Science and Site 104: Long-term Options for Dredged Sediment Placement

Scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have evaluated the scientific understanding and uncertainty related to five issues regarding the environmental effects of placement of dredged sediments at Site 104, at the head of the deep, natural channel of the Chesapeake Bay. This assessment was based on reviews of relevant studies and impact statements as well as on the scientists’ extensive knowledge and experience concerning the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The results of the assessment are cast as a series of predictions, each of which is assigned a level of uncertainty: low-confident prediction of an outcome; medium-prediction of a likely outcome, but with some chance of surprise; and high-informed prediction with advised caution.

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