INDUSTRY/CORPS FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF HOPPER DREDGE ISSUES

Since the last century, the Corps of Engineers and the dredging industry have had a successful means of addressing hopper dredge issues through an organization known as the Industry/Corps Hopper Dredge Management Group (ICHDMG). Hopper dredges are the large, ocean-going, self-propelled dredges that are used to do much of the port and harbor dredging in the U.S. The overall objective of the ICHDMG has been to address pressing dredging matters in an open forum and on a regular basis with wide representation from both industry and the Corps, in order to resolve issues before they become crises. With meetings held several times per year, usually in Washington, D.C., the Group considers a variety of issues and matters of concern, both old and new. The agenda is usually long, and discussion can be intense but fruitful. Industry representatives from the five U.S. hopper dredging companies are always present, along with representatives from Corps Headquarters and most Corps districts and divisions. Jim Walker, Corps Navigation Program Manager, and Barry Holliday, Technical Director of the Dredging Contractors of America, serve as the co-chairs of the ICHDMG.

The purpose of ICHDMG has always been to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our Nation's dredging resources, to enhance the viability and competitiveness of our ports and waterways by maintaining communication between the public and private sectors, and to ensure procedures are in place and sufficient hopper dredges are available to respond to urgent and emergency dredging needs, while meeting routine dredging requirements. One of the principal achievements of ICHDMG has been development of an emergency dredging protocol known as the "Raise the Flag Procedure", which is recognized by all as a highly successful procedure to accomplish urgent, unexpected dredging.

ICHDMG has proven to be an effective forum for identifying problems and crafting solutions in an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation. Valuable information is shared and problems are defused before they escalate. For example, at each ICHDMG meeting, projected Corps dredging schedules by district are presented and discussed. The impacts on dredging caused by environmental windows, Corps and industry safety procedures, and R&D efforts, such as those associated with turtle drag heads, are a few of the topics that have been addressed by the Group. Additionally, planned major overhauls for industry and Federal hoppers, including new hopper construction, and its associated impacts on dredging schedules, as well as many other matters of critical interest and concern to both the Corps and industry are frequently part of the discussion.

The ICHDMG cannot promise issue resolution but does guarantee that all matters of concern will be addressed and a better understanding of the issues will result. ICHDMG has proven its worth through the years and its value can be measured by the continuing high turnout at its meetings. So long as the public and private sectors are willing to talk, there will always be a need for the ICHDMG.