Dredged materials in Morocco: Current practices, policies, and roadmap for sustainable management

Abstract

Dredging is essential for maintaining navigable waters in ports, rivers, and dams, but it faces environmental scrutiny as the push for industrial circularity intensifies. The management of dredged materials (DMs) presents a unique challenge and opportunity, especially in Morocco, where there is a notable gap in research and application. This paper conducts a two-pronged exploration: it critically assesses Morocco's legislative environment concerning DMs, highlighting its strengths and shortcomings, and it evaluates the potential of DMs in civil engineering projects, illustrating their alignment with 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Central to this research is a stakeholder survey that sheds light on the perceived benefits, obstacles, and socio-political hindrances to DM adoption in the construction sector. In the exploration of DMs' advantageous applications, this research identified key challenges in their utilization and management. Market entry for DM-derived products is impeded by the absence of standardized safety regulations. Additionally, transportation costs represent a substantial practical hurdle to leverage DMs beneficially. Nonetheless, there exists a discernible willingness among end users to adopt materials containing DMs within their operations, despite a prevalent lack of awareness regarding the intrinsic benefits and properties of DMs. Collectively, this study not only presents a vivid snapshot of DMs management in Morocco but also charts a pathway for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collaboratively champion sustainable and circular economy practices in the dredging sector.