15-16 October 2008, Tallinn, Estonia

The Environment Commission of the Central Dredging Association (CEC) and the Marine Systems Institute of Tallinn University of Technology (MSI) are pleased to announce their joint international seminar on dredging and the environment. The one and half day seminar will take place on 15-16 October 2008 in Tallinn, Estonia at the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel.

Like in many other parts of the world the fast growing economies of the Baltic countries generate a high demand on dredging services, be it the expansion of ports, offshore sand mining, the construction of offshore wind farms or cleaning up the environment. A far not full list of ongoing projects including the dredging activities due to the expansion of the Paldiski South Port and Muuga Port, environmental research of the Estonian coastal sea for the construction of the offshore wind farms are a true testament to that. In view of the highly sensitive nature of the Baltic sea ecosystem, dredging projects have to be undertaken with due care to the environment.

The seminar will focus on subjects of particular relevance in the region. Topics will include:

• Long-term development plans for the Port of Tallinn and related environmental issues;
• Monitoring results of the recent port expansion works in Tallinn;
• Environmental guidelines, environmental effects of offshore sand mining;
• Environmental issues associated with offshore wind park development; 
• Environmental impact assessment and monitoring of large scale infrastructure projects;
• Dealing with contaminated sediments.

The presentations will be given by specialists from Estonia and the Baltic countries on local issues and projects and by CEC members and invited experts. The guest CEC speakers will include representatives of WWF and WEDA’s Environment Commission. WEDA, the Western Dredging Association is one of the two sister associations of CEDA under the umbrella association WODA (World Organisation of Dredging Associations). CEDA’s and WEDA’s Environment Commissions have the same aims, and although they operate fully autonomously there is a regular exchange of information and occasional co-operation between the two groups.

There will be a technical visit to the Port of Tallinn.  Participants will be given a short tour and will have the chance to observe dredging work at Muuga Harbour. There will be an icebreaker and a seminar diner.
The seminar is open to all professionals, scientists and practitioners representing project owners, executers and consultants. Participation of the students is highly encouraged. In view of the venue it is expected that most participants will come from Estonia and the neighboring Baltic countries and Northern Russia.

Up to date, detailed information is available at www.cedaconferences.org/tallinn2008.