EPA 910/9-89-027-F Alaska
United States Region 10 Idaho
Environmental Protection 1200 Sixth Avenue Oregon
Agency Seattle WA 96101 Washington
Water Division Water Resources Assessment August 1991
&EFA Chetco, Oregon
Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Chetco
Brookings
tV«.
»v•. 9
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FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
CHETCO 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
Final
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
CHETCO 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 final EIS provides information to support designation of an ocean dredged material
disposal site (ODMDS) in the Pacific Ocean off the mouth of the Chetco River in the State of
Oregon. The proposed ODMDS disposal site is the present interim site located approximately
one nautical mile south of the Chetco 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 projects at the Chetco 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:
The draft EIS was offered for review and comment to members of the public, special interest
groups, and government agencies. No public hearings/meetings were scheduled. Comments
received on this draft EIS have been addressed in this final document. Copies of this final EIS
have been provided to those who received the draft. Additional copies may be obtained from
and any 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
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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 final 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 Chetco
River, Oregon. This document evaluates the proposed Chetco 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 final rule in the Federal
Register for formal designation of the Chetco ODMDS.
Mqjor Conclusions and Findings. The preferred ODMDS for final designation is
located one nautical mile south of the entrance to the Chetco River with dimensions of
1800 feet by 1800 feet and an average depth of 70 feet The site occupies approximately
74 acres (0.08 sq. nautical mile). The site, which has served as the interim site since
1977 when designated, will continue to be used for disposal of sediments dredged by the
Corps of Engineers to maintain federally authorized navigation projects at Chetco River,
Oregon and for disposal of dredged materials authorized in accordance with Section 103
of the MPRSA. The ODMDS site proposed for designation has been determined to be
suitable in terms of environmental and navigational safety factors.
Disposal of the dredged sediments is a necessary component of maintaining the
navigation channel, the turning basin and the small boat access channel. 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
Chetco River navigation channel was identified. In addition, use of ocean disposal for
other channel reaches and 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 for the Chetco ODMDS:
(1) Termination of ocean disposal at Chetco;
(2) Designation of the existing interim ODMDS.
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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 Chetco was not
considered prudent or reasonable. Evaluation focussed on the existing interim ODMDS,
and consideration of an ODMDS beyond the continental shelf. Use of an ODMDS
beyond the continental shelf provided no environmental advantages and incurred
significant economic costs, "Die interim disposal site was evaluated considering each of
the five general and eleven specific criteria as required in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6.
The Chetco ODMDS, or areas in the same vicinity, have been used by Portland District
since 1963. To date, 749,000 cubic yards have been disposed at sea, 420,706 of which
has been disposed of in the designated offshore site since 1977. The site was designated
interim in 40 CFR 228.12 and was entitled "Chetco River Entrance" with the following
coordinates (NAD 83):
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 site would
not be expected to cause unacceptable adverse environmental effects.
and 42 ° 01' 37" N.
42° 01' 55" N.
42° 01' 55" N.
42° 01' 37" N.
124 • 16' 37' W.
1240 16' 13" W.
1240 16' 13" W.
1240 16' 37" W.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
COVER SHEET i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
L INTRODUCTION 1
E. PURPOSE AND NEED 3
General 3
Location 3
Need 3
Project History 5
Historical ODMDS Use 5
m. 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 13
Application of Specific Criteria 13
Geographic Location 14
Distance From Important living Resources 14
Distance From Beaches and Other Amenities 16
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited 16
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring 17
Dispersal, Horizontal Transport, and Vertical Mixing
Characteristics of the Area 17
Effects of Previous Disposal 17
Interference with Other Uses of the Ocean 18
Existing Water Quality and Ecology 19
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Species 21
Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features 21
Selection of the Preferred Alternative 22
IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 25
General 25
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Page
Physical Environment 25
General 25
Geology 25
Circulation and Currents 26
Water and Sediment Quality 26
Biological Environment 26
General 26
Benthic 26
Fishes 26
Wildlife 27
Endangered Species 27
Socioeconomic Environment 27
General 27
Natural Resource Harvesting (Commercial) 27
Recreation 27
Cultural Resources 27
V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 29
General 29
Physical Effects 29
Biological Effects 29
Socioeconomic Effects 30
Coastal Zone Management 30
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 31
Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and
Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity 31
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources 31
VI. COORDINATION 33
Coordination by the Corps of Engineers 33
Coordination by EPA 33
Comments on the Draft EIS 34
Final EIS and Rule 34
VE. LIST OF PREPARERS 39
VIA. GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY 41
APPENDICES
Appendix A: living Resources
Appendix B: Geological Resources, Oceanographic Processes and
Sediment Transport of the Chetco ZSF
Appendix C: Sediment and Water Quality
Appendix D: Recreational Use
Appendix E: Cultural Resources
Appendix F: Comment and Coordination
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 General Location of Chetco River 4
2 Overall Process for ODMDS Evaluation 8
3 Overlay Evaluation of Individual Resources 11
4 Chetco River ODMDS and ZSF 15
5 Recreational Resources 20
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Eleven Specific Factors for Ocean Disposal Site
Selection 10
2 General Criteria for the Selection of Ocean Disposal Sites 13
3 Conflict Matrix 23
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I. INTRODUCTION
This final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared by Region 10, U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the cooperation of the Portland District,
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. 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 a Site Evaluation Report was prepared and coordinated by the Corps. That
Site Evaluation Report described conditions in the vicinity of the proposed ocean
dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) at Chetco River, Oregon. The Chetco
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. Comments received during public review of the draft EIS
have been responded to in this final document Technical Appendices from the Corps'
report are included as appendices to this EIS.
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n. PURPOSE AND NEED
General. This 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 Chetco River, Oregon. This document evaluates the proposed Chetco ODMDS
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.
Comments received during public review of the draft EIS have been responded to and
are included in section VI of this document
The preferred ODMDS for final designation is the existing interim site located one
nautical mile (nmi.) south of the mouth of the Chetco 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 Chetco 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 Chetco River enters the Pacific Ocean near the town of Brookings,
Oregon approximately 300 miles south of the Columbia River (Figure 1). The estuary is
fed mainly by Chetco River and its tributaries, which originate in the Klamath
Mountains. Chetco River drains 365 square miles and is 58 miles from its mouth to
headwaters.
Need. The Corps is responsible for the Chetco River project which is authorized for the
following purposes:
¦ To decrease waiting times for vessels crossing the bar;
¦ 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;
¦ To permit barge and small boat traffic upstream to river mile 0.2; and
¦ To provide a harbor of refuge.
Maintenance of the navigation channel to authorized depths is critical to keeping the
river and harbor open and sustaining these vital components of the local and state
economy.
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WASHINGTON
Whoieheod L
OREGON
CHETCO
RIVER
Cape Ferrelo
CALIFORNIA
NEVADA
Goat Is. O'
BROOKINGS
Chetco Pt^>
Chetco Cove
Cornel Rk.
Cone Rk
Hunter Rk
Pyramid Pt.
I ml
Figure 1
General Location of Chetco River
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Portions of the authorized project considered in this EIS are:
¦ An entrance channel 14 feet deep and 120 feet wide;
¦ A barge turning basin 14 feet deep, 250 feet wide, and 650 feet long; and
¦ A small boat access channel 100 feet wide by 12 feet deep into the Cetco
River Small Boat Harbor.
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
alternative to ocean disposal for material dredged from the entrance to the Chetco
River was identified. In addition, use of ocean disposal for other channel reaches and
by other dredgers may be expected to increase as other disposal options are exhausted.
Designation of an ODMDS is necessary to accommodate this need.
Project History. The existing navigation project at Brookings was originally authorized
in the River and Harbor Act of March 2, 1945, and was modified in the River and
Harbor Act of October 27, 1965. Due to navigational needs, two rubble mound jetties
were constructed at the mouth of the Chetco River in 1957, with the north jetty being
extended by 450 feet in 1965. Construction of a channel, turning basin and protective
dike, removal of rock pinnacles, and annual maintenance dredging were authorized as
well.
The frequency of maintenance dredging depends upon the volume of sediments
transported into the estuary and the frequency and severity of storms that move
sediments into the channel, creating a bar. From 1982 to 1985, an average of 42,400
cubic yards (cy) of sediment were dredged from the entrance channel and the entrance
to the boat basin. On a five-year average between 1985 and 1989, 32,817 cy of sediment
were dredged and disposed at the ODMDS annually, with a maximum of 53,569 cy
dredged and disposed in 1988. Shoaling occurs off the end of the north jetty and at the
entrance of the boat basin. Grain size varies greatly, ranging from 03 mm to 7.0 mm.
Gravel and cobbles are often dredged from the boat basin. In addition, silts are
occasionally dredged from the boat basin.
Historical ODMDS Use. The interim site, or areas in the same vicinity, have been used
by Portland District since 1963. In 1977 the proposed site was designated an interim site
in 40 CFR 228.12. These interim designations were an attempt by EPA to document
and establish coordinates for historically used Corps of Engineers disposal sites. Interim
designations were to lead to final designations or termination of their use, within three
years of the interim designation. Since the three-year period ended in 1980, extensions
have been approved for continuing interim use of the sites, pending completion of
required studies for final designation.
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The "Chetco River Entrance" site proposed for final designation has the following
coordinates (NAD 83):
42 01' 55" N.124? 16' 37" W.
42 01' 55" N.124? 16' 13" W.
42 01' 37" N.124? 16' 13" W.
and 42 01' 37' N.124" 16' 37" W.
The approximate location of this site is one nmi. from the Chetco River entrance, with
dimensions of 1,800 feet by 1,800 feet and average depth of 70 feet. The site occupies
an area of about 74 acres.
Maintenance operations in the entrance channel have been performed by hopper dredge
or hopper barge, and in the interior by hopper dredge, channel flusher, or, on a limited
basis, by clamshell dredge. During summer months, the small shoal buildup in the inner
portion of the project has been removed by hopper dredges, Pacific and Yaquina, and
placed in the EPA approved interim site. The sand flusher, Sandwich, has also been
used to remove the shoals. To date, 749,000 cy have been disposed at sea, 420,706 of
which has been disposed of in the designated interim site since 1977. On a five-year
average (1985-1989) there was 32,817 cy of sediment dredged with a maximum of 53,569
cy dredged and disposed in 1988.
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ffl. 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 n 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 m consists of evaluation of candidate sites and selection of
preferred sites(s) for formal designation by EPA. Preparation of this EIS and the
designation rule is part of Phase in (Figure 2).
Constraints. Dredging of coastal ports along the northeastern Pacific Ocean 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
Chetco 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 Chetco project requires equipment which will permit production of 6,000 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 Chetco ZSF was calculated by the
Corps at 1.5 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, Le., 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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OEFINE
RESOURCES
PRESENT
LITERATURE SURVEYS
OEFINE TYPES OF
DREOCED MATERIAL
DEFINE PHYSICAL
PROCESSES
DELINEATE BOTTOM
AREAS
DEFINE ZSF
INTERVIEWS
Phase I
SELECT ALTERNATIVE
SITINGS
DETERMINE ADDITIONAL
DATA NEEDS
DETERMINE DISPOSAL
MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
ELIMINATE
SENSITIVE
AND
INCOMPATIBLE
AREAS
GATHER
ADDITIONAL
DATA AND/OR
APPLY II
SPECIFIC FACTORS
(40 CFR 228.6)
Phase II
FINAL SIZING
AND
POSITIONING
DETERMINE NEED FOR
MONITORING PROGRAM
DETERMINE POTENTIAL
FOR CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
DEVELOP SITE
MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
SELECTION OF MOST
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SUITABLE AREA(S)
EVALUATE
CANDIDATE
SITES
USING 5 GEN.
CRITERIA
(«0 CFR 128.5)
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 estuaiy 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 to be dredged and
material bottom-dumped into it, then pumped ashore with a pipeline suction dredge.
Creation of a 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.
Upland disposal was evaluated as a general alternative to designation of an ODMDS.
Potential upland sites in the vicinity of the Chetco project were available but their use
would involve rehandling and transportation as described above. The cost and
environmental effects associated with developing a rehandling area was judged to be
prohibitive. Therefore, ocean disposal would appear to be the most practicable and
least environmentally damaging disposal alternative if the authorized channel is to be
maintained. Upland disposal will also continue to be evaluated as a potential
alternative for specific disposal actions.
Ocean Disposal Options. Two alternatives for ocean disposal were considered for the
Chetco ODMDS:
(1) Termination of ocean disposal at Chetco;
(2) Designation of the existing interim ODMDS.
Based on the evaluation of need and an assessment of environmental impacts from
historic dredged material disposal, termination of ocean disposal at Chetco is not
considered prudent or reasonable. 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. Accordingly, evaluation focussed on 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. Potential ODMDS sites were evaluated in terms of the
following general criteria (Table 1).
Table 1
General Criteria for the Selection of Ocean Disposal Sites
The 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
shellfishenes, 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 shellflshcry.
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 22&5 • 228.6, the use of
such sites will be terminated as soon as suitable alternative disposal sites can be designated.
The sizes 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 require
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 ZSF. The selection of figures to use for this determination was
dependent on whether the resource was considered limited. A coast-wide resource, i.e.
flat fish spawning area, was not considered a limited resource and was not included in
the overlay evaluation technique. The following features, depicting spatial distribution
of specific resources, were included in the evaluation of resources of limited distribution.
¦ Navigation Hazards Area/Other Recreation Areas
¦ Shellfish Areas
¦ Critical Aquatic Resource
¦ Commercial and Sport Fishing Areas
¦ Geological Features
¦ Cultural, Historically Significant Areas
Figure 3 is a composite of all of the above features and demonstrates, by various line
densities, areas to avoid when placing a disposal site. The denser the grid of lines, the
more critical the area, as more interactions between various limited resources, are taking
place. As the figure shows, the existing site is within a minimal conflict area in the ZSF,
with the exception of the chinook salmon fishing area. This area is fished summer and
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LEGEND
SPORT FISHIHS
REEF PISH
r> t * i «__•_• • • • • « rti
_ >TOT r * » w m m
rxuxuj.1_*-2. •_•_! i?if
__ . ITOT r»"T r>T T-W-W ~-*¦
I JL«_f J.CTX UJ. !_•_• ll*_t JL%
VTTrVrrvr
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LIKELY AREAS
FOR SHIPWRECKS
Scale In Xor<,s
1000 . {> 1000
I ... I I I
Figure 3
Overlay Evaluation of Individual Resources
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fall of each year (actual length of the fishing season is set annually by Pacific Fisheries
Management Council). Disposal operations can take place from May through October
of each year. While this represents a temporal overlap, communications with ODFW
personnel (Appendix A) indicate no observable conflicts between the two uses of the
area. The remaining lighter area of salmonid fishery is not concentrated in one location
or time of year, and there have been no observable conflicts between fishermen and
disposal operations. Appendix A contains 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 near future.
Minimi7.es Changes in Water Quality. The second of the five general criteria
required changes to ambient seawater quality levels occurring outside the disposal site
be within water quality standards and that no detectable contaminants reach beaches,
shoreline, sanctuaries, or geographically limited fisheries or shellfisheries. Figure 3 was
utilized to determine the potential for effects on items mentioned above. The nature of
material from the entrance channel has already been discussed as clean sand; because of
this no significant contaminant or suspended solids releases are expected. Dredged
material other than entrance channel material would need to be evaluated for suitability
and found to comply with this criteria as part of the approval process for discharge at
the ODMDS. There should be no water quality perturbations to be concerned with that
could move toward a limited resource. Bottom movement of deposited material is
discussed in Appendix B and in general shows a net offshore movement for the finer
fractions. Coarser fractions stay in the same general area.
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 Chetco River interim
ODMDS is a square 1,800 feet by 1,800 feet, occupying approximately 74 acres of area.
The Chetco 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 Chetco,
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 Chetco site
is located close enough to shore and harbor facilities that monitoring and surveillance
programs, as required, can easily be accomplished.
- 12-
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Sites off the Continental Shelf. Any possible disposal sites off the continental
shelf near Oregon are at least 20 nautical miles offshore. The ZSF for Chetco was
defined after determining the economic haul distance (1.5 nautical miles) from shore.
While there may be some flexibility in operations that could increase the haul distance
somewhat, the minimum 20 nautical mile haul to utilize a continental slope disposal site
is economically prohibitive. The cost involved would make the federally authorized
Chetco River project infeasible. Further, very little is known of the ecology of benthic
communities on the continental slope, and disposal in this area could cause impacts of
unknown severity. Identification of potential off-continental shelf sites would require
extensive sampling and evaluation. Such baseline studies, compliance monitoring, as
well as post-disposal monitoring would be more difficult and would be substantially more
expensive due to distance from shore and depth of water. 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 did not reveal actual or potential resource conflicts or unacceptable
adverse environmental effects due to ocean dumping that would argue for use of another
site. 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 Chetco ODMDS has been evaluated in terms of
the following specific criteria (Table 2).
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, (pawning, 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 of and proposed methods of release, including methods of
the waste, if any.
Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring.
Dispeisal, horizontal transport, and vertical mixing characteristics of the area, including prevailing current velocity, if any.
""Urn* 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.
RritHng 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 at nuisance qweies within the disposal site.
Existence at or in dose proximity to the site of any significant natural or cultural features of historical importance.
-13-
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Geographic Location. Figure 4 indicates the location of Chetco interim ODMDS
and bottom contours. The site lies in 50 to 70 feet of water, approximately one nmi.
offshore of the entrance to the Chetco River. Coordinates were presented in the
Purpose and Need Section of this report. The site's center line is on a 270 degree
azimuth. Bottom topography within the site is varied and is presented in detail in
Appendix B.
Distance From Important Living Resources. Aquatic resources of the ZSF site
are described in detail in Appendix A. The existing disposal site is located in the
nearshore area and many nearshore pelagic organisms occur in the water column over
the site. These include zooplankton (copepods, euphausiids, pteropods, and
chaetognaths) and meroplankton (fish, crab and other invertebrate larvae). These
organisms generally display seasonal changes in abundance. Since they are present over
most of the coast, those from Chetco 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 impacts to organisms in the water column (Sullivan and Hancock, 1978).
The site is also adjacent to the neritic reefs and haystack rocks described in detail in
Appendix A. These reefs are unusual features along the coast and support a variety of
aquatic organisms, including bull kelp (Nerocystis kitkeana) and its associated fish and
invertebrate community. Recently, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(ODFW) has begun studying squid resources, and a spawning area offshore of the
disposal site has been identified.
Benthic samples were collected at the locations shown in Figure 4 and are discussed in
detail in Appendix A. Based on the analysis of benthic samples collected from the
Chetco disposal site and adjacent areas to the north and south, the disposal site contains
a benthic fauna characteristic of nearshore, sandy, wave-influenced regions common
along the coasts of the Pacific Northwest The abundance and density of the infaunal
community was found to be low at the disposal site, typical of shallow, nearshore, high
energy habitats. The fauna is dominated by polychaete annelids (marine worms), small
crustaceans (amphipods and cumaceans), molluscs (clams and snails), and echinoderms
(sand dollars). The particular species identified from the disposal site are adapted to
high energy environments and are able to withstand large sediment fluxes.
The ODMDS is in an area where concentrations of common murres, gulls and other
marine foraging species occur. Large concentrations have been observed shoreward of
the interim site extending to and within the confines of the jetties. Concentrations
undoubtedly occur at the site periodically. Concentrations of shorebirds, gulls,
waterfowl, and other species occur in the Chetco estuary or on adjacent beaches.
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. This information was presented in the draft EIS.
-14-
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CHETCO RIVER
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF
Macklyn Cove
0
Chetco
Point
Brookings
rocks
a
: —Chetco R
(25-30)
LEGEND
DISPOSAL SITE
ROCKS
VOLATILE
SOLIO %
YARDS
Figure 4
Chetco River ODMDS and ZSF
-15-
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Subsequently, the Corps was informed by the NMFS that they had revised their list of
threatened/endangered species. Species listed by the NMFS included 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 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 the Chetco ODMDS. This
information is presented in appendix F, including a letter of concurrance from NMFS.
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.
Distance from Beaches and Other Amenities. Summer wave conditions may
transport some sediment from the site shoreward and south, but the limiting depth for
this movement is probably -40 to -50 feet mean lower low water (MLLW). The majority
of material is disposed deeper than -50 feet MLLW, so little shoreward transport of
dredged material is likely. Due to depth of disposal operations and the presence of the
south reef, there is little possibility of beach nourishment by natural onshore movement
of dredged material from the existing site.
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited at the Site. The interim
disposal site will receive dredged materials transported by either government or private
contractor hopper dredges or ocean-going barges. The current hopper dredges available
for use at Chetco have hopper capacities from 800 to 1,500 cy. Barges have a greater
capacity, up to 4,000 cy, but have not been routinely used at this project This would be
the range in volumes of dredged material disposed of in any one dredging/disposal
cycle. The approximately 48,000 cubic yards estimated to be removed annually from
Chetco can be placed at the site in one dredging season by any combination of private
and government plants (see discussion under ZSF). The dredges would be under power
and moving while disposing. This allows the ship to maintain steerage.
