EPA910/9-91-028
oEFA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle WA 98101
Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington
Water Division
Water Resources Assessment
August 1991
Rogue, Oregon
Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Rogue River Reef
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DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
ROGUE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)
DESIGNATION
Prepared by
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (Region 10)
With Technical Assistance From
U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers
Portland District
August 1991
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COVER SHEET
Draft
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
ROGUE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)
DESIGNATION
Lead Agency: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Responsible Official: Dana Rasmussen
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Abstract:
This draft EIS provides information to support designation of an ocean dredged material
disposal site (ODMDS) in the Pacific Ocean off the mouth of the Rogue River in the State of
Oregoa The proposed ODMDS disposal site is the present, interim site located two miles
southwest of the Rogue River Entrance. Site designation studies were conducted by the
Portland District, Corps of Engineers, in consultation with Region 10 EPA. The final
designation will allow for continued deposition of sediments dredged by the Corps of Engineers
to maintain the federally-authorized navigation project at the Rogue River, Oregon and other
dredged materials authorized in accordance with Section 103 of the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA). No significant or long-term adverse
environmental effects are predicted to result from the designation. Designation of an ODMDS
does not constitute or imply approval of an actual disposal of material. Before any disposal
may occur, a specific evaluation by the Corps must be made using EPA's ocean dumping
criteria. EPA makes an independent evaluation of the proposal and has the right to disapprove
the actual disposal.
Public Review and Comment Process:
This EIS is offered for review and comment to members of the public, special interest groups,
and government agencies. No public hearings/meetings are scheduled. Comments received on
this draft EIS will be addressed in the final. All comments or questions may be directed to:
John Malek
Dredging and Ocean Dumping Specialist
Environmental Protection Agency ' ,
1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-128
Seattle, WA 98101
Telephone: (206) 553-1286
Deadline for Comments:
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Site Designation. Section 102 (c) of the Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. (MPRSA), gives the
Administrator of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency the authority to designate
sites where ocean dumping may be permitted. On October 1, 1986, the Administrator
delegated the authority to designate ocean dumping sites to the Regional Administrator
of the Region in which the site is located. EPA has voluntarily committed to prepare
EISs in connection with ocean dumping site designations (39 FR 16186, May 7, 1974).
This draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared by Region 10, EPA,
with the cooperation of the Portland District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. This
draft EIS provides documentation to support final designation of an ocean dredged
material disposal site (ODMDS) for continuing use to be located off the mouth of the
Rogue River, Oregon. This document evaluates the proposed Rogue ODMDS site
based on criteria and factors set forth in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6. This EIS makes full
use of existing information to discuss various criteria, supplemented by field data to
describe environmental conditions within and adjacent to the site.
As a separate but concurrent action, EPA will publish a proposed rule in the Federal
Register for formal designation of the Rogue ODMDS.
Major Conclusions and Findings. The preferred ODMDS for final designation is
a location approximately two nautical miles southwest from the Rogue River Entrance.
The site, when designated, will be used for disposal of sediments dredged by the Corps
to maintain the federally authorized navigation project at Rogue River, Oregon and for
disposal of materials dredged during other actions authorized in accordance with Section
103 of the MPRSA. The ODMDS site proposed for designation is located in an area
suitable .for disposal of dredged material in terms of environmental and navigational
safety factors.
Disposal of the dredged sediments is a necessary component of maintaining a channel
from the ocean to the boat basin entrance channel and an entrance channel to the boat
basin. An evaluation of disposal alternatives was conducted. No less environmentally
damaging, economically feasible alternative to ocean disposal for material dredged from
the entrance to the Rogue River projects was identified. In addition, use of ocean
disposal by other dredgers may be expected to increase as other disposal options are
exhausted. Designation of an ODMDS is necessary to accommodate this need.
Two alternatives for ocean disposal were considered hi detail for the Rogue ODMDS:
1) Termination of ocean disposal at Rogue; and
2) Designation of the existing interim ODMDS.
A third alternative, moving the site within the ZSF, would be considered if future site
monitoring disclosed problems (e.g., mounding ). The existing site is located in the best
location as indicated by current data and surveys.
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Based on the evaluation of need and an assessment of environmental impacts from
historic dredged material disposal, termination of ocean disposal at Rogue was not
considered prudent or reasonable. Evaluation focussed on the existing interim ODMDS
and consideration of an ODMDS beyond the continental shelf. The procedures used to
evaluate the ODMDS consisted of evaluating each of the five general and eleven
specific criteria in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6. Use of an ODMDS beyond the continental
shelf provided no environmental advantages and incurred significant economic costs.
The interim site, or areas in the same vicinity, have been used by Portland District since
1962. Maintenance operations have been performed by hopper dredge, hopper barge,
channel flusher and pipeline dredge. Hopper dredge and hopper barge maintain the
main Rogue River channel. The entrance to the boat basin is generally maintained by
pipeline dredge, although clam-shell and backhoe dredges have been used in the past.
To date, over 3.8 million cubic yards (cy) have been disposed at sea, 494,000 cy of which
have been disposed in the Rogue ODMDS since 1977 when the site received its interim
designation (40 CFR 228.12). It was entitled "Rogue River Entrance" and was given the
following corner and centroid coordinates (NAD 83):
42 • 24' 15" N 124 • 26' 52" W
42 • 24' 23" N 124 • 26' 39" W
42 • 23' 39" N 124 * 27' 17" W
42 • 23' 51" N 124 • 27' 30" W
and 42 • 24' 59" N 124 ° 27' 04" W (centroid)
The approximate location of this site is two nautical miles from the Rogue River
entrance, with dimensions of 3600 feet by 1400 feet and an average depth of 60 feet.
The site occupies approximately 116 acres.
After applying the five general and eleven specific criteria, designation of the interim
ODMDS was selected as the preferred action. Continued use of the interim ODMDS
would not be expected to cause unacceptable environmental effects.
IV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER SHEET i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ill
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
I. INTRODUCTION 1
H. PURPOSE AND NEED 3
General 3
Need 3
Project History • ."....' 5
Historical ODMDS Use 5
ffl. ALTERNATIVES 7
General 7
Constraints 7
Resource Considerations 7
Equipment Considerations 7
Consideration of Upland Disposal Options 9
Ocean Disposal Options 9
Application of General Criteria -.' 10
Minimal Interference with Other Activities 10
Minimizes Changes in Water Quality 12
Interim Sites Which Do Not Meet Criteria 12
Size of Sites .12
Sites Off the Continental Shelf 12
Application of Specific Criteria : 13
Geographic Location 13
Distance From Important Living Resources 13
Distance From Beaches and Other Amenities 17
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited 17
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring 17
Disposal, Horizontal Transport, and Vertical Mixing
Characteristics 17
Effects of Previous Disposal 18
Interference with Other Uses of the Ocean 18
Existing Water Quality and Ecology 20
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Species 20
Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features 20
Selection of Preferred Alternative 21
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IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 23
General 23
Physical Environment 23
General : 23
Geology 24
Circulation and Currents 24
Water and Sediment Quality '. 24
Biological Environment 24
General 24
Benthic 25
Fishes 25
Wildlife 25
Endangered Species 25
Socioeconomic Environment 26
General 26
Natural Resource Harvesting (Commercial) 26
Recreation 26
Cultural Resources 26
V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES . 27
General 27
Physical Effects 27
Biological Effects 27
Socioeconomic Effects 27
Coastal Zone Management 28
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 29
Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and
Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Tenn Productivity 29
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources 29 •
VL COORDINATION 31
Coordination by the Corps of Engineers 31
Coordination by EPA 31
VH. LIST OF PREPARERS . 33
. GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY 35
VI
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Living Resources
Appendix 8: Geological Resources, Oceanographic Processes and
Sediment Transport of the Rogue
Appendix C: Comment and Coordination
Appendix D: Sediment Chemistry and Water Quality
Appendix E: Recreational Use
Appendix F: Cultural Resources
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 General Criteria for the Selection of Ocean Disposal Sites 10
2 Eleven Specific Factors for Ocean Disposal Site Selection 14
3 Conflict Matrix 22
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 General Location of Rogue River , 4
2 Overall Process for ODMDS Evaluation 8
3 Overlay Evaluation of Individual Resources in ZSF 11
4 Rogue River ODMDS and ZSF .' 15
5 Potential Navigation Hazards .. 19
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I. INTRODUCTION
This draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was prepared by Region 10, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the cooperation of the Portland District,
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Section 102 (c) of the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, 33 U.S.C 1401 et seq. (MPRSA),
gives the Administrator of the EPA the authority to designate sites where ocean
dumping may be permitted. On October 1, 1986, the Administer delegated the authority
to designate ocean dumping sites to the Regional Administrator of the Region in which
the site is located. EPA has voluntarily committed to prepare EISs in connection with
ocean dumping site designations (39 FR 16186, May 7, 1974).
Disposal site studies were designed and conducted by the Corps, in consultation with
EPA, and the Rogue Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation Report (1988) was
prepared and coordinated by the Corps. The final Site Evaluation Report described
conditions in the vicinity of the proposed ocean dredged material disposal site
(ODMDS) at Rogue River, Oregon. The Rogue ODMDS received its interim
designation from EPA in 1977 (40 CFR 228.12). The MPRSA requires that, for a site
to receive a final ODMDS designation, the site must satisfy the general and specific
disposal site criteria set forth in 40 CFR 228.6 and 228.5. The Corps Report proposed
that a final ODMDS be designated for the existing interim ODMDS. The report also
documented compliance of the proposed ODMDS with requirements of the following
laws:
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, all as amended.
That document was submitted to EPA for review and processing for formal designation
by the Regional Administrator, Region 10. The Corps' Site Evaluation Report was used
as the basis of the draft EIS. Technical Appendices from the Corps' report are included
in this draft EIS.
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H. PURPOSE AND NEED
General. This draft EIS provides documentation to support final designation of an
ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) for continuing use to be located off the .
mouth of the Rogue River, Oregon. This document evaluates the proposed Rogue
ODMDS site based on criteria and factors set forth in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6 as
required by the Ocean Dumping Regulations (ODR) promulgated in the Federal
Register on January 11, 1977, in accordance with provisions set.forth in Sections 102 and
103 of the MPRSA. This EIS makes full use of existing information to discuss various
criteria, supplemented by field data to describe environmental conditions within and
adjacent to the site.
The preferred ODMDS for final designation is the existing interim site located two
nautical miles (nmi.) southwest of the mouth of the Rogue River. The site when
designated as the final ODMDS, will be used for disposal of materials dredged by the
Corps of Engineers to maintain the federally authorized navigation project at the Rogue
River, Oregon, and for disposal of dredged materials authorized in accordance with
Section 103 of MPRSA. The ODMDS site proposed for designation is located in the
area best suited for dredged material disposal in terms of environmental and
navigational safety factors.
Location. The Rogue River enters the Pacific Ocean north of the town of Gold Beach,
Oregon, approximately 264 miles south of the Columbia River (Figure 1). The estuary
is fed mainly by the Rogue River, which drains 5,160 square miles and is 211 miles from
its mouth to headwaters.
Need. The Corps is responsible for maintaining the Rogue River navigation channel,
which was Federally authorized for the following purposes:
• To provide adequate channel dimensions for tugs, barges and commercial
fishing vessels;
• To provide mooring facilities for small boats which take advantage of project
facilities; and
• To permit barge and small boat traffic upstream to river mile 0.2.
The project further serves to decrease waiting times and increase safety for vessels
crossing the bar, and is one of the harbors of refuge along the Oregon Coast.
Consequently, maintenance of the navigation channel to authorized depths is critical to
keeping the river and harbor open and to sustaining these vital components of the local
and state economy.
Disposal of dredged sediments is a necessary component of maintaining the authorized
project. An evaluation of disposal alternatives, was conducted and is contained in
Section m Alternatives. No less environmentally damaging, economically feasible
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Sebastian
State Park
Cape Sebastian
Figure 1
General Location of Rogue River
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alternative to ocean disposal for material dredged from the entrance to the Rogue River
was identified. In addition, use of ocean disposal by other dredgers may be expected as
other disposal options are exhausted. Designation of an ODMDS is necessary to
accommodate this need.
Project History. The Rogue River project was originally authorized in 1954 and
provided for the construction of jetties, a channel, bank protection and a turning basin.
A second channel and turning basin were also built in response to local construction of
a small boat basin. Maintenance dredging as a federal responsibility was authorized in
1962. Portions of the authorized project considered in this report are:
• A channel 13 feet deep, 300 feet wide and 3500 feet long from the ocean to
the boat basin entrance channel;
• An entrance channel 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide leading to the boat
basin itself.
The frequency of maintenance dredging depends upon the volume of sediments
transported from upriver into the estuary and the frequency and severity of storms that
move offshore sediments into the channel, creating a bar. Shoaling usually occurs
throughout the length of the project, from the outer bar to the side channel leading to
the boat basin. Sediments are classified as medium to coarse sands. The volume of
dredged material deposited offshore from the Rogue River project during the period
1976-1985 ranged from 0 cy to 142,260 cy, with an annual average of 47,500 cy-all of
which was from the main channel. Between 1986 and 1989 maintenance activity was
less (no dredging occurred in 1988) and volumes reduced to an annual average of 35,600
cy for the three year dredging did occur.
Historical ODMDS Use. The interim site, or areas in the same vicinity, have been used
by Portland District since 1962. Maintenance operations have been performed by
hopper dredge, hopper barge, channel flusher and pipeline dredge. Hopper dredge and
hopper barge maintain the main Rogue River channel. The entrance to the boat basin
is generally maintained by pipeline dredge, although clam-shell and backhoe dredges
have been used in the past. To date, over 3.8 million cubic yards have been disposed at
sea, 494,000 cy of which has been disposed in the Rogue ODMDS since 1977 when the
site received its interim designation (40 CFR 228.12). It was entitled "Rogue River
Entrance" and was given the following corner and centroid coordinates (NAD 83):
42 • 24' 15" N 124 • 26' 52" W
42 • 24' 23" N 124 • 26' 39" W
42 • 23' 39" N 124 • 27' 17" W
42'23'51"N 124-27 30" W
42 • 24' 59" N 124• 27' 04" W (centroid)
The approximate location of this site is two nmi. from the Rogue River entrance, with
dimensions of 3600 feet by 1400 feet and an average depth of 60 feet. The site occupies
approximately 116 acres.
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IH. ALTERNATIVES
General. Under the MPRSA, designation of ocean dumping sites follow specific
requirements. In conjunction with the MPRSA, the Ocean Dumping Regulations, as
well as related EPA and Corps of Engineers policies, must be followed. Guidance for
the evaluation process has been provided by the joint EPA/Corps workbook (1984).
This process generally involved three major phases. Phase I includes delineation of the
general area or Zone of Siting Feasibility (ZSF), i.e., disposal is economically and
technically feasible. The ZSF is determined by establishing the reasonable haul
distance, considering factors such as available dredging equipment, energy use
constraints, costs, and safety concerns. Existing information on resources, uses, and
environmental concerns are reviewed and critical resources and areas of incompatibility
identified. Phase II involves identification of candidate sites within the ZSF based on
information evaluated in Phase I. Additional studies can be conducted to further
evaluate environmental and other factors, such as disposal site management
considerations. Phase III consists of evaluation of candidate sites and selection of
preferred site(s) for formal designation by EPA. Preparation of this EIS and the
designation rule is part of Phase HI (Figure 2).
Constraints. Dredging of the coastal ports is limited to a season from April through
October. That limit is imposed by the weather and sea conditions that predominate in
the Northwest. The size of the ZSF is controlled by the capability of available dredging
equipment as allocated among the nine Oregon, one Washington, and four California
coastal projects, and the hauling distance from the Rogue dredging site. The limited
operating time available for completing the maintenance dredging along the Oregon
Coast, therefore, requires a combination of government and private dredges which
operate on the Pacific coast. In a typical year, the Rogue project requires equipment
which will permit production of 6,300 cy per day for approximately 8 days of work.
Longer hauling distances of dredged material increase vessel operating costs and the
time required for completion of the work. Loss of production time due to adverse
weather conditions must also be anticipated. Based on these factors, the extreme
practical limit of the Rogue ZSF (from an economic viewpoint) is 2 nmi.
Resource Considerations. The natural and cultural resources of the area within the ZSF
were identified from information obtained through review of literature, interviews with
resource agencies and local users, and through site specific studies. Critical information
was evaluated and mapped to identify areas of resource conflict. The selection of
resources to use for this determination was dependent on whether the resource was
considered limited. A coast-wide resource, i.e., a flatfish spawning area, was not
considered a limited resource and was not included in the overlay evaluation technique.
Equipment Considerations. For much of the Corps maintenance work, a hopper dredge
must be used because the rough seas encountered at the entrance are not suitable for
safe operation of a pipeline dredge. In recent years, use of mechanical dredges in
combination with ocean-going tugs and barges has increased. This has somewhat
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LITERATURE SURVEYS
INTERVIEWS
DEFINE ZSF
DEFINE TYPES OF
DREDGED MATERIAL
DEFINE PHYSICAL
PROCESSES
DELINEATE BOTTOM
, AREAS
Phase I
SELECT ALTERNATIVE
SITINGS
DETERMINE ADDITIONAL
DATA NEEDS
DETERMINE DISPOSAL
MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
GATHER
ADDITIONAL
DATA AND/OR
APPLY II
SPECIFIC FACTORS
(40 CFR 228.i)
Phase II
EVALUATE
CANDIDATE
SITES
USING SGEN.
CRITERIA
(HO CFR 128.S)
FINAL SIZING
AND
POSITIONING
DETERMINE NEED FOR
MONITORING PROGRAM
DETERMINE POTENTIAL
FOR CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
SELECTION OF MOST
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SUITABLE AREA(S)
DEVELOP SITE
MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
Phase III
Figure 2
Overall Process for ODMDS Evaluation
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enhanced flexibility for scheduling of dredging activities along the Pacific coast; however,
limited availability of equipment remains a controlling factor.
With both a hopper dredge or barge, dredged material disposal would normally occur at
an in-water site. There are no suitable sites in the estuary because of its narrowness and
shallowness. Disposal of entrance material inside the estuary would have greater
adverse environmental impacts than ocean disposal because estuarine habitats are
generally more productive and far less extensive than are nearshore oceanic habitats.
Disposal of the material inside the estuary would also increase the risk of the material
eroding and reshoaling in the channel, potentially increasing dredging requirements.
Consideration of Upland Disposal Options. Upland disposal of entrance channel
material typically is not feasible for economic and environmental reasons. Upland sites
with large capacities seldom exist at such locations. More distant upland sites incur
substantially greater costs for rehandling and transportation of the material, and
alteration of the sites normally involves some environmental impacts. Pipeline dredging
of entrance reaches is usually unsafe. Because of the use of hopper dredges or
clamshell dredge and barge, it would be necessary to rehandle materials to use upland
sites. Creation of an in-water sump in the estuary would require one be dredged and
material bottom-dumped into it, then pumped ashore with a pipeline suction dredge.
Creation of a upland dewatering and rehandling area also may be necessary which could
further alter marine or estuarine habitats. This would be very costly and also would
increase adverse environmental impacts of the project.. Another adverse impact of
upland disposal is that naturally occurring sediments would be removed from the littoral
system and could cause erosion of nearby shorelines over the long term.
Ocean Disposal Options. Two alternatives for ocean disposal were considered for the
Rogue ODMDS:
(1) Termination of ocean disposal at Rogue; and
(2) Designation of the existing interim ODMDS.
A third alternative, relocating the site within the ZSF, would have been pursued if
ongoing site monitoring had disclosed problems, (e.g., mounding) or if the interim
ODMDS were found to be out of compliance with the general and specific criteria.
Identification and evaluation of alternative ODMDS in the vicinity of the interim site is
not considered necessary as the interim site meets all but one of the general criteria.
The existing site is advantageously located as indicated by current data and surveys.
Based on the evaluation of need and an assessment of environmental impacts from
historic dredged material disposal, termination of ocean disposal at Rogue is not
considered prudent or reasonable. The need for the Rogue navigation project is not at
issue and is beyond the scope of this evaluation. Accordingly, evaluation focussed on
designation of the existing interim ODMDS site and consideration of an ODMDS
beyond the continental shelf. The procedures used to evaluate these options consisted
of evaluating each of the five general and eleven specific criteria as required in 40 CFR
228.5 and 228.6.
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Application of General Criteria. The proposed disposal site has been evaluated in terms
of the following general criteria (Table 1).
Table 1
General Criteria for the Selection of Ocean Disposal Sites
•pie dumping of material into the ocean will be permitted only at sites or in areas selected to minimize the interference of
disposal activities with other activities in the marine environment, particularly avoiding areas of existing fisheries or
sheUfisberies, and regions of heavy commercial or recreational navigation.
Locations and boundaries of disposal sites will be chosen so that temporary perturbations in water quality or other
environmental conditions during initial mixing caused by disposal operations anywhere within the site can be expected to be
reduced to normal ambient seawater levels or to undetectable contaminant concentrations or effects before reaching any beach,
shoreline, marine sanctuary, or known geographically limited fishery or shellfishery.
If at any time during or after disposal site evaluation studies, it is determined that existing disposal sites presently approved on
an interim basis for ocean dumping do not meet criteria for site selection set forth in Sections 228.5 - 228.6, the use of such
sites will be terminated as soon as suitable alternative disposal sites can be designated.
The SIMS of ocean disposal sites will be limited in order to localize, for identification and control, any immediate adverse
impacts and to permit the implementation of effective monitoring and surveillance programs to prevent adverse, long-range
impacts. The size, configuration, and location of any disposal site will be determined as a part of the disposal site evaluation
or designation study.
