Dredged Material Management Program
Program Overview
The Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) represents a coordinated multi-agency approach to management of dredged materials in the state of Washington. The cooperating agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Seattle District, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 10, Washington Department of Ecology and Department of Natural Resources.
We are committed to protecting the aquatic environment through stringent oversight of all disposal activities occurring on the public’s state-owned aquatic lands. Three location-specific programs exist under the DMMP framework.
- The Puget Sound Dredged Disposal Analysis Program (PSDDA) manages disposal within Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- The Grays Harbor / Willapa Bay Dredged Disposal Analysis Program manages disposal of dredged materials in those coastal embayments.
- The Columbia River Disposal Program manages the disposal of dredged materials on the Washington side of the river.
Using this framework, DNR manages eight unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites around Puget Sound and two sites each in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay. Use of the sites must be requested and approved prior to entering state lands for the purpose of disposal.
Dredging is a critical activity that affects the lives of nearly every Washington State citizen and visitor. For more information view the Dredged Material Management Fact Sheet. — (pdf) 39kb
Application Requirements
Before dredgers may take dredged material to one of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites, they must obtain a valid Site Use Authorization (SUA) from the DNR’s DMMP office. View DNR’s Application Requirements and obtaining a SUA Clarification.
Reporting Requirements
DNR is committed to protecting the aquatic environment through stringent oversight of all disposal activities occurring under a SUA. DNR accomplishes this by imposing specific reporting requirements for every load of dredged material taken to one of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites. Disposal Site Use Report and Monthly Disposal Statement forms once completed may be submitted via email, fax, courier, or USPS.
Fees
Users of any of DNR’s unconfined open-water dredged material disposal sites must pay disposal fees, which are assessed at a per cubic yard rate and subject to a minimum application fee. These fees are authorized under RCW 79.90.560, and defined under WAC 332-30-166. View the current Fee Structure. — (pdf) 319kb
Required Forms
The Site Use Application form must be printed on legal-sized paper and mail completed form to:
Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Resources Division
ATTN: Courtney Wasson, DMMP Manager
1111 Washington Street SE
P.O. Box 47027
Olympia, WA 98504-7027