ENSR uses a risk-based approach to provide the most cost-effective, environmentally compatible solutions for contaminated sediment assessment and management projects.  Our risk-based approach integrates all components of a contaminated sediment program including sampling study design and implementation, sediment characterization, assessment of potential ecological and human health risks, remediation design and implementation, and long-term monitoring.  ENSR's approach is focused on reducing costs by eliminating or minimizing site liabilities.  We look at liability in the broadest sense, including:  day-to-day and future project costs; total remediation costs; federal, state, and local regulatory compliance; compliance with corporate policies; and toxic tort/or other legal issues.  ENSR helps achieve your cost, compliance, policy, and liability goals because our project team anticipates and prepares for future developments, avoiding “costly surprises.”  

ENSR staff have applied their expertise in contaminated sediments as part of dredging and dredged material disposal programs, assessment of the potential sediment contamination effects of discharges and other contaminant sources, restoration of aquatic water bodies and watersheds, shoreline and site development, natural resource damage assessments, and sediment site assessment and remediation projects.

Dodge Pond Assessment

Dodge Pond, where the site of a U.S. Navy field station, has sediments and fish with some of the highest levels of mercury in the state of Connecticut.  For the Navy, ENSR evaluated potential sources of mercury to Dodge Pond; measured the extent of mercury contamination; assessed mercury and methylmercury biogeochemistry, dynamics, and fate and transport; and prepared a remediation alternatives assessment.

As a result of ENSR’s work, it was concluded that there is no significant potential for risks to human health from direct exposure to surface water or sediment. Consumption of mercury-containing fish may pose a potential risk; however, an existing fishing advisory is protective of human health. Our work indicated that the Navy is not a likely source of mercury in the pond and that dredging of sediments may do little to lower mercury levels in fish tissue.