EPA will, wherever feasible, designate ocean dumping sites beyond the edge of the continental shelf and other such sites that
have been historically used.
Minimal Interference with Other Activities. The first of the five criteria requires
that a determination be made as to whether the site will minimize interference of the
proposed disposal operations with other uses of the marine environment This
determination was made by overlaying several individual maps presented in the
Technical Appendices onto a base map, giving bathymetry and location of the interim
disposal site and the ZSF. The following figures were selected to be included in the
evaluation of resources of limited distribution.
* ~
Navigation Hazards Area/Other Recreation Areas
Shellfish Areas
Critical Aquatic Resources
Commercial and Sport Fishing Areas
Geological Features
Cultural and Historical Areas
Figure 3 is a composite of all of the above areas and indicates by various patterns, the
relative amount of total usage within the ZSF. As the figure shows, the existing interim
disposal site for the Rogue River lies south of the most navigationally and
environmentally critical area, the reefs in the northwestern part of the ZSF. These reefs
represent valuable habitat for fish such as black and yellow rockfish and lingcod. They
are extensively fished by sport fishermen. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing
occurs in the disposal area, but it is not limited to that area, occurring (as it does) over
a wide nearshore area. Disposal operations and the salmon fishing season do overlap,
however, communications with ODFW personnel (Appendix A) indicate no observable
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COMMERCIAL & CHARTER
SALMON FISHING
REEF FISHING
LIKELY SHIPWRECK AREA
CRAB FISHING
HALIBUT FISHING
Wedderburn
SCALE IN YARDS
Figure 3
Overlay Evaluation of Individual Resources in ZSF
Ik
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conflicts between the two uses. Appendix A provides a discussion of all potential
conflicts within the ZSF with living resources, and concludes that there have been no
major conflicts in the past or predictable conflicts in the future.
Minimizes Changes in Water Quality. The second of the five general criteria
requires that changes to ambient seawater quality levels occurring outside the disposal
site be within water quality standards and that no detectable contaminants reach
beaches, shorelines, sanctuaries, or geographically-limited fisheries or shellfisheries. The
nature of material has already been discussed as clean, poorly-sorted sand and gravel; no
contaminants or suspended solids are expected to be released. There should be no
water quality perturbations that might move toward a limited resource. Bottom
movement of deposited material is discussed in Appendix B and, in general, shows a net
movement to the north, at the depth of the disposal site, but material appears to be
quickly dispersed.
Interim Sites Which Do Not Meet Criteria. Evaluation by the Corps and EPA
indicates that the interim disposal site would meet the criteria and factors established in
40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6. A arguable exception is that the site is not located off of the
continental shelf. No reported problems or complaints have been received by the Corps
or EPA on use of this site. The site is environmentally acceptable for the types and
quantities of dredged material it presently receives. (See evaluation of Sites off the
Continental Shelf following.)
Size of Sites. The fourth general criterion requires that the size, configuration
and location of the site be evaluated as part of the study. The proposed Rogue River
site is 3600 feet long by 1400 feet .wide, occupying an area of approximately 116 acres.
The Rogue ODMDS is similar in areal size and location to other Oregon ODMDS sites.
This disposal site is dispersive and is of adequate size to accommodate the annual
volumes of material it presently receives. Although volumes of material going to
Oregon ODMDS are expected to increase slightly in the future as alternative disposal
options are exhausted, this increase is not expected to seriously impact site capacity or
resources outside the ODMDS. All Oregon ODMDS are jointly managed and
periodically monitored by the Corps and EPA. Development of mounds has been
observed at other Oregon ODMDS. Should similar mounding develop at Rogue,
disposal practices could be altered or site boundaries adjusted if warranted. Public
notices issued for ocean disposal operations, as required by. MPRSA, have not generated
concerns about significant impacts from their use. Also, no comments have been
received about the size, shape, or location of the interim disposal sites. The Rogue site
is located close enough to shore and harbor facilities that monitoring and surveillance
programs, as required, can easily be accomplished.
Sites off the Continental Shelf. Potential disposal areas located off the
continental shelf in the Rogue River area would be at least 15 nmi. offshore, in water
depths of 600 feet or greater. The haul distance to any potential site beyond the shelf is
much greater than the 2 nmi limit of the Rogue ZSF, making the project economically
infeasible. While there may be some flexibility in operations that could increase the
haul distance somewhat, the minimum 15 nmi. haul to utilize a continental slope
disposal site is economically prohibitive. Further, significant environmental concerns
about disposal in such areas make off-shelf disposal questionable.
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The purpose of the .off-continental shelf site preference is to minimize environmental
impacts from ocean dumping. In this instance, evaluation of historic ocean dumping of
dredged material at the interim site does not reveal actual or potential resource conflicts
or unacceptable adverse environmental effects due to ocean dumping that would argue
for use of another site. Disposal into deeper water would remove large quantities of
natural sediments from the nearshore littoral transport system, a system that functions
with largely non-renewable quantities of sand in Oregon. Disruption of this system's
mass balance could alter erosion/accretion patterns, adversely impacting beaches, spits,
wetlands, and other shoreline habitats.
Benthic and pelagic ecosystems near the shelf contain important fishery resources and
processes effecting them are not well understood. Fine grain sediment and rocky
habitats would be directly covered in disposal operations. Lower density silt/clay and
organic components of sediments could remain suspended in density layers of the
pycnocline, with potential transport inshore and to the surface in seasonal upwelling
events. Deposited sediments could be transported long distances downslope. Bottom
gradients can be 5 percent to 25 percent on the continental slope, making accumulated
unconsolidated sediments susceptible to slumping. Also, offshore transport by
nearbottom currents could occur.
Designation of a site beyond the shelf would require extensive seasonal site
characterization studies and monitoring to understand the system and evaluate disposal
impacts. Distance offshore and depth of required sampling would add further to the
time and expense of such a program.
In summary, use of an ODMDS off the continental shelf did not offer any environmental
advantages over a site located closer to the shore but did involve substantially greater
economic disadvantages.
Application of Specific Criteria. The proposed final ODMDS has been evaluated in
terms of the following specific criteria (Table 2).
Geographic Location. Figure 4 indicates the location of the Rogue interim
ODMDS and bathymetry. The site lies in 52 to 90 feet of water, approximately 2500
yards southwest from the entrance to the Rogue River. Coordinates were presented in
the Purpose and Need Section of this report. The center of the site is on a 216 degree
azimuth from the river mouth. Appendix B contains a detailed discussion of the bottom
topography of the site. In general, the interim site lies on bottom contours sloping at'a
rate of 8/1000 feet to the WSW.
Distance From Important Living Resources.. Aquatic resources of the site are
described in detail in Appendix A. The existing disposal site is located in the nearshore
area, and the overlying waters contain many nearshore pelagic organisms which occur in
the water column. These include zooplankton such as copepods, euphausiids, pteropods,
chaetognaths and meroplankton (fish, crab and other invertebrate larvae). These
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Table 2
Eleven Specific Factors for Ocean Disposal Site Selection
Geographical position, depth of water, bottom topography, and distance from coast.
Location in relation to breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding or passage areas of living resources in adult or juvenile phases.
Location in relation to beaches or other amenity areas.
Types and quantities of waste proposed to be disposed and proposed methods of release, including methods of packaging the
waste, if any.
Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring.
Dispersal, horizontal transport, and vertical mixing characteristics of the area, including prevailing current velocity, if any.
Existence and effects of present or previous discharges and dumping in the area (including cumulative effects).
Interference with shipping, fishing, recreation, mineral extraction, desalination, shellfish culture, areas of special scientific
importance and other legitimate uses of the ocean.
Existing water quality and ecology, of the site, as determined by available data or by trend assessment or baseline surveys.
Potential for the development or recruitment of nuisance species within the disposal site.
Existence at or in close proximity to the site of any significant natural or cultural features of historical importance.
organisms generally display seasonal changes in abundance and, since they are present
over most of the coast, they are not critical to the overall coastal population. Based on
evidence from previous zooplankton and larval fish studies, it appears that there will be
no impact to organisms in die water column (Sullivan and Hancock, 1978).
The ZSF contains several neritic reefs within it which are described in appendix A.
These reefs are an unusual features along the coast and support a variety of aquatic
organisms, including the bull kelp (Nerocystis lutkeana) and its associated fish and
invertebrate community. The site is located approximately 1 nmi. SSE from the reefs.
Since the disposal material is a clean sand that settles quickly within the ODMDS, any
movement of the disposed sand into the reef area would occur through natural littoral
transport. Since the disposal quantity is relatively small compared to the longshore
transport, disposal at the current site is not expected to adversely affect marine
communities in the reef areas.
Benthic samples are discussed in detail in Appendix A. Based on the analysis of benthic
samples collected from the Rogue disposal site and the adjacent areas to the north and
south, the disposal site contains benthic fauna common to nearshore, sandy,
wave-influenced regions that exist along much of the Pacific Northwest coast.
Sediment in and near the interim disposal site consists of well-sorted, fine sands, .typical
of Pacific Northwest coastal areas. The infaunal community of the Rogue study area is
dominated by gammarid amphipods and polychaete worms. Unlike other ODMDS study
areas along the coast, samples from the interim disposal site revealed greater
abundances than those from either the north or south reference transects. The species
of invertebrates inhabiting the study area are the more motile psammnetic
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ROGUE RIVER
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF
Rogue River Reef
Needle.-,
Rk.*».-* Pyramid
IRk.
LEGEND
mm DISPOSAL SITE
Figure 4
Rogue River ODMDS and ZSF
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(sand-dwelling) forms which tolerate or require high sediment flux. Accordingly,
continued use of the site for disposal is not expected to harm, but may enhance, these
organisms. They are typical of other shallow water disposal sites such as Coos Bay sites
E and F (Hancock et aL, 1981).
The dominant commercially and recreationally important niacroinvertebrate species in
the inshore coastal area are shellfish, Dungeness crab and squid.
The nearshore area off the Rogue River supports a variety of pelagic and demersal fish
species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and shad
that migrate through the estuaries to upriver spawning areas. Other pelagic species
include the Pacific herring, anchovy, surfsmelt, and sea perch.
Demersal species are present in the inshore area and include a number of flatfish which
occur primarily over the sandflats. English sole, sandsole, and starry flounder spawn in
the inshore coastal area in the summer and juveniles of these (as well as other) marine
species may rear in the estuary.
The disposal site is in an area where numerous species of birds and marine mammals
occur in the pelagic nearshore and shoreline habitats in and surrounding the proposed
disposal site.
Portland District requested an endangered species listing for the ODMDS from U. S..
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as
part of their coordination of the Site Evaluation Report. At that time only the brown
pelican and the gray whale were listed. Based on previous biological assessments
conducted along the Oregon coast regarding impacts to the brown pelican and the gray
whale, it was concluded that no impact to either species is anticipated from the
proposed designation and use. A letter of concurrance from the NMFS that no impacts
to. the brown pelican of gray whale would be anticipated is contained in appendix C.
This information was presented to EPA in the final Site Evaluation Report.
Subsequently, the Corps and EPA have been informed by the NMFS that they have
revised their list of threatened/endangered species. Species listed by the NMFS now
include the gray, humpback, blue, fin, sei, right, and sperm whales; northern (Steller) sea
lions; leatherback sea turtles; and Sacramento River winter run chinook salmon. A
biological assessment was prepared by the Corps for the Chetco ODMDS addressing the
newly listed species and revising previous biological assessment on the gray whale. The
assessment concluded that no impact to any of the species is anticipated by designation
and use of ODMDS. Based on mis and previous biological assessments conducted along
the Oregon coast, no impacts to any threatened or endangered species are anticipated as
a result of designation and continued use of the Rouge ODMDS. EPA is requesting
that the NMFS and USFWS review this determination during public review of this draft
EIS.
In summary, the proposed ODMDS contains living resources that could be affected by
disposal activities. Evaluation of past disposal activities do not indicate that
unacceptable adverse effects to these resources have occurred. In the absence of any
indication that the resources in proximity to the interim site have been impacted, this
site is considered acceptable for final ODMDS designation.
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Distance from Beaches and Other Amenities. The northwest comer of the
proposed site is just over 2,000 yards from the end of the south jetty. The inshore
corner of the site lies approximately 1,500 yards offshore.
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited at the Site. The disposal site
will receive dredged materials transported by either government or private contractor
hopper dredges or ocean-going barges. The dredges available for use at the Rogue
River have hopper capacities of 800 to 1,500 cy. Barges have a greater capacity, up to
4,000 cy. Thus, no more than 4,000 cy would be disposed at any one time. For steerage
purposes, the ships would be under power and moving while disposing. This would
increase dispersion. Annual dredging volume averages just under 50,000 cy and has
ranged as high as 142,000 cy. Disposal details are listed in Appendix B, Table B-l.
The material to be dredged consists of medium to coarse sands (Appendix D, Figure
D-5). Appendices B arid D give results of sediment analysis performed on these
materials. These materials are considered to meet the exclusion criteria from further
testing as noted in 40 CFR 227.13. Periodic re-evaluation of sediment characteristics by
the Corps and EPA occur as part of our management responsibilities.
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring. The proximity of the interim disposal
site to shore facilities creates an ideal situation for shore-based monitoring of disposal
activities. Routinely, a Coast Guard vessel patrols the entrance and nearshore areas, so
surveillance can also be accomplished by surface vessel.
'Following formal designation of an ODMDS for Chetco, EPA and the Corps will
develop a site management plan which will address post-disposal monitoring. All
Oregon ODMDS are periodically monitored jointly by the Corps and EPA already.
Several research groups are available in the area to perform any required work. The
work could be performed from small surface research vessels at a reasonable cost.
Disposal. Horizontal Transport, and Vertical Mixing Characteristics of the Area.
The material dredged from the Rogue River navigation channel is medium to coarse
sand. The Rogue area is exposed to normal wave action as described in Appendix B.
For the range of depths and grain sizes found at the Rogue ODMDS, there is nearly
constant mobilization of bottom sediment due to wave action. This wave-induced
motion is not responsible for net transport, but, once in motion, bottom sediments can
be affected by other forces such as gravity or directional currents.
The nearshore circulation patterns at Rogue are still unclear. Their complexity is
perhaps due to the rocky reefs in the northern part of the ZSF. The prevailing currents
at the depth of the disposal site seem to be towards the north. Figure B-10 in appendix
B issustrates the sediment transport system assumed to be active. Although the Rogue
River must deliver a large sediment load, the bottom contours suggest a rapid
distribution offshore. While there is shoreline accretion 1-2 miles to the north, the
shoreline to the south seems to be hi equilibrium, suggesting littoral transport to the
south is balanced by offshore transport. Disposal of dredged material at the ODMDS
does not appear to be a significant contribution to coastal processes.
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Effects of Previous Disposal. Due to coarser sediments being deposited on finer
ones at the disposal site, theoretically there is a potential for mounding to occur.
Bathymetric surveys, however, have shown no signs of such a mound forming from past
disposal. Periodic monitoring will continue to evaluate this potential problem.
Interference with Other Uses of the Ocean.
Commercial Fishing: Two existing commercial fisheries occur in the inshore
area: salmon trawling and Dungeness crab fishing (Appendix A). The length of the
salmon fishing season varies each year depending upon the established quota; however,
it normally extends from July to September. During this period, the potential exists for
conflicts between the dredge and fishing boats. The Coast Guard and ODFW indicated
that they are unaware of any instance where this has ever been a problem. The
Dungeness crab season is from 1 December to 15 August; however, most of the fishing
is done prior to June and usually ends early because of the increase in unmarketable
soft shell crabs in the catch. As a result, most crab fishing is done outside of the normal
dredging season and it is unlikely that a conflict would result. There are no commercial
fish or shellfish aquaculture operations that would currently be impacted by use of the
existing disposal site.
Recreational Fishing: Salmon fishing is done by charter and private boats and
occurs in the same areas as the commercial fishing, but generally closer to shore.
Bottom fishing is done along the reef areas to the northwest by private charter boat.
Recreational fishing boats have a potential for conflicting with dredging operations,
however, no conflicts have been reported to date (Appendix E). It is unlikely that any
significant conflict will develop in the near future.
Offshore Mining Operations: Although offshore deposits of heavy minerals
containing magnetite, gold, platinum, chromite, and ilmenite are present offshore, no
mining is currently taking place. No oil/gas wells have been drilled off this part of the
Oregon Coast and no development is expected in the future. All considerations for
offshore mining and oil/gas leases remain in the development stages. The disposal site
is not expected to interfere with any of the proposed operations.
Navigation: No conflicts with commercial navigation traffic have been recorded
in the more than 60ryear history of hopper dredging activity. The probable reason for
this is the light commercial traffic at Rogue. Navigation hazards do exist within the ZSF
and should be avoided when considering possible disposal site locations. Figure 5
indicates potential navigation hazards. Ships cannot navigate in the northwest part of
the ZSF due to the exposed reefs.
Scientific: No scientific studies have been identified within the ZSF (Zone of
Sitting Feasibility) that could be adversely effected by the disposal activity.
Coastal Zone Management: Local comprehensive land use plans for the Chetco
area have been acknowledged and approved by the State of Oregon. These plans
discuss ocean disposal and recognize the need to provide for suitable offshore sites for
disposal of dredged materials, m addition, this site evaluation document establishes that
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Rbgu e River,
27'
Wedderburn
Ootd Beach
MINIMUM DISTANCE to UKITS of
TOWBOAT LANE APPROX. 3.5 nriles
\
SCALE IN YARDS
1000 0 1000
DEPTHS LESS THEN 18 ft MLLW
Figures
Potential Navigation Hazards
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no significant effects on ocean, estuarine, or shoreland resources are anticipated, as Goal
19vof the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines requires.
During coordination of the Site Evaluation Report, the Corps made a determination of
consistency with Coastal Zone Management plans. EPA also concludes that designation
of the proposed site is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the state
coastal management program. A letter of concurrance with that finding was provided by
the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the state coastal zone
management office. Their letter of concurrance is included in appendix C. The letter
notes that the Department may reexamine the consistency issue if new information
becomes available.
•
Existing Water Quality and Ecology. Only limited water and sediment quality
testing has been done, the details of which are given in Appendix D. Sediments from
the navigation channel are medium to coarse sands containing some gravel, with some
fine sands present at the upper end of the project next to the boat basin. Elutriate
testing was conducted in 1981 which showed no release of harmful concentrations of
contaminants. These materials are considered to meet the exclusion criteria from
further testing as noted in 40 CFR 227.13. Periodic re-evaluation of sediment
characteristics by the Corps and EPA occur as part of our management responsibilities.
A general discussion of the ecology of the area based on available information is
presented in Appendix A. The ODMDS and near vicinity is typical of a Pacific
Northwest mobile sand community, shifting to the reef system to the north. Monitoring
studies have not shown any adverse effects from historic disposal.
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Specie's. It is highly unlikely that any
nuisance species would be transported to the disposal site. Nuisance species are
considered to be any undesirable organism not previously existing at the disposal site
and either transported or attracted there because of the disposal of dredged materials
which are capable of establishing themselves there.
Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features. The neritic reefs off the
Oregon Coast comprise a unique ecological feature. They support a wide variety of
invertebrates and fish species, as well as bull whip kelp communities. These areas are
sheltered from wave action and receive nutrients from both the ocean and the estuaries
and are, thus, usually highly productive. The disposal site is located approximately 1 nmi
SSE from the reefs. Since the disposal material is a clean sand that settles quickly, any
movement of the disposed sand into the reef area would occur through natural littoral
transport. Since the disposal quantity is relatively small compared to the longshore
transport, disposal at the current site should not adversely affect the aquatic community
in the reef areas.
•
In spite of the heavy ship traffic supplying the gold fields hi the late 1800s, there do not
appear to be any shipwrecks of cultural significance that would be affected by continued
use of the disposal site. Potential shipwreck areas are shown and evaluated in Appendix
F. A letter by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) concurs that no
.significant cultural resources will be affected by the proposed designation and use
(appendix C) .
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Selection of the Preferred Alternative. Once the general and specific site selection
criteria were applied the proposed disposal site, a conflict matrix analysis was completed.
Portland District developed the matrix format to simplify the criteria review process and
has used the matrix for several ODMDS studies. Each area of consideration on the
conflict matrix addresses at least one general and specific criteria. Table 3 contains
comments pertinent to the criteria for the proposed site. In addition to the conflict
matrix, operational constraints and cost were considered for the site. Based upon the
information contained in this DEIS, designation of an ODMDS of the Rogue River,
Oregon is considered necessary. After applying the five general and eleven specific
criteria to the available options, designation of the interim ODMDS was selected as the
preferred alternative. Continued use of the interim ODMDS would not be expected to
cause unacceptable adverse environmental effects.
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IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
General. A brief summary of existing conditions within the ZSF or specifically at the
interim ODMDS is presented below and is the basis for evaluating the suitability of the
site for ocean disposal. More detailed information on the affected environment is
presented in the appendices which were reproduced from the Corps' Site Evaluation
Report. Information regarding the nature and frequency of the sediments dredged from
the Rogue navigation channel entrance is also provided.
Physical Environment.
General. The Rogue River estuary is surrounded by steep, rounded hills that
gain 700 feet inelevation within a half-mile. Along the coastline, the beach extends
inland about 200 yards before rising sharply into hilly terrain. Gold Beach, located on
the Rogue River, acquired its name from the placer gold found in gravels beneath the
sandy beach that were exposed by winter storm waves. Other metallic minerals located
in the beach sands of the area include chromite, magnetite, platinum, and zircon.
