After dredged material begins to settle to the bottom of the DMCF, the water is drained through a sluice to adjacent surface waters. The initial dredging and inflow following site reauthorization occurred in December 2017 and continued through February 2018. Dredging jobs can be completed generally in a few weeks. No dredging will occur in spring and summer months.

While heavy equipment will be needed to manage the drying process within the site, CENAP will address concerns regarding aesthetics as well as issues with the safety and security of the equipment.