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McCampbell Analytical, Inc. (MAI) provides analytical support for dredged sediment characterization projects throughout California. Dredging projects often require sediment testing before material can be approved for disposal, aquatic placement, ocean disposal, or beneficial reuse. In the San Francisco Bay region, dredged material review commonly moves through the Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO), an interagency process that reviews sediment quality sampling plans, testing results, and suitability for disposal or reuse.
MAI supports environmental consultants, ports, marinas, municipalities, engineers, and project teams with laboratory testing for sediment characterization programs tied to California dredging and sediment management projects. Requirements vary depending on project location, disposal pathway, and agency review, so analytical needs should be aligned with project-specific guidance.
Dredged sediment testing may be required for a range of California projects, including maintenance dredging, marina and harbor dredging, channel deepening, sediment disposal evaluations, aquatic placement reviews, ocean disposal projects, and beneficial reuse efforts. In California, review pathways differ depending on where the material is proposed to go and which agencies have jurisdiction over the project.
In the San Francisco Bay region, the DMMO provides a coordinated interagency review process for dredging and dredged-material disposal or reuse projects. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the DMMO cooperatively reviews sediment quality sampling plans, analyzes sediment quality sampling results, and makes suitability determinations for material proposed for disposal in San Francisco Bay.
For ocean disposal in California, EPA Region 9 states that dredged material disposal sites in the region are managed under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, with EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sharing important responsibilities in the permitting and management framework.
In Southern California, dredging projects may be discussed through the Southern California Dredged Material Management Team (SC-DMMT), which continues to review projects across counties including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
Project requirements vary, but dredged sediment characterization may involve chemistry testing for sediment quality evaluation and, depending on the disposal or reuse option, additional technical review related to suitability determinations. MAI can support project teams with analytical testing as part of broader sediment characterization programs and consultant-led sampling efforts.
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, MAI provides responsive laboratory support for environmental projects throughout Northern California. We work with environmental professionals who need reliable analytical data for complex sediment management and dredging-related projects, with support tailored to project scope, matrix, and regulatory pathway.
Contact McCampbell Analytical to discuss your sediment characterization needs, project requirements, and turnaround options. main@mccampbell.com | (877) 252-9262
Dredged sediment projects may include multiple sample groups depending on the disposal pathway, regulatory review process, and project-specific requirements. The table below summarizes common sample groups and testing categories MAI can support.
| Sample Group | Purpose | Common Testing Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Sediment | Characterize dredged material for disposal, reuse, or regulatory review. | Percent solids/moisture, particle size, TOC, metals, mercury, pesticides, PAHs, organotins, PCB congeners, sulfides, and aquatic toxicity as applicable. |
| Modified Elutriate Test (MET) | Evaluate potential water-column release under disturbance conditions. | TSS, low-level mercury, selenium, dissolved metals, hexavalent chromium, methyl mercury, PAHs, pesticides, and bioassay testing as applicable. |
| Standard Elutriate Test (SET) | Support screening of potential effluent or open-water dredging impacts. | Bioassay testing and dissolved chemistry parameters based on project requirements. |
| DI Water/Sediment Leachate | Assess potential groundwater-related risk from sediment material. | TSS, low-level mercury, selenium, dissolved metals, hexavalent chromium, methyl mercury, PAHs, and pesticides as applicable. |
Because dredged sediment projects can vary significantly, analytical requirements, sample volumes, QC levels, reporting limits, and turnaround times should be confirmed during project setup. Please contact MAI before sampling so our team can help coordinate the appropriate sample group, containers, methods, and reporting needs.
What is dredged sediment testing?
Dredged sediment testing is the laboratory analysis of sediment removed from waterways, marinas, harbors, channels, or other aquatic areas. Testing helps characterize the material for disposal evaluations, beneficial reuse, or regulatory review.
When is dredged sediment testing required in California?
Testing may be needed for maintenance dredging, marina or harbor dredging, channel improvements, flood control work, disposal evaluations, and beneficial reuse projects. Requirements vary depending on project location, sediment volume, and proposed disposal pathway.
What agencies may be involved in California dredging projects?
Depending on the project, review may involve agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, BCDC, and other local or regional authorities.
What contaminants are commonly analyzed in dredged sediment?
Project-specific requirements vary, but common analyses may include percent solids/moisture, particle size, TOC, metals, mercury, selenium, hexavalent chromium, methyl mercury, PAHs, pesticides, PCBs, organotins, sulfides, TSS, and aquatic toxicity or bioassay testing.
Can dredged sediment be reused instead of disposed?
In some cases, dredged material may be suitable for beneficial reuse such as habitat restoration, wetland projects, construction fill, or other approved uses. Suitability depends on project requirements and sediment quality.
What is the turnaround time?
Our current standard turnaround time for testing is 10 business days.
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