The three external sources of sediment in the vicinity of the proposed disposal site,
located 1.5 miles from the Rogue River entrance, are fluvial, dredging disposal, and
coastal erosion. The primary fluvial source is the Rogue River which has a mean annual
discharge of 7,800 cfs. Coastal erosion studies show that much of the shoreline north of
the Rogue River is unstable and contributes a continuous amount of sediment to the
littoral system. Disposal of dredged material at the ODMDS has contributed an average
annual quantity of 47,500 cy of sediment.
Surface sediments within the proposed disposal site are uniformly fine sand. Most of
the dredged material is coarse sand. Depths at the site range from 50 to 85 feet. There
is no mound of disposal material apparent within the disposal site, indicating that most
material is being dispersed by current and wave action. The coarseness of the Rogue
River entrance sediments, isolation from existing or historical sources of contaminants,
and the presence of strong hydraulic regimes lead to the presumption of clean material
exempt from further testing according to provisions of 40 CFR 227.13(b). Water quality
analysis conducted on samples taken from the entrance channel indicate that all water
quality parameters are within normal ranges.
Physical sediment analysis of entrance channel material indicates it is poorly-sorted sand >
with small amounts of gravel towards the outer bar. Disposal site sediments are
well-sorted, fine, sandy material. Percentages of volatile solids measured in dredged
material samples averaged less than 3 percent, while those in the disposal area were less
than 2.5 percent
The ocean bottom in the vicinity of the interim disposal site slopes seaward fairly evenly
at 8 on 1000 between the 36 to at least 72 feet contours. The bed is featureless except
for what appears to be a 25-foot pinnacle a short distance beyond the southwest end of
the disposal site. There is no mound of disposal material apparent within the disposal
- 23 -
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area. A May 1986 bathymetric survey showed a seaward displacement of the contours
with respect to August, 1984 (appendix B). This aggravation is not caused by dredge
material disposal, as the volume involved far exceeds that disposed of offshore during
those years.
Geology. The surface sediments of the Rogue ZSF that were sampled in 1984
are uniformly fine sand. Mean grain size showed almost no variation, falling between
0.13 mm and 0.16 mm (Table B-2). The one possible exception is a band observed on
the sidescan sonar that has been interpreted as a band of gravel or coarse sand. No
samples were taken from the band, land it is possible that it is a sand dollar bed instead
of gravel.
Sediment dredged from the Rogue River entrance channel are considerably coarser than
the offshore sediments. Mean grain size ranged between 0.47 and 0.94 mm and is
classified as medium to coarse sand. Samples contain as much as 10 percent gravel.
The side channel leading to the boat basin consists of fine sand (0.21 mm) while the
boat basin contains silt. The finest material traditionally has been disposed on land by
pipeline dredge. A sample taken at the edge of the site is identical with the other
native sediments.
Circulation and Currents. The nearshore mean circulation is alongshore, closely
paralleling the bathymetric contours, with a lesser onshore-offshore component.
Circulation patterns are variable with season and weather conditions. Monitoring of
currents over a five year period indicated that the predominant nearshore current
direction is to the south, with short 2 to 3 month periods each winter of currents to the
north. At the disposal site, measured currents were generally north with slightly more of
an onshore component in July. For the April-May period, the strongest currents were
usually north along the bottom contours. The currents in July are mostly onshore,
across bottom contours and northward. No significant current southward was recorded.
Appendix B provides details of the sediment transport processes for the Rogue and the
ODMDS.
Water and Sediment Quality. Water quality throughout the ZSF is expected to
be typical for seawater of the Pacific Northwest. There is no reason to expect significant
chemical contamination in either the water of sediments as few heavy industries are
located along the estuary. Basic water quality parameters were taken in field sampling
during collections of sediment samples from the channel. All of the values were within
normal ranges for the Oregon coast. Sediment from Rogue River disposed at the
ODMDS is clean sand. It is coarser than that of the ODMDS but within acceptable
limits. Based on this information, there is expected to be no problem with continued
disposal of these sediments at the proposed ODMDS site.
Biological Environment.
General. Aquatic resources of the ZSF are described in detail in Appendix A.
The ODMDS site is located in the nearshore area and is typical of oceanic habitat
common to the nearshore north Pacific Coast.
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Benthic. The benthos of the Rogue offshore disposal site is typical of nearshore
high energy environments. The community is dominated by the sand dollar, Dendraster
eccentricus, and the surface-dwelling gastropod, Olivella. Polychaete annelids and
gammarid amphipods inhabiting the study area were generally the more mobile
sand-dwelling forms which tolerate or require high sediment flux. Densities of benthic
infauna generally decreased as water depth increased. Distribution and abundance of
inshore plankton species vary seasonally, with maximum abundance occurring in the
summer months. Copepods are the dominant taxa, followed by crab and fish larvae.
Fishes. The nearshore area off Rogue River supports a variety of pelagic and
demersal fish species. Pelagic species include salmon, steelhead, shad, Pacific herring,
anchovy, smelt, and sea perch. Demersal species include a variety of flatfish, sculpins,
sea perch, and rocky reef fish associated with the neritic reefs and the jetties.
The neritic reefs off Rogue River are a unique feature of the Oregon Coast. They are
associated with bull kelp beds which provide important habitat and increase the overall
productivity of the reef.
The predominant commercial fishery is for salmon and Dungeness crab. Some
commercial and recreational clamming occurs in the intertidal mudflats of the bay and
beaches. Recreational fishing is primarily for salmon and bottom fish. Most of the
bottom fishing is in the vicinity of the reefs.
Wildlife. Numerous species of birds and marine mammals occur in the vicinity of
the proposed disposal site. Information on most species of shorebirds is lacking, so their
distribution and abundance can only be addressed in general terms. They occur along
much of the coast primarily as migrants and/or winter residents. A few species of
shorebirds, including western snowy plover and black oystercatcher, nest along the coast
Bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and brown pelican may occasionally use the area in the
vicinity of the proposed disposal site. Information on marine mammals is also limited,
except for seals and sea lions. An estimated 300-500 harbor seals occur in the waters
around the Rogue River, and the Rogue River reef is the most important norther
(Stellar) sea lion rookery (numbering about 1,500) in Oregon waters. Whales are known
to occur throughout coastal waters during migration, but population estimates and
information on areas of special use are not known.
Endangered Species. Portland District requested an endangered species listing
for the ODMDS from U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) as part of their coordination of the Site Evaluation Report.
At that time only the brown pelican and the gray whale were listed. Based on previous
biological assessments conducted along the Oregon coast regarding impacts to the brown
pelican and the gray whale, it was concluded that no impact to either species is
anticipated from the proposed designation and use. A letter of concurrance from the
NMFS that no impacts to the brown pelican of gray whale would be anticipated is
contained in appendix C This information was presented to EPA in the final Site
Evaluation Report. Subsequently, the Corps and EPA have been informed by the
NMFS that they have revised their list of threatened/endangered species. Species listed
by the NMFS now include the gray, humpback, blue, fin, sei, right, and sperm whales;
northern (Steller) sea lions; leatherback sea turtles; and Sacramento River winter run
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chinook salmon. A biological assessment was prepared by the Corps for the Chetco
ODMDS addressing the newly listed species and revising previous biological assessment
on the gray whale. The assessment concluded that no impact to any of the species is
anticipated by designation and use of ODMDS. Based on this and previous biological
assessments conducted along the Oregon coast, no impacts to any threatened or
endangered species are anticipated as a result of designation and continued use of the
Rouge ODMDS.
Socioeconomic Environment.
General. The Rogue River enters the Pacific Ocean at the City of Gold Beach,
Oregon. Gold Beach, which is the Curry County seat, has a population of 1,585, while
Curry County's population is 17,100. The town was named for the gold which was
discovered there in the early 1850s. Not long after its settlement, lumber manufacturing
became its primary economic activity. Today, the wood products industry remains
valuable, but the tourist and fishing industries are now becoming more important.
Natural Resource Harvesting^Commercial). Forest products in the form of
lumber and raw logs have traditionally been the largest component of the local
economy. Commercial fishing is the also among the largest industries of the area. Both
depend on the Rogue River project to some degree.
Offshore deposits of black sand have been identified near the river mouth.
Minerals of primary interest in black sands are gold, platinum and chromite, but the
sands also contain other heavy metals. No mining is currently being undertaken.
Recreation. The Rogue River area is popular with recreationalists because of the
coastal scenery and excellent fishing opportunities both offshore and in the Rogue River.
The area is increasing in popularity as a small boat harbor and has excellent facilities
for the many anglers who fish here annually. The offshore area also supports a
moderate commercial fishery, primarily for salmon and Dungeness crab. Clams are also
commercially harvested in the estuary. The fishing and tourist industries are the primary
sources of income to the local economy. No significant mineral or petroleum deposits
are known to exist in the vicinity of the proposed disposal site.
Cultural Resources. Cultural resource investigations indicate that no significant
archeological or historic resources exist in the vicinity of the disposal site. A letter of
concurrance from the SHPO is included in appendix C.
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
General. The proposed action is the designation of a site to be available for ocean
disposal of dredged material. Designation of the site itself is an administrative action
that would not have any direct environmental effects; however, it would subject the site
to use as an ocean disposal area. Although no significant impacts are predicted by this
designation action, EPA has voluntarily committed to preparing and circulating EISs as
part of the designation process. This EIS addresses the likely effects of disposal at the
interim ODMDS based upon the Corps' current operation and maintenance dredging
program for the Rogue River navigation project. A separate evaluation of the suitability
of dredged material and disposal impacts will be conducted for each proposed disposal
action by the Corps as required under Section 103 of the MPRSA. EPA independently
reviews all proposed ocean disposals of dredged material.
Chemical Effects. Continued disposal of dredged material at the proposed ODMDS
would not have a significant effect on the physical environment. The material consists
of clean sand, coarser than that present at the disposal site, but still compatible for
disposal on the sandy bottom. The dredged material would disperse from the site in the
littoral drift system with movement expected to be to the north and offshore during the
winter and lesser movement to the south in summer. No mounding is expected to occur.
Sediments proposed for ocean disposal require evaluation following the tiered testing
guidance described in the joint EPA/Corps national framework, Evaluation of Dredged
Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal- Testing Manual (February 1991). Sediment
characterization, including chemical and biological testing as needed, has been a
standard practice for several years in this region. The material dredged from the Rogue
navigation channel meets the exclusion criteria defined .in 40 CFR 227.13(b). Sediment
characteristics are periodically reexamined by the Corps and EPA.
Biological Effects. Impacts on the biological environment would be primarily to the
benthic community. Some mortality could occur as a result of smothering. Most of
the benthic species present are motile and have adapted to a high energy environment
with shifting sands. Therefore, most would likely survive the effects of disposal. In
addition, rapid recolonization would occur from surrounding areas since the sediments
would be compatible.
Larger, more motile organisms such as fish, birds, and marine mammal species would
probably avoid the disposal activity or move out once it begins. They would likely be
exposed to short-term turbidity at most. Therefore, impacts are expected to be limited
to disturbance rather than injury or mortality.
No significant impact is anticipated from the designation or continued use of the
ODMDS to threatened/endangered species.
Socioeconomic Effects. The designation and use of an ODMDS for dredged material off
the mouth of the Rogue River would allow the continued maintenance of the navigation
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channel. This would result in waterborne commerce remaining an component of the
local economy. If a site is not designated, maintenance dredging may ultimately cease
for lack of adequate disposal sites, or other, potentially more environmentally sensitive
habitats (e.g., wetlands) would be used. If maintenance dredging of the channel ceases,
the channel would shoal in and become unsafe or unusable. Shipping and fishing traffic
would have to be directed through other ports and the local economy would suffer.
There are black sands containing heavy metals in the disposal area that may be
impacted, but are not currently mined. Potential exploitation of these resources would
not be impacted by disposal at the ODMDS as the strong currents and wave action
continually moves the material out of the site.
No impacts to recreation are expected to occur. Recreational fishery resources would
be temporarily displaced during disposal operations. Time delays for recreational
boaters caused by the passing of the dredge or an increase in navigation hazards during
congested periods could occur. Conflicts such as these can be considered an
inconvenience rather than a threat to recreational activity.
There could be a short-term reduction in aesthetics at the disposal site as a result of
turbidity following disposal. The material would settle rapidly and not affect any areas
outside of the disposal area. Minor impacts, such as changes in sand color, could occur
on the adjacent beach, but these impacts would be short-term and would not be
considered objectionable.
It is unlikely that any cultural resources are present in the proposed disposal site.
Therefore, designation or use of the site is not expected to have any impact on cultural
resources.
Coastal Zone Management. In reviewing proposed ocean disposal sites for consistency
with the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) plan, they are evaluated against Oregon's
Statewide Goal 19 (Ocean Resources). Local jurisdiction does not extend beyond the
baseline for territorial seas and, therefore, local plans do not address offshore sites.
Goal 19 requires that agencies determine the impact of proposed projects or actions.
Paragraph 2.g of Goal 19 specifically addresses dredged material disposal. It states that
agencies shall "provide for suitable sites and practices for the open sea discharge of
dredged material which do not substantially interfere with or detract from the use of the
continental shelf for fishing, navigation, or recreation, or from the long-term protection
of renewable resources." Decisions to take an action, such as designating an ocean
disposal site, are to be preceded by an inventory and based on sound information and
on an understanding of the resources and potential impacts. In addition, there should
be a contingency plan and emergency procedures to be followed in the event that the
operation results in conditions which threaten to damage the environment.
Ocean disposal sites for dredged material are designated following guidelines prepared
by the EPA (Ocean Dumping Regulations). Site selection is to be based on studies and
an evaluation of the potential impacts (40 CFR Part 228.4 [e]). This meets the
requirements of State Goal 19 for decisions to be based on inventory and a sound
understanding of impacts. The five general and eleven specific criteria for the
designation of a site presented in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6 outline the type of studies to
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be conducted and the resources to be considered. According to 40 CFR Part 228.5(a),
ocean disposal will only be allowed at sites "selected to minimize the interference of
disposal activities with other activities in the marine environment, particularly avoiding
areas of existing fisheries or shellfisheries, and regions of heavy commercial or
recreational navigation." Monitoring is to be conducted at ocean disposal sites. If .
adverse effects are observed, use of the site may be modified or terminated. The
requirements of the ocean dumping regulations are broad enough to meet the need of
Goal 19. Therefore, the designation of this site for ocean disposal of dredged material
following the ocean dumping regulations would be consistent with Goal 19 and the State
of Oregon's Coastal Zone Management Plan.
During coordination of the Site Evaluation Report, the Corps made a determination of
consistency with Coastal Zone Management plans. A letter of concurrence was provided
by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the state coastal
zone management office (appendix C). EPA also concludes that designation of the
proposed site is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the state coastal
management program.
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts. Designation of an ODMDS would allow continued
dredging and disposal of dredged material from the Rogue River entrance channel with
attendant effects.
Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and Maintenance and
Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity. Disposal of dredged material at the interim
ODMDS would have a unquantifiable, but apparently minor short- and long-term effect
of the productivity of the ocean environment. Use of the ODMDS would have a long-
term beneficial effect on the economy of the city of Gold Beach and Curry County.
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources. Permanent designation of the
interim ODMDS for disposal would commit the site and its resources primarily to that
use. Other uses such as oil and gas explorations, and to varying degrees, mining, fishing,
and use by certain aquatic species, would be constrained or precluded.
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VL COORDINATION
Coordination By the Corps of Engineers. Procedures used in this evaluation and the
proposed continued use of the interim site were discussed with the following State and
federal agencies by the Portland District, Corps of Engineers, to support their site
designation studies and preparation of their Site Evaluation Report:
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
- Oregon State Historic Preservation Officer
- Oregon Division of State Lands
The agencies were briefed on the proposed technique from the task force workbook and
existing information was requested of them. Copies of the draft Site Evaluation Report
were provided to them by the Corps and their comments on the draft were formally
requested. Letters received are included in Appendix C.
The proposed federal action requires concurrence or consistency for three federal laws
from the responsible agencies as indicated below.
• Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended from U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service National Marine Fisheries Service
*
• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, State Historic
Preservation Officer
• Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, Oregon Department of
Land Conservation and Development
Consistency or preliminary concurrence letters from the above agencies are included in
Appendix C. State water quality certifications, as required by Section 401 of the Clean
Water Act, will be obtained for individual dredging actions as part of the normal
permitting of federal project approval process.
Coordination By EPA. Coordination with the Portland District was maintained
throughout the site designation studies and during preparation of their Site Evaluation
Report. A copy of that report was reviewed by EPA. EPA has voluntarily committed to
prepare and circulate EISs for site designation actions. A Notice of Intent to Prepare
an Environmental Impact Statement on the final designation of an adjusted ODMDS
site off Rogue River, Oregon, was published in the Federal Register on Monday,
October 2, 1989. The Site Evaluation Report submitted by Region 10, EPA, by the
Corps was used as the basis for preparation of this draft EIS. A formal 45-day public
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review period will allow comments to be received from all State and local agencies, and
private groups and individuals on this proposed designation by EPA. A list of those who
received the draft EIS for comment may be requested. Many of the same agencies that
reviewed the Corps' Site Evaluation Report will receive this draft EIS.
As .a separate but concurrent action, EPA will publish a proposed .rule in the Federal
Register for formal designation of the interim Rogue ODMDS. There is a 45-day public
review period for the draft rule also. It is planned that the public review periods for the
draft EIS and proposed rule be concurrent. However, comments will be accepted on
either the draft EIS or proposed rule until the end of the latest 45-day period.
Comments will be responded to in the final EIS and rule.
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VH. LIST OF PREPARERS
Disposal site studies were designed and conducted by the Corps, in consultation with
EPA, and a Site Evaluation Report was prepared by the Portland District, Corps of
engineers. That document was'submitted to EPA for review and processing for formal
designation by the Regional Administrator, Region 10. The Corps' Site Evaluation
Report was used by EPA as the basis of this draft EIS. The Technical Appendices from
the Site Evaluation Report are reproduced as appendices to the EIS.
Preparation of draft EIS:
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency:
John Malek Ocean Dumping Coordinator and Project Officer
Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc.: '
David DesVoigne, Ph.D. Environmental Scientist
Preparation of Site Evaluation Report and Technical Appendices:
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District:
Mark W. Hanson Civil Engineer
Michael F. Kidby, P.E. Civil Engineer
A. Rudder Turner, Jr. Oceanographer
Danil R. Hancock Oceanographer
David R. Felstul Environmental Specialist
Stephan A. Chesser Oceanographer
William B. Fletcher Hydrologist
Kim William Larson Fishery Biologist
Geoffrey L. Dorsey . Wildlife Biologist
Steven J. Stevens Landscape Architect
Michael A. Martin Archeologist
L. Jerome Simpson CE Technician
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.APPENDIX A,
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APPENDIX A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Introduction A-l
1.3 Plankton and Fish Larvae A-l
1.11 Benthic Invertebrates A-2
1.16 Results ... A-7
1.24 Macroinvertebrates A-12
1.28 Fisheries A-12
1.33 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries A-15
1.36 Wildlife A-15
Literature Cited A-2Q
LIST OF TABLES
Table
A-l Dominant Copepod Species by Season in Decreasing
"Order of Abundance A-l
A-2 Other Taxa Collected A-3
A-3 Other Taxa Collected A-4
A-4 Dominant Fish Larval Species During the Two Peaks
of Abundance A-5
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
A-l Sampling Sites A-6
A-2 Density of Polychaetes and Crustaceans at the
Rogue River Disposal Site (#/m2) A-8
A-3 Density of Gastropods and Cumaceans at the Rogue
River Site (#/m2) A-9
A-4 Density of Benthic Infauna A-10
A-5 Diversity, Species Richness and Equitability
of Benthic Infauna A-ll
A-6 Distribution of Macroinvertebrates A-13
A-7 Salmonid Occurrence at Rogue River A-14
A-8 Commercial Fishing Areas A-16
A-9 Recreational Fishing Areas A-17
A-10 Wildlife Areas A-19
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APPENDIX A
LIVING RESOURCES
Introduction
1.1 Information on aquatic resources was obtained from a field sampling program
conducted in May 1984. There was also a thorough utilization of published and
unpublished reports, theses, and personal communications with the ODFW Marine
Resources Division biologists. Critical resources were determined primarily by whether
the resource was unique to the area or was in limited abundance along the Oregon coast.
Plankton and Fish Larvae
1.2 Distribution and abundance of inshore plankton species vary depending upon
nearshore oceanographic conditions. In the summer when the wind is predominantly
from the northwest, surface water is moving south and away from the shore. Colder,
more saline, nutrient-rich water then moves up from the depths onto the shore. This
upwelling phenomenon can extend up to 10 km offshore and last from days to weeks
depending upon the strength and duration of the wind. Zooplankton taxa during this
time are predominantly those from subarctic water masses.
1.3 In the winter, the wind is primarily out of the west and southwest, and surface
waters are transported inshore. The zooplankton community during this time of the year
consists of species from the transitional or. Central Pacific water masses.
1.4 No specific data is available for the area offshore from the Rogue River.
However, Peterson and Miller (1976), and Peterson et al. (1979), have sampled the
zooplankton community off Yaquina River and found copepods to be the dominant taxa.
The species present varied with season. Of the 58 total species collected, 38 were
collected in the summer and 51 in the winter. Eight occurred commonly in both summer
and winter while seven occurred only or predominantly in the summer and six in the
winter. A list of dominant summer and winter species is given below (Table A-l). In
general, winter species are less abundant than summer species.
Table A-l
Dominant Copepod Species by Season . .
in Decreasing Order of Abundance
Winter Species Summer Species
Pseudocalanus sp. Pseudocalanus sp.