The material to be dredged consists of medium to fine grain marine sands and coarser
materials, including gravels and cobbles (Appendix C, Figures C-5, C-6, and C-7). These
materials are predominant in the project reach (RM 0 to 2.0) and upstream to RM 3.0.
Appendix C contains results of analyses performed on these materials. The sediments
contain no excess concentrations of contaminants of concern (Tables C-l and C-2), and
are excluded from further biological and chemical testing as discussed in 40 CFR
227.13(b). The materials are also very similar to bottom materials at the interim
disposal site and the entire nearshore area. Appendix B provides detailed grain size
information for the disposal area and the dredged area.
The Corps and EPA recently completed a report, Characterization of Sediments from the
Chetco River Mouth and Small Boat Basin (May 1991). The report concludes that the
risk of sediment contamination in the Chetco project area is low and confined to the
small boat basins. Additional testing of material dredged from the boat basins would be
- 16-
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needed to determine suitability for ocean disposal. Material from the entance channel is
sand and gravels and was considered suitable for ocean disposal at this time.
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. There is, routinely, a Coast Guard vessel patrolling 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 sediments dredged from the Chetco River entrance are predominantly marine sands
and fluvial gravels. These are generally similar to sediments at the disposal site. Under
winter wave conditions common to this part of the Pacific Coast, the sand component is
highly mobile to a depth of 90-120 feet Summer wave conditions commonly mobilize
sands to a depth of 40-60 feet Studies at Coos Bay show wave-generated currents can
move this size sediment over 60 percent of the time during summer and winter and over
50 percent of the time during spring and fall (Appendix B). While waves are
responsible for resuspending bottom sediments, including dredged materials, it is the
long-term mean current that determines the extent and direction of dispersal. While
some winter storms would move gravels at the disposal site, these coarse sediments do
not migrate very far away from the site and probably stay in the general area where they
have been disposed.
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. In winter, the general shelf circulation is to the
north, although short periods of southerly flow occur. Coos Bay studies suggest that
offshore flow is more common in winter. This would indicate a tendency for sediment
in the disposal site to move north and west under winter circulation conditions. During
the remainder of the year, flow is southerly with lower current velocities than in winter.
Periodic changes in summer wind direction lead to episodes of upwelling in which near-
shore ocean water transport causes a compensating near-bottom onshore flow. These
upwelling events occur between April and July and continue for several days at a time.
Near-bottom flow in the vicinity of the disposal site during summer should be generally
southerly with onshore/offshore flow varying due to local wind conditions.
Effects of Previous Disposal. Appendix B, Table B-l gives annual volumes of
materials disposed for the last 10 years. On the average, 48,000 cubic yards have been
disposed of annually. Future volumes are expected to be approximately the same. This
volume has been required for the Corps to maintain the channel to its authorized depths
(see discussion under ZSF).
The sidescan sonar map of the disposal site and adjacent areas (Appendix B, Figure B-
5) shows an area of coarse sand/gravel covering about half of the site and extending
- 17-
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north and west of the site up to 1200 feet, both offshore and toward the river entrance.
This is most likely an accumulation of the coarser dredged material fractions that have
remained in the same general area since disposal. There are no bathymetric anomalies
associated with this deposit (e.g., no mounding). The feature will persist as long as
coarse sediments are disposed in this area. This has not caused adverse impacts on
habitat, however, since the overall area is characterized by a wide range of bottom types.
literature and information searches revealed no information on the site prior to
disposal. ODFW biologists (personal communication) indicated that they felt that,
beyond the yearly site-specific impacts from disposal, there had been no significant
cumulative impacts to the resources, and they recommended that the site be left at its
present location (see discussion, Appendix A).
No pre- or post-disposal water or sediment quality monitoring has been performed at
the ODMDS. Based on information presented in Appendix C, there should be no
historical or future chemical impacts on the marine environment surrounding the
disposal site. Sediments disposed in the past have been physically the same as samples
collected in close proximity to the disposal site (Appendix B). No chemical
contaminants are present in concentrations of concern (Tables C-l and C-2). The
elutriate analysis discussed in Appendix C also showed minimal contaminant releases
during this simulated disposal operation with receiving water from the interim disposal
site.
As previously noted, the Corps and EPA have recently completed a report,
Characterization of Sediments from the Chetco River Mouth and Small Boat Basin (May
1991). The report concludes that the risk of sediment contamination in the Chetco
project area is low and confined to the small boat basins. Additional testing of material
dredged from the boat basins would be needed to determine suitability for ocean
disposal. Material from the entrance channel is sand and gravels and was considered
suitable for ocean disposal at this time.
Sediments proposed for disposal at the Chetco ODMDS will 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.
Interference with Other Uses of the Ocean.
Commercial Fishing: Two active commercial fisheries occur in the inshore area,
salmon trolling 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 were unaware that this had ever been a problem. The Dungeness crab season
is from December 1 to August IS; however, most of the fishing is done prior to June
and usually ends early because of the increase in soft shell crabs in the catch which are
not marketable. As a result, most crab fishing is done outside of the normal dredging
season and it is unlikely that a conflict would result ODFW feels a potential squid
- 18-
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fishery may exist offshore from the existing site (see Appendix A). No fishery exists at
present, but stocks may be sufficient to support a fishery if a market develops. There
are no existing commercial fish or shellfish aquaculture operations that would be
impacted by continued use of the existing disposal site.
Recreational Fishing: Recreational fishing opportunities are extensive and varied
in the Chetco area (Figure S and Appendix D). Primary activities include fishing,
camping, and sightseeing. The small boat harbor is used extensively in the summer by
recreational fishermen. Private party and charter boat recreational fishing for both
salmon and rock and reef fish occur in nearshore areas. The salmon fishing season
coincides with the commercial season and extends from early summer until the quota for
the area is reached. Recreational fishing boats have a potential for conflicting with
dredging operations; however, none has been reported to date. It is unlikely that any
significant conflict will develop in the near future.
Offshore Mining Operations: All considerations for offshore mining and oil/gas
leases are in the development stages. The disposal site is not expected to interfere with
any of the proposed operations, as most exploration programs are scheduled for the
outer continental shelf.
Navigation: No conflicts with commercial navigation traffic have been reported
and none are expected, due to the light traffic in the Chetco River area. This situation
is not expected to change substantially. Rock pinnacles that are navigation hazards
occur nearshore and in the southern part of the ZSF. These submerged and emergent
pinnacles should be avoided when considering final position of the ODMDS.
Scientific: There are no known transects or other scientific study locations that
could be impacted by the disposal site.
Coastal Zone Management: Local comprehensive land use plans for the Chetco
area have been acknowledged and approved by the State of Oregoa These plans
discuss ocean disposal and recognize the need to provide for suitable offshore sites for
disposal of dredged materials. In addition, this site evaluation document establishes that
no significant effects on ocean, estuarine, or shoreland resources are anticipated, as Goal
19 of 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. 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 F. EPA also concludes that designation of the proposed site is
consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the state coastal management
program.
Existing Water Quality and Ecology. Water and sediment quality analyses
conducted at several Oregon ODMDS are discussed in Appendix C. These studies have
not shown persistent adverse water quality impacts from ocean disposal of entrance
shoal sands. Such impacts are not expected from dredged material disposal at the
Chetco ODMDS.
-19-
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BOTTOM RSH
CHETCO
RIVER
Chetco Pt.
Brookings
SHORE FISHING
JETTY FISHING
Boot
Basin x
MAJOR SALMON FISHING
SPORTHAVEN COUNTY PARK
• t
o\6
Scale in Yards
1000
Figure 5
Recreational Resources
-20-
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The ecology of the area can be discussed in general terms based on information
presented in Appendix A. From available information, the offshore area within and
adjacent to the ODMDS is a typical northwest Pacific mobile sand community, shifting
to the north and southeast to a neritic reef system, also described in Appendix A. This
determination is based mainly on fisheries, shellfish, and geophysics data. These sand
communities are ubiquitous to nearshore ocean habitats off Oregon; disposal at the
Chetco ODMDS is not expected to impact these communities. The site is sufficiently
removed from rock and kelp habitats so that they also will not be impacted by ocean
disposal.
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Species. It is highly unlikely that any
nuisance species could be established at the disposal site as a result of dredging and
disposal activities.
Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features. Neritic reefs, common off
the southern Oregon coast, comprise a unique ecological feature. They support a wide
variety of invertebrates and fish species unique to rocky areas, as well as bull whip kelp
communities. These areas are sheltered from wave action and, when receiving nutrients
from both the ocean and the estuaries as they do within the ZSF, are unusually highly
productive. The ODMDS is removed from these areas.
The cultural resource literature search of the Chetco River study area, described in
Appendix E, did not document any wrecked vessels in the project area. This is
consistent with the fact that the Chetco River historically has not been a major shipping
point on the coast Most export commodities, especially timber products, have been
transported by rail and barge rather than by lumber schooner or ship.
Wrecks could have occurred in the area that have not yet been discovered. However,
based on previous investigations in other Oregon coastal settings (Yaquina Bay,
Coquille, Columbia River Mouth), beaches, surf zones, neritic reefs, and shallow waters
are the most likely areas for shipwreck occurrence. The ODMDS is removed from these
areas. Also, there were no indications of wrecks from the side scan sonar survey
completed during geophysical investigations within the ZSF (appendix E).
It has been determined, based on the considerations in Appendix E, that there will be
no cultural resources impacts from designation of the Chetco ODMDS. Appendix E,
along with supplemental^ side scan sonar data, has been reviewed by the Oregon State
Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). The SHPO letter of concurrance is reproduced
in appendix F.
-21 -
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Selection of the Preferred Alternative. Based upon the information contained in this
EIS, designation of an ODMDS off the Chetco River, Oregon, is considered necessary.
In applying the specific and general site selection criteria to the proposed disposal site, a
conflict matrix analysis was completed. Portland District developed the matrix format to
simplify the general and specific site 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. After applying the five general and eleven
specific criteria to the available options, designation of the interim ODMDS was
selected as the preferred action. Continued use of the interim ODMDS would not be
expected to cause unacceptable adverse environmental effects.
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Table 3
Chetco Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Area Conflict Matrix
for Evaluating Potential for Conflict with Required Considerations
of the Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
Are* of Consideration
c
C
C
3
f ¦ ¦ ¦¦
Potential Conflict
i
B
c
c
6
«
D
•c
e
u
e
3
Comments
Relevant
General
Criteria
(From Table 1
& 40CRF 228-5)
Relevant
Specific
Factors
(From Table 2
A 40CRF-22&6)
1 Usual Toooeraohv
X
a
1.6.6.11
2. Physical Sediment Compatibility
X
Material to be dredged is rock,
cobbles, and sand. Variation of
material to be dredges is matched by
disnosal site material.
b.c, d
3.4.9
3 Chemical Sediment Comoatibilitv
X
a. b. c. d
3.4. 7. 9
4. Influence of Past Disposal
X
No mounding-dumping on similar
materials. Some evidence of 'short
dumping* adjacent to east boundary of
site
a, b, d
5. 7, 9,10
S. Living Resources of Limited Distribution
of Benthos
X
a, b.d
2.3, 6. 8. 11
6. Commercial Fisheries
X
Salmon trolling, bottom mwltng
throughout area. No known areas of
concentrated effort in ZSF.
a, b
2,8
7. Recreational Fisheries
X
Salmon, bottom fishery. No evidence
or oroblem currently.
a, b
2,8
8 Breedintr/Soawninc Areas
X
a. b
2.8
9. Nursery Areas
X
Juvenile flatfish nurserv area
a. b
2.8
10 Feeding Areas
X
Pdasir birds: marine mammals.
a b
2.8
11. Migration Routes
X
Adult and juvenile aalmonids; many
nelaric birds, and marine mammals.
a, b
2.8
12. Critical Habitats of Threatened or
Endangered Species
X
T&E species present: brown pelican,
5 ~ species of whale. No critical
habitat designated in area.
a,b
2.8
13. Snatial Distribution
X
a. b
2.8.10
14. Marine Mammals
X
Present.
a. b
18
15. Mineral Deposits
X
a. b. e
1.8
16. Navigation Hazard
X
Potential for collisions with troll
fishing vessels in fog conditions; has
not been a nroblem h'storicaltv.
1.8
17. Otlter Uses of Ocean (ablet, pipelines,
etc.1
X
a. b.d
8
18. Decraded Areas
X
a. b. d
4.6.7
19. Water Col. Chem./Plivs. Characteristics
X
a. b.d
4.6.9
20. Recreational Uses
X
a. b. c. d
*8. 11
21. Cultural/Historic Sites
X
b
11
21. Physical Occanoeraohv: Waves/Circulation
X
a. b. d
1.3.6.7
23. Direction of Transport/Potential for
X
a, b.d
1*6.7
24. Monitorinr
X
*
s
25. Shane/Size of Site (orientation)
X
a
1.4.7
26. Size of Buffer Zone
X
Potential for material Iocs to rock
pinnacles inshore; oo documented
oroblem.
b.d
2,3.4,7,11
27. Potential for Cumulative Effects
X
c,d
4.7
-23-
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-24-
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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 Chetco navigation channel entrance is also provided.
Physical Environment.
General. The topography of the seabed in the vicinity of the proposed disposal
site is highly irregular, from areas which are relatively smooth to clusters of rock
pinnacles. The contours generally form an embayment sloping to the southwest Depths
at the site range from 60 to 85 feet Previous disposal operations have not created a
noticeable mound. Bathymetric surveys made in 1984 and 1985 showed no change in
topography.
Bottom sediments range from fine sand to rock outcroppings. About half of the site
consists of scattered rock exposures while the remainder consists of sand, coarse sand
and gravel. Finer sediments are carried in suspension and are quickly removed from the
site by longshore and offshore currents. Coarser sediments remain at the site for longer
periods but are eventually removed offshore by currents. The zone of active sediment
movement in the area extends to a depth of about -150 feet The thinness of the
sediment layer indicates that there is no long term accumulation of sediment offshore
from the Chetco River estuary.
The materials dredged from the mouth of the Chetco River are medium to coarse sands
with occasional gravels similar in range to the existing nearshore sediments. Dredging
volumes for the past 10 years range from 8,000 to 80,000 cubic yards, averaging 48,000
cubic yards per year.
Geology. The Chetco River and its tributaries flow through bedrock containing
mineralized zones, and has several reaches containing gold placer deposits. Despite this,
no large concentrations of black sands have been identified close to the mouth of the
river. The closest deposit is seven miles to the north and has a heavy mineral
concentration of 10-30 percent (Grey and Kulm, 1985). Minerals of primary interest in
black sands are gold, platinum, and chromite, but the sands also contain numerous other
heavy minerals (Ramp, 1973). The offshore deposits north of the Chetco are not
currently being mined. Offshore gravel deposits elsewhere along the Oregon Coast have
been considered as potential sources of aggregate. While individual samples of gravel
were found within the ZSF, no large deposits have been found close to the mouth of the
Chetco River. While there have been several attempts to find oil and gas along the
Oregon Coast, no test well has turned up more than traces of either. No test well off
the Oregon Coast had been drilled south of Cape Blanco as of 1985.
-25-
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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. Coastal
circulation near the Chetco ZSF is directly influenced by large-scale regional currents
and weather patterns in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Seasonal and short period
currents due to regional weather patterns are more important at Chetco than farther
north. Strub et al. (1987) describe a transition in oceanographic regimes near the
latitude of Chetco. During winter, strong low pressure systems with winds and waves
predominantly from the southwest contribute to strong northward currents. During the
summer, high pressure systems dominate and waves and winds are commonly from the
north. In both seasons, there are fluctuations related to local wind, tidal and
bathymetric effects. The configuration of the coastline minimizes the effects of southerly
waves in the summer at Chetco. Along the southern Oregon Coast, this southerly wind
in summer creates a mass transport of water offshore which results in upwelling of
bottom water nearshore. Figure B-6 in appendix B illustrates these influences.
Water and Sediment Quality. Water and sediment quality throughout the ZSF is
expected to be typical of seawater of the Pacific Northwest with no known source of
pollutant. Water and sediment quality effects associated with disposal of sands and silts
at Oregon ODMDS have been studied in detail at the Mouth of the Columbia River
(MCR) and Coos Bay. In general, results of studies and monitoring surveys at ODMDS
in these locations should be applicable to anticipate effects at Chetco. (See appendix
C.)
Biological Environment.
General. The disposal site is located in the nearshore environment and the
overlying waters contain many nearshore pelagic organisms. These include zooplankton
(copepods and euphausiids) and meroplankton (fish, crabs, and other invertebrate
larvae). These organisms generally display seasonal changes in abundance with
maximum abundance occurring from February to July.
Benthic. Benthic sampling in the vicinity of the disposal site indicates variation
of species with the sediment type. The sand cobble community is characterized by the
scale worm, barnacles, and archiannelids, in addition to the more typical polychaetes,
cumaceans, and amphipods. Juvenile Dungeness crabs are also found in high densities.
The sand environments are characterized by polychaete annelids and numerous species
of cumaceans, gammarid amphipods, molluscs, and snails. The species inhabiting the
sandy environments are generally more mobile types which tolerate or require high
sediment flux. Juvenile crabs are also abundant in this environment Commercially and
recreationally important macroinvertebrates such as shellfish and Dungeness crabs occur
in the Chetco vicinity. Most of these species are found in shallower habitats than the
disposal site.
Fishes. The nearshore area off the Chetco River supports a variety of pelagic
and demersal fish species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon, steelhead,
cutthroat trout, striped bass and shad that migrate through the spawning areas. Other
pelagic species include the Pacific herring, anchovy, surf smelt, and sea perch. Surf
smelt in particular occur in nearshore areas in the estuary in large numbers during the
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summer. Although migratory species are present throughout the year, individual species
are only present during certain times of the year.
Demersal species present in the inshore area include a number of flatfish, which occur
primarily over the sandflats. English sole, sanddab, and starry flounder spawn in the
inshore coastal area in the summer and juveniles of these as well as other marine
species likely rear in the estuary.
Pelagic species that are associated with neritic reefs to the south of the estuary and
jetties include both resident and non-resident species.
Wildlife. Numerous species of birds and mammals occur in the pelagic,
nearshore, and shoreline habitats in and surrounding the proposed disposal site.
Principal species found offshore are gulls, cormorants, auklets, pigeon, guillemots, tufted
puffins, and harbor seals.
Endangered Species. A threatened/endangered species list was requested of the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and is
included in appendix F. Species listed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service include the
bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and brown pelican. Species listed by National Marine
Fisheries Service include gray, humpback, blue, fin, sei, right, and sperm whales;
northern (Steller) sea lions; leatherback sea turtles, and Sacramento River winter-run
chinook salmon.
Socioeconomic Environment.
General. The Chetco River enters the Pacific Ocean at the City of Brookings,
Oregon, and navigation on the river is critical to the local economy. The City of
Brookings has a population of 3,470, while Curry County's population is 17,000.
Natural Resource Harvesting (Commercial^. The offshore area supports a
moderate commercial fishery, primarily for salmon, rockfish, and sole. Dungeness crab
are also commercially harvested in the estuary and offshore areas. The fishing and
tourist industries are the primary sources of income to the local economy.
Lumber and other wood products have been barged from Brookings Harbor in
the past and are a significant component of the local economy. No significant mineral
or petroleum deposits are known to exist in the vicinity of the disposal site.
Recreation. The Chetco Bay area is popular with recreationists because of the
spectacular coastal scenery and excellent fishing opportunities both offshore and in the
Chetco River. The area is increasing in popularity as a small boat harbor and has
excellent facilities for the thousands of anglers who fish here annually.
Cultural Resources. Cultural resource investigations indicate that no significant
archeological or historic resources exist in the vicinity of the disposal site.
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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
either the interim or the adjusted ODMDS based upon the Corps' current operation and
maintenance dredging program for the Chetco 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 disposal of dredged material.
Physical Effects. Disposal of the expected dredged material at the proposed disposal
site would not have a significant effect on the physical environment The material
ranges in size from fine sand to gravel. This is comparable to the variation in sediment
size found in or near the disposal site. Some rocky bottom habitat might be buried by
sand deposited on it 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. The
physical placement of dredged material would be expected to have short-term effects on
the rocky habitats. These effects would be more severe than those that would occur if
the material was placed on sandy areas; however, they are not judged to be significant.
The material dredged from the river entrance channel consists of clean sand. It is not
expected to contain significant levels of contaminants of concern and would meet the
exclusion criteria in 40 CFR 227.13(b). Disposal of this material would not introduce
contaminants to the sediments at the disposal site or degrade water quality. Short term
turbidity effects are anticipated. 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 will independently review all
proposed ocean disposals of dredged material.
No mineral resources are expected to be affected by disposal.
