Design and operation criteria for sustainability

Waterborne transportation is widely understood to be the most economical form of transport. Less well known is that it may have less impact on the air and water quality and natural habitat than equivalent highway. 

In its Guidelines for Sustainable Inland Waterways and Navigation (PIANC 2003), PIANC recommends inland navigation project analyses that account for key physical and ecological processes, including  

PIANC s recommended analysis procedure consists of seven steps (with numerous substeps)  

Identify objectives and alternatives (established with all stakeholders) and agree on the reference situation. 

Describe the waterways system and functions at the appropriate scale. 

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