Qithona similis Acartia clausii
Paracalanus parvus Acartia longiremis
Acartia longiremis Calanus marshallae
Centrophages abdominalis
Oithona similis
A-l
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1.5 Other taxa collected were of minor importance as compared with the copepod
abundance except for a few organisms during parts of the year. (A list of the other taxa
collected is given in Tables A-2 and A-3.)
1.6 The other plankton species of importance is the megalops larval stage of the
Dungeness crab (Cancer magisteri. Lough (1976) has reported that megalops occur
inshore from January to May and are apparently retained there by the strong alongshore
and onshore components of the surface currents in the winter. The megalops
metamorphose into juvenile crabs and settle out of the plankton, moving into rearing
areas in the estuary, or in quiet offshore waters.
1.7 Fish larvae are a transient member of the inshore coastal plankton community.
Their abundance and distribution have been described by Richardson (1973),
Richardson and Pearcy (1977), and Richardson et al. (1980).
1.8 Three species assemblages have been described off the Oregon coast: coastal,
transitional, and offshore. In general, the species in the coastal and offshore assemblages
never overlap while the transitional species overlapped both groups. The break between
the coastal and transitional groups occurs at the continental shelf break, traditionally
described as 200 meters in depth.
1.9 The coastal group is dominated by smelt (Osmeridae) which made up over 50
percent of the larvae collected. Other dominant species include the English sole
(Parophrys vetulus). Butter Sole (Isopsetta isolepis). starry flounder (Platichthys
stellatus). and torn cod (Microgadus proximus). Maximum abundance occurs from
February to July when greater than 90 percent of the larvae were collected. Two peaks
of abundance are present during.this period; one in February and March (24 percent of
larvae) and one in May to July (68 percent of larvae) following upwelling. Dominant
species during each peak are shown below (Table A-4).
1.10 The results of the studies off Yaquina Bay indicate that the larval species present
in the inshore coastal areas were similar and had the same peaks of abundance as those
collected in Yaquina River; however, the dominant species differed. In Yaquina Bay,
two species accounted for 90 percent of the species collected, the bay goby
(Lepidogobius lepidus) and the Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi). Neither were
present in the inshore coastal area. Starry flounder spawn in the area to the north of the
estuary and the juveniles use the estuary as juvenile rearing areas. English sole probably
use the estuary as a rearing area. Because oceanographic conditions are similar over
much of the Central Oregon coast, it is likely that zooplankton and larval population
dynamics are similar between Rogue and Yaquina ocean disposal areas.
Benthic Invertebrates
1.11 Benthic invertebrates play an important role in secondary productivity in
nearshore marine systems. They are not only a direct source of food for many demersal
fishes but play an active part in the shredding and breakdown of organic material and in
sediment reworking.
A-2
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TAXA
Calcmtts nauplii
Other Copepod nauplii
Amphipods
Euphausiid nauplii
Euphausiid calyptopis
Euphausiid furcilia
'Thysanoessa epinifera
Evadne nordmanni
Podon leukarti
Pteropods
Chaetognaths
Oikopleitra
Ctenophpres
Scyphomedusae
decapod shrimp mysis
barnacle nauplil
barnacle cypris
polychaete post-
trochophores
bivalve.ve1i.gers
gastropod veligers
hydromedusae
unidentified annelid
without parappdia .
pluteus
large round eggs (fish)
Calanue eggs
euphausiid eggs, early
euphausiid eggs, late
other fish eggs
TOTAL RELATIVE DENSITY
1969 1970 1971
FREQUENCY
69 70 71
119.5
43.1
8.5
46.3
13.3
30.2
35.4
73.7
2.8
10.2
89.4
69.2
6.0
22.9
142.7
59.3
4.4
16.2
170.5
28.9
6.1
8.2
0.0
36.8,
870.1*
55.0
70.0
19.1
695.5
68.1
18.5
85.9
14.5
13.6
4.0
58.9
115.3
24.6
50.3
85.7
2.5
.70.9
52.6
168.3
64.0
20.1
258.9
79.2
3.2
23.1
16.0
25.0
168.7
686.1
57.5
35.1
172.7
52.3
15.7
84.0
17.2
17.7
87.3
9.8
5.2
60.6
30.8
66.5
34.9
22.8
45.3
231.4
8.3
21.4
68.3
42.2
10.3
35.8
117:6
17.8
226.1
449.6
39.6
34.3
21
10
5
5
4
14
2
17
2
11
25
11 '
7
13
5
20
16
2
3
0
11
10
11
2
12
40
20
15
26
17
20
7
26 .
12
22
33
15
5
28
16 24
8 32
2 19
23
40
33
2
3
5
13
28
29
16
18
28-
20
14
IB
11
10
11
2
1
35
34
21
19
22
22
'28
10
15
27
23
11
16
11
12
25
24
14
18
a * biased by a single observation of 760 individuals/m;
The following taxa were*found in less than five samples: radiolarians,
foraminifera, siphonophores, planula larva, trochophores, Tomopteria,
heteropods, Clione, phoronid larva, ascidian larva, salps, auricularia
larva, imn starfish, decapod protozoeas, unusual barnacle nauplii, Sty-
locheiron abbreviatim, anchovy eggs, and four miscellaneous unidentified
meroplanktonic taxa.
Total relative density and frequency of occurrence of other holoplanktonic
taxa and meroplankton taken within 18 km of. the coast during 1969, 1970
and 1971 upwelling seasons'. Table entries are suras of average abundances
at each of four stations?
Table A-2
Other Taxa Collected
A-3
-------
TAXA
Calamis nauplii
Other Copepod nauplii
Amphipods
Euphausiid nauplll
Euphausiid calyptopis
Euphausiid furcilla
Evadne norcbnanni
Podon leukarti
Pteropods (Limacina)
Chaetognaths
Oikopleura spp.
Ctenophores
Scyphomedusae
Salps
Isopods
Mysids
decapod shrimp mysis
barnacle nauplii
barnacle cypris
polychaete post-trochophores
bivalve veligers
gastropod veligers, assorted
gastropod A
hydromedusae
annelids lacking parapodia
echinoderm pluteus
TOTAL RELATIVE DENSITY FREQUENCY
1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 69-70 70-71 71-72
1188. 7a
29,1
5.9
2.8
6.4
3.1
5.8
126. 3a
66.0
62.9
551.9
7.0
10. '0
0.9b
0.5
0,2
165.9
122. 5a
4.8
108. 4a
56. la
0.4
24.1
27.3
88.0
47,4
101.2
6.2
94.3
***
0.7
3.3
35.1
20.2
5.0
3.4
14.5
7.6
4.8
116. 4a
14.2
22.4
75.6
10.3
16.6
**•*
*-*•*
2.1
large round eggs
CalanuB eggs
euphausfid eggs
(fish)
3.1
309. T
8.7
41.5
87.8
31.. 3'
•***
9.2
40.0
41.7
9.0
36.5
***
21.4
192.7
188.1a
13.5
98.2
27.6
1.0
1.8
74.9
0.8
5.6
77.9
16.8
70.8
118.4
37.2
***
3.3
21.9
22.1
5.5
36.7
274.7a
4.9
4.7
2.8
10
11
12
4
13
7
2
4
17
20
22
8
.5
9
2
2
7
11
4
12
20
19
0
4
5
5-
6
10
0
15
13
4
5
4
2
2
2
15
19
16
8
6
0
3
1
10
6
4
8
18
18
6
2
4
2
11
11
6
15
12
10
4
8
S.
4
4
13
13
15
9
10
0
0
2
11
12
12
11
15
15
0
3
11
4
8
4
3
a =.high value the result of one station or sampling date
b - a value of 34.3/nr fin 29 October 1969 was omnitted from the summation
The following"taxa were found in less than five samples: The euphausiids
TliyscmoesBa spinifera and Euphausia paaifiaaf amphipod larvae and eggs,
ostracods. cumaceans, siphonophores, Sagitta earippaii, S. bierii, S.
minima, Lepaa niauplii, other unidentified barnacle nauplii, echinodertn
bipinnaria, firm..starfish, inn.sea urchins, planula larvae, trochophores,
foraminlfera, radiolarians, Tomopteria, cyphonautes larvae, other fish
eggs, and six miscellaneous unidentified meroplanktonic taxa.
Total-relative density and frequency of occurrence of other holoplanktonic
and raeroplanktonic taxa .taken within 18 km of the .coast during three
winters. Table entries are sums of relative densities at each of four
stations.1
Table A-3
Other Taxa Collected
A-4
-------
Table A-4
Dominant Fish Larval Species During the Two Peaks of Abundance
Species February to March May to July
Smelt (Osmeridae) 1.51* 4.12
English sole (Parophiys vetulus) 4.09
Sandlance (Ammodytes hexapterus) 1.76
Butter Sole (Isopsetta isolepis) 1.73 2.21
Tom cod (Microgadus proximus) 2.03
Slender sole (Lyopsetta exilis) 1.07
* Biological index-Ranking method that averages abundance and frequency of
occurrence in samples. 5 to 1 in decreasing order.
1.12 Knowledge of the nearshore benthic communities off the central Oregon coast is
scant. A literature review conducted by Portland District indicated that only six
quantitative benthic studies have beeri conducted in nearshore coastal waters off Oregon.
1.13 Investigations include evaluating offshore disposal sites near the mouth of the
Columbia River by Richardson et al. (1977), a quantitative study of the meiobenthos
north of Yaquina River (Hogue 1982) and an outfall study for the International Paper
Company's outfall near Gardiner, Oregon (Unpublished, n.d.). In addition, site-specific
studies of ocean disposal for the selection of the Coos Bay (Hancock et al. 1981; Nelson
et al. 1983; and Sollitt et al. 1984) and Yaquina Bay ODMDS have been completed
(COE 1985). These studies comprise the total benthic infaunal data base available for
the Oregon coast. All but one of these benthic studies were sponsored by Portland
District.
1.14 To provide site-specific benthic information to supplement these data and u
characterize the Rogue interim disposal site, Portland District collected and analyzed
benthic samples as described below and observed bottom conditions via an underwater
video camera.
1.15 Stations were located on the 70-, 80-, and 90-foot depth contours along a diagonal
line through the interim disposal site. Two reference stations were sampled north and
south of the disposal site in 80 feet of water depth as shown in Figure A-l. Six replicate
bottom samples were taken from each station using a modified Gray-O'Hara box-corer
which sampled a 0.096m area of the bottom. One sample from each station was sent to
the COE North Pacific Division Materials Testing Laboratory for determination of
sediment grain size and organic content. The remaining five box-core samples were
sieved through a 0.5mm mesh screen. Organisms retained on the screen were preserved
in 10 percent buffered formalin. Infaunal organisms were then picked from the
sediment, counted, and identified to the lowest practical taxon.
A-5
-------
ROGUE RIVER
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF
Rogue River Reef
Needle.; %
Rk.',/ Pyramid
LEGEND
mm DISPOSAL SITE
E23MLW R-2
Figure A-l
Sampling Sites
A-6
-------
Results
1.16 Sediments from the stations in the region of the Rogue Interim ODMDS consist
of fine grained coastal sands (Table B-2). There was no evidence of rocky outcroppings
in the study areas.
1.17 The benthos of the Rogue offshore disposal site is typical of other Pacific
northwest nearshore high energy environments. The video reconnaissance of the interim
disposal site depicts a sandy bottom with a distinct pattern of wave troughs. The snail,
Olivella. was the dominant epibenthic form visible in the video photographs.
1.18 The infaunal community of the Rogue River study area is dominated by
gammarid amphipods and polychaete worms (Figure A-2). The gammarid amphipods
had higher densities than the polychaetes and belonged to a somewhat wider mix of
genera than found at other Oregon interim disposal sites. These included members of
the genera Ampelisca. Corophium. Eohaustorius. Mandibulophoxus and Rhephoxynius.
Gastropods and cumaceans were consistently found in the samples (Figure A-3). For
most species, higher abundances were present at stations in the interim disposal site.
The species of invertebrates inhabiting the sandy habitat of the study area are the more
motile psammnetic (sand-dwelling) forms which tolerate or require high sediment flux.
They are typical of other shallow water disposal sites such as Coos bay sites E and F
(Hancock et al. 1981).
1.19 The northern-most reference station, R-l,' exhibited fewer taxa of both polychaete
annelids and amphipods. The southern reference station, R-2, also exhibited fewer taxa
of polychaetes, but the number of amphipods was similar to each of the mid-transect
stations (R-3, R-4, R-5). This result is different.from"that in COE studies at other
Pacific NW ocean disposal sites. The normal trend has been reduced fauna! abundances
in the area impacted by the dredged material disposal. The factors causing this trend
cannot be ascertained because of this study's limited scope and duration.
1.20 In general, the mean density (#/m2) of benthic infauna were low compared to
other coastal disposal sites that have been evaluated. Density at the 70- and 80-foot
stations at the Rogue interim disposal were 416 and 466/m2 respectively (Figure A-4).
1.21 Diversity (H*), Species Richness and Equitability (J') of benthic infauna for the
Rogue interim site are shown in Figure A-5. There is no significant difference between
the stations located within the disposal site and the reference sites to the north and
south.
1.22 The Rogue offshore disposal site received no dredged sediments in 1984 and
40,095 cy in 1985 from hopper dredges. The data on the abundances and diversity of
benthic infauna, however, indicate no diminished values at the disposal site.
1.23 Although the interim disposal site off Rogue River has frequently received
dredged sediments, the adjacent fauna show little evidence of impacts. In fact, they
exhibit higher levels of abundance for some taxonomic groups than do the reference sites
(Figure A-4). The higher densities may be caused by enrichment from the disposal site
or just a natural variation.
A-7
-------
(N CM
CM
(•bs
Figure A-2
Density of Polychaetes and Crustaceans
at the Rogue River Disposal Site (#/m2)
A-8
-------
c
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Figure A-4
Density of Benthic Infauna
A-10
-------
UJ
x
UJ UJ
CQ t
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Figure A-S
Diversity, Species Richness and Equitability of Benthic Infauna
A-ll
-------
Macroinvertebrates
1.24 The dominant commercially and recreationally important macroinvertebrate
species in the inshore coastal area are shellfish, Dungeness crab and squid. Shellfish
distribution is shown in Figure A-6.
1.25 Razor clam beds are located north of the jetty along the beach. It is generally
thought that recruitment of razor clams to the inshore beaches comes from subtidal
spawning areas. Limited stocks of abalone may occur in the rocky areas northwest of the
estuary. Existing stocks are thought to be remnants of an ODFW program to introduce
abalone to central Oregon. The stocks are considered no longer viable due to inhibited
natural spawning resulting from the colder water temperatures.
1.26 Gaper clams, cockles, and Pittock clams likely occur near the mouth and upriver
in the estuary proper. Dungeness crab adults occur on sandflat habitat along the entire
Oregon coast. They spawn in offshore areas and occur in the estuary when conditions
are favorable in late summer and fall.
1.27 Although ODFW has not conducted any spawning surveys along the southern
Oregon coast, market squid may spawn in the nearshore areas. Egg casings have been
found attached to crab pots in the area. Squid spawning areas change yearly, however,
depending upon nearshore oceanic conditions.
Fisheries
1.28 The nearshore area off Rogue River supports a variety of pelagic and demersal
fish species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and
shad that migrate through the estuaries to upriver spawning areas (ODFW, 1979). Other
pelagic species include the Pacific herring, northern anchovy, surf smelt, and sea perch.
Surf smelt, northern anchovy, pacific herring and shiner perch are abundant in the
estuary in late summer and fall (ODFW 1979).
1.29 Though migratory species are present year around, individual species are only
present during certain times of the year. Figure A-7 lists the species of anadromous
salmonids and their periods of occurrence off the Rogue River.
1.30 Demersal species present in the inshore area are mostly residents and include a
number of sculpins, sea perch and rocky reef fish that are associated with the reefs to the
northwest of the estuary and the jetties, as well as flatfish species occurring
predominantly over open sandflats. Flatfish species include English sole, sanddab, and
starry flounder. The English sole and starry flounder, along with the sandsole, spawn in
the inshore coastal area in the summer and juveniles of these, as well as other marine
species, may rear in the estuary.
131 The rocky reef areas offshore from the Rogue River are a common feature of the
southern Oregon coast. They are associated with (Macrocystis pyrifera) beds. These
kelp beds provide important invertebrate and fish habitat and increase the overall
productivity of the reef. A 1954 survey (Waldron 1954), indicated approximately 61
acres of kelp beds off Rogue River.
A-12
-------
Rogue River Reef
27'
SCALE IN YARDS
IOOO 0 1000
I i t i i i i i i i I I
RAZOR CLAMS
Figure A-6
Distribution of Macroinvertebrates
A-13
-------
O
<0
<
8s
I
ti
K
(9
Z
1
o.
to
=. I
•o TJ
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Figure A-7
Salmonid Occurrence at Rogue River
A-14
-------
1.32 The rocky reef fish community differs, depending on the depth of the reef below
the water surface. The shallower reefs (< 20-meter depth) are dominated by the black
rockfish (Sebastes melanops). while the deeper reefs (20-50 meters) are dominated by
lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus). yellow rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus') and black rockfish.
Fish found on the deeper reefs are generally larger than those found on the shallower
reefs, presumably due to a generalized movement of individuals offshore as they mature.
Species composition also changes, possibly due to an increase in number of lingcod on
the reefs during their winter spawning period. Juvenile lingcod also occur in the estuary
in the summer.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
1.33 Major commercial and recreational fishing areas are shown in Figures A-8 and A-
9. The predominant commercial fishery is for salmon, Dungeness crab and bottom fish.
Salmon trolling and crab fishing are done over much of the area offshore from the reefs.
The actual location varies from year to year depending on the abundance of fish or crab.
Some commercial Dungeness crab fishing occurs in the vicinity of the interim disposal
site.
1.34 Commercial landings for 1986, as compiled by (Lukas and Carter,1988) were:
Bottomfish 48,879 Ibs
Salmon (Chinook) 40,170 Ibs
Dungeness crab 274 Ibs
Total 89,323 Ibs
1.35 The principal recreational fishing that occurs off Rogue River is for salmon and
bottom fish. Salmon fishing is done by charter boat and private boat and occurs in the
same areas as the commercial fishing, but generally closer to shore. Bottom fishing,
primarily for black rockfish and lingcod, is done by private charter boat along reef areas
to the northwest. Other recreational activities include clamming in the bay.
Wildlife
1.36 Numerous species of birds and marine mammals occur in the pelagic nearshore
and shoreline habitats in and surrounding the proposed disposal site. Information on
distribution and abundance of bird species is from the Seabird Colony Catalog
(Varoujean 1976) and Pacific Coast Ecological Inventory (USFWS 1980), except as
indicated. Information on most species of shorebirds is lacking. Therefore, their
abundance and distribution can only be addressed in general terms-they occur along
much of the coast primarily as migrants and/or winter residents.
1.37 A few species of shorebirds, including western snowy plover, black oystercatcher,
killdeer, and spotted sandpiper, nest along the coast. Pelagic birds (e.g. common murres,
auklets, pelagic, Brandt's and double crested cormorants) probably use the ZSF (Zone of
Siting Feasability) and adjacent waters for foraging. Hubbard Mound is a nesting area
for black oystercatchers, western gulls, Brandt's and pelagic cormorants, and 16000
common murres (Jon Anderson pers. comm.). About 45,000 Leach's storm-petrels and
A-15
-------
Rogue River .Reef
27'
SCALE IN YARDS
IOOO O 1000
I i-i i i i i i i i 1 I
COMMERCIAL SALMON TROLLING -
CRAB FISHING
Figure A-8
Commercial Fishing Areas
A-16
-------
IOOO
Ll
CHARTER BOAT SALMON FISHINO •
HALIBUT FISHING
ROCK REEF FISHINO
Figure A-9
Recreational Fishing Areas
A-17
-------
several hundred double-crested and pelagic cormorants, as well as 1090 western gulls
nest on Hunter's Island. Other species of seabirds that congregate and nest on Hunters's
Island include fork-tailed storm petrels, Cassin's auklets, black oystercatchers, pigeon
guillemots, rhinocerous auklets and tufted puffins. Double, Needle and Pyramid Rocks
are small islands located in the Rogue River Reef Complex and provides nesting habitat
for pelagic birds. Common murres and Brandt's cormorants are the most common of the
six species observed nesting at Rogue River Reef.
1.38 Several species occur that are of special concern: the bald eagle, peregrine falcon,
and brown pelican. The brown pelican, a Federally-listed endangered species, is known
to use the ZSF or the surrounding areas. Pelicans and peregrine falcons are often
associated with spits and offshore rocks, such as those found within the Rogue ZSF.
1.39 Data on marine animals is from the Natural History of Oregon Coast Mammals
by Maser et al. (1981), Pearson and Verts (1970), and the Pacific Coast Ecological
Inventory (USFWS 1980), except as indicated. Information on marine mammals is
extremely limited, except for seals and sea lions. An estimated 300-500 harbor seals
occur in the waters around the Rogue River and they use Hunters Island as a rookery
(Figure A-10). The Rogue River Reef is the most important Stellar Sea Lion rookery in
Oregon waters (R. Brown, pers. comm.). Approximately 1,500 adult and subadult Stellar
sea lions use the reef. Sea lions also haulout on Hubbard Mound. Whales are known to
occur throughout coastal waters, primarily during migrations, but population estimates
and information on areas of special use generally are not available.
A-18
-------
I CALIFORNIA j NEVADA
SEA LION
HAULOUT AREA
SEA BIRD
BREEDING AREA
".'\ Gefcet Monument
:-I Stale PorK
STELLAR SEA LION
ROOKERY
ROGUE RIVER REEF .
