A Study of the Contaminated Sediment Management System in Korea, with Suggestions for Improvement

Abstract

Coastal sediment management, particularly the remediation and sustainable use of dredged contaminated marine sediments, is a critical issue in Korea as it is around the world. Since 1988, the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has been conducting projects to clean up contaminated marine sediments. The objective of this study was to analyze the management of Korea's coastal sediments and investigate how the Contaminated Sediment Management System (CSMS) could be improved, so as to strengthen the sustainability of the clean-up projects. The state of the CSMS was diagnosed and improvements were developed by reviewing relevant research, interviewing field experts, and holding meetings with researchers, specialists, and government officials. These improvements were aimed at 1) developing a sustainable and practical CSMS and 2) strengthening the responsibility of local governments for managing coastal pollution.