North East File Collection - NEFC

Action Levels are used as part of a ‘weight of evidence’ approach to assessing dredged material and its suitability for disposal to sea. These values will be used in conjunction with a range of other assessment methods e.g. bioassays, as well as historical data and knowledge regarding the dredging site, the material's physical characteristics, the disposal site characteristics and other relevant data, to make management decisions regarding the fate of dredged material. We are currently in the process of testing sediment bioassays to provide further information on the characteristics of dredged material. This integrated approach is in line with recent discussions regarding weight of evidence approaches to environmental management of sediments. It considers balancing multiple lines of evidence concerning ecological assessment as an aid to decision making.

In general, contaminant levels in dredged material below Action Level 1 are of no concern and are unlikely to influence the licensing decision. However, dredged material with contaminant levels above Action Level 2 is generally considered unsuitable for sea disposal. The latter situation most often applies only to a part of a proposed dredging area and so that area can be excluded from disposal at sea and disposed of by other routes e.g. landfill. Dredged material with contaminant levels between Action Levels 1 and 2 requires further consideration and testing before a decision can be made.

* these levels were set in 1994

• from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/marine-licensing-sediment-analysis-and-sample-plans

Table from Environmental Resources Managements - relating to Able UK Ltd marine license application