NESTING COMPLEX
ki
<0
U,
DISPOSAL SITE
WHALE
MIGRATION
CAPE SEBASTIAN
NESTING COMPLEX
HARBOR SEAL
ROOKERY
Cape Sebastian
State Pork
e Sebastian
I ML 0
1 I I ! I I
I Ml.
I
Figure A-10
Wildlife Areas
A-19
-------
LITERATURE CITED
COE 1985. Yaqunia Bay Interim Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation
Study. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, P.O. Box 2946, Portland,
Oregon, 97208.
Hancock, D.R., P.O. Nelson, C.K. Sollitt, KJ. Williamson, 1981. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report Phase I, February 1979-March 1980.
Report to U.S. Corps of Engineers, Portland, District, Oregon, for Contract No.
DACW57-79-C-0040. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Hogue, E, 1982. Seasonal Changes in the Abundance and Spatial Distribution of a
Meiobenthic Assemblage on the Open Oregon Coast and its Relationship to the
Diet of 0-age Flatfishes. Ph.D. thesis, OSU, Corvallis, OR. 125 pp.
Lough, R.G., 1976. Larval Dynamics of the Dungeness Crab, Cancer magister, off the
Central Oregon Coast, 1970-71. Fish. Bull. 74(2):353-376.
Lukas, J. and Carter, C, 1988. 1986 Poundsand Value of Commercially Caught Fish and
Shellfish Land in Oregon. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 59,
Portland, Oregon, 97207.
Maser, C, B.R. Mate, J.F. Franklin and CT. Dyrness, 1981. Natural History of Oregon
Coast Mammals. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-133, Pac. Northwest
For. and Range Exp. Stn., Portland, OR. 496 pp.
Nelson, P.O., C.IC Sollitt, KJ. Williamson, D.R. Hancock, 1983. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report Phase II, III, April 1980- June 1981.
Report submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District for
Contract No. DACW57-79-0040. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
ODFW 1979. Natural Resources of the Rogue Estuary. Estuary Inventory Report Vol.
2 No. 8. Research and Development Section, Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife, P.O. Box 59, Portland, Oregon, 97207.
Pearson, J.P. and BJ. Verts, 1970. Abundance and distribution of harbor seals and
northern sea lions in Oregon. Murrelet. 51:1-5.
Peterson, W.T., C.B. Miller and A. Hutchinson, 1979. Zonation and Maintenance of
Copepod Populations in the Oregon Upwelling Zone. Deep-Sea Research
26A:467-494.
Peterson, W.T. and C.B. Miller, 1976. Zooplankton Along the Continental Shelf off
Newport, Oregon, 1969-1972: distribution, abundance, seasonal cycle, and year-to-
year variations. Oregon State University, Sea Grant College Program Pub. No.
ORESU-T-76-002. lllpp.
A-20
-------
Richardson, S.L., J.L. Laroche and M.D. Richardson, 1980. Larval Fish Assemblages
and Associations in the Northeast Pacific Ocean Along the Oregon Coast, Winter-
Spring 1972-1975. Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science (1980) II, 671-698.
Richardson, S.L. and W.G. Pearcy, 1977. Coastal and Oceanic Fish Larvae in an Area of
Upwelling off Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Fish. Bull. 75(1): 125-145.
Richardson, S.L., 1973. Abundance and Distribution of Larval Fishes in Waters off
Oregon, May-October, 1969, with Special Emphasis on the Northern Anchovy,
Engraulis mordax. Fish. Bull. 71(3):697- 711.
Richardson, M.D., A.G. Carey, and W.A. Colgate., 1977. An Investigation of the Effects
of Dredged Material Disposal on Neritic Benthic Assemblages off the Mouth of
the Columbia River. Phase II. DACW57-76-R-0025.
Sollitt, C.K., D.R. Hancock, P.O. Nelson, 1984. Coos Bay Offshore Disposal Site
Investigation Final Report Phases IV, V, July 1981-September 1983. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, for Contract No.
DACW57-79-C-0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Varoujean, D.H., 1976. Seabird colony catalog: Washington, Oregon, and California.
U.S. Dep. Interior Fish and Wildl. Serv., Region I., Portland, OR. 456 pp.
Waldron, K.D., 1954. A Survey of the Bull Kelp Resources of the Oregon Coast in 1954.
Res. Briefs, Fish. Comm. of Oregon. 6:2:15-20.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife, 1980. An Ecological Characterization of the Pacific Northwest
Coastal Region. Vol 4. Characterization Atlas-Regional Description. FWS/OBS-
79/14.
A-21
-------
-------
.APPENDIXB,
-------
APPENDIX B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.0 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES B-l
1.1 Regional Setting B-l
1.3 Regional Geology B-l
1.7 Economic Geology B-4
1.8 Sediment Sources B-4
1.15 Conditions in the ZSF B-7
2.0 QCEANOGRAPHIC PROCESSES B-10
2.1 Coastal Circulation B-10
2.2 Ocean Waves and Tide B-10
2.3 Local Processes B-12
2.4 Site Monitoring B-12
3.0 SEDIMENT TRANSPORT B-19
3.1 The Littoral System B-19
3.2 Depth-Limited Transport B-19
3.3 Rogue Littoral Cell * B-19
3.4 Rogue Sediment Transport .. '. B-20
LITERATURE CITED B-22
LIST OF TABLES
Table
B-l Dredging Volumes Disposal Offshore at Rogue B-5
B-2 Rogue Offshore Sediment Samples B-6
B-3 Important Characteristics of the Study Area B-12
B-4 Potential Sources and Losses of Sediments B-20
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
B-l Humbug Mt. Littoral Cell Location Map B-2
B-2 Rogue Watershed Geology B-3
B-3 Sidescan Sonar Map of Rogue ZSF B-8
B-4 Rogue Seismic Profiles B-9
B-5 Oregon Coastal Circulation .( B-ll
B-6 Current Data at Rogue ' B-14
B-7 LEO Monthly and Daily Average Currents B-15
B-8 Wave Height at Rogue Compared to Elsewhere . ; B-16
B-9 LEO Monthly and Daily Average Wave Directions . B-17
B-10 Sediment Transport in Rogue ZSF B-21
-------
-------
APPENDIX B
1.0 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Regional Setting
1.1 The Rogue River empties into the Pacific Ocean about 264 miles south of the
mouth of the Columbia River. It lies within the Humbug Mountain (Mt.) littoral cell,
which extends for approximately 40 km from Humbug Mt. south to Cape Sebastian
(Figure B-l). The Rogue River has an estuary of about 667 acres (Percy et al. 1974).
The watershed includes parts of the Klamath Mountains and the Cascade Range. To the
north and south of the river mouth, the beaches are several hundred yards wide before
rising into steep rounded hills that reach an elevation of 700 feet within one half mile of
the shore. There are numerous landslides along the coast south of Humbug Mt. No
sand dunes of consequence are found in this area. The continental shelf bulges outward
off the mouth of the Rogue River, extending approximately 30 km offshore. North of
this bulge, the Rogue canyon descends down the continental slope to the abyssal plain.
A band of fine sand about 5 km wide runs along the coast. After a zone of intermediate
sediment, a layer of mud about 10 cm thick covers the surface of the central shelf, with
sand exposed again on the outer shelf (Kulm 1977, Chambers 1968).
1.2 The coast bordering the Humbug Mt. littoral cell consists of about 18 km of
slowly retreating rocky cliffs, 16 km of stable beach, and 5 km of generally prograding
beaches surrounding the mouth of the Rogue. Smaller streams entering the littoral cell
include Euchre, Brush and Hunters Creeks.
Regional Geology
1.3 The Rogue River is the major stream draining the western Klamath Mountains in
Oregon. The Klamaths are made of Mesozoic marine sediments and igneous rocks that
have been folded, faulted and subjected to varying degrees of metamorphism, and
Tertiary igneous intrusives. The tectonic history of the Klamath mountains is complex,
with several episodes of folding and faulting, which continue up to the present. Parts of
the Klamath Range have been subjected to tectonic events since the late Jurassic. The
late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic was a time of quiescence, but, since the end of the
Eocene, faulting and uplift have affected the area (Baldwin 1981, Baldwin and Beaulieu
1973, Dott 1971).
1.4 Because the Rogue River originates so far east, it flows through a large number
of different formations arid rock types. Those closest to the mouth of the Rogue are the
intensely folded and faulted mudstones, sandstones, and conglomerates of the Otter Pt,
the Colebrook Schist, and the Dothan Formations of Jurassic age (Figure B-2). To the
north and east lie more recent marine sediments from the Tertiary. Smaller outcrops of
volcanics, serpentines and other sediments and meta-sediments are also encountered.
Much of the coastline of the Humbug Mt. littoral cell up to Euchre Creek is Holocene
and modern beach sand, with occasional exposures of Otter Pt. Formation rocks.
Continuing north are outcrops of volcanics, Colebrook Schist, and Cretaceous Humbug
Mountain Conglomerate (Dott 1971, McKee 1972).
B-l
-------
125'
I I ^
124" 123'
1 |
Cape Arago
Coqulllc
Cape Blanco
• ••!••• 11 IMOtlfM !••«•• I
Port Orfprd
f IMIIIMIIItllXtllll
Humbug Mountain
Cape Sebastian
Chetco
Wlnchuck_
Smith
43«
OREGON
CALIFORNIA"
Klamath
Redwood
Mad
Eel
42'
411
Figure B-l
Humbug Mt. Littoral Cell Location
B-2
-------
124*
43'
42*
Myrtle Point
Cope
Blanco
Port Orford
Gold Beach
Brooklngs
COAST RANGE
Tertiary strata
KLAMATH MOUNTAINS
I—I Lotett Jurassic and Cretaceous
2 strata (Myrtle Group, Hornbrook
1—' Formations, etc.).
3 Serpentine and peridotite
141 Laf« Jurassic granitic rocks
Jurassic sedimentary and volcanic
strata (GRS Gollce and Rogue For-
mations).
D» Dothon Formation
x K= Metamorphosed to schist or
gneiss
25
MILES
SCALE
KILOMETERS
124°
From CASCAD1A. B. McKee, 1972, McGraw-Hill, Inc. 394p.
Figure B-2
Rogue Watershed Geology
B-3
-------
1.5 The region is currently undergoing tectonic uplift, but that uplift has been
surpassed by the post-Pleistocene rise in sea level. During the Pleistocene glaciations,
the massive amount of water stored in the glaciers caused a drop in sea level. The end
of the last ice age (melting of the glaciers) resulted in a global sea level rise of 125 m
(Curry 1965). Fluctuating sea level, in conjunction with tectonic uplift of the Klamaths,
led to the formation of several raised marine terraces, as well as the incision of valleys
below the present sea level. Terraces are prominent along the coastal plain from the
Rogue River up to Ophir (Dott 1971). Within that area, at least seven terraces have
been identified (COE 1974). The rise in sea level "drowned" the river and stream valleys
that had been incised in the Coast Range and coastal plain. This produced the large
coastal estuaries and allowed the development of the alluvial plains bordering the lower
reaches of the Rogue River.
1.6 The sand deposits that cover the nearshore sea bed were delivered by streams
that eroded rocks in the coastal mountains, and by the sea attacking both bedrock and
marine deposits left over from previous high stands of the sea. An undetermined
amount of bedload material is currently escaping through the estuaries and eroding from
the shoreline. Fine silts and clays supplied by these sources are removed or prevented
from settling out in the nearshore zone by the high wave energy, leaving fine sand
covering the sea bed for a distance of several kilometers offshore.
Economic Geology
1.7 The Rogue River and its tributaries flow through bedrock containing mineralized
zones, and has several reaches containing gold placer deposits. The most prominent and
extensive zones of heavy mineral concentrations on the continental shelf of the Oregon
coast occur off the mouth of the Rogue River. The dominant mineral in both the
offshore deposits and in beach placers is magnetite. Other economic minerals that are
present in the deposits are gold, platinum, chromite and ilmenite. The beach placers at
Gold Beach have been mined in the past for gold and platinum. Mining was done in the
winter when the sand was stripped from the beaches, exposing the mineral rich gravels.
Some placers were also found on uplifted marine terraces (Gray and Kulm 1985, Ramp
1973). The offshore deposits are not currently being mined. While there have been
several attempts to find oil and gas along the Oregon coast, test wells have not found
significant quantities of oil or gas. No test well had been drilled south of Cape Blanco
on the Oregon coast as of 1985.
Sediments
1.8 There are three external sources for sediment in the littoral cell: fluvial, littoral,
and coastal erosion. Dredging is not a source, but it facilitates the transport of material
from the river into the littoral zone.
1.9 The estuary of the Rogue River covers an area of 667 acres and contains 149
acres of tidal wetland (Percy et al. 1974). The drainage basin covers 5,160 square miles.
Mean annual discharge is 7,800 cfs with a maximum of 16,200 cfs in January and a low
of 1,200 cfs in September. The mean annual six-hour discharge is 1.68 x 10* cf, which,
with a tidal prism of 1.2 x 10" cf, gives a hydrographic ratio of less than 1. This means
that the estuary is extremely fluvially-dominated and that most river sands should escape
B-4
-------
into the ocean (Peterson pers. comm.). Among the three other streams which enter the
littoral cell, Euchre Creek and Hunters Creek have hydrographic ratios of about 1
(Chesser and Peterson 1987), but are so small that their contribution to the overall
sediment budget is probably minor.
1.10 Sediment is also contributed by erosion of the coast. Surveys of erosion patterns
along the Humbug Mt. littoral cell coastline are not in complete accordance. The
National Shoreline Study (COE 1971) shows historic erosion from south of Humbug Mt.
almost to the mouth of the Rogue River. A stretch several miles long north of the
Rogue River mouth was identified as suffering from "critical erosion." The Beach and
Dune Survey (USDA 1974) showed a similar pattern. Stembridge (1976), however,
mapped the area from just north of Euchre Creek to Cape Sebastian in the south as
stable, with the coast generally prograding for several miles on both sides of the mouth
of Rogue River. The coast between Humbug Mt. and Euchre Creek, classified by
Stembridge as "slowly retrograding rocky cliffs" is subject to landsliding. These slides
move slowly and intermittently, their rate increased by heavy rainfall and the removal of
their toes by wave action. The slides are continuous sources of sediment for the littoral
zone. Unfortunately, none of the surveys provide any quantitative information on rates .
or volumes of erosion or accretion.
1.11 Dredging of the entrance of Rogue River began in 1962. Between 1976 and 1985,
474,891 cy of dredged material from the entrance channel were deposited at offshore
disposal sites. An additional 193,720 cy of material from the boat basin have been
pumped to onshore disposal sites by contract pipeline dredge. Other entrance shoals
have been flushed out by the Corps' agitation dredge, Sandwick, on ebb tide without
removing the material from the water. The maximum amount of material disposed at
sea in one year was 142,260 cy (Table B-l), while four years had no offshore disposal.
The authorized project is a channel 13 feet deep, 300 feet wide and 3500 feet long from
the mouth of the channel to the boat basin entrance. The side channel to the boat
basin, maintained by pipeline dredge, is 10 feet deep and 150 feet wide. Shoals form at
the basin entrance and between the jetties during the spring and summer months. The
entrance shoal forms in the late winter and spring.
Table B-l
Dredging Volumes Disposed Offshore at Rogue
Year Cubic Yards
1976 101,197
1977 0
1978 35,807
1979 0
1980 42,614
1981 0
1982 ' 112,918
1983 142,260
1984 0
1985 40,095
10 year average 47,489
* Includes both Corps and contract hopper dredging.
B-5
-------
1.12 In determining the importance of the various potential sources, the mineral
assemblages of the sediments and the sources can be useful. The clinopyroxene to
orthopyroxene ratio (2:1) and the amphibole to pyroxene ratio (4:1), for instance, have
been used to define the Humbug Mt. cell's boundaries. Unfortunately for sediment
source determination, the mineral assemblages of the Rogue River, eroding marine
terrace deposits, and littoral sands are all similar. Thus, while it is clear that both the
Rogue and coastal erosion contribute sediment, it is not possible to evaluate their
relative contributions (Chesser and Peterson 1987, -Peterson pers. comm. 1986).
1.13 The surface sediments of the Rogue ZSF that were sampled in 1984 are uniformly
fine sand. Mean grain size showed almost no variation, falling between 0.13 mm arid
0.16 nun (Table B-2). The one possible exception is a band observed on the sidescan
sonar that has been interpreted as a band of gravel or coarse sand. No samples were
taken from the band, and it is possible that it is a sand dollar bed instead of gravel.
Sample
R-l
R-12
R-21
R-30
001
002
004
005
Sample
A
B
C
D
Table B-2
Rogue Offshore Sediment Samples
(mm) D50 D90 % fines
0.13
0.16
0.13
0.14
P.13
0.14
0.14
Date
2/81
4/85
4/85
4/85
0.15
0.16
0.15
0.16
0.13
0.15
0.13
0.19
0.21
0.21
0.20
0.19
0.18
0.19
0.22
4
5
2
1
2
77
0
2
Rogue Entrance Samples
D50 D90
0.47
0.91
0.6
0.27
1.4
5.0
1.8
0.39
depth
80
80
80
90
77
33
100
66
% Fines
0
0
0
0
Note: Grain size given in millimeters.
Mean grain size (Mz) calculated using D16 + D50 + D84/3.
1.14 Sediment taken from dredged portions of the Rogue River entrance channel are
considerably coarser than the offshore sediments. Mean grain size ranged between 0.47
and 0.94 mm and is classified as medium to coarse sand. Samples contain as much as 10
percent gravel. The side channel leading to the boat basin consists of fine sand (0.21
mm) while the boat basin contains silt. The finest material is disposed on land by
B-6
-------
pipeline dredge. The material within the designated disposal site by now may be much
coarser than the native sediment. However, no samples were taken from within the
disposal site. The one sample taken at the edge of the site is identical with the other
native sediments.
Conditions in the ZSF
1.15 Sea stacks and reefs at the mouth of the Rogue River consist of several
formations of Mesozoic age. The rocks exposed adjacent to the communities of Gold
Beach and Wedderburn at the mouth of the Rogue River consist of the Otter Point
Formation of late Jurassic age and associated serpentinite (Beaulieu and Hughes 1976).
The serpentinite is present in the Otter Point Formation primarily as fault-bounded
sheets. A north-trending fault separates the Otter Point Formation on the coast from
the sandstones of the Hunter Cove and Cape Sebastian Formations to the west. These
Upper Cretaceous sandstones underly the northern and eastern parts of the Rogue Reef.
The fault has been tentatively projected into the ZSF, but its existence has not been
proven (Koch 1965, Hunter and others 1970, Beaulieu and Hughes 1976, USAGE 1986).
1.16 The ocean bottom in the vicinity of the interim disposal site slopes seaward fairly
evenly at 8/1000, between 36 to at least 72 feet. The bed is featureless except for what
appears to be a 25-foot pinnacle a short distance beyond the southwest end of the
disposal site. There is no mound of disposal material apparent within the disposal area.
The May 1986 bathymetric survey showed a seaward displacement of the contours with
respect to August, 1984. This aggradation is not caused by dredge material disposal, as
the volume involved far exceeds that disposed of offshore during those years.
1.17 The results of the 1984 sidescan sonar survey of the Rogue River ZSF are shown
in Figure B-3. The area surveyed by sidescan sonar is primarily-fine sand. There are
bare rock and scattered rock exposures in the middle of the southwest side, with a few
small rock exposures elsewhere in the site. The band interpreted as coarse sand or
gravel runs between the 36-and 42-foot contours. No samples were taken from within
the band to confirm the presence of gravel or the possibility that it is a bed of sand
dollars. The designated disposal site is situated with its southwest end within the bare
rock/scattered rock area; otherwise, it encompasses fine sand.
1.18 Three sub-bottom seismic profiles cross the study area from northeast to
southwest (Figure B-4). They show a slightly irregular bedrock surface overlain by a
fairly uniform blanket of sediment that averages about 20 feet thick and varies from 10
to 40 feet. The sediment layer appeared to thin slightly in the seaward direction.
B-7
-------
Figure B-3
Sidescan Sonar Map of Rogue ZSF
B-8
-------
i'-
*m ««i
i
Figure B-4
Rogue Seismic Profiles
UGCNP
f ItVATION DATUM IS MLIW
FROM r*moMEt c* MCOMUNO*
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
PORTLAND DISTRICT
ROGUE RIVER. OREGON OFFSHORE SURVEY
SUBBOTTOM PROFILES
. MOF1LE NUMBER 1,2 *atf 3
SOUTHWEST—MOKTHeAST
OCTOBER 1M4
GEO-R6CON INTL.. SEATTLE. WA
JM-»J
Earth Sciences Associates
Palo Allo. Calilomta
B-9
-------
2.0 OCEANOGRAPHIC PROCESSES
Coastal Circulation
2.1 Coastal circulation near the Rogue ZSF is directly influenced by large- scale
regional currents and weather patterns in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. During the
winter, strong low pressure systems—with winds and waves predominantly from the
southwest-contribute to strong northward currents. During the summer, waves and
winds are commonly from the north since high pressure systems are dominant. In both
seasons, there are short-term fluctuations related to local wind, tidal and bathymetric
effects. The offshore reefs at the Rogue River have an effect on nearshore circulation
and waves. Along the southern Oregon coast, there is a southerly wind in summer which
creates a mass transport of water offshore and causes the upwelling of bottom water in
the nearshore area.
