Permission may be denied if the proposed work is likely to have any significant adverse environmental effects. The chosen beneficial use options may be pursued, if it is concluded that the environmental effects will not be significantly harmful. When one or more potential beneficial use options have been identified and the engineering methods have been defined, estimated costs and benefits should be analyzed. These costs are usually estimated by standard methods. Options for beneficial use may lower the cost for disposal of dredged material in many instances, but increase costs in other scenarios.
Costs are frequently lower when distances from dredging site to disposal site are reduced.
In cases with higher costs, the increase may be more than offset by the value of the benefits. Although difficult to quantify, intangible benefits should always be taken into account when assessing overall costs and benefits. These benefits may include improved environment, esthetic enhancement, a more viable local community, or other benefits. Legal Constraints Early and concentrated coordination between permitting agencies, local interests, and environmental protection agencies is mandatory. Some beneficial use options or sites selected may be prohibited or rendered inappropriate by law or regulation.