Biological Effects. The proposed ODMDS is located in the nearshore area, and
contains an abundance of aquatic life characteristic of nearshore, sandy, wave-influenced
regions common along the coasts of the Pacific Northwest These include zooplankton
such as copepods, euphausiids, and meroplankton (fish, crab, and other invertebrate
larvae). These organisms generally display seasonal changes in abundance and are
present over most of the coast Based on evidence from various zooplankton and larval
fish studies, it appears that there will not be any impacts to organisms in the water
column (Sullivan and Hancock, 1977). Impacts to 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 adapted to a high
energy environment with shifting sands. Therefore, many would likely survive the effects
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of disposal. In addition, some recolonization would occur from surrounding areas since
the sediments would be compatible. The rate of recolonization would be affected by
disposal frequency. Impacts could be greater in the rocky portion where more species
are found and many of them are sessile or encrusting forms which are susceptible to
smothering.
Larger, more motile organisms such as fish, birds, and marine mammal species would
likely avoid the disposal activity or move out once it has begun. They would be exposed
to short term turbidity at most Therefore, impacts are expected to be limited to
disturbance rather than injury or mortality.
Biological assessments addressing impacts to threatened/endangered species have been
prepared and it was determined that no significant impact to threatened/endangered
species is anticipated from the designation or use of the ocean disposal site. (See
appendix F.)
Socioeconomic Effects. The designation of an ocean disposal site for dredged material
off the mouth of the Chetco River would allow the continued maintenance and possible
improvement of the navigation channel. This would result in waterborne commerce
remaining an important 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.
No known mineral or economic resources would be impacted by disposal at the
proposed site.
The proposed ODMDS is located outside of major recreation use areas. As a result,
few 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 would 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. No impacts would occur on the beach or adjacent
recreation areas.
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.
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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
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.
[hiring coordination of the Site Evaluation Report, the Corps made a determination of
consistency with Coastal Zone Management plans. A letter of concurrance was provided
by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the state coastal'
zone management office (appendix F). 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 Chetco 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 adjusted
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 Brookings and Curry County.
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources. Permanent designation of the
adjusted 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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VI. 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 the site
designation studies and preparation of their Site Evaluation Report:
- U. S. Coast Guard (Newport Station)
- 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 Department of Land Conservation and Development
- Oregon Division of State Lands
These 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 F.
This 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 - U. S. Fish & Wildlife
Service and/or 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 concurrence letters from the above listed agencies are included in
Appendix F. State water quality certification, 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 fay 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 the site designation actions. A Notice of Intent to
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on the final designation of an ODMDS site
off Chetco River, Oregon, was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday,
November 16, 1988. The Site Evaluation Report submitted to Region 10, EPA, by the
Corps was used as the basis for preparation of the draft EIS. The notice of availability
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for the draft EIS appearred Friday, April 13, 1990. A formal 45-day public review
period was allowed for comments to be received from all State and local agencies, and
private groups and individuals on the 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 also received the draft EIS.
As a separate but concurrent action, EPA published a proposed rule in the Federal
Register for formal designation of the adjusted Chetco ODMDS which appeared on
Tuesday, April 10, 1990 (55 FR 13289). There was a 45-day public review period for the
draft rule also. It was planned that the public review periods for the draft EIS and
proposed rule overlap. Comments were accepted on either the draft EIS or proposed
rule until the end of the latest 45-day period, which was May 29, 1990.
Comments on the Draft EIS. Two letters were received on the draft EIS and proposed
rule. The letters are printed in their entirety following this section. Responses to
comments appear alongside each comment.
Final EIS and Rule. Copies of this final EIS are being provided to agencies, groups,
and individuals who received the draft EIS. As a separate but concurrent action, EPA
will publish a final rule in the Federal Register to formally designate the Chetco
ODMDS. The designation will become effective 30-days after the appearance of the
final rule.
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UN1TVO ®TAT88 Q0»AmMCNT O* eOMMBRCS
Nitlonrt Ooaanto and i
OfHum of ttw CN>f Bel
Wwwguwx DC B0B30
Hay 22, 1990
©iMOWiM
wo
Mr. John Male*
Ocean Dunping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 sixth Avenue, wd-iss
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Mr. Malek:
Enclosed are consents to your Draft Environmental Inpact
Btg^eaents on the Dredged Material Site Designation, dietco,
Oregon. We hope our consents will assist you. Thank you for
giving us an opportunity to review the document.
Sincerely,
It*
Lft
t David Cottingham
Director
Ecology and Environmental
Conservation Office
Enclosure
Response: Thank you.
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT Of COMMERCE
National OcaaiWe «fW Atmnphmrlc AJmlMtrtlam
HAIIOMAL OCEAN JCRVICC
ornctof cm*»timo (Hacroortk tcavicit
•OCKV4LLC. H4HTLAH0 JO*«J
Mflf I 6 1990
MEMORANDUM TOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
David Cottingham
Ecology and Environmental Conservation Office
Office of the Chief ' - — ->
Rear Admiral Wesley~V:
Director, Charting and Geodetic Servlcea
DEIS 9004.01
Designation,
- Dredged Material Site
Chetco, Oregon
£
The subject statement has been reviewed within the areas of
Charting and Geodetic Services' (CtGS) responsibility and
expertise and in terms of the Impact of the proposed actions on
C1GS activities and projects. Since safety of navigation is one
of C4GS' primary missions, navigational projects such as the
maintenance of channels and turning basins are extremely
Important.
Fran a navigation point of view. It is never desirable to place
materials Into the ocean in the vicinity of ports, harbors, and
channels. Sites on shore or in deep water are preferable from
the CAGS perspective. However, considering all alternatives,
designation of the interim site appears to be a reasonable
alternative. This site is already shown on DOS nautical charts
18602 and 16600, and will continue to be shown on these charts
in Its present position with reference to 40 CFR, Parts 200-229.
CS83 also notes that nautical chart 16602 has been converted to
the new horizontal datum "North American Datum 1983," while the
positions provided In the DEIS are assumed to be based upon the
North American Datum 1927. To avoid confusion, CSGS suggests
that the reference datum be Included with any geographic
positions mentioned in the future. Questions about the
conversion from MAD 27 to MAD 83 should be directed to the
National Geodetic Survey Division, N/CGxl, National Ocean
Service, NOAA, Rockvllle, Maryland 20852, telephone 301-443-6531.
Questions about the navigation aspects of this response should be
directed to the Nautical Charting Division, H/CG22*2,
National Ocean Service, KOAA, RockVille, Maryland 20852,
telephone 301-443-8742.
cc:
H/CG1x21 - Riggers
H/CG17 - Spencer
N/CG22x2 - Frey
2 2 19S0
^0
Response: Noted.
Response: Reference datum has been converted to the NAD 1983 for the final EIS.
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United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OP THE SECRETARY
Offic* of BmiraniMAU) Affairi
1009 KB ttolladay 8treet» 8oiU S&4
Portland, Ongon 07)314181
CR 90/344
John Halek
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Envlronaental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-138
Seattle. Washington 90101
gOQIOMl!
i:i»; I I iggo
WRAS/404 REVIEW
EPA/REGION 10
June 7, 1990
[FN
Dear Mr. Halek:
Tha Department of the Interior (Department) haa reviewed the Draft
Environmental Impact Stateaent (Draft Statement) for the Chetco Dredged
Dlapoaal Site Dealgnatlon, Oregon. Tha following coasenta ara offered for
your use and consideration when preparing the final documents
CEREAL COMMENTS
After reviewing the Draft Stateaent, the Mineral Kanageaent Service's Pacific
Outer Continental Shelf Region (Pacific Region) haa concluded that the
proposed projeet would not affect future oil and gas operations on the outer I.
continental sheif. However* the Pacific Region believes that the Draft
Stateaent doea^ not adequately consider project alternatives.
The Draft Stateaent only identifies two alternatives* (1) teraination of oeean
dlapoaal and (2) designation of an lnterla site. The first alternative la
dlsalased in a tingle sentence on page 8 of the Draft Stateaent. Regulations
of the Council on Environmental Quality provide guidance that envlronaental
Impacts of the proposal and alternatives be coopered to define the Issues and
provide a basis for selecting e preferred alternative aaong potential options
The Draft Stateaent should follow that procedure.
The second alternative consists of two "options": (1) an lnterla site and (2)
a disposal site beyond the continental shelf. Sltea beyond the continental
ahelf were deteralned to be those sites which are at least 20 nautical alles
offshore, but the Draft Stateaent does not provide any analyais or
Justification to support establishaent of this alnloua distance. In addition,
those sites which are loeated beyond 20 alles, were dlsalssed solely on the
basis of a stateaent that establiahed the eeonoalc haul distance of l.S allea
froa shore The Draft Stateaent doea not provide an analysis to support that
stateaent or consider any other envlronaental effects In arriving at that
conclusion Furthermore, the Draft Stateaent doea not provide support for the
clala nade on page 11 that In regard to the envlronaental^Impacts of dumping
1. Response: Your conclusion that designation and use of the Chetco ODMDS would
not affect fiiture oil and gas operations on the outer continental shelf is noted We disagree
that the EIS does not adequately consider alternatives associated with designation of
ODMDS.
2. Response: The study process used for the Chetco ODMDS (as well as for other
ODMDS in Region 10) is described in the EPA and Corps workbook entitled General
Approach to Designation studies for Oeean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (EPA/Corps
1984). This process was developed by the EPA and Corps as a efficient and logical
stepwise approach to identifying, evaluating, and selecting dredged material disposal sites.
This process, and the approach taken in preparing this EIS, tends to be analytic
EPA regulations (40 CFR 228) provide general and specific criteria for designation
of acceptable ocean dumping sites. The interim sites designated by EPA in 1977 were
usually ones which had been used historically for disposal and which were thought to
already meet these criteria. Typically, additional information was needed to confirm that
the interim sites met the criteria and studies were undertaken by the Corps of Engineers,
EPA, or the two agencies in cooperation. Where interim sites are found to meet the
criteria, they are considered acceptable sites and designated. Where interim sites were
found to not meet the criteria, alternative or "adjusted* ODMDS are identified and
evaluated. The intent of application of the general and specific criteria is to identify and
designate ODMDS for which there are no significant adverse effects. Applying the
"threshold" criteria of the National Environmental Polity Act (NEPA), preparation of an
EIS would not be required. However, as a matter of policy, EPA committed to preparing
EISs to support designation of ODMDS.
-------
John HaI ok 2
at the Interim tic®. there are no «mv!ronaente] advantages Co using a sit* on
the continental shelf*
The Draft Statement states that Information on ipecUlc environmental
resources are lacking or are extremely United (for example, see page A-14,
paragraph 1 42. and page l-tl, paragraph 1.43) The Council on Environmental
Quality emended the CEQ Rt^lttUna In May 1986 to provide a specific
procedure for eases where environmental Information Is unevallsfele or
Incomplete. This draft document ahould comply with that procedure.
The U 9. Rational Park Serviee rteomndi referencing the Cultural Resource
Study, located in Appendix E, in the text of the flnel document. In addition,
the final docuaent should suntarite the rasufts of the side scsn sonsr
Investigation for historic shipwrecks in the final docuaent. The final
docuaent should also include an explanation why the off shore occurrence of
prehistoric resources was not considered In the Oraft Statement
Ue appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Draft Stateaent.
Sincerely,
sincarwiy, ¦
Charles 3. Folltyka ^
Regional Environmental Officer
£
The two options cited for Ocean Disposal were developed hased on EPA regulations
and consideration of the constraints, resource considerations, equipment considerations, and
consideration of upland disposal which proceeded the paragraph on Oceiin Disposal
Options Those proceeding evaluations defined the constraints and issues associated with
designation of an ODMOS The need for the federal navigation channel at Chetco River
and the need to regulate disposal of wastes (or in this case, dredged material) into the
ocean are not at issue here and their assessment is beyond the scope of this evaluation and
proposed action
One of the general criteria is that preference should be given to sites off of the
continental shelf (see Table 2, item e). No interim site beyond the continental shelf wai
designated. Investigations needed to identity potential sites beyond the shetf were
acknowledged to be extremely costly Consideration of the constraints described early in
the chapter indicated that such a haul would be beyond the economic viability of the project
to support. Hence, an ODMDS located that far away probably would not be used.
Undertaking ihe expense to identify and study such a site merely as an alternative to a site
which otherwise meets the general and specific criteria and that monitoring data indicate
is performing acceptably and without adverse environmental consequences was considered
inappropriate. Merely dumping material into a "deeper" hole that is "farther offshore does
not necessarily make that action less environmentally impacting.
3. Response: The terms are relative. In the Instances cited, while information on these
resources is not encyclopedic, it Is judged adequate to evaluate whether the actions
proposed could result in significant adverse effects to those resources. AccordJngly the
information is not considered "unavailable" or "incomplete* in the context of NEPA.
Significant adverst effects to shoreblrds amd marine mammals are not predicted. With
regard to threatened and endangered spedes, biological assessments were prepared and
concurrance letters provided by the Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries
Service (see appendix F).
4. Response: Referencing of appendix B in the main text has been added. The tesults
of the side scan sonar investigation is provided in appendix E, Designation and continued
use of the Chetco ODMDS were not expected to adversely affect any off shore prehistoric
resources.
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vn. 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 and/or final EIS:
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency:
John Malek Ocean Dumping Coordinator and Project Officer
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District:
Mark Siipola
Nancy Yun
Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc.:
David DesVoigne, PhD.
Murray Schuh
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Civil Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Specialist
Preparation of Site Evaluation Report and Technical Appendices:
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District:
Michael F. Kidby, P.E.
A. Rudder Turner, Jr.
Danil R. Hancock
David R. Felstul
Stephan A. Chesser
William B. Fletcher
Kim Larson
Geoffrey L. Dorsey
Steven J. Stevens
Michael A. Martin
L. Jerome Simpson
Civil Engineer
Oceanographer
Oceanographer
Environmental Specialist
Oceanographer
Hydrologist
Fishery Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Landscape Architect
Archeologist
CE Technician
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VHI. GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, G.C., 1978. Biological Oceanography of the Coastal Waters Off
Washington. UW/Oceanography Research Abstract.
Anderson, L, 1982. Near-Inertial Motions Off the Oregon Coast Masters Thesis,
Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR.
Araniegu, J.R.L., 1975. Shoreline Changes Due to Jetty Construction on the
Oregon Coast, MS, OSU, Ocean. ORESU-X2-75-007.
Baldwin, E.M., 1976. Geology of Oregon. Univ. of Oregon, Kendall/Hunt Pub.
Co., 170 pp.
Barner, Debra Carol, 1982. Shell and Archaeology: An Analysis of Shellfish
Procurement and Utilization on the Central Oregon Coast. Unpublished MA
Thesis, OSU, Corvallis, OR.
Barnes, James Ray, 1967. The Morphology and Ecology of Echinorhvnchus lageniformis
ekbaum. 1938 (AcanthocephaJa). Corvallis, OR. MS Thesis. OSU. 42 pp.
Bayer, R., 1983. Ore-Aqua Company Biologist Newport, OR. Personal
Communication.
Beardsley, Alan Jackson, 1969. Movement and Angler Use of Four Foodfishes in
Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Corvallis, OR. Ph.D. Thesis. OSU. 173 pp.
Becker, Clarence Dale, 1955. Larval Setting and Survival of Young Oysters, Ostrea
lurida Carp., Under Laboratory Conditions. Corvallis, OR. MS Thesis. OSU.
97 pp.
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Choir, B., 1975. Pollution and Tidal Flushing Predictions for Oregon's Estuaries. OSU
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Detweiler, J.H., 1971. A Statistical Study of Oregon Coastal Winds. MS Thesis, OSU,
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Hanson, Alfred Warren, 1970. The Symbiotic Relationships and Morphology of
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Harris, D.L., 1972. "Wave Estimates for Coastal Regions. Js Shelf Sediment Transport:
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Huyer, A. and R.L. Smith, 1977. Physical Characteristics of Pacific Northwestern
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the Oregon Continental Shelf. J. Geophys. Res. 84(C11), 6995-7011.
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Kulm, LD. and J.V. Byrne, 1967. Sediments of Yaquina Bay, Oregon. In Estuaries,
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Kulm, LD., Scheidegger, Byrne and Spigai, 1968. A Preliminary Investigation of the
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Kulm, LD., R.C. Roush, J.C. Harriett, R.H. Neudeck, D.M. Chambers, and EJ. Runge,
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Lidrich, Joseph Stanley, 1970. The Behavior of the Pea Crab CFabia subquadrata) in
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Lough, Robert Gregory, 1969. The Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Early
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Main, Stephen Paul, 1972. The Distribution of Epiphytic Diatoms in Yaquina Estuary,
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McCrow, Lynne Tucker, 1972. The Ghost Shrimp, Callianassa californiensis Dana, 1854,
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Miller, C.B., 1980. Ecology and Reproductive Biology of Calanus marshallae in the
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Miller, M.C, 1978. Lab and Field Investigations on the Movement of Sand Tracer
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Moores, C.N.K., 1974. Coastal Upwelling Experiment I. Profiling Current July-7 Aug
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Pak, H. and R.V. Zaneveld, 1977. Bottom Nepheloid Layers and Bottom Mixed Layers
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Prestedge, G.K., 1977. Stabilization of Landslide along the Oregon Coast. OSU, Civil
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Roush, R.C, 1970. Sediment Textures and Internal Structures: A Comparison Between
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Depoe Bay, Oregon. OSU, Fish & Wild., ORESU-X2-78-002.
Stevenson, M.R., 1966. Subsurface Currents Off the Oregon Coast Ph.D. Dissertation,
OSU, Corvallis, OR.
Stevenson, M.R., J.G. Pattullo and B. Wyatt, 1969. Subsurface Currents Off the Oregon
Coast as Measured by Parachute Drogues. Deep-Sea Research, 16, 449-461.
Stevenson, M.R., R.W. Garvine and B. Wyatt, 1974. Lagrangian Measurements in a
Coastal Upwelling Zone Off Oregon. J. Phys. Ocean. 4(3), 321-336.
Stewart, R., 1967. An Evaluation of Grain Size, Shape and Roundness Parameters in
Determining Depositional Environment in Pleistocene Sediments from Newport,
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Sullivan B. and D. Hancock, 1977. Zooplankton and Dredging, Research Perspectives
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-52-
-------
Entries Compiled and Notes on Contents by Leslie L. Haslan, Newport, OR. Is
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Thum, Alan Bradley, 1972. An Ecological Study of Diatomovora amoena. an Interstial
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Toner, Richard Charles, 1961. An Exploratory Investigation of the Embryonic and
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Tunon, N.A-A, 1977. Beach Profile Changes and Onshore-Offshore Sand Transport on
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USACE, Unpublished data. Littoral Environmental Observation Program (LEO). U. S.
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Voth, David Richard, 1972. life History of the Caligoid Copepod Lepeophtheiros
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Waldron, K.D., 1955. A Survey of the Bull Kelp Resources of the Oregon Coast in
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-53-
-------
Walker, John David, 1974. Effects of Bark Debris on Benthic Macrofauna of Yaquina
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White, S.M., 1970. Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Continental Shelf Sediments off the
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Willingham, William F., 1983. Army Engineers and the Development of Oregon. A
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Oregon Coast Ph.D. Dissertation, OSU, Corvallis, OR.
Zimmerman, Steven T., 1972. Seasonal Succession of Zooplankton Population in Two
Dissimilar Marine Embayments on the Oregon Coast Corvallis, OR. Ph.D.
Dissertation. OSU. 212 pp.
Zontek, Teny, 1983. Late Prehistoric Archeological Sites on the Oregon Coast.
Unpublished MA Thesis, Interdisciplinaiy Studies, OSU, Corvallis, OR.
Zopf, D., Creech and Quinn, 1976. The Wave Meter: a Land-Based System for
Measuring Nearshore Ocean Waves. OSU/Sea Grant ORESU-R-76-013.
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Washington, D.C
-54-
-------
APPENDIX A
-------
APPENDIX A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Introduction A-l
13 Plankton and Fish Larvae A-l
1.12 Benthic Invertebrates A-5
1.17 Results A-7
126 Macroinvertebrates A-9
1.27 Fisheries A-9
136 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries A-15
1.42 Wildlife A-15
Literature Cited A-22
LIST OF TABLES
Table
A-l Seasonal Species Usage (Dominant Copepod Species) A-2
A-2 Other Taxa Collected A-3
A-3 Other Taxa Collected A-4
A-4 Dominant Fish Larval Species A-5
A-5 Bird Species in Vicinity of Disposal Site A-16
A-6 Marine Species in Vicinity of Disposal Site A-19
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
A-l Chetco River Sample Stations A-6
A-2 Density of Benthic Infauna A-8
A-3 Density of Major Taxonomic Groups (Dungeness Crab and
Pelecypoda) A-10
A-4 Density of Major Taxonomic Groups (Polychaete
Annelids) A-ll
A-5 Density of Major Taxonomic Groups (Amphipods and
Gastropoda) A-12
A-6 Species Richness and Equitability of Benthic Infauna A-13
A-7 Shellfish Distribution A-14
-------
APPENDIX A
LIVING RESOURCES
Introduction
1.1 Information on aquatic resources was obtained from a field sampling program
conducted in July 1985. In addition, a thorough utilization of a variety of published and
unpublished reports, theses, and personal communications with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Marine Resources Division biologists have been utilized
in the preparation of this technical appendix. Critical resources were determined
primarily by whether the resource was unique to the area or was in limited abundance
along the Oregon coast In 1978, the Portland District issued a report entitled
Technical Report, Chetco River Hopper Dredge Scheduling Analysis." The study
included a cursory analysis of the physical and biological conditions of the offshore
disposal site and a series of bottom photographs which clearly illustrate the coarse
material in a portion of the site.
