In hydraulic dredging projects involving onshore placement, the size and design of reclamation areas and settlement basins are often underestimated. Additionally, this issue often only surfaces at the end of the tender process, when changes are hardest and most expensive to make. Return Water Quality (RWQ) modelling offers a proactive solution to such challenges. Additionally, RWQ modelling ensures more accurate planning from the outset.
Why it Happens
Typically, contractors may flag undersized reclamation areas only late in the tendering phase, sometimes subtly, embedded in risk-related exclusions or qualifications. With RWQ requirements locked into pre-existing environmental permits, many are understandably hesitant to take on the liability.
Unfortunately, this late discovery can lead to costly redesigns, delays in permitting and construction, or disputes once operations begin. While Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) can help mitigate this risk, it is not always feasible or enough.
A Smarter Approach: RWQ Modelling
That is when in2Dredging’s RWQ Tool makes the difference. This unique tool applies physics-based modelling validated with field data to deliver accurate, objective estimates of the required reclamation area size and bund heights, well before the tender phase begins.
As a result, early access to this insight helps project teams align with RWQ criteria from the outset, de-risking permitting and strengthening design certainty.
Why Bund Height Matters
Bund height is often dictated by available space and environmental constraints and can often be a cost driver. Hence, getting it right early is critical to avoiding design revisions, thereby making accurate estimation vital to project viability.
Unlock Real Project Value
By integrating the RWQ Tool early in the dredging project’s lifecycle, during the concept, feasibility or permitting stages, clients gain:
- A realistic outlook to inform design decisions
- Objective design validation
- Reduced permitting risks
- Minimised potential for late-stage surprises that possibly require design changes
- Improved overall project economics
Given its modest investment relative to total CAPEX, the RWQ Tool offers project owners high-value foresight. This helps to avoid the major financial impact of oversights that could have been addressed upfront.
Don’t let return water quality compliance be an afterthought. Design early, objectively, confidently and cost-effectively with the RWQ Modelling Tool.
