ClimateJuly 13, 2026

dredging

/ˈdrɛdʒɪŋ/

Definition

The process of removing mud, silt, and debris from the bottom of a harbor, river, or other water body to deepen the channel for navigation.

Etymology

The word likely stems from the Middle English 'dreggen' or the Middle Low German 'dreggen,' which meant to hook or drag for something underwater. It evolved to describe the mechanical action of scooping materials from a seabed.

In the news

In this article, dredging is mentioned as a point of contention in environmental litigation regarding the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, highlighting the regulatory hurdles pipeline projects often face.

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