12 To determine the extent of these gravel/cobble beds and the suitability of the
general area for fish trawling, the Portland District conducted an underwater video
survey of the Chetco disposal site during August of 1984. These video tapes confirmed
the gravel/cobble deposits and rocky outcrops existing in the area and precluded
fisheries trawling in the area.
Plankton and Fish Larvae
13 Distribution and abundance of inshore planlctonic species vary depending upon
nearshore oceanographic conditions. In the summer when the wind is from the
northwest, surface water is moving south and away from the shore. Colder, more saline,
nutrient-rich water then moves up from depth into 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.
1.4 For the general Oregon Coast, winter winds are primarily out of the west and
southwest and surface waters are transported inshore. The zooplankton community
during this time consists of species from the transitional or Central Pacific water masses.
1.5 Very little specific information has been collected from the nearshore waters off
the southern Oregon Coast Oregon State University studied a hydrographic line off
Brookings which extended from 5 to 165 n miles offshore. These studies provide a basis
for understanding the general characteristics of the oceanic water masses of the
Southern Oregon Coast Since water masses between the central and southern Oregon
coasts are similar, the pelagic fauna should exhibit a high degree of correspondence.
A-l
-------
1.6 Lee (1971) discussed the copepods in a 1963 collection from the southern Oregon
coast and Peterson and Miller (1976) and Peterson et al. (1979) provide a fairly
comprehensive account of the zooplankton community off the central Oregon Coast
(Newport, OR). The central Oregon study's summer and winter species are given below
(Table A-l). In general, winter species are less abundant than summer species.
Table A-l
Seasonal Species Usage (Dominant Copepod Species)
in Decreasing Order of Abundance
Winter Species Summer Species
Pseudocalanus sp. Pseudocalanus sp.
Oithona similis Acartia clausii
Paracalanus parvus Acartia lonpiremis
Acartia longiremis Calanus marshallae
Centrophages abdominalis Oithona similis
1.7 Other taxa collected were of minor importance as compared to 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.
1.8 The other plankton species of importance is the megalops larval stage of the
Dungeness crab (Cancer magisterY Lough (1976) has reported that megalops occur
inshore from January to May and are apparently retained there by the strong longshore
and onshore components of the surface currents in the winter. After May, the megalops
metamorphoses into juvenile crabs and settle out of the plankton, moving into rearing
areas in the estuary.
1.9 Fish larvae are a transient but important member of the inshore coastal plankton
community. Their abundance and distribution has been described by Richardson (1973),
Richardson and Pearcy (1977), and Richardson et al. (1980).
1.10 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 overlapped while the transitional species overlapped both the coastal
and offshore groups. The break between the coastal and offshore groups occurred at
the continental slope.
1.11 The coastal group is dominated by smelts (Osmeridae) making up over 50
percent of the larvae collected. Other dominant species included the English sole
(Parophrvs vetnlus), sanddab (Isopsetta isolepis). starry flounder (Platichthvs stellatusl
and torn cod (Microgadus proximus). Maximum abundance occurred from February to
July when greater than 90 percent of the larvae were collected. Two peaks of
abundance were present during this period, one in February and March (24 percent of
the larvae) an one in May to July (68 percent of the larvae) following upwelling.
Dominant species during each peak are shown in Table A-4.
A-2
-------
Table A-2
Other Taxa Collected
TAXA
TOTAL RELATIVE DENSITY
FREQUENCY
1969
1970
1971
69
70
71
Calanus naupli i
119.5
695.5
172.7
21
40
28
Other Copepod naupl11
43.1
68.1
52.3
10
20
20
Ampliipods
8.5
18.5
15.7
5
15
14
Euphausild naupl11
46.3
85.9
84.0
5
26
18
Euphauslld calyptopis
13.3
14.5
17.2
4
17
11
Euphausild furcllla
30.2
13.6
17.7
14
20
10
ThyeanoeBsa epinifera
35.4
4.0
87.3
2
7
11
Evadne nordmcomi
73.7
58.9
9.8
17
26
2
Podon leukarti
2.8
115.3
5.2
2
12
1
Pteropods
10.2
24.6
60.6
11
22
35
Chaetognaths
89.4
50.3
30.8
25
33
34
Oikopleura
69.2
85.7
66.5
11
15
21
Ctenophores
6.0
2.5
34.9
7
5
19
Scyphomedusae
22.9
70.9
22.8
13
28
22
decapod shrimp mysls
142.7
52.6
45.3
16
24
22
barnacle naupl11
59.3
168.3
231.4
8
32
28
barnacle cypris
4.4
64.0
8.3
2
19
10
polychaete post-
trochophores
16.2
20.1
21.4
5
23
15
bivalve ve11.gers
170.5
258.9
68.3
20
40
27
gastropod vellgers
28.9
79.2
42.2
16
33
23
hydromedusae
6.1
3.2
10.3
2
2
11
unidentified annelid
without parapodla
8.2
23.1
35.8
3
3
16
pluteus
0.0
'16.0
117:6
0
5
11
large round eggs (fish)
36.8,
.25.0
17.8
11
13
12
CalaruiB eggs
870.1
168.7
226.1
10
28
25
euphausild eggs, early
55.0
686.1
449.6
11
29
24
euphausild eggs, late
70.0
57.5
39.6
2
16
14
other fish eggs
19.1
35.1
34.3
12
18
18
3
a «> biased by a single observation of 760 Indlvlduals/m .
The following taxa were found In less than five samples: radlolarlans,
foraroinifera, slphonophores, planula larva, trochophores, Totmpteris,
heteropods, Clione, phoronld larva, ascldlan larva, salps, auricular1a
larva. 1imi starfish, decapod protozoeasj unusual barnacle na'uplH, Sty-
looheiron abbreviation, anchovy eggs, and four miscellaneous unidentified
neroplanktonic taxa.
Total relative density and frequency of occurrence of other holoplanktonlc
taxa and meroplankton taken within 18 km of. the coast during 1969, 1970
and 1971 upwelllng seasons. Table entries are sums of average abundances
at each of four stations^
A-3
-------
Table A-3
Other Taxa Collected
TAXA
TOTAL RELATIVE DENSITY
FREQUENCY
1969-70
1970-71
1971-72
69-70
70-71 71
-72
Calamia nauplli
1188.7a
165.9
35.1
10
15
15
Other Copepod nauplil
29.1
122.5a
20.2
11
13
12
Amphipods
5.9
4.8
5.0
12
4
10
Euphauslld nauplll
2.8
108.4a
3.4
4
5
4
Euphauslld calyptopls
6.4
56.1a
14.5
13
4
8
Euphauslid furcilia
3.1
0.4
7.6
7
2
5
Evadne nordmarmi
5.8
24.1
4.8
2
2
4
Podon leukarti
126.3a
27.3
116.4a
4
2
4
Pteropods (Limacina)
66.0
88.0
14.2
17
15
13
Chaetognaths
62.9
47.4
22.4
20
19
13
Oilcopleura spp.
551.9
101.2
75.6
22
16
15
Ctenophores
7.0
6.2
10.3
8
8
9
Scyphomecfusae
10.0
94.3
16.6
.5
6
10
Salps
0.9b
***
***
9
0
0
Isopods
0.5
0.7
#**
2
3
0
Mysids
0.2
3.3
2.1
2
1
2
decapod shrimp mysis
3.1
21.4
5.6
7
10
11
barnacle nauplli
309.1
192.7
77.9
11
6
12
barnacle cypris
8.7
188.1a
16.8
4
4
12
polychaete post-trochophores
41.5
13.5
70.8
12
8
11
bivalve vellgers
87.8
98.2
118.4
20
18
15
gastropod veligers, assorted
31.3
27.6
37.2
19
18
15
gastropod A
*»*
1.0
***
0
6
0
hydromedusa;
9.2
1.8
3.3
4
2
3
annelids lacking parapodla
40.0
74.9
21.9
5
4
11
echinoderm pluteus
41.7
0.8
22.1
5
2
4
large round eggs (fish)
9.0
5.5
4.9
6
11
8
CalamiB -eggs
36.5
36.7
4.7
10
11
4
euphauslld-eggs
***
274.7a
2.8
0
6
3
a ¦ high value the result of one station or sampling date
b ¦ a value of 34.3/nr fin 29 October .1969 was osnnltted from the summation
The following taxa were found In less than five samples: The euphausllds
Thyeanoesoa epinifera and Euphauaia pacifica, amphlpod larvae and eggs,
ostracods, cumaceans, slphonophores, Sagitta earippaii, S. bierii, S.
minima, lepaa nauplll, other unidentified barnacle nauplll, echinoderm
bipinnarla, fan. .starfish, Inrusea urchins, planula larvae, trochophores,
foraminlfera, radiolarians, Tomppteria, cyphonuutes larvae, other fish
eggs, and six miscellaneous unidentified meroplanktonlc taxa.
Total relative density and frequency of occurrence of other holoplanlctonlc
and meroplanktonlc taxa taken within 18 km of the coast during three
winters. Table entries are sums of relative densities at each of four
stations.1
A-4
-------
Table A-4
Dominant Fish Larval Species
During the Two Peaks of Abundance
February to March May tq July
Smelt (Osmeridael
English sole fParophrvs vetulus)
Sandlance (Ammodvtes hexapterusl
Sanddab (Isopsetta isolepis)
Tom cod (Microgadus proximus)
Slender sole (Lvopsetta exilis')
1.51*
4.09
1.76
1.73
1.07
4.12
221
2.03
* Biological index - Ranking method that averages abundance and frequency
of occurrence in samples. 5 to 1 in decreasing order.
Benthic Invertebrates
1.12 Benthic invertebrates play an important role in secondary productivity of
nearshore marine systems, TTiey 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
the reworking of sediment
1.13 Knowledge of the benthic communities off the nearshore central Oregon coast is
increasing due, in large measure, to studies done with the offshore disposal site
investigations conducted by Portland District
1.14 Previous investigations of the Oregon coast include an evaluation of offshore
disposal sites near the mouth of the Columbia River by Richardson et al. 1973, a
quantitative study of the meiobenthos at Moolach Beach north of Yaquina Bay entrance
(Hogue 1982) and an outfall study for an International Paper Company outfall near
Gardiner, Oregon. (Unpublished, n.d.). Site-specific information is now available in final
reports for Coos Bay (Hancock et al., 1981, Nelson et aL, 1983, and Sollitt et al., 1984)
and for Yaquina Bay (USACOE, 1985). Similar benthic studies have been conducted at
seven other ocean disposal sites along the Oregon coast and the data is being analyzed
for final site designation. These comprise the total benthic infaunal data base available
for the Oregon Coast
1.15 To provide site-specific benthic information to supplement the existing data and
characterize the Chetco interim disposal site, the Portland District COE collected and
analyzed thirty-five benthic infaunal samples from seven stations located as shown in
Figure A-l. Six replicate bottom samples were taken from each of the seven stations
using a modified Gray-O'Hara box corer which sampled a .096 m area of the bottom.
1.16 One sediment sample from each station was sent to the North Pacific Division's
Materials Testing Laboratory for determination of grain size and organic content The
remaining five box-core samples were sieved through a 0.5 mm mesh screen; organisms
A-5
-------
CHETCO RIVER
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF
Macklyn Cove
9
Chetco
Point
Brookings
rocks
rocks •2
Chetco R
Basin
LEGEND
E2SZ DISPOSAL SITE
ROCKS
0.0 % VOLATILE SOLIDS
# - STATION NUMBER
YARDS
Figure A-l
Chetco River Sample Stations
A-6
-------
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
taxon practicable by Marine Taxonomic Services.
Results
1.17 The stations sampled in the region of the Chetco River Interim Disposal Site
(Figure A-l) were found to vary widely in substrate texture (Table B-3). The NW
portion of the site contained medium to large (>30 cm) smoothly rounded cobble
stones, while the easterly margin of the site was a mixture of sand with interspersed
rocks. It has not been determined if the large cobbles were previously transported to
the site by the hopper dredges or result from natural causes. They extend slightly
shoreward of the disposal site. The deeper western portion of the interim disposal site
contains a fine grained sand substrate typical of the many high energy nearshore coastal
environments found along the Oregon Coast Based on the sediments, the Chetco
Interim Disposal site is unique from all other disposal sites studied.
1.18 The organic content of the sediments as measured by percent volatile solids is
very low-as would be expected based on the coarse sediments and high energy. Volatile
solids are shown in Table C-l.
1.19 The benthos of the Chetco offshore disposal site was found to consist of two
bottom types, sandy (which is typical of nearshore high energy environments), and sand
mixed with cobbles which is not commonly encountered. The latter type was found only
at station 1 and 2 which lie in the northeast corner of the interim disposal site. Station
1 had the highest amount of cobbles and the mixed sediment type resulted in the highest
number of species represented in the sampling of the Chetco disposal site.
120 The community is represented by the psammnitic (sand-dwelling) fauna and the
epizoic and encrusting fauna. The sand-cobble community is characterized by the scale
worm Hesionura coineaui difficilis (1156/sq. m), barnacles (200/sq.m), Archiannelida
(390/m), as well as the more typical psammnitic polychaetes, cumaceans, and gammarid
amphipods.
121 The sandy bottom stations located offshore and the stations located to the north
and south of the interim disposal site are characterized by polychaete annelids such as
Magelona sacculata. Chaetozone setosa. or Spiophanes bombvx. and numerous species of
cumaceans, gammarid amphipods, molluscs and snails. The species inhabiting the sandy
stations are generally the more motile psammnitic forms which tolerate or require high
sediment flux. Juvenile Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) were found at all stations
sampled.
122 Figure A-2 compares mean infaunal densities (for five replicate box core samples)
at the four stations within the site and the north and south reference stations. General
levels of density ranged between 1210 and 3377 /m in the interim site, and from 947-
3010 for the reference sites. These values are slightly above those sampled at other
disposal sites along the Oregon coast
A-7
-------
4000 -i
3000 -
2000 -
1000 -
0 -
Density of Benthic Infauna
Chetco Offshore Disposal Site
60'
i
70*
2
TRANSECT
nmmiinn disposal site
NORTH REFERENCE
SOUTH REFERENCE
90' 100'
3 4
B
B
B
B
B
n
hi
B
a
B
HI
B
BM
U
B
m
19
B
¦B
B
B
B
B
B
B
n
B
n
n
H
KB
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
80*
70*
6
7
70'
5
STATION NUMBER & DEPTH
Figure A-2
Density of Benthic Infanna
A-8
-------
123 Mean densities (#/sq. m) decrease with increasing water depth at both the
interim and reference sites. Juvenile Dungeness crabs had a density of 35/m (Figure
A-3). Mean density for the other major taxonomic groups are shown in Figures A-4 and
A-5.
124 Figure A-6 compares diversity, species richness and equitability of benthic infauna
by depth for the Chetco offshore disposal site and for the reference stations to the north
and south. The values for each of these factors were found to be very similar for each
station in the study area. Due to factors such as seasonality and sediment patchiness
which produce large between-sample variation, little significance can be placed on the
observed trend.
125 Based on the data on benthic invertebrate abundance, density, and diversity from
the study area and the reference areas to the north and south of the Chetco interim
disposal site, no impact from past disposal activities was observed.
Macroinvertebrates
126 The dominant commercially and recreationally important macroinvertebrate
species in the inshore coastal area are shellfish and Dungeness crabs. Shellfish
distribution is shown in Figure A-7. Clam beds are located north of Chetco Point and
Macklyn Cove. Dungeness crab adults occur on sandflat habitat throughout the
nearshore area. The presence of Dungeness crab near the Chetco River is typical of
conditions along the entire Oregon coast They spawn in offshore areas and the
juveniles rear in estuaries.
fisheries
121 The nearshore area off the Chetco River mouth also supports a variety of pelagic
and demersal fish species. Coho and chinook salmon, steelhead and searun cutthroat
trout, migrate through the estuary to upriver spawning areas.
1.28 Urfperch, starry flounder, lingcod, black rockfish and cabezon all inhabit the
lower estuary. Anchovies and smelt can be found at the entrance to the bay.
129 Various rocky reef species are found associated with the jetties.
130 Demersal species present in the nearshore area are mostly residents,
demonstrating little coastwise movement However, species such as sablefish, petrale
sole and English sole do undertake extensive coastal migrations.
131 Distribution and abundance varies with species, season, depth, and in the case of
bottom fish, sediment type. Resident lingcod and rockfish species inhabit the many rock
outcroppings and reefs to the north and east of the disposal site.
132 English, Dover, and petrale sole move from deep offshore waters in winter to
shallow nearshore waters in summer. Shallow inshore waters are important nursery
areas for juvenile English sole (Krygier and Pearcy, 1986). Most of the flatfish species
occur over sandy bottom types.
A-9
-------
Density of Major Taxonomic Groups
Chetco Offshore Disposal Site (July 1985)
BSfl DUNGENESS CRAB
[771 PELYCYPODA
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
STATION NUMBER
Figure A-3
Density of Mqjor Taxonomic Groups (Dungeness Crab & Pelecypoda)
A-10
-------
Density of Major Toxonomic Groups
Chetco Offshore Disposal Site (July 1985)
1771 POLYCHAETE ANNELIDS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
STATION NUMBER
Figure A-4
Density of M^jor Taxonomic Groups (Polychaete Annelids)
A-ll
-------
Density of Major Taxonomic Groups
Chetco Offshore Disposal Site (July 1985)
600
500 -
400 -
300-
200 -
GASTROPODA
{771 AMPHIP0DA
//fi Pq*
V,
%
%
7,
V,
3 4 5
STATION NUMBER
Figure A-5
Density of Mtyor Taxonomic Groups (Amphipoda & Gastropoda)
A-12
-------
Species Richness and EquStability of
Benthic Infauna
Chetco Offshore Disposal Site
6_
4
2 _
ANALYSIS
IJIIIIIITI DIVERSITY H'
I SPECIES RICHNESS
[EQUITABILITY
=S
B
60*
7ff 90* 100' N-60" 70'
STATIONS BY DEPTH
S-100'
Figure A-6
Species Richness and Equitability of Benthic Infauna
A-13
-------
CLAM BED-
>/7
1
OH t 0 0 N
Chetco Pt.
Brookings
Boot
Basin
Vi.
Scale In Yards
1000
Shellfish Distribution
Figure A-7
Shellfish Distribution
A-14
-------
133 Littleneck clams are common in gravel pockets northwest of the bay entrance.
Abalone are found along the reefs and rock outcroppings to the north and east of the
disposal site and octopi occur in nearshore areas.
134 Dungeness crab occur in and around the disposal site, off the bar, and in the bay.
135 Market squid schools can be found all along the Oregon coast. They spawn over
sandy bottoms in nearshore, shallow waters. The egg cases fall to the bottom where they
anchor themselves by secreting a glue-like resin onto sand particles. Although ODFW
has not conducted spawning surveys along the southern Oregon coast, crab fishermen
have reported egg clusters attached to crab pots in and around the disposal site (personal
communication from ODFW).
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
136 The near shore area around Chetco supports both commercial and recreational
fisheries. The nearshore area around the disposal site is where the bulk of the
recreational salmon fishery occurs, as well as some commercial troll fishing. Salmon
seasons for both fisheries usually begin in June, and are subject to closure when quotas
are met
137 Recent (1980-1985) commercial harvests of Coho salmon recorded at Brookings
have ranged from 0 pounds in 1984 to 184,288 in 1981. Chinook landings over the same
period ranged from 4962 pounds in 1985 to 694386 in 1981 (ODFW Annual Reports).
138 Commercial rockfish landings from 1980 to 1985 ranged from 1,345,114 pounds
(1983) to 2,638,706 (1982). Sablefish landings have increased from 123,428 pounds
landed in 1981, to 544,523 pounds in 1984.
139 Over one million pounds of Dover sole were commercially harvested in 1984.
English, rex and petrale sole are taken in moderate quantities from nearshore areas.
1.40 Commercial and recreational Dungeness crab harvest sites surround the disposal
site. Dungeness are commercially taken from December through
September. Commercial landings between 1980 to 1985 ranged from 583,248 pounds
(1983) to 2,913,893 (1980).
1.41 The nearshore area supports a small commercial octopus and squid fishery.
Wildlife
1.42 Numerous species of birds (Table A-5) and marine mammals (Table A-6) 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, 1979) and Pacific Coast Ecological Inventory (USFWS
1981), 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.
