A Practical Guide for Applying Thin Layer Placement Approaches for Sustainable Water Transport Infrastructure
Billions of cubic meters of material are dredged annually to maintain safe and reliable navigation or for port and offshore structure foundations. Historically, dredged material was disposed of in dedicated marine or inland facilities. More recently, requirements are changing to maximize benefits and minimize environmental impact on disposal sites.
This report addresses thin layer placement (TLP) as a dredged material management strategy to increase the beneficial use or reduce environmental impact of dredged material. Thin layer placement is controlled placement of dredged material in deci- to centimeter layers of thickness. In this manner, TLP has several advantages including:
• Application on ecologically sensitive seabed and wetland areas, as thin layers can limit harm to the environment and allow benthos and other species to recolonize in a short time.
• Raise sediment bed elevations in sediment starved areas, particularly intertidal- and nearshore areas and may be utilised to support translocation of sediment of adjacent areas.
• Remediate contaminated seabed areas to reduce risk to people and the environment.
The objective of the proposed WG is to provide technical information and guidance regarding the state of the practice and requirements for use of TLP applications, design, and technologies, analysing relevant case studies and best practices worldwide.
The report will link to other relevant reports published by PIANC, CEDA, and IADC and USACE, among others. The report will address TLP as a sediment management practice, including regulatory and permitting issues.
The report will provide guidance for users to apply TLP that will serve as a sustainable dredged material management alternative for waterborne transport infrastructure projects.
Download Terms of Reference here;
Apply before 31 July 2026 to PIANC AU-NZ Board. See below.
Interested in being part of this International Working Group?
Many of our members are currently active on a number of PIANC Working Groups and they produce significant outcomes that benefit maritime matters in our region. They also bring significant benefits to participants who get to meet, learn from and share with global experts. If you would like to represent the Australian & New Zealand National Section of PIANC on this Working Group, please apply to the AU-NZ Board.
Please advise if you qualify as a Young Professional (YP – 40 years or younger) as there are two positions available in each Working Group, one of which is for a YP.
How to Apply
Please forward your application before COB Friday 31 July 2026
Send your application to both emails below:
Adam van der Beeke, AU-NZ Environmental Commission Lead. E: adam.vanderbeeke@westport.wa.gov.au
Paul Weston, Executive Officer AU-NZ) E: Paul.weston@pianc.org.au
Process for Applications
Your application should include a detailed CV/Resume with a short covering letter outlining:
1. Your experience in the particular technical field;
2. Why the WG is relevant for the Australian / NZ content and the direct benefits of participation;
3. A commitment that you will prepare (for distribution to all members) a short report providing an overview & outcomes of the WG etc;
4. Whether or not you are seeking to access Travel Assistance Policy (TAP )funding; and
5. Whether you qualify as a Young Professional.
Eligibility:
Please note that Working Group Members need to be Individual Members of PIANC, working for a Corporate Member or Platinum Partner, be an invited expert or a be a member of a Sister Organisation.
Process:
A Selection Committee will review all nominations received and make a final recommendation to the PIANC AU-NZ Chair.
Responsibilities:
Please be aware that membership of a Working Group requires your active participation. This includes attending typically four Working Group meetings per year – most held virtually but typically at least one in-person meeting once a year at an international location (generally Europe). You may apply to be a ‘Corresponding Member’ if you do not want to undertake the normal travel requirements of full membership. If you are expert in the field, however, and would like to influence the outcome of the Working Group we encourage you to participate as fully as you are able.
Costs:
All costs associated with membership must be borne by either yourself or your employer, however PIANC Australia & New Zealand has a Travel Assistance Policy to partially assist with travel & attendance at Working Group meetings, in order to promote Australian and New Zealand technical input into these important WG activities.
Under the PIANC AU-NZ Travel Assistance Policy (TAP), annual available funding per WG member is $3,000, subject to application and approval. TAP funds may be payable post travel upon the successful completion of a WG Summary Report and production of relevant travel receipts.