Greene focused on the potential for reintroducing toxic sediments into the River during dredging operations. Historically the Corps has represented that according to their data levels of toxins in River bottom sediments are not high enough to pose any adverse environmental impact. Using Corps data, Greene has reached very different conclusions. Some of the new sites will be managed for wetland and wildlife habitat. These areas receive sediments and water from the dredge operations.
Sediments settle out in the area and the water is returned to the estuary.
According to Dr. Fikslin's findings, these disposal facilities can be a significant source of toxic pollution for the Delaware River. According to his findings, these sites are a significant source of toxic pollution to the Delaware River. Among the toxics discharged to the River during the de-watering process are Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Zinc and total suspended solids. According to Dr. Fikslin the two disposal facilities are the eighth largest discharger to the estuary and in the case of lead discharge more lead than all 78 point source dischargers to the estuary combined. Dr. Fikslin also found that the CDFs are a source of DDE to the River, and a potential source of PCBs that have been documented in the sediments of the estuary.