A-15
-------
Table A-5
Bird Species in Vicinity of Disposal Site
HABITAT USE
SUMMER
CATEGORY/SPECIES BREEDING WINTERING MIGRANTS NON-BREEDERS
SHOREBIRDS
black oysterc^ther
X
X
snowy plover
X
X
greater yellotflp.gs
X
black turnstone
X
X
northern phalarope
X
western gull
X
X
Heermanh's gull
X
glaucous-winged gull
X
kllldeer
X
X
spotted sandpiper
X
X
surfblrd
X
wandering tattler
X
semlpaloated plover
X
leafi-t sandpiper
X
X
dunlin
X
western sandpiper
X
X
sanderling
X
X
California gull
X
ting-billed gull
X
new gull
X
Bonaparte's gull
X
Sabine's gull
X
long-billed dowitcher
X
black turnstone
X
X
SEABIRDS
fork-tailed storm
petrel
X
X
Leach's storm petrel
X
X
double-crested
cormorant
X
X
Brandt's cormorant
X
X
pelagic cormorant
X
X
1 From Gabrielsoa and Jewett (1970) and Bertrand and Scott (1973).
A-16
-------
Table A-5 - cont'd
HABITAT USE
CATEGORY/SPECIES
BREEDING
WINTERING
MIGRANTS
SUMMER
NON-BREEDERS
SEABIRDS (con't)
common murre
plgeoa guillemot
marbled murrelet
Cassia's auklfet
rhinoceros auklet
tufted puffin
fulmar*
pink-footed
shearwater
sooty shearwater
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WATERFOWL
common loon X X
arctic loon X
red-throated loon X
western grebe X X
red-necked grebe X X
horned grebe X X
pied-billed grebe - X X
"Canada goose X
black brandt X
mallard X X
pintail X
American wigeon X X
green-winged teal X
redhead X X
canvasback X
ring-necked duck X
greater scaup X
lesser'scaup X
common goldeneye X
Borrow's .goldeneye X
bufflehead X
harlequin X
black scoter X X
white-winged scoter X X
A-17
-------
Table AS - cont'd
HABITAT USE
SUMMER
CATEGORY/SPECIES BREEDING WINTERING MIGRANTS NON-BREEDERS
WATERFOWL (con't)
surf scoter X" X
ruddy dutk X
common merganser X
red-breasted
merganser X
great blue heroa X X
American coot X X
brown pelican
OTHER
bald eagle X X
peregrine falcon X
A-18
-------
Table A-6
Marine Species in Vicinity of Disposal Site
HABITAT USE
CATEGORY/SPECIES BREEDING WINTERING MIGRANTS
SEALS AND SEA LIONS
harbor seal X
northern elephant
seal
stellar sea lion X
California sea lion
X
X
X
X
X
X
WHALES
northern right whale
gray whale
blue whale
fin whale
sel whale
mlnke whale
humpback whale
sperm whale
giant bottlenose whale
short-finned pilot whale
grampus
killer whale
Along Oregon coast in winter.
Along Oregon coast during Feb. to May
while migrating to and from breeding
and feeding grounds. Estimated total
population 11000-1500Q. Some may be
staying in Oregon water during winter.
(R. Brown, pers. commun.)
Off.Oregon coast from late May to June
and August to October.
Occur off Oregon Coast during May to
September
Summer to early fall
Late summer to early fall
April to October
Late summer to fall
Uncommon, June to October
Winter
Uncommon, spring to summer
Winter
A-19
-------
Table A-6 - cont'd
HABITAT USE
CATEGORY/SPECIES
BREEDING
WINTERING
MIGRANTS
WHALES
false killer whale
common dolphin
northern right whale dolphin
Dall's porpoise
toarbor porpoise
Pacific white-sided dolphin
Uncommon
Uncommon, spring to summer
Rare, spring to summer
Common, throughout year
Common, throughout year
Common, throughout year
A-20
-------
A few species of shorebirds-including western snowy plover, black oystercatcher,
killdeer, and spotted sandpiper-nest along the coast. Several species of special concern,
the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and brown pelican, occasionally occur along the coast
and may use the ZSF or the surrounding areas. Pelicans and peregrine falcons are often
associated with headlands, ocean beaches, spits and offshore rocks. Pelagic birds (e.g.
scoters, petrels) probably use the ZSF and adjacent waters for foraging.
1.43 Data on marine animals is from the Natural History of Oregon Coast Mammals,
Maser et al. (1981), Pearson and Verts (1970), and the Pacific Coast Ecological
Inventory (USFWS 1981), except as indicated. Except for seals and sea lions,
information on marine mammals is extremely limited. 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.
1.44 A number of species of shorebirds and waterfowl (Table A-5) use the shoreline
habitats at the mouth of the Chetco River. Outside the ZSF, several important species
and wildlife habitats occur and could be affected. Whalehead Island is an important
nesting and congregating area for seabirds, including approximately 1/10 of Oregon's
breeding population of Leach's storm petrels, 1/3 of Oregon's pigeon guillemots, and
1/5 of Oregon's tufted puffins. Gulls, cormorants, common murres, and Cassin's auklets
also nest on Whalehead Island. House Rock and Twin Rock have nesting populations
of comorants. Approximately 1/2 of Oregon's population of Leach's storm petrels nest
on Goat Island, as do about 1/4 of the Brandt's cormorants, about 1/4 of the western
gulls, 1/4 of the pigeon guillemots, and 1/3 of the tufted puffins. Common murres and
Cassin's auklets also nest on Goat Island. Cone Rock is a nesting area for western gulls,
pelagic cormorants, and pigeon guillemots. Black oystercatchers, western gulls, Brandt's
cormorants, pelagic cormorants and pigeon guillemots nest on Hunter Rock and Prince
Island. Leach's storm petrels, double-crested cormorants, rhinoceros auklets, and tufted
puffins also nest on Prince Island. Impacts to those species foraging in the vicinity of
the ODMDS may occur during disposal events. These impacts are expected to be
ephemeral and very localized and would be associated with the sediment plume.
Contaminants are not expected to be introduced to the site and therefore should not
pose a problem.
1.45 Portland District requested an endangered species listing for the site 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. This information was presented in the draft EIS. The
Corps was informed by the NMFS that they had revised their list of
threatened/endangered species. Species listed by the NMFS included 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 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 the Chetco ODMDS. This
information is presented in appendix F, including a letter of concurrance from NMFS.
A-21
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Bayer, R., 1983. Ore Aqua Company Biologist, Newport, OR. Personal communication.
Bertrand, G.A. and J.M. Scott, 1973. Check-list of the Birds of Oregon Museum of Nat.
Hist Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR. 17 pp.
Gabrielson, J.N. and S.G. Jewett, 1970. Birds of the Pacific Northwest. Dover
Publications, Inc. New York, N.Y. 650 pp.
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 Constract No.
DACW57-79-C-0040. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Hogue, Wayne 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.
Lee, W. 1971. The copepods in a collection from the southern Oregon coast, 1963. M.S.
Thesis, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, 62 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.
Maser, C, B.R. Mate, JJ7. Franklin and C.T. 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.
Montagne-Bierly Associates, Inc., 1977. Yaquina Bay Hopper Dredge Scheduling
Analysis. Prepared for: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District,
Navigation Division, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208-2946.
Nelson, P.O., C.K. Sollitt, KJ. Williamson, D.R. Hancock, 1983. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report Phase n, m, April i980- 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.
Oceanographic Institute of Oregon, 1983. An examination of the Feasibility of
Extrapolating Infaunal Data from Coos Bay, Oregon to Yaquina Bay, OR. Final
report USACOE, Portland District contract #DACW57-84-M- 1186.
Pearcy, W.G. and S.S. Myers, 1974. Larval Fishes of Yaquina Bay, Oregon: A Nursery
Ground for Marine Fishes? Fish. Bull. 72(1):201-213.
Pearson, J.P. and B J. Verts, 1970. Abundance and distribution of harbor seals and
northern sea lions in Oregon. MurreleL 51:1-5.
A-22
-------
Peterson, W.T., CB. 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. 111 pp.
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) n, 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 WA 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.
Steiner, R.G., 1978. Food Habits and Species Composition of Neritic Reef Fishes off
Depoe Bay, OR. Masters Thesis, Oregon State University.
U.S. Dep. of Interior Fish and Wildlife Serv., 1981. Pacific coast ecological inventory.
Varoujean, DJH., 1979. 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.
A-23
-------
, APPENDIX B
-------
APPENDIX B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES B-l
1.1 Regional Setting B-l
12 Regional Geology B-l
13 Economic Geology B-3
1.4 Sediment Sources B-5
1.5 Conditions in the ZSF B-9
OCEANOGRAPfflC PROCESSES B-14
2.1 Coastal Circulation B-14
22 Ocean Waves and Tide B-14
23 Local Processes B-17
2.4 Site Monitoring B-19
SEDIMENT TRANSPORT B-22
3.1 The Littoral System B-22
32 Depth-limited Transport B-22
33 Chetco littoral Cell B-23
3.4 Chetco Sediment Transport B-24
3 J Ocean Disposal Site B-24
LITERATURE CITED B-27
LIST OF TABLES
Table
B-l Dredging Volumes at Chetco B-6
B-2 Chetco Offshore Sediment Samples B-8
B-3 Chetco River Entrance Samples B-9
B-4 Important Characteristics of the Study Area B-17
B-5 Surf/Shoal Zone Depths B-22
B-6 Sources and Losses of littoral Sediments B-23
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
B-l littoral Cell Location Map B-2
B-2 Watershed Geology B-4
B-3 Entrance Shoals and Offshore Sample Locations B-7
B-4 Sidescan Sonar Survey B-ll
B-5 Seismic Profiles B-12
B-6 Oregon Coastal Circulation B-15
B-7 Seasonal Wave Climate B-16
B-8 Local Processes B-18
B-9 Current Data at Chetco B-20
B-10 Wave Data at Chetco B-21
B-ll Chetco littoral System B-25
B-12 Sediment Transport at Chetco B-26
-------
APPENDIX B
GEOLOGIC RESOURCE, OCEANOGRAPfflC PROCESSES,
AND SEDIMENT TRANSPORT OF THE CHETCO ZSF
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Regional Setting
1.1 The Chetco River empties into the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles south of the
mouth of the Columbia River. It lies within the Cape Ferrelo littoral cell, which extends
for approximately 40 km from Cape Ferrelo in the north to Point St George in the
south (Figure B-l). The Chetco River has one of the smallest estuaries on the Oregon
coast (Percy et al. 1974). The watershed lies entirely within the Klamath Mountains.
Immediately north of the mouth of the Chetco are cliffs and sea stacks. To the north of
the river mouth, the coastline is elevated with rugged bluffs rising above narrow beaches,
with numerous islands and stacks. To the south, broad beaches rise rapidly to raised
marine terraces and low inland hills. No sand dunes of consequence are found in this
area. From the mouth of the river to about river mile eight (RM 8), the valley consists
of an alluvial plain varying between 1/2 and 1/4 mile wide (USACE 1975). The
continental shelf extends about 25 km out from the mouth of the Chetco. The shelf and
slope are characterized by a series of flat terraces or benches (Byrne 1963). Sand covers
the bottom for a distance of about 2 km out from the shore. After a thin zone of mixed
sand and mud, the bed is blanketed by a thin layer of mud. This mud layer is usually
less than 10 cm thick off the Rogue river to the north (Kulm 1977).
1.1.1 The Chetco ZSF is within the Brookings subcell of the Crook Pt littoral cell.
The coastline bordering the littoral cell consists of about 6 miles of rugged cliffs and
pocket beaches from Cape Ferrelo down to Brookings, 8 miles of broad beaches fronting
raised marine terraces to the mouth of the Smith River, and 12 miles of prograding
shoreline south to Pt. St. George (Beaulieu et al. 1974, Peterson, pers. com. 1986).
Regional Geology
12 The Chetco River is, after the Rogue, 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 have
continued up to the present. Parts of the Klamaths 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).
12.1 The Chetco River flows mainly through rocks of the Dothan Formation, which
consists of rhythmically bedded sandstone, siltstone, some conglomerates and bedded
B-l
-------
Olynpie
ColuRtl* | USA
Biiln
w««ft
Cecsf
A«n««
Hon Head
Ora
Coast ~
fUng*
Pt. Granville
Qrivi Hiraor
WIUIM ¦
Tillamook Head
Cape Falcon
Cape Mearea
Caps Lookout
Cascade Head
government Pt.
faqulna Head
Cape Psrpetua
Oregon
Hecflta Ht«l uamuM»t$»nu»»
Omi III
Cape Arago
Cape Blanco
Port Or ford
Humbug Mt
Cape Sebastian
Crook Point
Brookings
Pt. 81 Qeorge
Midway Point
ClMtaa
•¦(ft
California
Patricks Point
False Rock
126
124
122
120
Figure B-l
littoral Cell Location Map
B-2
-------
cherts, and volcanics (Figure B-2). The Dothan formation was deposited along the
continental margin during the late Jurassic (Baldwin and Beaulieu 1973). Other
formations within the Chetco's drainage basin are the Colebrook Schist, Gneissic rocks,
peridotite and serpentinite of Jurassic age, and dacitic intrusions from the Tertiaiy. The
coastline, from just north of the California border up to about Whalehead Island, is
bordered by the Dothan formation. The next five miles are made of the Jurassic Otter
Point Formation, with the final distance up to Crook Point consisting of the Cretaceous
Hunter Cove Formation and some Quaternary deposits. Southward from the California
border to the southern terminus of the cell the shoreline is a prograding beach (Dott
1971).
122 The region is currently undergoing tectonic uplift, but that 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 Ice
Age and the 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 to below
the present sea level. Near Brookings, the raised terraces are about 80 m above sea
level. 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
Chetco River.
123 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
13 The Chetco River and its tributaries flow through bedrock containing mineralized
zones, and has several reaches containing gold placer deposits. Despite this, no large
concentrations of black sands have been identified close to the mouth of the river. The
closest deposit is seven miles to the north and has a heavy mineral concentration of 10-
30 percent (Grey and Kulm 1985). Minerals of primary interest in black sands are gold,
platinum, and chromite, but the sands also contain numerous other heavy minerals
(Ramp 1973). The offshore deposits north of the Chetco are not currently being mined.
Offshore gravel deposits elsewhere along the Oregon coast have been considered as
potential sources of aggregate. While individual samples of gravel were found within the
ZSF, no large deposits have been found close to the mouth of the Chetco river. While
there have been several attempts to find oil and gas along the Oregon coast, no test well
has turned up more than traces of either. No test well off the Oregon coast had been
drilled south of Cape Blanco as of 1985.
B-3
-------
//~
LEGEND
QdOttrnory
sS'-S
Baoeh Dun* A Alluvial Sand
Tantiary
Hunter Cm* Formation
Cap* St boat ion Sondatona
Dothon Formation
Figure B-2
Watershed Geology
B-4
Mocklyn Mttnbir
Colbrook Schiat
ignaouo A Motomorphoaod
Ponidotlto
Mato-Volconiea
/ / / / y
Snrpantinita
Gobroic Oikoa
Non-El lipaoidol Vol-
conica
Pillow Lowo
H !«
• ••*,.*
-------
Sediment Sources
1.4 There are three external sources for sediment in the littoral cell. These are input
from fluvial sources, dredging, and coastal erosion.
1.4.1 The Chetco estuary has a hydrographic ratio (HR) of about 1. It is therefore
very fluvially dominated and, thus, most of its bedload sediment will be transported into
the ocean (Peterson, pers com 1986). The HR is discussed more fully under Local
Processes.
1.42 Two other rivers enter the littoral cell, the Winchuck River, a few miles south of
the Chetco, and the Smith River, which is in California. The Winchuck has a mean
discharge of under 90 cfc, so is at best a very minor contributor of sediment. The Smith
River, on the other hand, is larger than the Chetco and also has a HR of about 1.
Mineralogical studies have shown that the Smith and Chetco Rivers are the major
sediment sources for the littoral cell.
1.43 A second source of sediment is coastal erosion. Runge (1966) estimated 780,000
cy of material were added annually by erosion along the coast of Oregon. Studies
providing information on specific rates of erosion and material contribution are not
available. The National Shoreline Study (COE 1971) identified the coastline north of
Brookings up to Cape Ferrelo as being subjected to critical erosion, and up to Crook
Point to "non-critical erosion." The Beach and Dunes of the Oregon Coast report
(USDA and OCCDC 1975) agrees in general with the shoreline survey, but shows little
erosion between Cape Ferrelo and Crook Point In neither study was any data given on
erosion rates. The portion of the littoral cell experiencing critical erosion is prone to
landsliding. The largest landslide is the Hooskanaden slide. 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. South
of Brookings, the beaches and terrace faces are stable, and may show some signs of
progradation (Stembridge 1976). At best, this stretch of the coast has little effect on the
sediment budget The progradational beaches south of the Smith River mouth are a net
sediment sink. They take a large, though undetermined, percentage of the material
contributed by the Smith River.
1.4.4 In the Cape Ferrelo littoral cell, the only offshore disposal of dredged material
occurs off the mouth of the Chetco River. The type of dredged material depends on
both the location and hydrologic conditions. Dredging during or just after high flows is
more likely to pick up fluvial sediments than dredging done during periods of low flow,
when marine sediments have intruded into the mouth. The further upstream dredging is
done, the more likely it is that fluvial sediments will be encountered. Since the Chetco
River has a HR of less than 1, nearly all the sediment load should eventually be carried
out into the ocean. This means that the net contribution of dredging to the sediment
budget is much smaller than the amount of material disposed of offshore.
1.4.5 Dredging of the entrance of the Chetco River began in 1963. The current
offshore disposal site was designated in 1977. Between 1976 and 1985, the average
dredging volume was 47,800 cy, with maximum and minimum quantities of 76,300 and
7,800 cy, respectively (Table B-l).
B-5
-------
Table B-l
Dredging Volumes at Chetco
(Includes both Corps and contract hopper dredging)
Year
Cubic Yards (C.Y.)
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
60,100
7,800
56,750
44,230
54,300
76,300
52^56
59,715
31,874
35,045
10- Year Average
47,792
The authorized project provides for an entrance channel 120 feet wide and 14 feet deep,
a barge turning basin 250 feet wide, 650 feet long and 14 feed deep, and a small boat
access channel 100 feet wide and 12 feet deep. Shoaling occurs off the end of the north
jetty between RM 0 and RM-0.2, and at the entrance to the boat basin between RM 0.1
and RM 0.3 (Figure B-3). Dredging is done between April and October.
1.4.6 In determining the importance of the various potential sources, the mineral
assemblages of the sediments and the sources can be useful. In the case of the Cape
Ferrelo cell, three different mineral abundance ratios have been used to define the cell.
The littoral sands have a high ratio of orthopyroxene to clinopyroxeen (2.5:1), a
subequal ratio of pyroxene to amphibole (0.5:1), and a high ratio of metamorphic
amphibole to hornblend (2:1). In addition, there are significant amounts of olivine (15
percent). The two major rivers (Chetco and Smith) that enter the littoral cell have
heavy mineral assemblages that correlate with that of the littoral sands. This shows that
the majority of the sediment is fluvially derived (Chesser and Peterson 1987, Peterson,
pers. com. 1986).
1.4.7 The seabed in the ZSF is covered by a wide variety of material. The most recent
sampling showed that mean grain size varies from as fine as 0.05 mm in deep water to
18.0 mm close to the nearshore side of the designated disposal site. The one sample
taken within the designated disposal site had a mean grain size of 0.25 mm (Table B-2).
A scarcity of samples and unsystematic placement of sampling sites prevents the
determination of sediment distribution patterns from the samples.
1.4.8 There is also a wide variety of grain sizes in the sediments from shoals that are
dredged in the Chetco River entrance. The entrance to the boat basin had the finest
material sampled with a median grain size of 03 nun. The coarsest material (median
grain size 7 mm) was found at the inner shoal, between the entrance to the boat basin
and the end of the jetties, and is classified as silty, sandy gravel. The outer shoal is
composed of coarse sand similar to that found on nearby beaches. Comparison of
B-6
-------
Pacific Ocean
Chetco-Slusiaw Estuaries Dredge Scheduling Study
Surface Sediments and Shoal Areas
¦ C 3 Mean Grain Sit* In millimeter*, (C of E, 1971)
i ' Meon Groin Size In millimeters, (Monragne-Bierly Asioc., CofE,
Historic Shoaling Area*
HCOVM Gft*u4 VIE
Figure B-3
Entrance Shoals and Offshore Sample Locations
B-7
-------
Table B-2
Chetco Offshore Sediment Samples
Pate
Sample
Mz (ram)
D50
P9Q
% fines
depth
8 May 1978
1-a
8.51
10
26
0
50
II
1-b
11.08
14
25
0
50
n
2-a
1.66
1.4
12
0
69
n
2-b
239
12
41
0
69
N
4-a
0.19
0.19
030
3
76
n
4-b
02
020
028
2
76
«
5-a
031
032
0.59
1
44
n
5-b
033
033
0.59
0
44
17 Aug 1984
002
7.46
8.88
22
2
74
M
005
028
026
0.35
0
20
II
006
0.18
0.17
032
2
45
II
008
0.11
0.125
0.17
12
105
16 July 1985
c-1
18.0
18.4
39.4
0
60
n
c-6
18.8
21.1
36.8
0
60
H
c-12
0.24
023
0.57
1
72
n
c-13
0.06
0.08
0.19
42
90
n
c-24
0.05
0.08
0.14
41
96
fi
c-30
0.77
0.76
4.76
1
102
n
c-37
0.15
0.16
026
7
72
ti
c-38
0.14
0.14
025
9
54
Note: Mean grain size (Mz) calculated using Folk and Ward's (1954) parameters.
