Sediment and society

The overall objective of the Sediment and Society research project is to recommend an integrated management strategy for stakeholder involvement that can be implemented within the existing national management framework for contaminated marine sediments.

Management options for large scale remediation of contaminated sediment projects can be challenging with regard to competing stakeholder interests. A main objective in the management of marine sediments lies in the goal to achieve contaminant levels in sediment and biota which are acceptable to the ecological and human health risk. This three year research project (2008-2010) has the aim to develop a collaborative approach that will incorporate local and scientific knowledge in order to achieve mutual gains in the management of contaminated marine sediments.

The methodological task is to assess and employ alternative approaches of stakeholder involvement - from informative, through consultative, to participative - in sediment remediation planning. The sediment remediation project in Oslo Harbour has shown the need for a methodology for engaging stakeholders early in the sediment management process. Bergen Harbour has been designated by the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority as one of four contaminated harbours particularly in need for sediment remediation efforts.