Environmental Impact Study of dredging operations at Yanbu
| Period: | 00/2004-00/2004 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Yanbu, Saudi Arabia |
| Client: | SAUDCONSULT |
assignment/short description
Deltares/Delft Hydraulics carried out a detailed environmental impact study of dredging operations in relation to a shoreline development plan at Yanbu (Red Sea), Saudi Arabia. This study was commissioned by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu which coordinates the overall implementation of the shoreline development plan.
The aim of the study was:
- to assess and map the location and status of environmentally sensitive areas (critical marine habitats) near Yanbu;
- to define critical threshold values of these habitats for relevant abiotic parameters;
- to provide background information on the typ of sediment to be dredged, review potential problem issues to be expected, and evaluate disposal options;
- to simulate and predict the behaviour of turbidity plumes and sedimentation rates caused by the dredging and disposal operations;
- to assess the potential impacts from the dredging and disposal operations on the local marine ecology (especially on critical habitats); and
- to formulate realistic criteria for the dredging and disposal operations, including appropriate mitigating measures to minimize environmental impacts.