Grain size given in millimeters.
B-8
-------
samples taken in 1974 and in 1981 showed consistency in median grain size for each
shoal, but distribution of sizes within each sample varied considerably, as shown by the
differences in mean grain size (Table B-3). The difference was most extreme for the
inner shoal, which had a large percentage of fines in 1981 but not in 1974. The outer
shoal was more poorly sorted in 1974 than 1981, and had slightly more coarse material.
Without more sampling, it is not possible to evaluate how close the samples are to the
average or extremes of the dredged sediments. The sediments of the inner shoal appear
to be primarily fluvial in origin, transported during winter and spring freshets. The
outer shoal is made of littoral sand, perhaps including sand that had been transported
beyond the jetties and injected into the littoral system. The extent of intrusion of littoral
sediments into the estuary and ejection of fluvial sediments out of the river mouth is
controlled by the river discharge. High discharge pushes fluvial sediments out, while low
discharge allows littoral sands to move upstream.
Table B-3
Chetco River Entrance Samples
Sample Location DSO Mz D90 % fines
1971
1 St 12 0295 027 0.64 2
2 St 9 0.84 0.80 10.4 2
wz
1 Out shoal 6.0 423 10.9 1
1974
1 Buoy 9 6.9 5.66 23.0 0
2 End N jetty 0.74 0.84 6.4 1
12ZG
1 Buoy 9 0.60 0.77 10.0 4
1981
1 Buoy 9 6.0 1.74 23.0 20
2 End N jetty 0.71 0.69 1.5 0
Note: Grain size given in millimeters.
Conditions in the ZSF
15 The headlands, cliffs, stacks and the rocky, submarine outcrops in the Chetco
Cove area are part of the Dothan Formation of Late Jurassic time. The Dothan
Formation consists of thin to thick, hard, bedded sandstone and mudstone with minor
amounts of volcanic rock (greenstone), chert and conglomerate. These were deposited
in continental slope and deep ocean floor environments shoreward of the island arc that
is represented by the Otter Point Formation (Beaulieu and Hughes 1976). The Dothan
B-9
-------
formation is separated from the more highly deformed Otter Point Formation to the
west by the Carpenterville shear Zone (Dott 1971). The Carpenterville Shear Zone is a
zone of thrusting, along which the Otter Point Formation moved relatively eastward
beneath the Dothan Formation in Late Jurassic or Cretaceous time. This shear zone
lies at least two miles west of the Chetco study area and is considered to be inactive
(Beaulieu and other 1976). Very little is known about the bedrock structure adjacent to
the Chetco study area. No faults have been mapped or projected into the study area
(USACE 1986).
1.5.1 The topography of the sea bed in the ZSF is highly irregular. There are rock
pinnacles both in the northwest part of the surveyed area and along the east and
southern sides of the designated disposal site, as well as scattered outcrops throughout
the area. The bed directly west of the Chetco river mouth is relatively smooth down to
a depth of at least 78 feet The slope there is about 15.6/1000, but such regularity is the
exception within the ZSF. In general, the contours arc, forming an embayment opening
toward the southwest.
1.5.2 The quantities of material disposed at the designated disposal site have not
created a noticeable mound. Bathymetric surveys made in 1984 and 1985 showed no
change in the bed topography. However, in the northeastern part of the site, the border
between the zones designated in the seismic survey as "sand/silt" and "scattered rock
exposures" is marked by higher ground on the "sand/silt" side. This indicates a
somewhat thicker sediment layer in the "sand/silt" zone.
1.53 Though the bathymetric surveys are unable to give a detailed picture of the
surface of the disposal site, inspection by divers in 1978 gave some idea of the small
scale topography of the bed both within and outside the site. Shortly after a dump, the
bed was found to be covered with rolling, non-oriented mounds with a relief of about
one to two feet, and an unstable substrate. In areas unaffected by dredging, the sandy
bottom appeared to be flat with ripples one to three inches apart Where no sediment
covered the bed, the rolling, rocky substrate featured shelves and ledges two to if our feet
high, crevices and depressions (USACE 1978). No followup survey was done to see how
the mounds of disposal material were modified through time.
1.5.4 Figure B-4 shows the results of the July 1985 sidescan sonar survey of the Chetco
ZSF. The ZSF contains a wide variety of bottom conditions and materials. Generally,
this area can be segregated into scattered rock exposures and massive rock outcrops in
the south, east and northeast, and more or less continuous sediment covering the north,
center and southwest What was interpreted as "sand-silt" covered all of the latter
section except for a portion of the center where there is "coarse sand or gravel." Bottom
sampling confirmed the "coarse sand or gravel" as being that, while the "sand/silt" fell
clearly into the range of sand.
1.5.5 Three subsurface seismic profiles were made in an east west direction (see Figure
B-5). They show the unconsolidated sediment cover ranging from 4 to 46 feet thick,
with exposed or near surface rock in places. Profile 1 is in the south. It begins in the
east with very thin sediment cover and exposed mounds of bedrock. From mark 216
westward, the sediment layer gradually increases to a maximum thickness of 46 feet.
Profile 2 transects the disposal site. It goes from exposed rock in the east through a
B-10
-------
-------
WEST
MARK
aa ki
o l I
ki
bl
b.
<
>
liJ
111
EAST
BO
219
El*
217
210
214
Sediment
213 212 til 210
I ¦ o
II « I I I I I I I
4ir iii itao ieer son tsoo wr ss» mo «i*r
Ml
Ul
O *
w O
IS *000 1417 SSSS
>
111
DISTANCE IN FEET
mark
»-
w
4
>
WEST
WEST
MARK 194 IS8
DISTANCE IN FEET
3
ai_2i
_IW__IJ0_I^M^«_l^8_^4_
EAST
s
Sediment
Rock
o
<
>
M
J
W
o
o-
o
o-
m
8
¦8
e
ho
S
w
w
m.
>
ui
^^i_-
-------
wedge of sediment that thickens to about IS feet, which is maintained through the
disposal area until abruptly pinching out at the west end. The third profile shows 15 to
25 feet of sediment for 2/3 of the way from east to west, with rocks poking up in several
places in the western third. The bedrock surface is irregular with pinnacles protruding
through the covering in numerous places.
B-13
-------
OCEANOGRAPHIC PROCESSES
Coastal Circulation
2.1 Coastal circulation near the Chetco ZSF is directly influenced by large-scale
regional currents and weather patterns in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Seasonal and
short period currents due to regional weather patterns are more important at Chetco
than farther north. Strub et al. (1987) describe a transition in oceanographic regimes
near the latitude of Chetco. During winter, strong low pressure systems with winds and
waves predominantly from the southwest contribute to strong northward currents.
During the summer, high pressure systems dominate and waves and winds are commonly
from the north. In both seasons, there are fluctuations related to local wind, tidal and
bathymetric effects. The configuration of the coastline minimizes the effects of southerly
waves in the summer at Chetco. Along the southern Oregon coast, this southerly wind
in summer creates a mass transport of water offshore which results in upwelling of
bottom water nearshore. Figure B-6 illustrates these influences at Chetco.
Ocean Waves and Tide
22 Ocean waves arriving at Chetco 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. 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 swell. Waves generated by local winds, i.e., seas,
generally approach the coastline from the SW to S sectors during autumn and winter,
but from the N to NW sectors in spring and summer. The longer period swells
generated by more distant storms approach generally from the NW to W or W to SW
sectors. Local storms are considered to generate higher waves than swell with the
highest waves always occurring during the winter and approaching from the SW to S
sectors. The shortest sea and swell periods occur during the summer. Longest period
swell generally occurs during autumn while longest period seas occur during winter.
Figure B-7 illustrates the variability in monthly significant wave height Wave hindcasts,
(WES), are plotted in Figure B-7 for comparison with the Yaquina ten-year monthly
average and Coquille 1985 monthly average. Chetco 1985 monitoring data are plotted
as an average in Figure B-7 and in detail on Figure B-10.
22.1 Superimposed upon the slowly-vaiying regional or seasonal circulation are
periodic currents due to the tides, which are very important nearshore. Tidal currents
are rotary currents that change direction following the period of the tide. Thus, the tidal
currents generally flood and ebb twice daily. 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 with the maximum velocities associated with tides, including spring tide
effects.
B-14
-------
SUMMER CIRCULATION
NORTH
WINTER CIRCULATION
NORTH
Figure B-6
Oregon Coastal Circulation
B-15
-------
SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT
MEAN MONTHLY
14
• Q
IS
10
II
T
S
4
2
9
~ YAQ 1972-81
MONTHS
X WIS IS5S-75 • CHCTCO
O COQ ISM
-------
These tidal influences were additive to currents produced by surface waves and winds.
One station closest to the estuary was noticeably affected by the ebb current.
Local Processes
23 The Chetco ocean disposal site is within 1 mile of the estuary entrance. Boggs
and Jones (1976) work on the Sixes estuary illustrates the varying influence of tidal and
river forces. The Chetco is similar to the Sixes in that both are strongly influenced by
river discharge, especially in winter months when net transport is seaward under high
riverflow. By contrast, during summer, low riverflow net transport is into the estuary.
This constant, but seasonally 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. The Sixes shows little or no longterm accumulation of fine sediments in the
estuary and net bypassing of sand-size sediments into the ocean. This should also be
true of the Chetco. Figure B-8 illustrates these local processes.
23.1 The Chetco estuary is very small, having a surface area of about 140 acres (Percy
and others 1974). The mean diurnal tidal prism is 29 x lCf cu. ft. (Table B-4). The
Chetco River is 58 miles long and drains an area of 359 sq. mi. Mean annual discharge
is 1,685 cfs, with the greatest flow in February, averaging 4000 cfs, and low flow in
September of about 130 cfs. The mean annual discharge for a 6-hour period is 3.67 x
10 cu. ft. Peterson et.al. (1984) use the hydrographic ratio (HR) 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. During summer low riverflows, the HR for the Chetco is
over 10. For the average annual riverflow, the HR is less than 1. On an annual basis,
bedload sediment is probably discharged to the ocean at Chetco (Peterson, personal
communication).
Table B-4
Important Characteristics of the Study Area
Drainage Estuarine Avg. River HR
Basin Area Tidal Prism Discharge Hydro Maximum
Project Sq. Miles Cu. Ft 1CP Cu. Ft/Sec Ratio Discharge
(A) (P) (D) (P/6D)
Chetco 359 29 1,700 <1 66000
Note: 6D is the volume of discharge for a 6-hour period; the numbers are from Percy
et al. (1974) and Johnson (1972).
B-17
-------
^rewep- $!^ND
I
I-
OCEAN
STREAMBANK
EROSION.>*•-
,{>
11 I.'
DISPOSAL
SAND
^ ^REMOVAL
BEACH /.^
• • >-(•
WAVES
SURFACE
EROSION
I FILL - V'
RIVER
DISCHARGE^
s " ^SHOALS SW. tO
SHOALS
'' ESTUARY
• ->t SEDIMENTATION
BEACH
RIP
CURRENTS
•# /TV. . I • • '
• \ # • V. • ••
DUNES
WAVES
CLIFF
LANDSLIDE
HEADLAND
Figure B-8
Local Processes
B-18
-------
Site Monitoring
2.4 Current meters were deployed near the Chetco ocean disposal site in 1985. The
meters were attached to moorings at depths from 72 to 78 feet. Bottom current records
were obtained from April 13-27 and from July 14-28, 1985. These periods were picked
to represent typical winter and summer conditions. Figure B-9 illustrates the daily
average bottom current speed and direction for the summer record. In this 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.
2.4.1 Wave records near the ocean disposal site were obtained from April 14-27 and
from July 14-28, 1985. Significant wave heights were computed for these six-month
periods as shown in Figure B-10. The short period records were analyzed for directional
wave spectra as well as the period and significant height. The wave and current data
with grain size and depth were used to compute a predicted sediment transport rate and
direction for the period.
2.4.2 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 currents at the 25-m-deep disposal site averaged between 20 and 30 cm/s at
one-third the water depth during the summer and 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 Chetco disposal site since both sites are in similar depth regimes.
B-19
-------
-90°
4.0 (ft./sec.)
2.0
0
180°
Velocity Distribution
Chetco (July 14 - July 28,1985)
Figure B-9
Current Data at Chetco
B-20
-------
AVE DAILY SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT
AT CHETtfb APRIL 1989
20 i
20
24
22
26
18
14
AVE DAILY SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT
AT CHETCO JULY 1985
5-
4-
15 IT 19 21 25 25 2T
Figure B-10
Wave Data at Chetco
B-21
-------
SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
The Littoral System
3.1 Introduction. At the Chetco dredging project, offshore disposal sites must be
located to keep dredged material in the active littoral zone for downdrift beach
nourishment and to prevent the dredged material from returning to the entrance
channel. This requires knowledge of the direction and rate of longshore transport as
well as offshore transport. Previous sections contained discussions of geologic factors and
the oceanographic environment which affect sediment transport. This section will
contain a discussion of this information as it applies to the littoral system and sediment
movement at the Chetco disposal site.
3.1.1 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 Chetco ZSF attests to the efficiency of this mechanism. Sediments
sand size or coarser may be occasionally suspended by wave action near the bottom, and
are moved by bottom currents or directly 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
3.1.2 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 longterm wave data from Newport (Creech 1981), the following
table was derived for sand transport off Oregon.
Depth-Limited Transport
32 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 02 mm sand size, common
off Chetco and Coos Bay. In general, the probability of wave-induced sand movement is
very small beyond a depth of about 150 feet Various sedimentologic studies have
Table B-5
Surf/Shoal Zone Depths
littoral (Surf Zone) Offshore (Shoal Zone'i
Summer
Winter
Annual
0-28 Feet
0-51 Feet
0-44 Feet
28-83 Feet
51-268 Feet
44-142 Feet
B-22
-------
suggested an offshore limit of modern sand movement at the 60-foot depth, while others
push this limit out to over 100 feet. Recent work suggests that this offshore limit can be
better defined for specific areas. Work on this is in progress (Peterson, personal
communication).
Chetco Littoral Cell
33 Figure B-2 shows the Cape Ferrelo littoral Cell which extends approximately 40
km north from Point St. George to Cape Ferrelo and contains the Chetco, Winchuck
and Smith Rivers. Sandy beaches extend over 20 km south from the Smith River and
about 8 km south from the Chetco River. Seacliffs and terraces, with scattered pocket
beaches, make up the remainder of the shoreline. Based on comparison of tidal and
river discharge, it appears that both the Chetco and Smith Rivers are presently
contributing sediments to the littoral cell. The quantity of sediment carried by the Smith
River has resulted in a progradational shoreline. Heavy mineral assemblages of the
rivers (Kulm et al. 1968) correlate with the littoral sand mineralogies within the littoral
cell (Peterson, personal communication). This indicates that the primary source of sand
within the cell is riverine. Less is known about shoreline source contributions, although
the progradational nature of the Smith River area would indicate little shoreline retreat
in this area. There are indications that little or no sediment is bypassed at the southern
headland, while the northern boundary is less distinct (Peterson, personal
communication).
Table B-6 identifies the possible sources and losses of littoral sediments in the littoral
cell:
Table B-6
Sources and Losses of Littoral Sediments
Sources
Losses
1. Rivers
Chetco
Smith
1. Estuaries
2. Dune Growth
3. Headland Bypass
2. Erosion
Dunes
Terraces
Seacliffs
4. Offshore Transport
5. Ocean Disposal
3. Headland Bypassing
4. Onshore Transport
B-23
-------
Chetco Sediment Transport
3.4 As shown by Figure B-12, the rocky headlands north of the Chetco disposal site
limits wave approach from the north and the seaward extension of Point St. George
limits southerly waves. LEO observations support net nearshore transport to the south
as does the extension of the shoreline between the Smith River and Point St. George.
From previous studies, there is estimated to be a potential for up to 370,000 cubic yards
of sand and gravel discharged by the Chetco annually, of which less than 100,000 cubic
yards is sand sized. LEO data indicates most or all of this material is transported
southward. The thinness of the sediment cover shown by geophysical mapping may
support this.
3.4.1 Figure B-ll is a generalized description of seasonal sediment transport in the
Chetco ZSF using available information. The bathymetry and sediments are complex
offshore, influencing any theoretical predictions. From both Hallermeier (1981) and
observed currents and sediment mineralogy, the zone of active bottom sediment
movement probably extends to almost -150 feet. The area where longshore currents
predominate is shoreward of about - 60 feet. The summer current records indicate
southerly transport with both onshore and offshore components. During the winter
storms, the Chetco River discharges sands and gravels in the nearshore. As riverflow
drops, some of the gravels accumulate to form an inner channel shoal while the finer
sands accumulate in the nearshore next to the south jetty. There is no longterm
sediment accumulation offshore of Chetco as indicated by the thinness of the sediment
layer. During the summer, there is a net southward transport of the sand-size sediment.
Ocean Disposal Site
3.5 Chetco Point on the north protects the disposal site somewhat from northwesterly
storms. Offshore, there are large areas of bare rock or scattered rock exposures. There
is a relatively thin and discontinuous layer of fine sand and gravel with no distinctive
mounding or thickening related to river or disposal sediments. The highly irregular
offshore bathymetry also affects the rate and direction of bottom sediment movement.
There is no bathymetric evidence of past disposal. Disposing of 48,000 cubic yards
annually, as in the past, should cause no mounding problems in the future.
3.5.1 Bottom photographs from 1978 seem to distinguish fresh disposal material from
native sediments, but there is such a wide variety of bottom types and sediment types
that sediment compatibility should be no problem. Due to the diversity of bottom
sediment and small quantity of disposal, there is no need for a continuous monitoring
program. If disposal operations change or a potential impact is identified, further
bottom photography and sampling would be warranted.
B-24
-------
LITTORAL SYSTEM AT CHETCO RIVER
•Lets
H«t Transport
NORTH
CMl FERRCLO
PT
41* SO1
POINT ST MORSE
SOUTH BOUNDARY
Figure B-ll
Chetco Littoral System
B-25
-------
9
8
\
TWANSPOWT
1 «INT(H
^ tUHMCt
CHETCO RIVER. OREGON
APPROACHES
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Baldwin, E. M.f 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. Mia Ind. Bull. 80. 82 pp.
Beaulieu J. D. and 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.
Boggs, S. and CA. Jones, 1976. Seasonal Reversal of Flood-tide Dominant sediment
Transport in a Small Oregon Estuary. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. v87, pp 419-426.
Byrne, J. V. 1963. Geomorphology of the Oregon Continental Terrace south of Coos
Bay: Ore Bin v25 pp 149-157.
Chesser, S. A., and C.D. 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.
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.
Grey, J. J., and LD. 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. Sollitt, 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 not DACW57-79.C0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
Johnson, J.W., 1972. Tidal Inlets on the California, Oregon and Washington Coasts.
Hyd. Eng. Lab. Pub. HEL 24-12, UC Berkely, CA
Kulm, LD., 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.
B-27
-------
Kulm, L.D. K.F. Scheidegger, J.V. Byrne, and J J. Spigai, 1968. A preliminary
investigation of the heavy mineral suites of the coastal rivers and beaches of
Oregon and Northern California. Ore Bin v30, pp 165-184.
Nelson, P.O., C.K. Sollitt, KJ. Williamson, and D.R. Hancock, 1983. Coos Bay Offshore
Disposal Site Investigation interim Report, Phase n-m, 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, P.C. Klingeman, 1974. Description and Information
Sources for Oregon Estuaries. Sea Grant/ Oregon State University, Corvallis,
OR. 294 pp.
Peterson, C.D., W. 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. v56, pp 86-97.
Ramp, L, 1973. Metallic mineral resources, (in) E.M. Baldwin, and J.D. Beaulieu, (eds.)
Geology and Mineral Resources of Coos County, OR: Oregon Dept. Geol. Min.
Ind. Bull. 80, pp 41-62.
Runge, E J., 1966. Continental Shelf Sediments, Columbia River to Cape Blanco,
Oregon. 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.
Stembridge, J.E., 1976. Recent Shoreline Changes of the Oregon Coast: National
Technical Information Service (AD A04 8436), Springfield, VA, 46 pp.
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, v92, 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, 1978. Chetco River Hopper
Dredge Scheduling Analysis. Portland, OR.
B-28
-------
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.
