Environmental windows are those periods of the year when dredging and disposal activities may be carried out because regulators have determined that the adverse impacts associated with dredging and disposal can be reduced below critical thresholds at these times. Conversely, seasonal restrictions are applied during periods of the year when dredging and disposal activities are prohibited because of the increased potential for harm to aquatic resources. Environmental windows are one of a number of management and technological tools that can be used individually or in combination to reduce the environmental impacts of dredging and disposal operations on living resources, aesthetics, and recreation and tourism. This report presents the findings and recommendations of a committee of experts formed to examine the decision-making process for establishing environmental windows and provide recommendations for improving the process. These recommendations are based largely on the results of a workshop held to a) explore the decision-making process for establishing environmental windows and b) examine options for introducing greater consistency, reliability, and predictability into the process. (Author/publisher)
Abstract