Ocean Waves and Tide
2.2 Ocean waves arriving at the Rogue are generated by distant storms and by local
winds. Distant storms produce waves that arrive at the coast as swells which are fairly
uniform in height, period and direction. The longer period swells generated by more
distant storms generally approach from the WNW or WSW sectors. The swells with the
longest periods generally occur during autumn while the shortest sea and swell periods
occur during the summer. Local winds produce seas which contain a mixture of wave
heights, periods and directions. Generally, local seas have higher waves and shorter
periods than incoming swells. Local seas usually approach the coastline from the SSW
sector during autumn and winter, but from the NNW sector in spring and summer.
Figure B-5 shows nearshore circulation at the Rogue.
2.21 Wave hindcast predictions from meteorological records for the period 1956-1975
are available for deepwater stations off the Oregon coast. The largest waves are from
the southwest, but only 7 percent of the time are waves from that quadrant. Sixty-one
percent of the waves are from within 22 1/2 degrees of due west. Waves from the
northwest occur 31 percent of the time. This is very generalized data, but useful in
thinking of the seasonal wave patterns.
2.3 Superimposed upon the slowly-varying regional or seasonal circulation are tidal
currents. These currents are very important in the nearshore area. Tidal currents are
rotary currents that change direction following the period of the tide. Thus, the tidal
currents generally flood and ebb twice daily. The direction and speed of nearshore tidal
currents is highly variable. Tidal current speeds have been measured at lightships along
the Pacific coast and reported by NOAA (1986). Hancock et al. (1984), Nelson, et al.
(1984) and Sollitt, et al. (1984) summarize current meter data offshore from Coos Bay
between May 1979 and March 1983. These reports substantiate the influence of tides on
nearshore bottom currents. Bottom current records were found to be dominated by tidal
influence. Maximum current velocities were associated with tides, including spring tide
B-10
-------
WAVE HEIGHT (M.)
2 3 456
CAPE SEBASTIAN 42°20
01 2345
^C^!^3i^^HKZ^^Z
NAUT. MILES
Figure B-5
Oregon Coastal Circulation at Rogue
B-ll
-------
effects. These tidal influences added to the currents produced by surface waves and
winds. The station closest to the estuary, for example, was noticeably affected by the ebb
current.
Local Processes
2.4 The Rogue ocean disposal site is within 1 mile of the estuary entrance. The
Rogue River has the second largest drainage basin on the Oregon coast-after the
Columbia River-and one of the smallest estuaries. As Table B-3 illustrates, the
riverflow is highly variable. This constantly varying river outflow combines with tidal
flows to produce a highly variable influence on the nearshore circulation. In the
estuarine part of the river, the ebbing tide adds to the normal river discharge to produce
a net ebb dominance. Thus, the Rogue shows little or no long-term accumulation of fine
sediments in the estuary; instead, it allows sand-size sediments to bypass into the ocean.
Table B-3
Important Characteristics of the Study Area
Project RogueRiver
Drainage Basin Area (sq. mi.) 5,160
Estuary Surface Area (sq. ft.) 25 x 106
Mean Tide Range (ft.) 4.9
Diurnal Tide Range (ft.) 6.7 .
Mean Tidal Prism (cu. ft.) 122 x 106
Diurnal Tidal Prism (cu. ft.) 167 x 106
Minimum Annual Flow (cu. ft./sec.) 1,200 (September)
Maximum Annual Flow (cu. ft./sec.) 16,200 (January)
Mean Annual Flow (cu. ft./sec.) 7,800
Extreme Discharge (cu. ft/sec.) 350,000 (1964)
Mean Hydrographic Ratio (HR) 0.7
Maximum Hydrographic Ratio (HR) 6.7
« Note: the numbers are from Percy et al. (1974) and Johnson (1972). The
Hydrographic Ratio is the tidal prism volume divided by the mean river discharge for a
six-hour period. Peterson et al. (1984) used the Hydrographic Ratio to compare the tidal
prism with the river discharge for the same six-hour period. The tidal prism is estimated
as the volume of water brought into the estuary by each flood tide. The six-hour river
discharge is estimated from the annual average discharge. The higher the HR, the more
tidally dominated the estuary. For comparison, Table B-3 lists two values for HR. The
maximum HR only occurs during extreme low summer riverflows. The dominance of the
river has been demonstrated on several occasions. During the 1964 flood, the entrance
channel was reportedly scoured to -44 feet (USAGE, 1975) while the drought of 1976-77
produced a shoal 8 feet above mllw in the entrance (Hartman, 1977).
Site Monitoring
2.5 Current meters were deployed near the Rogue ocean disposal site in 1985. The
meters were attached to moorings at depths from 66 to 73 feet. Bottom current records
B-12
-------
were obtained from April 13-May 7 and from July 13-28 in 1985. These periods were
picked to represent typical winter and summer conditions. However, the transition to
summer conditions can begin as early as April. Figure B-6 illustrates the daily average
bottom current speed and direction for summer and winter records. In the current
"rose," each bar represents the direction the current is moving. The length of the bar
represents the percent of occurrence of the current in that direction and the width of the
bar represents the range of velocity.
2.6 Because of the deployment schedule, the meters at Rogue were not in place until
mid-April. As the two figures show, there is little difference in direction for the two
deployments. Surprisingly, the dominant direction both times is generally north, with
slightly more of an onshore component in July. For the April-May period, the strongest
currents are usually north along the bottom contours. The currents in July are mostly
onshore, across bottom contours and northward. Neither record shows any significant
current southward.
2.7 Other sources of current data come from LEO observations. The Littoral
Environment Observation Program, or LEO, collected visual observations of waves and
currents in the surf zone on a daily basis from October 1977 through 1982. Wave
direction and the direction and speed of the surface current were recorded at the same
time each afternoon. Figure B-7 is a plot of the monthly and daily average current
speed and direction with negative values indicating the current is to the south. During
the five years of recording, the littoral current is predominantly to the south, with short
2-3 month periods each winter of currents to the north. The monthly average can be
misleading, as shown by the plot of daily currents for the period October 1978 to
February 1979. Although the monthly average is to the north, there are frequently
strong currents to the south.
2.8 Wave records near the ocean disposal site were obtained from April 13-27 and
from July 14-28 in 1985. Significant wave heights were computed for the two periods.
Monthly average wave heights have been computed from records at the Newport
wavemeter between 1971 and 1981 from hindcast wind data (wis) and from the Coquille
gage in 1985. In both April and July, the wave heights were below average at the
Rogue, as compared to Coquille and Yaquina. Because the Coquille meter is in a
similar water depth and sufficiently close to Rogue River, the periods of record are
compared in Figure B-8.
2.9 LEO wave observations from October 1977 through 1982 were analyzed and
compared to available aerial photos. Wave approach was characterized as from the
north, from the south or parallel to shore. The photos showed general agreement with
the LEO observations, and confirmed that the wave angle to the shore is generally small.
This is due to shoaling and refraction effects in the surf zone. Figure B-9 shows the
monthly and daily summary of wave directions as the percent occurring from the north
(positive values) or south (negative values). Waves at Rogue are .predominantly from
the north, however, waves from the south occur frequently and are dominant for several
months each winter. The daily variability of wave direction is shown for the period from
October 1978 to February 1979. Although the monthly averages indicate waves
predominantly from the south, there were several 2-4 day periods when waves were from
the north.
B-13
-------
Figure B-6
Current Data at Rogue
B-14
-------
LTTTORAL CURRENTS SOUTH OF ROGUE JETTY
*••*
I
-OS-
-1.5-
-2L5
UOKTHLY AVERAGE 1977-1982
SEE BELOW FOR DAILY CURRENTS
1978
11 n 111 m i T11
1979 I960
DALY CURRENTS AT ROGUE
OCTOBER 1978 - JANUARY 1979
liiiimiiiiiiniiiiiiiiintiniitiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiitriiiiiiitiitiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiimrniiniiiniiniiiiiiiiiiiini
OCT 1978 NOV 1978 DEC 1978 JAN 79
Figure B-7
LEO Monthly and Daily Average Currents
B-15
-------
SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT
a TM 1171-tl
g '*'
I u-
1 (a-
i .
SKI WAVE HEIGHT 4 MRS
a COOMJ. trim, tits
11 i« IT » <• »o » u u 14
S1G.WAYEIGGHT4HRS
AT ROQUC AH«L l
Figure B-8
Wave Height at Rogue Compared to Elsewhere
B-16
-------
DAI.Y WAVES SOUTH OF ROGUE JETTY
NORTH - FROM SOUTH
0.3 -
-0.8 -
-t -
-1.3 -
-2
OCT1978
MOV 1978 .
DEC 1978
JAN 78
o
K
WAVES SOUTH OF ROGUE JETTY
uoNiKUf AVERAGE; 1977-1902
SEE ABOVE FOR DAILY WAVES
1979
I860
1981
1982
Figure B-9
LEO Monthly and Daily Average Wave.Direction
B-17
-------
2.10 Detailed current measurements have been obtained from other similarly situated
Oregon nearshore dredge material disposal sites. The most thorough study has been
conducted at Coos Bay, Oregon. Seasonal measurements made over two-week periods
showed that currents at the 25 m-deep disposal site averaged between 20 and 30 cm/s at
one-third the water depth during the summer arid between 30 and 60 cm/s during the
winter and spring. Near-bottom currents were generally between 10 and 20 cm/s with
downslope flow components predominating over upslope components. Near-bottom
waters exhibited downslope movement to depths in excess of 40 m during the summer
and deeper than 70 m during the winter. Similar conditions are expected to exist at the
interim Rogue disposal site since both sites are in similar depth regimes.
B-18
-------
3.0 SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
The Littoral System
3.1 Any offshore disposal site for the Rogue dredging project needs to be located to
prevent the dredged material from returning to the entrance channel. This requires
knowledge about the direction and rate of alongshore transport as well as offshore
transport. Sediment movement in the littoral zone consists of two mechanisms,
depending upon the size of the sediment. Anything finer than sand size is carried in
suspension in the water and is relatively quickly removed far offshore. The almost total
lack of silts and clays within the Rogue ZSF attests to the efficiency of this mechanism.
Sediments that are sand size or coarser may be occasionally suspended by wave action
near the bottom, and are moved by bottom currents or as bedload. Tidal, wind and
wave forces contribute to generating bottom currents which act in relation to the
sediment grain size and water depth to produce sediment transport.
Depth-Limited Transport
3.2 Hallermeier (1981) defined two zones of sand transport based on wave conditions.
The inner littoral zone is the area of significant year-round alongshore and onshore-
offshore transport by breaking waves. The outer shoal zone is affected by wave
conditions regularly enough to cause significant onshore-offshore transport. Using
Hallermeier (1981) and long-term wave data from Newport (Creech, 1981), the limit for
strong longshore transport varies from -28 feet in summer to -51 feet in winter.
Significant onshore-offshore transport occurs to depths of -83 feet in summer and to -268
feet in winter. Hancock et al. (1984) calculated the probability for wave-induced current
velocities at various depths off Coos Bay. From other studies, a critical velocity of 20
cm/sec has been shown necessary to erode sediment in the 0.2 mm sand size, common
off the Oregon Coast. Using the Coos Bay data, the probability of wave-induced sand
movement is very small beyond a depth of about 150 feet. Various sedimentologic
studies have suggested an offshore limit of modern sand movement at the 60-foot depth,
while others push this limit out to over 100 feet.
Rogue Littoral Cell
33 The Rogue Littoral Cell extends approximately 40 km north from Cape Sebastian
to Humbug Mountain (Figure B-l). The Rogue is the dominant river entering this
littoral cell, with only minor input from Euchre, Hunter and Brush Creeks. Mineral
assemblages of the Rogue River correlate with littoral sand mineralogies as well as
terrace deposits within the littoral cell (Peterson pers. comm.). This indicates that the
primary source of sand within the cell is from the Rogue. Less is known about shoreline
source contributions although seacliff retreat is apparent (Peterson pers. comm.). Table
B-4 identifies the possible sources and losses of littoral sediments in the littoral cell:
B-19
-------
Table B-4
Potential Sources and Losses of Sediments
Sources Losses
1. Rivers 1. Estuaries
Rogue 2. Dune Growth
Various Creeks 3. Headland Bypassing
2. Erosion 4. Offshore Transport
Dunes 5. Ocean Disposal
Terraces
Seacliffs
3. Headland Bypassing
4. Onshore Transport
Rogue Sediment Transport
3.4 The offshore bathymetry just north of the entrance to the Rogue River probably
affects sediment transport, but the mechanism is unclear. The recorded bottom currents
at the disposal site are contradicted somewhat by long-term LEO current observations.
If we assume that the net transport is to the north at the depth of the disposal site, we
need to concede that the nearshore or surfzone net transport is to the south. Stembridge
(1978) discusses the rapid accretion of the shoreline 1-2 miles north of the Rogue
entrance. There is no corresponding accretion to the south, although sand beaches are
present. If the nearshore transport to the south is not balanced by a northward transport
there should be more obvious accretion to the south. Figure B-10 illustrates the
sediment transport system assumed to be active in the Rogue ZSF. Although the Rogue
River must deliver a large sediment load, the bottom contours suggest a rapid
distribution offshore. The beaches to the south seem to be in equilibrium, suggesting the
littoral transport to the south is balanced by offshore transport. The prograding
shoreline to the north suggests that Rogue sediments are being added in spite of the
apparent littoral transport to the south. One possibility is that offshore sediments are
moving to the north and then onshore due to wave and current refraction by the Rogue
River Reef.
B-20
-------
ROGUE RIVER
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF
Rogue River Pee f
Needle.;,
Rk.*».\ 'pyramid
IRk.
LEGEND
DISPOSAL SITE
Figure B-10
Sediment Transport in Rogue ZSF
B-21
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Baldwin, E.M., 1981. Geology of Oregon. Kendall/Hunt, Debuque, Iowa. 170 pp.
Baldwin, E.M., and J.D. Beaulieu, 1973. Geology and Mineral Resources of Coos
County, Oregon. Oregon Dept. Geol. Min. Ind. Bull. 80. 82 pp.
Beaulieu, J.D. and P.W. Hughes, 1976. Land Use Geology of Western Coos County,
Oregon. Oregon Dept. Geol. Min. Ind. Bull. 90. 148 pp.
Beaulieu, J.D., P.W. Hughes, and R.K. Mathiot, 1974. Geologic Hazards Inventory of the
Oregon Coastal Zone. Oregon Dept. Geol. Min. Ind. Misc. Paper 17. 94 pp.
Chambers, D.M.,1969. Holocene sedimentation and potential placer deposits on the
continental shelf off the Rogue River, Oregon. MS Thesis, Oregon State
University, Corvallis, Oregon, 102 pp.
Chesser, S.A., and CD. Peterson, 1987. Littoral cells of the Pacific Northwest coast (in)
Kraus, N. C. (ed) Coastal Zone '87 Proceedings. ASCE New York, pp 1346-1360.
Creech, C, 1981. Nearshore wave climatology, Yaquina Bay, Oregon (1971- 1981).
OSU Sea Grant Program Rep. ORESU-T-81-002; NOAA-82060305 submitted to
National Oceanic and Atmospherics Admin., Rockville, Md. Oregon State Univ.,
Corvallis, OR.
Corson, W.D., et al. 1987. Pacific Coast Hindcast Deepwater Wave Information.
USACE/WES Coastal Engineering Research Center, WIS Report 16.
Dott, R.H. Jr., 1971. Geology of the Southwest Oregon Coast West of the 124th
Meridian: Oregon Dept. Geol. Mini Ind. Bull. 69, 63 pp.
Gray, JJ., and L.D. Kulm, 1985. Mineral Resources Map; Offshore Oregon: Oregon
Dept. Geol Min. Ind. Geol Map Series 37.
Hallermeier, R. J., 1981. Seaward Limit of Significant Sand Transport by Waves. CETA
81-2, USACE/CERC, 23 pp.
Hancock, D.R., P.O. Nelson, C.K. Sollit, and KJ. Williamson, 1981. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report, Phase 1, February 1979-March 1980.
Report to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR., under
contract no. DACW57-79-C0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Hartman, G.L., 1977. Jetty Effects at the Siuslaw and Rogue Rivers, in Proceedings
COASTAL SEDIMENTS '87, pp 287-304
Johnson, J.W., 1972. Tidal Inlets on the California, Oregon and Washington Coasts.
Hyd. Eng. Lab. Pub. HEL 24-12, UC Berkely, CA.
B-22
-------
Kulm, L.D.i 1977. Coastal morphology and geology of the ocean bottom-the Oregon
region, (in) Draus, (ed) Marine Plant Biomass of the Pacific Northwest Coast, pp
9-36,
Kulm, L.D., K.F. Scheidegger, J.V. Byrne, and JJ. Spigai, 1968. A preliminary
investigation of the heavy mineral suites of the coastal rivers and beaches of
Oregon and Northern California. Ore Bin v. 30, pp 165-184.
McKee B., 1972. CASCADIA. McGraw-Hill, Inc. 394 pp,
Nelson, P.O., C.K. Sollit, K.J. Williamson, and D.R. Hancock, 1983. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation interim Report, Phase II-III, April 1980-June 1981.
Report to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR, under
contract no. DACW57-79-C0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Percy, K.L., C. Sutterlin, D.A. Bella, and P.C. Klingeman, 1974. Description and
Information Sources for Oregon Estuaries. Sea Grant/Oregon State University,
Corvallis, OR. 294 pp.
Peterson, C.D., K. Scheidegger, W. Nem, and P.D. Komar, 1984. Sediment composition
and hydrography in 6 high gradient estuaries of the Northwest United States. Jour.
Sed. Pet. v. 56 pp 86-97.
Ramp, L., 1973. Metalic mineral resources, (in) Baldwin, E.M., and Beaulieu, J.D. (eds.)
Geology and Mineral Resources of Coos County, Oregon: Oregon Dept. Geol.
Min. Ind. Bull. 80, pp 41-62.
Runge, E J., 1966. Continental Shelf Sediments, Columbia River to Cape Blanco, OR.
Unpub. PhD thesis, Oregon State Univ. 143 pp.
Sollitt, C.K., P.O. Nelson, KJ. Williamson, and D.R. Hancock, 1984. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation, Final Report, Report to U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR, under contract no. DACW57-79-
C0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Sollitt, C.K., D.R. Standley, S.B. Lee, and J.L. Washburn, 1986. Currents, Waves and
Sediment Transport Rates at Six Oregon Offshore Disposal Sites, Winter and
Summer 1985, Winter 1986. Data Report for Contract DACW57-85- 0035 to
Portland District.
Stembridge, J.E., 1976. Recent Shoreline Changes of the Oregon Coast: National
Technical Information Service (AD AO4 8436), Springfield, VA, 46 pp.
Stembridge, J.E., 1978. Oregon Coastal Shoreline Erosion, Vol 2 Inventory, Report by
Oregon State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Salem, OR, 109 pp.
B-23
-------
Strub, P.T., J.S. Allen, A. Huyer, R.L. Smith, and R.C. Beardsley, 1987, Seasonal cycles
of currents, temperatures, winds and sea level over the Northeast Pacific
continental shelf; 35N to 48N: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 92, n. c2, pp
1507-1526.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division, 1971. National
Shoreline Study; Inventory Report Columbia North Pacific Region, Washington
and Oregon, 80 pp.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, 1975. Chetco, Coquille and
Rogue Estuaries, Final Environmental Impact Statement. Portland, OR.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, 1986. Geologic and Seismic
Investigations of Oregon Offshore Disposal Sites. Portland, OR.
United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service and Oregon Coastal
Conservation and Development Commission, 1975. Beaches and Dunes of the
Oregon Coast. 141 pp.
United States Department of Commerce/NOAA, 1986. Tidal current tables for the
Pacific North America.
B-24
-------
, APPENDIX C
-------
APPENDIX C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Comments C-l
1.3 Coordination C-l
LETTERS
Concurrence Letter from Oregon Department of
Land Conservation and Development
Concurrence Letter from United States Department of Commerce
Concurrence Letter from Oregon State Department of Transportation
State Historic Preservation Office
-------
APPENDIX C
COMMENTS AND COORDINATION
Comments
1.1 The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA)
requires that, for a site to receive,a final ODMDS designation, the site must satisfy the
general and specific disposal site criteria set forth in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6,
respectively. The final designation procedures also require documentation of
recommended disposal site compliance with MPRSA and with the following laws:
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, all as amended.
1.2 The data provided in this document was compiled to satisfy these laws and has
been coordinated with appropriate and necessary State and Federal agencies.
Coordination
1.3 The procedures used in this ODMDS final designation study have been discussed
with the following agencies:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Division of State Lands
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service, and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
1.4 Following completion of a preliminary draft of this document, statements of
consistency or concurrence were sought regarding three State or Federal laws. The
statutes and responsible agencies are:
Coastal Zone Management Act of Oregon Department of Land
1972, as amended Conservation and Development
National Historic Preservation Oregon State Historic
Act of 1966, as amended Preservation Officer
Endangered Species Act of 1973, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
as amended National Marine Fisheries Service
C-l
-------
1.5 Consistency or concurrence letters from these agencies are included in this
appendix. State water quality certifications, as required by Section 401 of the Clean
Water Act, will be obtained for individual dredging actions.
1.6 A formal public involvement program designed to receive comments from all
State and local agencies, private groups and individuals will be accomplished by EPA
upon submittal of the final Site Evaluation Report accompanying the request for final
site designation.
C-2
-------
NElGtXOSCXMOT
Department of Land Conservation and Development
1175 COURT STREET NE, SALEM. OREGON 97310-0590 PHONE (503) 373-0050
September 20, 1988
Lauren J. Aimonetto
Acting Chief, Planning Division
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, Oregon 97208-2946
RE: Rogue River Ocean Disposal Site Evaluation
Dear Mr. Aimonetto:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the draft Ocean Disposal Site
Evaluation for the Rogue River Navigation Project. You have
requested that the Department concur with the Corps' determination
.that the project is consistent with the Oregon Coastal Management
Program (OCMP).