B-29
-------
M APPENDIX C
-------
APPENDIX C
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 General C-l
1.6 Current Study C-3
LITERATURE CITED C-13
LIST OF TABLES
labls
C-l Physical Analysis of Chetco River Sediments C-7
C-2 Chemical Analysis of Chetco River Boat
Basin Sediments C-12
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
C-l Columbia River Entrance Channel and ODMDS C-2
C-2 Coos Bay Sample Station Locations C-4
C-3 Coos Bay ODMDS: Recovery of Selected Sediment Chemical
Parameters at Disposal Site-Samples Containing Dredged
Material C-5
C-4 Sediment Sampling Stations at the Chetco ODMDS
and Dredging Site C-6
C-5 - Gradation Curves, Chetco River Entrance Channel, 1974 C-8
C-6 Gradation Curves, Chetco River Entrance Channel, 1981 C-9
C-7 Gradation Curves, Chetco ODMDS, 1985 C-ll
-------
APPENDIX C
SEDIMENT AND WATER QUALITY
General
1.1 General criterion (b) and specific factors 4, 9, and 10 of 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6
require sediment and water quality evaluations indicative of both the dredging areas and
disposal sites. 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 Chetco with
the exception that some coarser sediments, including gravels, make 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 Chetco 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
Corps of Engineers 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 C-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 a
fine to very fine sand (median grain diameter = 0.11 - 0.15 mm).
13 Monitoring results indicated a mound of slightly coarser sediment within the site
that gradually mixed with ambient sediments and dissipated over several months. Water
quality monitoring during disposal showed no elevation of toxic heavy metals, including
Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, with some nontoxic elevation of Fe and Mil Nutrient fluctuations
were associated primarily with tidal variations, as were chlorophyll A and particulate
organic carbon. Dissolved oxygen remained high throughout disposal operations.
Sediment quality remained high, 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.
C-l
-------
?o-
I 5'
46*10*
WASHINGTON
SCALE
OREGON
10'
03'
124*
55'
123*5
Columbia River entrance channel and OOMOS
(From Boone ef al. 1978).
Figure C-l
Colombia River Entrance Channel and ODMDS
C-2
-------
Oil & 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 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. This was done to designate 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, U.SA.C.E. 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 C-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 and in some cases approached acute toxicity thresholds.
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 18-month monitoring period (Figure C-
3). Total volatile solids level was found to be the most sensitive and reproducible
indicator of contaminants levels and its use was recommended as a monitoring tool to
utilize during further disposal operations at site H.
Current Study
1.6 Sediment samples from the channel of the Chetco Federal navigation project
were collected by COE, Portland District in June 1974 and February 1981. The Chetco
offshore disposal site was sampled in August 1985. Locations of these sampling stations
are shown in Figure C-4. Volatile solids in the channel sediments were slightly elevated
over those at the disposal site (Table C-l).
1.7 The grain size distribution curves for Chetco channel sediments show poorly
sorted sandy gravel in the portion of the channel that is actively dredged (Figures C-5
and C-6). The sample taken from the vicinity of Buoy 9 (RM 0.15) in 1981 was an
C-3
-------
OFFSHORE
AREA G
H2
H4
•G5
fNEARSHORE
AREA F I
MIDDLE
AREA H
F4
G4
G2
COOS BAY
MOUTH
AREA E
Coos Boy sample station locations for chemical,
biological, and physical studies of Interim—designated and
candidate ODMDS (From U.S.A.C.E. Portland District 1984).
Figure C-2
Coos Bay Sample Station Locations
C-4
-------
'A. Vol. Solid*
J I L.
_L
_L
0.0
0.5 1.0
TIME (Y«ors)
1.5
(From Sol lift et ol. 1984).
Figure C-3
Coos Bay ODMDS: Recoveiy of Selected Sediment Chemical Parameters at
Disposal Site-Samples Containing Dredged Material
C-5
-------
on e o o m
Chatco Pt.
Brookings
Boot
Basin
C—12
C—13
C— I
t 4/
r. »*o
Scale In Yards
noo
Figure C-4
Sediment Sampling Stations at the Chetco ODMDS and Dredging Site
C-6
-------
Table C-l
Physical Analysis of Chetco River Sediments
Samole
0
Site
Date
X silts
X vol a t i 1
1
end of
north jetty
4
Jun
1974
0.0
2.24
2
nee r
buoy 09
4
Jun
1974
0.0
2.13
1
end of
north jetty
17
Feb
1981
0.0
1 .29
2
near
buoy 09
17
Feb
19B1
20.0
7.19
C • 1
E. corner
disposal site
Jul
1985
0.0
2.2
C- 12
a i dd I e i
d i spos a I site
Jul
1985
0.0
2.7
C-13
U. of di spots I site
Jul
1985
40.0
4.9
C-7
-------
u s. stamdaxo sm ortitmc m wcmu
< i > i+ i i + 4 » «
U. S. SUNOAftO SCVC NUMBERS
6 I 10 1« 16 20 30 40 SO 70 100 l«0 200
HYMONCTEX
£
o
3
a.
to
•M*
O
B
n
a
8
-------
2
C
3
a.
BO
a
e
a
tD
M
9
n
© a
li
® o
w
B
s
9
U.S. ITAN0AH3 Sievt OWNING IN INCHES U.S. STAXJAH) SIlVl NUmMCJ
« 4 11 1ft » Vt HH 3 4 4 110 UU W 30 40 30 70 KO UO 700
HTDtOMCTTI
J2,
S
o
00
A
13
1 I
5
B
y
I: -1! I I \l I
iim^i
44!11 1
I 0 5
GRAIN SIZ! MIlllMfTCKS
0 01 0.003
Gt*m
count
| Hit <1 |
11
m
•w*oRTVER/COASTAL SEDIMENT ANALYSIS
Entrance 1
sand rs?i 1 I |
1
1 1 1
Buov 9 1
Si. Sa. GRAVEL (GM)
1 1
Cheto River
1 1 1 1 1 1
Boat Basin - Dock E
SILT (ML)
1 |
lOfMC »o
GCAOATX3N CURVES
NPD
17 Februarv 1981 fBl-S-816>
2087
iirua *ts po*» *o 04i. 19 1*41. wmoi a oucuit
I fwna* »r«l
-------
exception, showing about 20 percent siltpresent. This is the Tier I threshold value at
which Portland District's tiered testing guidelines recommend chemical testing.
However, there is no historical evidence of pollution and disposal site sediments (Figure
C-7) generally have characteristics similar to those in the channel.
1.8 No chemical analysis of sediments that are presently ocean-disposed, or of
sediments at the ODMDS, has been completed. The federal project at Chetco, however,
does extend into the boat basin and chemical analyses have been performed on finer
sediments there (Table C-2). Disposal of these materials at the ODMDS would require
a separate evaluation, possibly including bioassay testing, according to 40 CFR 227.13(c)
and 22732. However, the COE has not dredged this part of the project since its
construction and is unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future. It is appropriate,
therefore, to designate the Chetco ODMDS based on projected disposal of main river
entrance channel sediments only.
C-10
-------
o
o
3
a
SB
tt
e
a
&
V)
93
12
o
D
w
*
§
tn
&
o
~
StfnpM No.
C-l
C—12
c-ra
aiftMioMOmvc araman mous us. standaro sieve numbers
• IS » 4 I 4 +4 S 4 ft I 10 14 IS 20 JQ 40 50 70 100 140 100
MTOMMETa
i as
DRAIN SIZE IN MILLIMETERS
aoi aoa
COS BUS
BUWD.
SAND
SILT OR CLAY
coMta I m
cauaz | mdu* I ma
Vm or Depth
CHETCO ROCKS (E of dlspotal)
Mlddl* of dUposol oroo
Wert of dltpoool of o
NH «X
LI
PL
GRADATION CURVES
Nf*D
Pwjicl
CHETCO OFFSHORE
*—
Bortnt Ha
ob. AUGUST I98S
-------
Table C-2
Chemical Analysis of Chetco River Boat Basin Sediments
Sample
*
Site
Date
X silts
X volatile
solids
2
turning basin entrance
6
Apr 1982
89
not measured
4
upper end turning becin
6
Apr 1962
38
not neasured
S BRD t e
«
As Cd
Cr
Co
Fe
Pb
Hn
Hq
Zn
I in
DDm)
2
9 J
10
37
9000
<10
300
0.14
41
4
8 3
30
72
20000
20
220
0.15
85
Sanol e
1
Chlordane ODD
ODE
D i e1dr i n
L indane
Methoxvehlor
PCBs
( i n
DDb)
2
B.D. 8.D.
0
.1
B.D.
B.D.
6.0.
1
4
2 0.1
B
.0.
0.1
0.1
1.5
S
(B.D.
s Below Detection Linitc)
C-12
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Boone, C.G., MA Granat, and M.P. Farrell. 1978. Aquatic disposal field
investigations, Columbia River disposal site, Oregon: Evaluative summary.
DMRP Technical Report D-77-30. Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. 100 pp.
Fuhrer, GJ. 1984. Chemical analyses of elutriates, native water, and bottom material
from the Chetco, Rogue, and Columbia Rivers in western Oregon. Open-file
Report 84-133. U.S. Geological Survey, Portland, OR. 57 pp.
Hancock, D.R., P.O. Nelson, C.K. Sollitt, and KJ. 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, LI. Gordon, and LF. 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., C.K. Sollitt, KJ. Williamson, and D.R. Hancock. 1984. Coos Bay offshore
disposal site investigation, interim report, Phases n, m. Oregon State University
contract report. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR.
Sollitt, CJC, 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.SA.C.E. Portland District 1984. Coos Bay offshore disposal site investigation,
summary. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, OR. 31
pp.
C-13
-------
n APPENDIX D
-------
APPENDIX D
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Recreational Use Areas D-l
1.6 Impacts of Disposal Operations D-l
1.10 Conclusion D-3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figyre
D-l Recreational Use Areas D-2
-------
APPENDIX D
RECREATIONAL USES
Recreational Use Areas
1.1 The Chetco Bay area is popular with recreationists because of the spectacular
coastal scenery and excellent fishing opportunities both offshore and in the Chetco
River. The area is increasing in popularity as a small boat harbor and has excellent
facilities for the thousands of anglers who fish here annually. Figure D-l identifies the
recreational use areas located within the ZSF. Primary activities include fishing,
camping and sightseeing.
1.2 Sporthaven County Park is the only public park located within the ZSF. This
trailer park is located adjacent to the boat basin and is used primarily by fishermen.
Harris Beach State Park is located approximately 2 miles north of Brookings. This
facility is not within the ZSF but is close enough to the proposed site that it may
experience some impacts from disposal operations.
13 Easy access and good fishing opportunities make this one of the most popular
jetty fisheries along the Oregon Coast The most popular season of use is April through
October. Perch and rockfish are popular from spring through summer followed by
salmon fishing beginning in the late summer and extending into early fall.
1.4 Some of the northwest coast's best offshore fishing is available off the mouth of
the Chetco River. Charter boat services are available year-round but are most popular
during salmon season from July through September. The remainder of the year, the
charter boats fish the nearby coastal reefs for bottom fish.
13 The rocky coastline of southern Oregon offers some unique recreational
opportunities not found along the northern beaches. Abalone are abundant around the
rocks and can be harvested during extremely low tides. The proximity of the rocks to
the shoreline also provide anglers the opportunity to fish for rockfish and bottom fish
from the shore. In addition, the area has some gravel pockets along the beach which
are reported to be good for digging littleneck clams.
Impacts of Disposal Operations
1.6 The disposal site identified on the map is located in a popular offshore fishing
area. Few conflicts are expected to occur between fishermen and dredge operations
because of the availability of alternate fishing sites. The displacement of fishing boats
D-l
-------
BOTTOM FISH
Chetco Pt.
Brookings
SHORE FISHING
JETTY FISHING
Boot
Basin /
MAJOR SALMON FISHING
SPORTHAVEN COUNTY PARK'
•••
Scale In Yards
IOOO
Figure D-l
Recreational Use Areas
D-2
-------
from the dump site during disposal operations would be an inconvenience to fishermen
but does not pose a threat to any recreational activity.
1.7 Additional conflicts between disposal operations and recreationists could occur as
the dredging vessel is enroute to the disposal site. These conflicts could include time
delays for recreational boaters caused by the passing of the dredge, an increase in
navigation hazards during congested periods particularly at the mouth of the river, and
disruption of fishing activity as the dredge passed through popular fishing areas. None
of these conflicts pose a serious threat to recreational activity. The only serious threat is
the potential for collisions between recreational boaters and dredge traffic.
Confrontations of this nature are rare due to the slow speed at which the dredge moves.
The potential for collisions can be expected to remain low unless there is a significant
change in operating procedures.
1.8 When dredge material is deposited at the disposal site, the surrounding water
conditions will deteriorate. This will result in a reduced visual quality of the area and
could possibly disrupt the feeding patterns of sport fish. Both of these situations would
be temporary and normal conditions would return as soon as the sediment had settled.
1.9 Sediment deposition along the beach is another possible consequence of disposal
operations. If the slope of the beach is altered significantly, it could impact local clam
beds. Another potential problem with beach nourishment is the accumulation of foreign
material on the beaches. If the dredged material is a different color or texture than the
existing material, the result could be a reduction in the visual quality of the area.
Conclusion
1.10 Continued use of the current disposal site should have little impact on existing
recreation. Some inconveniences will be experienced by recreational boaters and
fishermen, but disposal operations appear to pose no serious threat to recreation.
1.11 If future studies indicate that disposal operations are either detrimental to ocean
fauna or are found to be disrupting sediment deposition along the coastline, further
information should be collected to determine more specifically to what extent these
impacts will affect recreation. Until any of these impacts are observed, future disposal
of dredge material at the present site is not expected to have any substantial effects on
recreatioa
D-3
-------
„ APPENDIX E
-------
APPENDIX E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page
1.1 Prehistoric Cultural Resources E-l
1.4 Historical Overview E-l
1.15 Historical Cultural Resources E-3
121 Chetco Project Shipwrecks E-5
LITERATURE CITED E-8
LIST OF TABLES
Table
E-l Occupations (1860 - 1900) E-4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
E-l Shipwreck Frequencies E-6
-------
APPENDIX E
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Prehistoric Cultural Resources
1.1 The earliest known inhabitants of the area in which the towns of Brookings and
Harbor are now located were the Chetco Indians. The Chetco, who referred to
themselves as the Cheti, are believed to have first settled in the area around 1,000-3,000
years ago. Considered one of the largest of the twelve coastal tribes, the Chetco
inhabited nine villages in the vicinity of the Chetco River (1). Their territory included
the land between Cape Ferrelo and the Winchuck River and to the east as far as the
coast range (2).
12 The details of Chetco prehistory have not been defined (3). According to the
Oregon State Historic Preservation Office records, only two archeological sites have
been reported in the vicinity of the Chetco River mouth (4). These sites probably are
the remains of historically reported Chetco Indians villages.
13 Little is known of the economy of the historic Chetco Indians (5). Their location
at the mouth and lower reaches of the Chetco River suggests similarities with other
coastal Indian groups. Consistent with this view, the most likely uses of the project
areas would have been as a transportation route and a procurement area for fish or
marine mammals, although historic evidence indicates that tidal zones, beaches, rocky
shorelines, and estuaries were the primary areas within which marine resources were
taken (6). If offshore areas were used during subsistence activities, it is unlikely that
these activities or the artifacts of technology employed during subsistence would leave
any significant cultural deposits within the study area.
Historical Overview
1.4 The first recorded white man to contact the Chetco Indians was Jedediah Smith.
Smith led a party of eighteen fur trappers from the Great Salt Lake to California and
then north along the Pacific coast The party camped along the Chetco River on 24
June 1828 (7). In the early 1830s, following Smith's expedition, fur trappers began to
travel northward along the Pacific coast over what developed as the California-Oregon
Coast Route. When the travelers reached the Chetco River, they encountered a ferry
operated by the Chetco Indians. It was not until 1853 that the first permanent settlers
arrived in Chetco. The settlers, consisting of twelve white males, established their
homesteads in the midst of the Chetco territory (8).
1.5 Relations between the Chetco Indians and the settlers were friendly until 1854.
At this time, A. F. Miller, one of the original twelve settlers, burned down several
dwellings in an Indian village. Miller, believing that newly discovered gold mines would
attract more settlers to the Chetco area, selected the village site for further expansion
E-l
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(9). These actions resulted in a war with the Chetco Indians. At the end of the war,
the remaining Chetco Indians were placed on reservations.
1.6 By 1860, Chetco had established itself as a community which consisted mainly of
farms. There was no formal town (10). The 1860 U.S. Census reveals that there were
eleven family unit households in the Chetco region. The majority of the heads of
households were either farmers or laborers. The family units were small, averaging two
children apiece. The parents were relatively young, with husbands averaging 35 years of
age and wives, 24 years (11).
1.7 The relationship of Chetco to regional markets is uncertain. Initially, the local
economy focused on subsistence activities. Lack of export commodities inhibited the
growth of a town and limited development of transportation routes. Supplies for the
Chetco households were either taken upriver by boat or packed in over a rough trail
(12). What goods and ties with the outside world the pioneering Chetco community
required is not evident in the historic record. One compiler of shipwrecks records the
loss of 2500 lbs. of freight brought to Chetco from Crescent City, California, in an open
whaleboat (13). Shipments of goods in this small volume in open boats suggests that
they were informally arranged, and occurred on an as-needed basis. Whaleboats,
especially doublended ones, have a tradition of use for short-hauls in the coastal trade,
especially in situations where freight is landed on exposed beaches (14). As export
production increased through the later 1800s, steamers and coastal schooners carried the
agricultural products of the Chetco valley to California markets (15).
1.8 Throughout the late nineteenth century, Chetco grew slowly. It was a struggle for
survival instead of town development In 1880, the census taker found thirty-seven
households in the area. The average number of children per households rose from two
to three, with the average age of the parents rising to 42 for males and 35 for females
(16). The U.S. Censuses up to 1900 revealed farming as the main occupation, followed
closely by laborers. By 1900, the Chetco community had taken on a more settled and
diversified aspect Although the statistics of families remained consistent with those of
1880, the variety of occupations grew. The 1900 census also revealed that dairy farming
had become the prime agricultural activity in the Chetco area. (This information can
be found on table £-1.) Butter and cheese were the main export of the area by 1895
(17). From this time on, dairy products remained an important element of the Chetco
economy.
1.9 During the early 1900s, Judge John L. Childs operated a small water powered
sawmill approximately 12 miles up the Chetco River. He floated cut lumber
downstream and then loaded them by a cable system onto steamers in Chetco Cove
(18). The sawmill closed in 1925, but logs continued to be transported on the Chetco
River to load on Japanese ships until the 1930s.
1.10 In 1912, the Brookings Timber Company from west Minnesota bought land along
the north side of Chetco River to develop a lumber mill. The development of the mill
included the construction of a town, logging railroad, and ocean harbor facilities. This
settlement named Brookings, began in 1913. Since steamers were unable to enter the
Chetco River, all supplies and outgoing lumber were moved on a double track cable
system between the shore and the vessel (19).
E-2
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1.11 The California and Oregon Lumber Company (C&O) bought the Brookings
Lumber Company soon after its construction. C&O built a 1,200 foot wharf from the
shore into Chetco Cove. Over its lifetime, the wharf was used to load 400 million board
feet of timber (20).
1.12 In the early 1920s, there was an attempt to develop port facilities in Brookings.
The Corps of Engineers carried out a preliminary survey, but they did not recommend a
project In 1923, the mills exported $1,871,420 worth of wood and paper products from
the harbor. The largest export in this classification was lumber cut from cedar trees
(21). Before any attempts were made to improve Chetco Cove, the lumber industry
began to decline. In 1924, a slump in the redwood market caused the C&O to close,
ending ten years of business. After the mill's closure, Brookings became deserted except
for a few landholders (22).
1.13 Despite the closure of the lumber mill, low-level freight traffic continued in
Chetco. In 1923, shipments totaled $2,504,020 compared to $1,447,025 in 1925. After
1925, shipments declined rapidly. Between 1926 and 1934, only two years, 1927 and
1929, had any shipments recorded. No commerce, moreover, crossed the bar at Chetco
Cove from 1943 and 1952 (23).
1.14 Brookings began to recover from the failure of the lumber market through the
development of various new markets. Mining, flower bulb sales, and recreational
attractions led to renewed growth of the area. As part of the new expansion, the Corps
constructed two jetties at the mouth of the Chetco River in 1957. These structures
stabilized the channel, benefitting commercial fishing and facilitating the development of
an economy dependent on the natural resources of the region (24).
Historical Cultural Resources
1.15 The primary focus of the ODMDS cultural resource investigations has been a
literature search to locate historic shipwrecks. Documenting the expected type of
cultural resources responds in part to the requirements of historic preservation
legislation for surveys to locate cultural resources, development of procedures to
evaluate their significance, and determination of effects of project undertakings on those
resources. When wrecks are located, this information is added to a shipwreck data base
and used in the initial screening process to determine whether potential projects may
impact shipwreck sites.
1.16 Many of the shipwrecks on the Oregon Coast are documented in the historic
literature. However, the early historic record is frequently incomplete. There is the
possibility that unidentified wrecks are present along the Oregon coastline, since many
vessels operated without reporting their activities. In order to predict the likely
locations of undocumented shipwrecks, wreck site data developed during the literature
search for the ODMDS investigations is used as a basis for a general model of wreck
distribution along the Oregon Coast The model is used to identify likely areas within
each project
site.
