Environmental Consulting & Monitoring Services

Dredge Studies & Permitting

Dredge studies and permitting from an experienced and respected consultant.

Industrial waterfront properties, ship berthing facilities, commercial marinas, and recreational marinas can all have needs for dredging and the required permitting. Whatever the type of water dependent facility or waterfront property, we can help you keep your facilities functioning.

Most dredge projects that take place in regulated waters of the U.S. and critical areas require sampling and analyzing the sediment proposed for dredging and disposal before authorizing agencies permit dredging activity. GEL Engineering’s environmental scientist, geologists and engineers are familiar with the state and federal requirements for Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and submittal for approval. We work closely with these agencies to negotiate the most sensible and environmentally practical sediment characterization program.

Dredge Project Services

We provide a comprehensive range of services for dredging projects, including hydrographic survey, dredge studies and planning, sediment testing, permitting for dredge activities and project management. GEL Engineering has an experienced staff that achieves a project process that is smooth and expedient.

Dredge Permitting and Studies
Pre and Post Hydrographic Surveying

GEL Engineering utilizes our hydrographic surveying vessels, Trimble Ag132 Differential GPS, Innerspace 456 dual-frequency Depth Sounder, and Hypack MAX Software to perform pre- and post-dredge hydrographic surveys for industrial facilities and marinas. GEL Engineering can compute both allowable and removed volumes from the data obtained during the survey. The drawings of the results are plotted utilizing the State Grid and the vertical soundings are corrected to Mean Low Water.

Sampling and Analysis Plan Preparation

Most dredge projects that take place in waters of the U.S. and critical areas require that the sediment proposed for dredging and disposal is sampled and analyzed prior to authorizing the dredging activity.  For these projects, a sediment Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) must be compiled and submitted to state and federal agencies for review and approval. GEL Engineering’s staff are familiar with the state and federal requirements for SAP submittal approval and work closely with these agencies to negotiate the most sensible and environmentally practical sediment characterization program.

Sediment Sample Collection

Sediment sampling requires a host of specialized equipment, ranging from the vessel necessary to deploy vibracoring equipment, to the actual sampling equipment deployed below the water’s surface. GEL Engineering has a full range of sampling vessels, from a flat bottom Jon boat designed to collect samples from very shallow waters, to a 31-foot pontoon boat equipped with a collapsible A-frame designed to collect sediment samples in depths of 50-feet or greater.

Sediment Sample Analysis

GEL Engineering’s sister company, GEL Laboratories, has performed analytical services for proposed dredge sediments for well over 20 years. GEL is recognized by local, state and federal permitting and regulatory agencies as a leader in sediment analysis. GEL Engineering personnel are familiar with agency requirements, and work to reduce the time necessary to receive approval on dredging projects.

Sediment Testing Report Preparation

Depending of the location and the complexity of the proposed sediment sampling and analysis program, the subsequent sediment testing report can range from a simple document to a multi-volume report. GEL Engineering has over well over 20 years of experience developing sediment testing reports which aid the applicant to streamline review and approval of the testing document.

Contract Negotiation and Administration

GEL Engineering has prepared numerous bid packages for projects we have designed or for projects in support of our client’s needs. The projects have included marina expansions, dredged material disposal sites, and maintenance dredging events. In each case, we have prepared a bid package that addresses all of the aspects for a successful bid for the client. The packages included, but were not limited to, the following:

  • Scope of Work
  • Project Specifications complete with articles addressing hold harmless clauses, insurance requirements with additional insured, working hours, contract period, performance bond, and labor and material payment bond
  • List of Key Contacts
  • Copies of state and federal permits
  • Drawings complete with location, layout, and cross-sections

GEL Engineering has also assisted clients with review of the bids, provided letters of recommendation for the successful contractor, and assistance with the contract between the owner and the contractor.

GEL Engineering has provided contract administration by reviewing and responding to requests for information from the contractor for the owner, reviewing and recommending payment of monthly requisitions, and reviewing and responding to requests for change orders.

Construction Oversight and Contract Coordination

GEL Engineering has provided construction oversight and construction management for numerous projects ranging from marina improvements to maintenance dredging events to environmental clean-up projects. Construction oversight includes observing the construction, reporting the observations in both written and photographic formats, and assisting the owner in understanding the progress and acceptability of the work. Construction management includes all of the above and issuing directives to the contractor on behalf of the owner, review and approval of submittals and shop drawings, and corresponding with the contractor and owner. Construction reports are provided to the owner and other parties directly involved with the project in electronic format. Construction management also includes a final inspection with a list of corrective actions required by the contractor, and subsequent inspections to ensure that the actions are completed in accordance with the contract documents prior to final payment to the contractor.

The GEL Engineering Difference

Our own equipment for sediment sampling. Sediment sampling requires a host of specialized equipment, ranging from the vessel to deploy vibracoring equipment to the actual sampling equipment deployed below the water’s surface.  Our fleet of vessels allows for sampling from very shallow waters to depths of 50 feet or greater.

Thorough reports, streamlined approvals. Depending on the project location and the complexity, sediment testing reports can range from a simple document to a multi-volume report.  Our experience developing sediment testing reports has taught us how to prepare reports for efficient agency report review and approval.

Fast, affordable sampling and analysis. Because we use GEL Laboratories, for dredge sample analysis we can provide fast, reliable services at a lower cost. Local, state and federal permitting and regulatory agencies recognize GEL Laboratories as a leader is sediment. Through The GEL Group we can also use Cape Fear Analytical, a laboratory that provides specialty analysis of contaminated.

Permitting made easy. GEL Engineering prepares permit applications, facilitate the permitting process and negotiate for dredging permits on your behalf. Our seasoned professionals do this work every day — and for clients of all sizes in all types of industries.

Contract administration. GEL Engineering can manage the contract process and coordination with dredging contractors, including project specifications, scope of work, drawings and more. GEL Engineering reviews bids, provides letters of recommendation for the successful contractor, and assist with the contract between the owner and the contractor.

Construction oversight coordination. GEL Engineering has provided construction oversight and construction management for numerous projects ranging from marina improvements to maintenance dredging events to environmental clean-up projects. GEL Engineering assists the owner with observation of construction, work progress reporting, and acceptability of the work, including subsequent inspections.

Contact us to learn more about our dredge studies and permitting services.

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