The site evaluation report includes findings against Statewide
Planning Goal 19, Ocean Resources, which is the most applicable
policy of the OCMP. The report does a commendable job of assessing
the compatibility of continued dredged material disposal at the
interim site with Goal 19 requirements and the criteria of the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. The Department concurs
that final designation of the interim disposal site is consistent
with the OCMP.
The Department understands that EPA will carry out a formal public
involvement program during the final site designation process. The
Department may reexamine the consistency of the project with the OCMP
during the EPA process if new information is available at that time.
*
Thank you for the opportunity to review the document for consistency
with the OCMP. Please contact Patricia Snow of my staff if you have
any questions.
Sincerely,
JFR:PS/sp
cc: Steve Stevens, COE
Glen Hale, DLCD
-------
UEC-Z3"987
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Northwest Region
7600 Sand Point Way NE
BIN C15700, Bldg. 1
'Seattle, Washington 98115
F/NWR3:1514-04 js
Mr. Richard N. Duncan
Chief, Fish and Wildlife Branch
Department of the Army
Portland District Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208
Dear Mr. Duncan:
This is in response to your December 2, 1987 letter regarding
an Endangered Species Act (ESA) biological assessment for the
gray whale and other whales at the offshore dredged material dis-
posal sites for Tillamook Bay, Depoe Bay, Siuslaw River, Port
Orford, and Rogue River. We have reviewed the biological assessment
and concur with your determination that populations of endangered/-
threatened species under our purview are not likely to be adversely
affected by the proposed actions.
This concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of
the ESA. However, consultation should be reinitiated if new infor-
mation reveals impacts of the identified activities that may adver-
sely affect listed species or their critical habitat, the identified
activity is subsequently modified, or a new species is listed
or critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the
identified activity. If you have any-new information or questions
concerning this consultation, please contact Joe Scordino at FTS
392-6140.
Sincerely,
Rolland A. Schmitten
Regional Director
-------
Department of Transportation
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Parks and Recreation Division
525 TRADE STREET S.E.. SALEM. OREGON 97310
November 7, 1988
Lauren J. Aimonetto
Portland District Corp of Engineers
PO Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946
RE: Off-Shore Disposal Site
Rogue River and Bar
Cultural Resources Report
Curry County
Dear Mr. Aimonetto:
Our office has reviewed the cultural resource report for
the disposal site located 1-; nautical miles southwest of
the entrance of the Rogue River. Since the area was
surveyed by site scan sonar and no shipwrecks discovered,
the project shpuld have "No Effect" on historic shipwreck
archeological sites. We agree with the problems regarding
potential prehistoric sites in the off-shore region. The
only likely model for understanding their distribution
would be based on analysis of subsurface landforms and a
predictive model. Given the current problems our office
concurs that no significant cultural resources will be
affected by the proposed project. If you have any
questions" you can contact Dr. Leland Gilsen at 378-5023.
Sin
\
overs III
Deputy \SHPO
DWP:jn
AIMONETTO.LTR
Font CI4 40<
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-------
, APPENDIX D
-------
APPENDIX D
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1- General . . D-l
1.6 Current Study • D-3
1.8 Water Quality D-3
1,12 Chemical Analysis D-7
LITERATURE CITED D-12
LIST OF TABLES
Table
D-l Rogue Water Quality Data D-7
D-2 Volatile Solids D-7
D-3 Rogue Elutriate Analysis, 1981 : D-ll
D-4 Rogue Elutriate Analysis, 1981 D-ll
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
D-l Columbia River Entrance Channel and ODMDS D-2
D-2 Coos Bay Sample Station Locations D-4
D-3 Coos Bay Site H Sediment Characteristics D-5
D-4 Rogue 1985 Sampling Locations D-6
D-5a Rogue Grain Size Distribution Curves D-8
D-5b Rogue Grain Size Distribution Curves D-9
-------
APPENDIX D
SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY AND WATER QUALITY
General
1.1 General criterion (b) and specific factors 4, 9, and 10 of 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6,
respectively, require sediment and water quality analyses of both the dredging and
disposal areas. Dredged materials placed in interim-designated ODMDS along the
Oregon coast usually consist of medium to fine sands taken from entrance bar shoals and
deposited on slightly finer continental shelf sands. This is the case at the Rogue, with
somewhat coarser sediments making up some of the disposed sediments. Because of
their coarse nature, similarity to ODMDS sediments, isolation from known existing or
historical contaminant sources, and the presence of strong hydraulic regimes, the dredged
materials are exempt from further testing according to provisions of 40 CFR 227.13(b).
Consistent with this EPA regulation, therefore, analyses of Rogue sediments have been
limited to physical variables. However, water and sediment quality impacts associated
with disposal of sands and silts at Oregon ODMDS have been studied in detail at the
two largest navigation projects, the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) and Coos Bay,
as described below.
12 The MCR project was one of the Aquatic Disposal Field Investigations conducted
as part of the Dredged Material Research Program (DMRP) in the mid-1970s (Boone et
al. 1978, Holton et al. 1978). The DMRP was a nationwide program conducted by the
COE to evaluate environmental impacts of dredging and dredged material disposal. The
MCR studies included work at an experimental ODMDS, site G, located south of the
MCR channel at an average depth of 85 feet (Figure D-l). Following baseline physical,
chemical, and biological characterizations of the site, a test dumping operation disposed
of 600,000 cubic yards of medium to fine sands (median grain diameter = 0.18 mm)
during July - August 1975. Sediments at the disposal site were fine to very fine sand
(median grain diameter = 0.11 - 0.15 mm).
1.3 Monitoring results indicated a mound of slightly coarser sediment within the site
that gradually mixed with ambient sediments over several months and dissipated. Water
quality monitoring during disposal did not show elevated levels of toxic heavy metals,
including Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. There were some elevated levels of nontoxic elements, Fe
and MIL Nutrient fluctuations were associated primarily with tidal variations, as were
chloryphyll a and particulate organic carbon. Dissolved oxygen remained high
throughout disposal operations. Sediment quality remained good, with slight (but
nontoxic) increases in Pb (from 2 to 4 mg/kg) and Hg (from 0.008 to 0.05 mg/kg)
recorded before and after disposal at area G. Oil and grease values in the sediments
decreased slightly after disposal, while there were no elevations in ammonia. The
authors concluded that there were no adverse impacts in terms of water/sediment quality
or toxicity from disposal of MCR sands at area G. They attributed fluctuations in tested
variables primarily to sediment and suspended particulate input from the Columbia
D-l
-------
20'
46"IO
IZ3»iO'
Columbia Fiver entrance channel and ODMDS, including experimental
disposal site G (From Boone et al. 1978).
Figure D-l
Columbia River Entrance Channel and ODMDS
D-2
-------
River, biological activity and processes, and laboratory difficulties associated with
repeated measurements close to analytical detection limits.
1.4 An evaluation of areas offshore from Coos Bay was conducted under Corps
contract by Oregon State University researchers pursuant to designation of a new
ODMDS for fine grain sediments from upper Coos Bay and Isthmus Slough (Hancock et
al. 1984, Nelson et al. 1984, Sollitt et al. 1984, USAGE, Portland District 1984). The
program, conducted in five phases during 1980-1984, included baseline physical,
biological, and chemical surveys of offshore areas followed by selection of candidate sites
and a test dump/monitoring study at proposed site H (Figure D-2). This site was
subsequently designated by EPA as the final site for fine Coos Bay sediments (51 FR
29927 - 29931, dated 21 August 1986).
1.5 The dump/monitoring program at site H consisted of disposal of 60,000 cubic
yards of fine sediments from Isthmus Slough, accompanied by water quality and benthic
monitoring during disposal operations and followed by post-disposal monitoring of the
site and adjacent areas over the next 18 months. Elevations in ammonia, Cu, and Mn
were observed during disposal that in some cases were at the threshold of acute toxicity.
However, these elevations were of short duration. No substantial elevations of other
contaminants or changes in dissolved oxygen, oxy-redox potential, turbidity, or pH were
observed. Sediments at the site showed elevated levels of volatile solids, fines, and heavy
metals that gradually decreased over the next 18 months (Figure D-3). Total volatile
solids was found to be the most sensitive and reproducible indicator of levels of
contaminants and its use was suggested as a monitoring tool to utilize during further
disposal operations at site H.
Current Study
1.6 Sediment samples from the channel and boat basin of the Rogue River Federal
navigation project were collected by the COE, Portland District in April, 1982 and April-
May, 1985. The offshore disposal site at the Rogue was sampled in August, 1985.
Locations of the 1985 sampling sites are shown in Figure D-4. The sampling site for the
1982 elutriate tests was at the mouth of the channel connected to the turning basin.
1.7 Physical sediment and elutriate analyses were performed on the 1982 samples for
several organic and inorganic parameters. Details of the sampling and lab analyses can
be found in U.S. Geological Survey open file report 84-133. Test result summaries from
that publication appear in the following sections.
Water Quality
1.8 Basic water quality parameters were taken in the field during collections of
sediment samples from the channel. Results of the field measurements, collected with
an automated multi-parameter water quality analyzer, are given in Table D-l. Surface
measurements were taken off the Coast Guard dock and bottom measurements were
taken off the dock and from the river opposite the boat basin. All of the values are
within normal ranges for the Oregon coast.
D-3
-------
NEARSHORE
AREA F
Coos Boy somple station locations for chemical.
biological, and physical studies at interim—designated and
candidate ODMDS (From U.S-A.C.E. Portland District 1984).
Figure D-2
Coos Bay Sample Station Locations
D-4
-------
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-------
Rogu e RI v e r Reef
SCALE IN YARDS
IOOO 0 1000
Figure D-4
Rogue 1985 Sampling Locations
D-6
-------
Table D-l
Rogue Water Quality Data
In river
Parameter Off dock opposite boat basin
Depth surface bottom bottom
Dissolved oxygen 12.20 12.54 ' 12.43
Conductivity .002 .002 .001
ORP 591 573 542
Temperature 7.0 6.9 6.9
pH 7.64 7.73 7.68
Time 0950 0955 0957
Sediment Quality
1.9 Dredged materials deposited at the ODMDS come from the entrance bar and
from the main channel up to the boat basin. The boat basin entrance is usually
maintained by pipeline dredge and disposed onshore in the South Spit disposal area.
1.10 The grain size distribution curves for the Rogue River project are shown in Figure
D-5. The sediments for the main channel, sampled in February, 1981, and May, 1985,
are composed of poorly-sorted sand with small amounts of gravel towards the outer bar.
The median grain size ranges from 0.2 mm at the upper end of the main channel (RM
0+07) to 0.9 mm at the end of the bar jetties. (The sediments in the Gold Beach boat
basin are mainly silts with a median size ranging from 0.018-0.09 mm.)
1.11 Disposal site sediments were sampled in August of 1985. The sediments are all
well-sorted, fine sands (Figure D-3). The sediments dredged from the channel in Rogue
River are coarser-grained than those at the ODMDS, but their disposal should not
cause adverse effects.
Chemical Analysis
1.12 The percentages of volatile solids in the dredged material was less than 3 percent
in both 1981 and 1985. Those in the disposal area are all less than 2.5 percent (Table
D-2).
Table D-2
Volatile Solids
Sample # Date Location % Volatile Solids
1 2/23/81 300'from N. Jetty Entrance 1.20
2 2/23/81 entrance to boat basin 1.69
1 4/85 entrance of channel 2.8
2 4/85 mid-channel 2.9
3 4/85 entrance to boat basin 2.2
4 4/85 center of river and boat 1.7
basin entrance
5 4/85 end of bar jetties 2.6
D-7
-------
1H9OM M H1SBVOO iNJDHJJ
R 9 S S S
oD<3l>
Figure D-5 a
Rogue Grain Size Distribution Curves
D-8
-------
1H3I3M Afi H3SBVOO IN3DM3J
R S 8 8 S
I •
K >•
o
Figure D-5 b
Rogue Grain Size Distribution Curves
D-9
-------
1.13 Elutriate analyses were run on only one sediment sample from the main channel.
None of the elutriates exceeded allowable limits in this 1981 test (Tables D-3 and D-4).
No bulk analysis of sediments from the main channel was done.
1.14 In summary, physical and chemical sediment from Rogue River show that dredged
material disposed at the ODMDS is clean sand. It is coarser than that of the ODMDS
but within acceptable limits. Based on this information, there should be no problem with
continued disposal of these sediments at the offshore site.
D-10
-------
Table D-3
Rogue Elutriate Analysis, 1981
DISSOLVED ORSAKOCKLORINE AND CKLOROPHEHOXY COMPOUNDS IN NATIVE WATER AND ELUTRIATES
CFOR TYPE OF SAMPLE. REFER TO COOES: HE-HATIVE ESTUARINE WATER, «H««ATtve EURYHALIKE WATER. HF-NATIVE FRESH WATER. EE«auTRiATE wm
ESTUARINE WATER. EH-ELUTRIATE WITH EURYHALINE WATER. EF-ELUTRIATE WITH FRESH WATER. BH*BOTTOH MATERIAL. VALUES - <— • INDICATE THAT
ANALYSES HAS NOT BEEN MADE.]
T
E SITE
MO, DESCRIPTION
DATE
ALDRIN
CHLOR- DOO ODE DDT 01-
DANE ELORtN
tUC/U (UG/L). (UG/U (UG/L) (UC/L) (OG/L)
ENOO-
SULFAH
(US/L)
EXOR1N
(UG/L)
HEPTA-
CHLOR
(UG/L)
LINOANE HI REX
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Fuhrer, G J., 1984. Analysis of Elutriates, Native Water, and Bottom Material in Selected
Rivers and Estuaries in Western Oregon and Washington. U.S. Geological Survey
Open File Report 82-922.
Hancock, D.R., P.O. Nelson, C.K. Spllitt, and K.J. Williamson, 1984. Coos Bay offshore
disposal site investigation, interim report, Phase I. Oregon State University
contract report. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR.
Holton, R.L., N.H. Cutshall, L.I. Gordon, and L.F. Small, 1978. Aquatic disposal field
investigations, Columbia River disposal site, Oregon: Appendix B: Water column,
primary productivity and sediment studies. DMRP Technical Report D-77-30.
Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg, MS. 53 pp + appendices.
Nelson, P.O., QIC Soliitt, K.J. Williamson, and D.R. Hancock, 1984. Coos Bay offshore
disposal site investigation, interim report, Phases II, III. Oregon State University
contract report. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR.
Sollitt, C.K., D.R. Hancock, and P.O. Nelson, 1984. Coos Bay offshore disposal site
investigation, final report, Phases IV, V. Oregon State University contract report.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR. 355 pp +
appendices.
U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, 1980. Findings of Compliance and
Non-compliance, Operations and Maintenance, Dredged Material Disposal
Activities at Coastal Projects.
UiS.A.C.E. Portland District, 1984. Coos Bay offshore disposal site investigation,
summary. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR. 31 pp.
D-12
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, APPENDIX E
-------
APPENDIX E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Recreational Use Areas . .. . E-l
1.6 Impacts of Disposal Operations E-l
1.9 Conclusion *. E-3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure .
E-l Rogue Recreational Resources E-2
-------
APPENDIX E
RECREATIONAL USE
Recreational Use Areas
1.1 The major recreational use areas within the Rogue ZSF are identified in Figure
E-l. Although the Rogue River area receives recreational use year-round, the most
popular months are from April through September. The salmon fishery accounts for the
largest percentage of the recreational activity, although other forms of fishing,
sightseeing, boajting and clamming are also popular.
1.2 Most of the property along this portion of the coast is privately owned. Despite
this, many facilities have been provided by the private sector to meet the needs of
recreationists. Several RV parks and campgrounds are located on both sides of the
lower river at Wedderburn and Gold Beach. These facilities provide overnight
accommodations, boat ramps and access to the river.
1.3 Offshore fishing for salmon, rockfish and bottomfish is popular. Several reefs are
located offshore from the Rogue River, including the well-known Rogue River Reef.
These reefs provide recreational boaters one of the best sport fisheries along the Oregon
Coast. During the summer months, most of the angling effort is for salmon. By August,
most of the salmon have begun to move upriver and the offshore fishery is for bottom
fish.
1.4 Angling from the jetty is popular throughout most of the year. Salmon fishing is
popular during the summer, while perch fishing predominates in the spring and fall. The
south jetty receives the majority of use, although, at times, the north jetty is heavily used
as well. Jigging for smelt from the north jetty during the summer months is common.
Trolling in the lower river and fishing along the north bank are also popular.
^
1.5 The beach area within the ZSF receives most of its recreational use from
beachcombers, hikers, and sightseers. Clam digging is popular at a small, sandy beach
located north of the Rogue River entrance. Overall, beaches near the Rogue River are
used less than other Oregon beaches due to the limited public access.
Impacts of Disposal Operations
1.6 The disposal site identified on the map is located within a major salmon fishing
area. Few conflicts are expected to occur between fishermen and dredge operations due
to the availability of alternate salmon fishing sites. Conflicts between disposal operations
and recreationists may occur as the dredge is enroute to the disposal site. These
conflicts may include time delays for recreational boaters caused by the passing of the
dredge or an increase in navigational hazards during congested periods. Conflicts such
as these can be considered an inconvenience rather than a threat to recreational activity.
The only serious problem would be a collision between recreational boaters and dredge
E-l
-------
PRIVATE CAMPING
FACILITIES
CLAMMING
STROLLING &
BANK FISHING
JETTY FISHING1
Gold Beach
MAJOR SALMON
FISHING AREA
ROCK FISHINGS
SCALE JN YARDS
1000 O 1000
I I I I
I I I
Figure E-l
Rogue Recreational Resources
E-2
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traffic. Accidents of this nature are rare because the dredge moves at a slow speed.
Unless there is a significant change in equipment or operational procedures, the
potential for collisions is low.
1.7 When dredged material is deposited at the disposal site, the turbidity in the
surrounding water increases. This results in reduced visual quality of the area and may
disrupt the feeding patterns of sport fish. Both of these situations are temporary and
normal conditions will return as soon as the sediment settles.
1.8 Sediment deposition along the beach is another possible consequence of disposal
operations that could affect recreational activity. The accumulation of dredged material
on the beaches could interfere with the free movement of sand which could affect the
vegetative cover or topography of the beach. If the slope of the beach is altered
significantly, it could interfere with the accumulation of driftwood and other items of
interest to beachcombers. A change in slope could also affect local clam populations.
These changes could result in reduced recreational opportunities for the area. Another
potential problem with beach nourishment is the accumulation of foreign material on the
beaches. If the dredge material has a different color or texture than the existing
material, the results may be a reduction in the visual quality of the area.
Conclusion
1.9 Continued use of the current disposal site should have little impact on existing
recreation. During disposal operations, the turbidity in the surrounding water increases.
Any impact this may have on sport angling or visual quality of the area will be only
temporary. Some inconveniences will be experienced by recreational boaters and
fishermen. But, overall, disposal operations appear to pose no serious threat to
recreation.
1.10 If future studies indicate that disposal operations are detrimental to ocean fauna,
cause disruption of sediment deposition along the coastline, or are responsible for any
longterm water quality problems, further information should be collected to determine
more specifically what effect this will have on recreation. Until these impacts are
observed, future disposal of dredged material at the existing site is not expected to have
any substantial effects on recreation.
E-3
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, APPENDIX F
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APPENDIX F
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Prehistoric Cultural Resources F-l
1.2 Historical Potential F-l
1.7 Historical Cultural Resources F-2
1.9 Shipwreck Locational Model F-3
1.14 Uses of the Model .'...' F-5
1.17 A Sketch of Rogue River History F-6
1.21 Rogue River Wrecks F-7
1.23 Testing the Shipwreck Locational Model , F-7
1.26 Project Site Evaluation F-8
LITERATURE CITED F-ll
LIST OF TABLES
Table
F-l Shipwrecks of the Rogue River .....: F-9
LIST OF FIGURES
X
Figure
F-l Shipwreck Frequencies F-4
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APPENDIX F
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Introduction
1.1 The study area for the Rogue River ODMDS study encompasses an area 2
Nautical Miles in radius with its center point at the entrance to the Rogue River. The
actual disposal site is .located 1 1/2 Nautical miles SW of the entrance of the Rogue
River. This element of the study evaluated the cultural resource potential of the project
area. •
. s
Prehistoric Potential
1.2 Analysis of the prehistoric cultural resource potential suggests two possibilities:
(1) Sites from the early colonization of the "new world" by the antecedents of the
American Indians and (2); sites or artifacts reflecting the procurement of food resources
by more recent Indians in the shallow near-shore environments.
1.3 The initial colonization of the North American continent is thought to have
occurred during the last phases of the Pleistocene. During this time, approximately
12,000 to.60,000 years ago, the sea levels ranged from 60 meters to 300 meters lower
than their present position, a consequence of the glacial phases of the Pleistocene.
Lowering of the sea level left a broad exposed coastal plain which in many places
extended miles beyond the present coastline. Archaeologists concerned with the
problem of the arrival of humans in the North American continent point to a coastal
route as a likely path for these early migrants (Fladmark 1983:1). It is possible that
some of the earliest prehistoric sites maybe present on the seabed within the nearshore
environment of the Oregon coastline.
