Mission: The Great Lakes Dredging Team (GLDT) provides a forum for the exchange of information regarding best practices, lessons learned, innovative solutions, and sustainable approaches to dredging and dredge material management throughout the Great Lakes region.
The GLDT is not an advisory body. Its purpose is not to furnish advice to the federal government and the organization does not operate in any official capacity to oversee or direct the federal government. The purpose of the GLDT is to foster an exchange of information among participants regarding various aspects of the dredging process and dredged material management.
Information exchanged via the GLDT assists the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in implementing the USACE Environmental Operating Principles, which were developed to ensure USACE missions include integrated sustainable environmental practices. These principles direct USACE to:
- Foster sustainability as a way of life throughout the organization.
- Proactively consider environmental consequences of all Corps activities and act accordingly.
- Create mutually supporting economic and environmentally sustainable solutions.
- Continue to meet corporate responsibility and accountability under the law for activities undertaken by the agency which may impact human and natural environments.
- Consider the environment in employing a risk management and systems approach throughout the life cycles of projects and programs.
- Leverage scientific, economic and social knowledge to understand the environmental context and effects of Corps actions in a collaborative manner.
- Employ an open, transparent process that respects views of individuals and groups interested in Corps activities.