Sustainable Sediment Management course taking place in Athens, Georgia

The University of Georgia’s Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) has announced a 3.5-day course on Sustainable Sediment Management in Athens, Georgia – June 3rd – 6th, 2025.

Countries and organizations around the world share the increasingly important challenge of sustainably managing sediment.

Sediment systems support habitat for species and the structure and function of nature-based features that can address risks ranging from shoreline erosion, flooding, and drought. Sediment also presents challenges to the operation of infrastructure systems such as reservoirs, ports, and navigation channels.

About 250 million cubic yards of sediment is dredged annually in the U.S. at a cost of more than $1 billion. The 2024 Water Resources Development Act established as national policy that not less than 70% of suitable dredged sediment should be beneficially used.

The course — led by IRIS professors Ram Mohan, Brian Bledsoe and Todd Bridges — will explore the principles and practices of sustainable sediment management in coastal and riverine contexts.

This includes in-depth presentations on concepts; engineering and operational practices; methods, modeling, and technologies; and detailed case study examinations of design, construction methods and projects.

Topics will include sediment and dredging processes, beneficial use, Nature-based Solutions, strategic sediment placement, among many others. Multiple small-group breakout sessions will be used to foster dialogue, problem-solving, and application.