1.4 The archeological characteristics (artifacts, features, site location in reference to
topographic features, and chronology) of these sites is uncertain. They may include the
tools and sites of wandering bands of big game hunters exploiting the resources of a
broad coastal plain or members of a maritime based cultural group moving down the
coast in boats with a technology oriented toward hunting sea mammals and procuring
the other resources of the nearshore environment. A recent review of early prehistoric
cultural resources suggest that on land sites from near the end of this period (ca. 12,000
years ago) occupy small surface areas which are widely dispersed and have low artifact
densities (Kelley and Todd 1988:2). Sites with these characteristics are difficult to locate
on dry ground and would be extremely difficult to locate in an inundated environment in
which the ground surface of that occupation is buried under relatively recent deposits of
sand and silts. Thus, not only are there the basic archeological questions of identifying
who these people were and speculating on their technology, but also identifying stable •
land areas from this period which would have survived both the rise in sea level, and the
present regime of wave and current energy. Although the issue of submerged early
F-l
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prehistoric sites cannot be dismissed, at the present, demonstration of the presence of an
early site in an offshore area is necessary before large scale survey work can be justified.
1.5 The probability is also remote that there are more recent prehistoric sites in the
study area. Evidence gathered from archaeological sites located on coastal shorelines
indicates that prehistoric Native Americans utilized the near shore ocean environments
for subsistence activities. Prehistoric Indians gathered clams and mussels from the tidal
zones and caught fish which inhabit estuaries and surf zones (Minor, Toepel, Greenspan,
Earner 1985:3). In addition, recent archeological investigations has recovered evidence
suggesting that certain coastal Indian groups utilized whales. Whether the whales were
hunted or were scavenged from individuals stranded on beaches is uncertain based on
the information recovered from the site (Minor, Toepel 1986:4). Regardless, the
evidence of whale hunting or scavenging, as well as the procurement of shell fish and/or
an offshore fishery, is unlikely to leave substantial archeological deposits; although it is
possible that fishhooks, stone weights, and other non perishable elements of an offshore
technology are present.
1.6 During the period of historic contact with the Indians of the Oregon Coast line,
the Tututni Indians, who spoke a dialect of the Athapascan language, inhabited the land
in the vicinity of the Rogue River mouth. The lifestyle of these people has not been
discussed in any great detail. They were reported to have lived in semisubterranean
planked houses in places along the shoreline of the river and along the ocean beaches.
Tututni are reported to have made intensive use of the seasonal salmon runs and the
resources of the estuary and headlands (Ruby, Brown 1977:5). As with the earlier
prehistoric period, these activities are unlikely to have left significant cultural deposits
within the disposal area; however, village sites, middens and related activity areas maybe
present along the beaches and in the vicinity of the headlands. These areas will not be
affected by the proposed project.
Historical Cultural Resources
1.7 The majority of our background research has been directed at documenting the
presence of historic cultural resources, specifically shipwrecks within the ODMDS study
areas. This documentary effort forms the essential background for evaluating potential
project effects on cultural resources by defining the most likely cultural resource(s)
within the project area. Based on investigations of Ports along the Oregon Coast
including studies at the mouth of the Columbia River, Yaquina Bay, Coquille River and
the Chetco River, historic shipwrecks are the most likely cultural resources present in
the project area's offshore location (USACOE 1985, 1987:6).
1.8 A shipwreck data base has been developed from the information complied during
background research. This data base contains records of shipwrecks from each coastal
project area as they come under review and the Oregon coastline in general. The data
base includes information on, vessel type, size, and cargoes. This information can be
used as supporting evidence to confirm whether a wreck site is the vessel identified as
wrecked in that location. In addition to the information on shipwrecks, our reports also
include brief discussions on the historic communities that supported vessel use. This
information is important for defining the broader context of vessels use and will support
statements of significance should shipwrecks be discovered in project areas.
F-2
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Shipwreck Locational Model
1.9 In addition too developing a database of known wreck sites, wreck site data has
been used to develop a general model predicting the likely location of wrecks along the
Oregon Coast line (Figure F-l). Compiling information on the seasonality of wrecks and
analyzing specific wreck sites has produced the following wreck site distributions: (1)
The areas with the highest likelihood of historic wrecks are the beaches and past surf
zones. In some cases historic surf zones can be surprisingly distant from their current
positions. In the Astoria area, the wreck sites of two vessels are considerably inland
from the present surf zone. (2) The next most likely areas are located in the shallow
near shore environments, for example the present surf zones and in the vicinity of
navigation hazards, such as reefs and areas of shoalling. (3) The least likely areas are
those beyond the nearshore environment in areas of increasing water depth.
1.10 Analysis of the distribution of shipwrecks suggests that wreck sites are a product
of natural forces which operate on a vessel after it has been damaged, looses power
and/or steerage. The majority of shipwreck occur during the late fall-winter-early spring
storm season. Research suggests that vessels are typically damaged while approaching
the entrances of river Ports and landings along beaches. When vessels are damaged or
loose power near the shoreline they are trapped by nearshore ocean currents and
pushed by the predominantly onshore winds of the late fall-winter-early spring storm
period into the coast and toward the beaches.
1.11 These causal factors also operate on that small set of special cases, the derelict
vessels that drift from their point of damage whether its along the coastal waters of
Japan or along the ocean trade routes miles off the coast. Though the absolute number
of derelict vesselscannot be determined, when these vessels appear along the Oregon
F-3
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SCALE IN YARDS
1000 0 1000
III Ill I
Figure F-l
Shipwreck Frequencies
F-4
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coast during the storm season, they too drift towards the shore carried by coastal ocean
currents and are brought into the beaches and surf zones by the on shore winds of the
storm season. It is estimated that the majority of derelicts are beached during the late-
fall/winter-early storm season, rather than being randomly distributed throughout the
year.
1.12 Modeling shipwreck distributions and defining the causes is important for
identifying the probable sites of undocumented wrecks. Though it is likely that the
majority of wrecks sites are reported in the historic literature, it is certain that
unidentified wreck sites are also present. The history of early exploration, fur trade and
the colonization period indicates that many vessels operated under a set of conditions
that did not always leave documentation of there presence in a specific area. As
examples:
(1) Early exploring/fur trading expeditions operated along an unknown coast line.
There may have been occurrences where these vessels, reconnoitering an
unknown coast line, were wrecked and lost without witnesses or records.
(2) In some cases fur traders pursuing profits operated illegally in other countries
territorial waters or without proper authorization from their own countries. Little
if any documentation would be available to demonstrate the presence or loss of
these vessels.
(3) ' In other cases treasure vessels moved secretly along shipping lanes carrying their
cargoes; when lost no record of their final position is available (Beales and Steele
1981:7).
(4) In some cases vessels are lost along shorelines of their own coastal areas, become
derelict hulks and drift on ocean currents to foreign coastlines and beaches
(Brooks 1875:8).
1.13 Based on the locations of known wreck sites, the shipwreck model predicts a
similar wreck pattern for undocumented wreck sites. In the case of undocumented
shipwrecks the model assumes that the basic natural forces of ocean currents and winds
as determined by the season are the primary causes of wreck distributions along the
Oregon Coast. This pattern is probably a constant throughout the maritime history of
the Northwest Coast.
Uses of the Model
1.14 The shipwreck model has two purposes: As a planning tool for the ODMDS
projects or similar civil works the model can be used to guide the evaluations of work
areas by excluding the high probability locations from planning studies. Used in this
manner, the model can help reduce project costs by orienting work toward low
probability areas and preserve cultural resources by avoiding them. In addition the
model can be used as a locational device to focus historical archeological investigations
in areas where wrecks are likely to occur, or if a researcher desires to locate wrecks with
the densest level of information, to areas further offshore from the typical wreck site.
F-5
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1.15 The model, however, cannot be used to avoid cultural resource investigations.
Basically, the model predicts a general shipwreck distribution within each project area.
However, each place has its own unique historic potential despite the fact that wrecks
cluster on beaches and within shallow nearshore environments. Historic Preservation
Legislation acknowledges the uniqueness of historic events by requiring evaluation of all
project areas, not just the most likely areas. This requirement is important for the
preservation of historical archeological resources. For example, shipwreck events are
not as frequent as many popular accounts lead one to believe, especially when compared
to the number of successful voyages. Commercial shipping was a very successful
operation with thousands of tons of goods reaching their destinations, the benefits
clearly offset the small number of vessels that were lost For preservation values, the
absolute number of potentially significant shipwrecks is probably small.
1.16 In addition, the likelihood that wrecks will be preserved and will be available for
future study is not necessarily assured. Wrecks are not only preyed upon by professional
salvors, treasure hunters and pioneers who saw wrecks as a source of "raw" materials,
but are also lost to marine organisms and broken apart by the mechanical forces of
wave energy and ocean currents. Most shipwrecks on beaches and in near shore
environments are probably reduced to remnants of major structural elements (keels,
frames), although it is possible that artifacts are present, distributed around the wreck
buried under beach sands. At a minimum these wreck sites are significant as part of a
comparative study collection with each wreck providing information on construction
details of vessels of various classes. The offshore wrecks, however, maybe in a class by
themselves. These wrecks, relatively fewer in number are generally beyond easy
accessibility and maybe in a preservation environment superior to those wrecks in more
exposed locations. Archeological data at these sites will probably be richer, including a
higher density of artifacts and possibly, better of a vessels wooden structure.
A Sketch of Rogue River History
1.17 In July, 1817, Peter Corney, on the schooner Columbia, traded with the Indians in
the vicinity of the Rogue River (Corney 1965:9). As the fur trade developed the area
was visited by Alexander Mcleod of the Hudson Bay Company (1827) and American fur
trader and explorer, Jedediah Smith (1828) (Douthit 1986:10).
1.18 Historic settlement at the Rogue River mouth occurred in the 1850s.
The communities formed around the search for gold. By 1853 placer mining of the
black sands on the ocean beaches adjacent to the Rogue River outlet and mining of
gravel bars in the drainage of the Rogue was in full development. A substantial
community developed at the mouth of the Rogue River in support of the miners. This
was followed by an increase in fanners who saw the miners as a market for their
agricultural products. Mining declined in.importance during the late 1850s. Other
aspects of the local economy included lumbering, a mill, and a salmon packing facility.
Stewart and Michael Riley developed the commercial salmon fishery in the late 1850s.
In 1876, D.H. Hume purchased the cannery operation. Hume recruited labors for his
cannery in Astoria, Oregon. On one occasion Hume's vessel the Alexander Duncan,
grounded on the south spit with 35 Chinese cannery workers aboard. By the 1870s the
salmon fishery, canneries and lumbering were the main economic activities. As the main
form of transportation sailing vessels and small coastal steamers brought miners, cannery
F-6
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laborers and settlers to the small harbor near the mouth of the Rogue River. On their
return voyages, primarily to San Francisco, these vessels carried the export commodities,
gold dust, lumber, agricultural products, and preserved salmon to California.
1.19 Although the salmon fishery and lumbering provided export commodities, their
significance was primarily local. In 1879, Philip Eastwick, Assistant to the Portland
District's Engineer, made a field reconnaissance of the Rogue River. He concluded that
navigational improvements to the Rogue River to facilitate the local economy were not
warranted as settlers were few in number and the value of their products was not
sufficient to justify the costs of the improvements (Eastwick 1879:11).
1.20 With the decline in the salmon fishery during the early 1990s the town of Gold
Beach remained in relative economic as well as physical isolation from other, regional
communities. In 1929 Highway 101 was finished tying Gold Beach by road to the other
coast communities. Prior to the construction of Highway 101 the only alternative to
transportation by sea was by pack train up the trails along the Rogue River.
Rogue River Wrecks
1.21 The first reported shipwreck within the study area was the wreck of an
unidentified Russian Whaler, which occurred sometime during 1830 on the beaches of
the mouth of the Rogue River (Ruby and Brown 1986:12). The first documented wreck,
was that of the Wm. G. Hackstaff, aground at the mouth of the Rogue River, on
September 9, 1849. Thirty-three additional wrecks occurred over the years following the
wrecks of these two vessels.
1.22 The Shipwreck Data base for the Rogue River has information on 35 wrecks
which have occurred between Cape Sebastian, seven miles south of the Rogue River
mouth and Humbug Mountain, approximately 19 miles north of the Rogue (Table F-l).
Of these, 28 wrecks have occurred within the ODMDS project area. Our data indicates
that 20 of these wrecks were either refloated (12) or salvaged (8) leaving the possibility
that 8 wrecks are still present within the study area. Further analysis of the 8 shows that
7 wrecked on beaches and one sank within the vicinity of the project area. The lumber
schooner, San Buenaventura, was lost 1/4 mile SW of the mouth of the Rogue River
(Buenventura 1910:13).
Testing the Shipwreck locational model
1.23 The Shipwreck model predicts that shipwrecks will be distributed with the
following frequency: The majority of wrecks will be concentrated on the beaches and in
the historic surf zones. The area with the next most frequent number of wreck sites will
be the near shore environment, including the present surf zones and those areas with
shallow or exposed navigation hazards such as, reefs and areas of shoalling. The area
with the least frequent number of shipwrecks are the deeper offshore areas.
1.24 Our data supports these assumptions. Within the Rogue River Data Base
(N=35), 28 wrecks have been deposited on the beaches* 2 wrecks in the surf zones (on
the bar at the mouth of the Rogue River), and 5 offshore. The subset of wrecks within
the ODMDS project area mirrors the distribution of wrecks within the Rogue river
F-7
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sample. Of the 28 wrecks in the study area, 25 have occurred on the beaches, 2 in the
surf zone (on the bar) and 1 offshore.
1.25 The fact that fewer wrecks then expected have occurred in the surf zone and the
overwhelming majority on the beaches reflects the historical navigational difficulties of
identifying and crossing the channel over the Rogue River bar. . Philip Eastwick
remarked in his report for the Portland District Engineer, that the harbor entrance
shifted seasonally. During the winter high flows in the Rogue River cut through the
south spit letting the river empty into the ocean in a more direct manner; during the
summer strong northwesterly winds slowed the flow causing the winter channel to fill
which shifted the channel to a more southerly direction before it outlet into the ocean.
In addition both Eastwick and the Oregon Coastal Pilot noted that the depth of the bar
at the mouth of the Rogue River might be as shallow 4 to 5 feet deep during the winter.
The unpredictability of the bars location and depth provided safe passage only during
the summer (Eastwick 1879 and Denson 1889:14). The number of shipwrecks that lined
the mouth of the Rouge River confirm the difficulties of navigating into the harbor at
Gold Beach.
Project Site Evaluation
1.26 The disposal site for the Rogue River project was evaluated by using a side-scan
sonar. Although the side scan sonar work was carried out primarily for environmental
reason, any sonar images that indicated the presence of shipwrecks would have been
noted. This evidence may include the presence of structural remains of ships, sediment
mounding indicating the burial of vessels, and/or ballast or cargo remnants indicating
the site of a decayed vessel. No shipwreck signature or other evidence of a shipwreck
was recorded by the sonar investigation (ESA and GRI 1985:15).
F-8
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Table F-l
Shipwrecks of the Rogue River
Date of Name of
Wreck Vessel
11/24/1874 ALASKA
09/14/1879 ALEX. DUNCAN
05/02/1879 ANDREW JACKSON
05/02/1954 BERWICK
1 I/? 7/1904 BERWICK
12/15/1907 BERWICK
10/27/1949 CERES
01/21/1902 COPPER QUEEN
05/28/1903 COPPER QUEEN
03/??/1891 DEL NORTE
09/11/1891 DEL NORTE
'
08/11/1908 ENTERPRISE
10/21/1879 ESTER COBOS
11/18/1880 ESTHER COBOS
1850 SPG FLAGSTAFF
03/08/1878 JOHANNA M.
BROCK
09/05/1919 MAGNOLIA
11/21/1875 MILO BOND
01/03/1875 NOR 'WESTER
11/06/1921 OSPREY
06/? 7/1913 RANDOLPH
05/01/1914 RANDOLPH
07/26/1916 ROAMER
01/28/1890 ROSALIND
02/24/1917 RUSTLER
01/15/1910 SAN
BUENAVENTURA
09/02/1888 THISTLE
12/??/1889 THISTLE
03/25/1880 VERUNA
05/21/1911 WASHCALORE
05/21/1911 WASP
12/03/1941 WILLAPA
09/??/1849 WM G. HACKSTAFF
11/03/1875 WILLIMANTIC
1830 ? RUSSIAN WHALER
Site of Wreck
GOLD BEACH
SOUTH SPIT
ROGUE RIVER
VICINITY
GOLD BEACH
GOLD BEACH
GOLD BEACH, •
SPIT
ROGUE RIVER
vicinity
NORTH SPIT
GOLD BEACH
NORTH SPIT
BAR, ROGUE
RIVER
SPIT,?? •
SOUTH SPIT
SOUTH SPIT
GOLD BEACH
ROGUE RIVER,
Vicinity
NORTH SPIT
ROGUE RIVER
NORTH SPIT
SOUTH SPIT
SOUTH SPIT
SOUTH SPIT '
SPIT ??
ROGUE RIVER
ROGUE RIVER
ROGUE R.
NORTH SPIT
NORTH SPIT
SOUTH SPIT
HUNTERS IS.
CAPE SEBASTIAN
HUMBUG HTN
ROGUE RIVER
MOUTH .
GOLD BEACH
ROGUE RIVER
MOUTH
General
Wreck Site
Location
BEACH
BEACH
OFFSHORE
BEACH
BAR
BEACH
OFFSHORE
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH BAR
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
OFFSHORE
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
OFFSHORE
OFFSHORE
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
BEACH
Distance/
Direction
from
Rogue River
0.00
0.00
5.00 NORTH
0.00 WEST
0.00 WEST
0.00 WEST
9.00 WEST
0.00 WEST
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
15.00 NORTH
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
3.00 NORTH
1.50 NORTH
0.25 WEST
0.00
0.00
0.00
7.00 SOUTH
6.90
19.00
0.00 WEST
0.00
0.00
0.00
F-9
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LITERATURE CITED
Fladmark, Knut, 1983, Times and Places: Environmental Correlates of Mid-to-Late
Wisconsin Human Population Expansion in North America, In Early Man in the
New World, Edited by R. Shutler, pp.12-41. Sage Publications, Beverly Hills,
California. Kelley, Rober
Kelly, Robert L. and Lawrence C. Todd, 1988, Coming into the Country: Early
Paleoindian Hunting and Mobility, American Antiquity, 53(2): 231-244.
Minor, Rick, Kathryn Anne Toepel, Ruth Greenspan, and Debra C. Earner, July 1985,
Archaeological Investigations in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Central Oregon
Coast. 'Heritage research Associates Report No. 40. Heritage research Associates,
Eugene.; Zontek, Terry, 1983, Aborginal fishing at Seal Rock (35LNC14) and
Neptune 35LNC3): late prehistoric sites on the central Oregon coast.
Unpublished M.A. Thesis in Interdisciplinary Studies, Oregon State University.
Minor, Rick and Kathryn Anne Toepel, 1986, The Archeology of the Tahkenitch Land
Site: Early Prehistoric Occupation on the Oregon Coast. Eugene, Heritage
Research Associates Report Number 46.; Lewis and Clark reported that Indians
in the Tillamook Bay Vicinity scavenged a whale stranded on the beaches
recovering blubber and oil.(in) Thwaites, Ruben Gold, 1969, reprinted from the
1905 ed.), Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 18044806, New
York Arno Press, vol.3, pp.318-321.
Ruby, Robert. H. and John A. Brown, Tututni (Athapascan) in A Guide to the Indian
Tribes of the Pacific Northwest. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press.;
. Beckham, Stephen Dow, 1977, The Indians of Western Oregon, This Land Was
Theirs. Coos Bay, Arago Books.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, October 1987, Coquille Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation, Appendix E, Cultural Resources.
Portland District, Portland.; April, 1985, Yaquina Bay Interim Ocean Dredge
Material Disposal Site Evaluation. Appendix E., Cultural Resources. Portland
District, Portland.;March, 1987 Columbia River Coal Export Channel: Technical
Reports, Vol. ID, Environmental Studies. Portland District, Portland.
Deals, Herbert K., and Harvey Steele, 1981, Chinese Porcelains From Site 35-TI-l,
Netarts Sand Spit, Tillamook County, Oregon. Eugene, University of Oregon
Anthropological Papers, No 23. On pp. 24-26 they review evidence for the wreck
of a Spanish treasure galleon on the Oregon Coast.
Brooks, Charles Wolcott, 1875, Report of Japanese Vessels Wrecked in the North
* Pacific Ocean: From the earliest Records to the Present Time. San Francisco,
Proceedings of the California Academy of Science. Reprinted by Ye Galleon
Press, Fan-field, Washington.
F-10
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Corney, Peter, 1965 (reprint), Early Voyages in the North Pacific, 1813-1818. Ye
Galleon Press, Fairfield. p. 163.
Douthit, Nathan, 1986, A Guide to Oregon South Coast History, Including An Account
of the Jedediah Smith Exploring Expedition of 1828 and Its Relations with the
Indians. River West Books, Coos Bay. p.6
Eastwick, Philip G. 1879, Rogue River, Oregon. Report of Mr. Philip G. Eastwick,
Assistant Engineer, 45th Congress, 3rd Session. House of Representatives. Ex.
Doc. 97.
Ruby, Robert H. and John A. Brown, 1986, A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific
Northwest. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press, p.246.
San Buenaventura, Oregonian 1/16/1910; William G. Hackstaff, Oregonian 12/19/1886.
Eastwick, (see note ll):pp.7-8; Denson, George, 1889, Pacific Coast Pilot of California,
Oregon, Washington. Government Printing Office, Washington.p.370.
Earth Science Associates and GeoRecon International, January, 1985, Geologic and
Seismic Investigations of .Oregon Offshore Dredge Disposal Site, Rogue River
Disposal Site,pp.21-23. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland
District.
F-ll
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