Introduction
Harbor dredging is an essential process for maintaining navigational safety, protecting marine ecosystems, and supporting economic growth in coastal communities. In New Bedford, Massachusetts, dredging has taken on an even greater role—helping the city manage decades of industrial contamination while expanding its working waterfront. The latest dredging efforts in the harbor have removed contaminated sediment, expanded the North Terminal, and provided a major boost to both environmental health and the local economy.
Why Harbor Dredging Matters
Over time, sediment naturally accumulates on the harbor floor, making waterways shallower. Without routine dredging, vessels face difficulty navigating, docking, and loading cargo. In commercial fishing and shipping hubs like New Bedford, harbor dredging ensures ships of various sizes can move safely, protecting the industries and jobs that rely on the port.
But New Bedford’s case is unique. The city has been dealing with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—toxic chemicals released into the harbor during decades of manufacturing. These contaminants pose risks to marine life, seafood safety, and human health. Dredging, therefore, has become more than just a navigational necessity; it is a public health safeguard.
The Role of Confined Aquatic Disposal (CAD) Cells
Since 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of New Bedford have used confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cells to manage contaminated sediment. These engineered underwater pits are lined with sand and rock, designed to permanently contain dredged material. By storing PCB-laden sediment in CAD cells, the city avoids the costly process of shipping all waste to out-of-state landfills.
This method also allows for efficient cleanup of large areas of the harbor floor, removing contaminated material while deepening the waterway for vessel access. Each new CAD cell is part of a long-term restoration plan to balance harbor health with economic activity.
Expanding the North Terminal
The most recent dredging project removed nearly 500,000 cubic yards of sediment and cleared more than 3 million square feet of harbor floor. Not all the dredged material was heavily contaminated; some of it was repurposed to construct the North Terminal, a major expansion of the city’s working waterfront.
The North Terminal project was funded in large part by a MassWorks grant, covering nearly 80% of the $36 million total cost. Completed in late 2024, the terminal expands docking capacity, enabling larger vessels to use the port. This directly supports the city’s fishing fleet, cold storage facilities, and shipping companies.
According to Gordon Carr, executive director of the New Bedford Port Authority, the dredging project is a “win-win” for both public health and the maritime economy. By combining sediment cleanup with waterfront expansion, the city has improved safety while creating opportunities for growth.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The benefits of harbor dredging in New Bedford extend beyond immediate navigation improvements. They include:
- Cleaner waterways: Removing contaminated sediment reduces the spread of PCBs and improves overall water quality.
- Public health protection: Safer harbor conditions lower risks of seafood contamination and protect fishing industries.
- Economic growth: Expanded harbor facilities create more space for commercial shipping, fishing vessels, and related industries.
- Job creation: Construction, dredging operations, and expanded port use generate local employment.
- Sustainable sediment management: CAD cells provide a long-term, cost-effective solution for contaminated soil.
A Model for Other Ports
New Bedford’s dredging efforts highlight how environmental restoration and economic expansion can work hand in hand. By addressing contamination and investing in infrastructure at the same time, the city has set an example for other industrial harbors facing similar challenges.
Dredging is often seen as disruptive, but in New Bedford it has become a vital tool for recovery. The combination of harbor dredging, CAD cell management, and terminal expansion demonstrates how careful planning can turn a legacy of pollution into a foundation for growth.
Looking Ahead
As dredging projects continue, New Bedford is steadily moving toward a cleaner, deeper, and more productive harbor. The balance between environmental protection and economic development shows the potential of harbor dredging to serve as both a cleanup method and a growth strategy.
By removing contaminated sediment, restoring harbor health, and expanding its waterfront economy, New Bedford proves that dredging is not just about clearing waterways—it is about securing a sustainable future for communities that depend on the sea.