E-3
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Table E-l
Occupations Of All Working Individuals In Chetco Area
(1860 - 1900)
Occupations Year
—
1860
1870
- 1880
1900
-Blacksmith
-
1
1
- 1 -
2
-Butter Maker
-
-
-
3
-Carpenter
-
-
- 5 -
1
-Clerk
-
-
1
- -
-
-Cook
-
1
1
- -
-
-Cooper
-
1
1
1
1
-Dairy Farmer
-
-
1
4
-Dairy Laborer
-
-
- 1 -
-
-Farmer
-
10
11
- 5 -
39
-Farm Laborer
-
7
7
- 1 -
21
-Fisherman
-
2
2
-
-
-Goat Herder
-
-
- 1 -
-
-Hotel Keeper
-
-
- -
1
-House Carpenter
-
-
- -
1
-Laborer
-
7
2
24
11
-Lawyer
-
1
1
1
-
-Machinist
—
—
— -
1
-Mail Carrier
-
-
- 1 -
2
-Miner
-
4
4
2
-
-Post Mistress
-
-
-
1
-Prospector
-
-
- -
2
-Raising Stock
-
10
10
11
1
-Sailor
-
-
- 2 -
1
-Teacher
-
-
- -
5
-Wood Chopper
•
1
-Total
44
41
- 57
98
^Compiled from the I860, 1870,
1880,
and 1900 U.S.
Censuses
E-4
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1.17 The shipwreck model operates on the following premises: (1) Wrecks are most
likely to occur during particular seasons of the year; and (2) during these periods, wrecks
are deposited in particular areas as determined primarily by current and wind patterns.
Modeling the seasonality of wrecks and integrating the general area of wreck sites has
produced the following wreck site distribution shown on Figure E-l. Relying on
previous investigations of other coastal settings (Yaquina Bay, Coquille, Columbia River
Mouth) (25), the beaches and former surf zones are the areas with the highest likelihood
of historic wrecks. The next most likely areas are located in the shallow nearshore
environments- for example, the present surf zones and in the vicinity of navigation
hazards such as reefs, and areas of shoaling. The least likely areas are associated with
depths in which ships can safely operate.
1.18 The model's reliability is conditioned by several factors. For example, a positive
relationship exists between identified wreck sites and the probability of finding
unidentified wrecks. In areas where high levels of ship traffic occur, wreck sites are
more frequent Conversely, in areas where ship traffic is low, wreck sites are infrequent.
The frequency and timing of wrecks in an area may indicate trade activity over a long
period of time. For instance, a long series of wrecks or early isolated wreck sites may
indicate places where early trade with Native Americans occurred, as well as the places
of early pioneer colonization. Finally, wreck sites resulting from seemingly random
events, such as the beaching of Spanish galleons blown off trans- Pacific trade routes, or
the stranding of Japanese junks damaged in their coastal waters and carried on major
ocean currents to the coasts of North America.
1.19 Despite the fact that wrecks are most likely to occur within the shallow-
nearshore environment, Historic Preservation Legislation requires evaluation of all
project areas. In addition, the cultural resource values of shipwrecks may be inversely
related to its association with areas of likely occurrence. That is, wrecks in deep
offshore environments may have a higher research value than those in the high
probability areas. This is because wrecks in deeper areas are more likely to survive
intact, contain the highest density of artifacts and to be the least likely to have been the
focus of salvors or removed as navigation hazards.
1.20 Identifying the likely areas of wreck sites can be a useful tool. As a planning
tool, it will help reduce potential impacts to areas where unreported wrecks may be
found. When there is flexibility in the planning process, project areas can be oriented
away from high probability areas, reducing the likelihood of encountering a submerged
wreck during underwater surveys. If project areas must include high probability locations,
then site evaluations (as with any study area) will include determining whether evidence
of shipwrecks is present
Chetco Project Shipwrecks
121 Whether wreck sites in the Chetco vicinity conform to the general pattern of
wreck distribution along the Oregon coastline can only be inferred. The number of
shipwrecks in the Chetco vicinity is small. The literature search documented the
occurence of only two wrecks within the study area. In 1855, a whaleboat transporting
freight from Crescent City, California, capsized off the Chetco River. Forty years later,
in 1895, the derelict steam auxiliaiy schooner, Maid of Oregon grounded at Chetco. She
E-5
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•0\©
%
J
/ "«W"I •MO
0
v»
V /
OREGON JI
u /
Q
^CHETCO
J RIVER
CALirO'NIA
NC WAOA
to
«0
¦o
\t"
Chetco Pt.
Brookings
IOOO
I
Seal* in lords
i 1 ' 1 1 1 1 ¦ 1 1
JOjJO
Key
Figure E-l
Shipwreck Frequencies
High
Low
Ltast
E-6
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had taken on water earlier in her voyage and had anchored off Chetco to seek aid;
southeast gales drove her ashore (26).
1.22 Hie small number of wrecks is consistent with the general pattern of development
in the Chetco vicinity. Historically, Chetco was never a major shipping point on the
coast Development of its major export commodity, timber, occurred in the early 1900s.
This lumber was cable loaded onto ships bound for the Japanese market. In the 1920s,
lumber production expanded with the construction of the mill and the town of
Brookings. The lumber from the Brookings mill was transported to Crescent City by
railroad rather than by lumber schooner, as was typical of the other lumber ports on the
Oregon Coast
1.23 The sea floor in the project area was investigated using a side scan sonar.
Though this work was primarily undertaken in support of environmental and
geomorphical purposes, side scan sonar images were also evaluated to determine if they
indicated the presence of shipwrecks. Evidence of shipwrecks may include the presence
of structural remains of ships, sediment mounding indicating the burial of vessels, or
ballast or cargo remnants indicating the site of a decayed vessel. No shipwreck
signatures or evidence of shipwrecks (such as piles of ballast stones) were located by the
side scan sonar study of the Chetco study area (27).
E-7
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LITERATURE CITED
1. Peterson, Hmil, R. and Alfred Powers, 1977. A Century of Coos and Curry:
History of Southwest Oregon. Coos-Curry Pioneer and Historical
Association, Coquille, OR, p. 22.
2. Beckham, Steven Dow, 1974. Historical and Archaeological Resources of Oregon
Coastal Zone. Oregon Coastal Conservation and Historical Commission,
Salem, OR, p. 16. For further information on the Chetco Indians, see
reference (5) below.
3. Cressman, Luther, 1977. Prehistory of the Far West. University of Utah Press,
Salt Lake City, UT, pp 194-195.
4. Personnel Communication form the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.
5. Ruby, Robert H. and John A. Brown, 1986. A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the
Pacific Northwest University of Oaklahoma Press, p. 20. Minor, Rick and
Kathiyn Anne Toepel, 1983. Patters of Aboriginal Land Use in the
Southern Oregon Coastal Region. PREHISTORIC PLACES ON THE
SOUTHERN NORTHWEST COAST, Robert Greengo (ed.), Thomas
Burke Memorial Washington State Museum, Seattle, WA.
6. Beckham, Steven Dow, 1977. The Indians of Western Oregon, This Land was
Theirs. Arago Books, Coos Bay, OR, p. 77.
7. Brainard, Max, 16 May 1963. Brookings Background Steeped in Folklore,
Indians, Jedediah Smith First White Visitor. BROOKINGS HARBOR
PILOT. Olsen, Edward G., et al, 1979. Then Til Now in Brookings-
Harbor: A Social History of the Chetco Community Coastal Printing
Company, Brookings, OR, p. 10.
8. Olsen, 1979. p. 11.
9. Peterson and Powers, 1977. p. 88.
10. Olsen, 1979. p. 15.
11. US Census Bureau, 1860. 8th Census of the United States, Curry County,
Oregon. National Archives, Washington, D.C
12. Olsen, 1979. p. 16.
13. West, Victor, n.d., Shipwrecks of the Southern Oregon Coast, 8 volumes,
typescript on file Southern Oregon Community College.
E-8
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14. Blackburn, Grahm, 1978. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ships, Boats, Vessels
and other Water-borne Craft. Woodstock: The Overlook Press.
15. Douthit, Nathan, 1986. The Coos Bay Region, 1890-1944: Life on a Coastal
Frontier. Coos Bay; River West Books.
16. US Census, 1880.
17. State of Oregon, 1897. Biennial Report of the Secretary of State. State Printing
Office, Salem, OR, p. 316.
18. Barret, Marge, 27 September 1974. Remember When: Water Traffic Plays Big
Role. COOS BAY WORLD.
19. Olsen, 1979. pp 27-28.
20. Olsen, 1979. pp 40-41.
21. US Army Corps of Engineers, 1924. Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers,
1924. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., p. 1345.
22. Zelmer, Judy, 22 May 1975. Nutting Home Being Restored. BROOKINGS-
HARBOR PILOT.
23. US Army Corps of Engineers, 1927, 1937, 1953. Annual Report of the Chief of
Engineers 1927,1937, 1953.
24. Government Printing Office, 21st US Congress, Home Document 817, 77th
Congress, 2nd Session, pp 2-4.
25. US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Yaquina Bay Interim Ocean
Disposal Site Evaluation Study. Appendix E. (1985); Columbia River Coal
Export Channel Technical Report Appendix E. (1985); Coquille Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation Study. Appendix E. (1988).
Reports are on file in Portland District Technical Library.
26. West, n.d.:24.
27. US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District March 1986. Geologic and
Seismic Investigation of Oregon Offshore Disposal Sites. Chetco River
Disposal Site. p. 23, Report prepared by Earth Sciences, Palo Alto,
California, and Geo Recon International, Seattle, Washington. Copy on
file in Portland District Technical Library.
E-9
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. APPENDIX F
-------
APPENDIX F
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph
Page
1.1 Comments .
13 Coordination
F-l
F-l
LETTERS
Concurrence Letter from Oregon Department of Land
Conservation and Development
Concurrence Letter from Oregon State Historic
Preservation Office
Concurrence Letters from National Marine Fisheries
Service and U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service
-------
APPENDIX F
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
specific and general disposal site criteria set forth in 40 CFR 228.6 and 228.5,
respectively. The final designation procedures also require documentation of
recommended disposal site compliance with MPRSA and with the following laws:
12 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
13 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 Statements of consistency or concurrence have been received regarding three
State or Federal laws. The statutes and responsible agencies are:
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, all as amended.
Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended
Oregon Department of Land
Conservation and Development
National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended
Oregon State Historic Preservation
Officer
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
as amended
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service
F-l
-------
1.5 Consistency or concurrence letters from these agencies follow. State water
quality certifications, as required by Section 401 of the Gean 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 was accomplished by EPA as
part of the public review process for this EIS.
F-2
-------
Department of Land Conservation and Development
1175 COURT STREET NE, SALEM, OREGON 97310-0590 PHONE (503) 373-0050
July 12, 1988
A. J. Heineman
Chief, Planning Division
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, Oregon 97208-2946
RE: Chetco River Ocean Disposal Site Evaluation
Dear Mr. Heineman:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the draft Ocean Disposal Site
Evaluation for the Chetco 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 OCMl'
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.
James P. Ross
JXix^ctor
JFR:PS/sp
cc: Steve Stevens, COE
Glen Hale, DLCD
-------
Department of Transportation
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Parks and Recreation Division
525 TRADE STREET SE. SALEM. OREGON 97310
April 6, 1988
G. A. Newgard
Chief Regulatory and Resource Branch
Portland Corp of Engineers
PO Box 294 6
Portland, OR 97208-2946
RE: Permanent Off-Shore Disposal Site
Chetco River and Bar
Curry County
Our staff archeologist has reviewed the report prepared l>y
Michael Martin for the proposed permanent off-shore disposal
site for materials dredged from the Chetco River and bar.
The area set up for disposal has been surveyed with a side-
scan sona^qnd was negative. Our office concurs with the
finding Jot "Mo Effect". If you have any questions you can
contact/Or. Lcl/)md Gilsen at 378-5023.
\.
Sine f, \
D. WT^Pow^rs, Deputy
State Historic Preservation Officer
DWP:jn
NEWGARD.LTR
-------
/ V
V®.
AUG I 7 1987
UNITED STATES DLi'ARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oeaanic and Atmospharic 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 August 3, 1987 letter to our Portland
Office regarding an Endangered Species Act biological assessment
for the gray whale at the Chetco Harbor Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation. We have reviewed the biological assessment
and concur with your determination that populations of endangered/-
threatened species (gray whales) under our purview are not likely
to be adversely affected by the proposed action.
This concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of
the ESA. However, consultation should be reinitiated if new infor-
mation reveals impacts of the identified activity that may adversely
affect listed species or their critical habitat, a new species
is listed, the identified activity is subsequently modified or
critical habitat determined that may be affected by the proposed
activity. If you have any new information or questions concerning
this consultation, please contact Joe Scordino at FTS 392-6110.
Sincerely,
, • r w
'Holland A. Schmitten
Regional Director
-------
*r4»U O' f
APR I 6 1930
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE flSHERIES SERVICE
Northwest Region
7600 Sand Point Way NE BIN C157Q0
Seattle, Washington 90115
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, Oregon 97200
Dear Mr. Duncan:
This Is to advise you that the northern sea lion, Eumetopias iubatus. was listed as threatened
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on April 5, 1990 (see enclosed Federal Register
notice, 55 FR 12645). In addition, NMFS is conducting a status review of sockeye salmon
(Oncorhvnchus nerka) populations in the Snake River basin to determine if any populations
should be proposed for listing under the ESA. The Snake River sockeye salmon therefore
are to be considered as candidate species for ESA Section 7 consultations as described in
50 CFR 402.12(d).
We have revised our list of endangered/threatened species that may occur off Oregon and
Washington and a copy is enclosed. Consultations should be initiated (or reinitiated if prior
consultations were conducted) on activities that may affect northern sea lions.
You recently submitted two letters dated March 29, 1990 and March 30, 1990 regarding two
ESA Section 7 biological assessments: one for a Coos Bay channel deepening and offshore
disposal project; and one for a bank protection project at the mouth of the Coquille River.
Because northern sea lions do occur in the area of both projects, we will need to receive
revised assessments that include this recently listed species. In addition, the biological
assessments do not Include the most current information available on gray whales. The gray
whale assessments for each project should include the applicable information and analyses
described in my March 20, 1990 letter to you regarding the Tillamook Bay project.
We will reinitiate our consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of the ESA for these two
projecls upon receipt of revised biological assessments. If you have any queslions concern-
ing this consultation, please contact J-ie Scordino at (206) 526-6140.
Sincerely,
t.
yfvr- Rolland A. Schmitten
Regional Director
Enclosure
cc: F/PR2 - Pat Montanio
F/NWR5 - Merrilt Tuttle
-------
April 9, 1990
ENDANGERED AND/OR THREATENED SPECIES
UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
THAT MAY OCCUR OFF WASHINGTON AND OREGON
MARINE MAMMALS
Gray Whale
Humpback Whnle
Blue Whale
Fin Whale
Sei Whale
Right Whnle
Sperm Whale
Northern Sea Lion
Esehrichtius robustus
Megantera novneangliae
nolaenoptera musculus
Bnlaenoptera .phvsalus
Balnenoptera horcnlis
Rnlaena p.locialis
Phvseter macroceplialus
iubatus
MARINE TURTLES
Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelvs coriacea
FISH
Sacramento River Winter-Run Chinook Salmon Oncorhvnclius tshawvtscha
Candidate. Specica,
Salmon River Basin Rockcye Salmon Oncorhvnclius nerka
-------
December 3, 1990
Planning Division
Mr. Rolland Schmitten
Regional Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
7600 Sand Point Way, NE.
BIN C15700
Seattle, Washington 98115
Dear Mr. Schmitten:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Endangered Species Act of
1973, we are forwarding a biological assessment for threatened
and endangered species which could potentially be impacted by
designation and subsequent use of the Chetco Offshore Dredged
Material Disposal Site near Brookings, Oregon.
We have concluded that this project will have "no effect" on
any of the listed species.
Should you require any additional information, please
contact Geoff Dorsey of my staff at (503) 326-6482.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Willis
Chief, Fish and Wildlife
Branch
Enclosure
CF.
rodfcK' sit POl#
Pl-cH
-------
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR
GREY, HUMPBACK, BLUE, FIN, SEI, RIGHT, AND SPERM WHALES
LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES;
NORTHERN SEA LIONS
AND
SACRAMENTO RIVER WINTER-RUN CHINOOK SALMON
AT
CHETCO RIVER ENTRANCE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Chetco Offshore Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS)
is situated approximately one mile south from the Chetco River
entrance (Figure 1). The ODMDS has dimensions of 1800 feet by
1800 feet and is situated in ah area with average water depth of
70 feet; depth range is 60-85 feet (Figure 4). Disposal site
acreage is approximately 74.4 acres.
This ODMDS, or areas within the vicinity, has been used as a
disposal 6ite since 1963. It was designated as an interim site
in 1977 (40 CFR 228.12) by EPA. Coordinates established for the
interim site and which under the current action are proposed for
final designation are:
Dredged materials destined for disposal at the ODMDS will
originate from the federally authorized navigation project at the
Chetco River, Oregon, and from disposal of materials dredged
during other actions authorized in accordance with Section 103 of
the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as
amended. Frequency of maintenance dredging at Chetco River is
dependent upon volume of sediments transported into the estuary
and frequency and severity of storms that move sediments into the
channel, creating a bar. An average of 42,400 cubic yards (range
8000-80,000 cy) of material were dredged from the entrance
channel and entrance to the boat basin from 1982-1985. The long-
term annual average for disposal is 48,000 cy. Coverage of
bottom substrate at the ODMDS, assuming uniform distribution and
no dispersion, would be 0.4 feet at 48,000 cy and 0.7 feet at
BROOKINGS, OREGON
42 deg. 01' 56" N
42 deg. 01* 56" N
42 deg. 01' 38" N
42 deg. 01* 38" N
124 deg. 16' 33" W
124 deg. 16' 09" W
124 deg. 16' 09" W
124 deg. 16* 33" W
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80,000 cy of disposal. Sandy material is expected to disperse
from the site in the littoral drift. No mounding has occurred at
the interim disposal site from past dredged material disposal
operations.
Grain size varies greatly, ranging from 0.3 mm to 7.0 mm.
Material to be dredged is classified as medium to fine grain
marine sands and coarser materials, including gravels and
cobbles, silt is occasionally dredged from the boat basin. The
sediments contain no excess concentrations of contaminants of
concern and are generally similar to bottom materials at the
interim disposal site and the entire nearshore area. Initial
settlement of material is expected to be rapid. Turbidity
associated with disposal will be of short duration.
Dredging of the entrance channel has previously been
accomplished through use of hopper dredges or hopper barges.
Interior portions of the channel have been maintained through the
use of hopper dredges, channel flusher (agitation/propwash), or
in limited instances by clamshell dredge. The interim ODMDS has
received 420,706 cy of material since 1977. A total of 749,000
cy of material have been disposed of at sea to date.
Future dredging actions are anticipated to be accomplished
primarily by hopper dredging because sea conditions at the
entrance preclude pipeline dredging and the estuary and
surrounding lands do not provide acceptable inwater and/or upland
disposal locations.
Dredging (hopper) may occur from April through October
although dredging actions primarily occur in May and June with
followup work occurring later in the season. Disposal rate is
approximately one load (825 cy) per hour. However, shoal depth,
fog, sea conditions, and sediment type all influence production
rates. Daily production has been estimated at 6000 cy or
approximately 8 loads.
GRAY WHALES
Coastal waters of Oregon serve as a migrational corridor for
gray whales moving to and from their breeding, calving, and
assembly areas along Baja California, Mexico and their primary
foraging areas in the northern Bering and southern Chukchi Seas
(Darling 1984).
Southward migration occurs off Oregon between early December
and mid-February, with pregnant females being the first to pass
southward. (Kerzing and Mate 1984). Southbound whales typically
occur off Oregon in water less than 90 meters deep, with the
majority of migrants occurring in water 40-60 m deep, located
between 1.6 and 3.2 km offshore (Herzing and Mate 1984).
The northbound migration is comprised of two groups of
whales migrating in two phases. The first phase begins migration
between mid-February and April and consists of whales without
calves. The second group consists largely of whales with calves,
with migration beginning between late April and May (Herzing and
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Mate 1984). Generally, whales comprising the first phase tend
to migrate further offshore, with immatures showing a preference
for migration closer to shore (Herzing and Nate 1984). Northward
cow/calf migration typically occurs close to shore. Herzing and
Mate (1984) observed that 90% of the whales migrating during the
later phase, traveled within 800 m of the shore; during the
final three weeks of migration, 90% traveled within 100 m of
shore.
A portion of the eastern Pacific population of gray whales
does not migrate to the northern seas; these whales spend summer
offshore of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Mate estimated a summering population of 75 whales off the coast
of Oregon in 1979 (Darling 1984). Current population estimates
by Mate indicate an increase to 100-200 summering whales (B.
Mate, pers. convers., 1990). Information regarding summering
grey whale distribution off Oregon is patchy. It appears that
most summering gray whales occur between Winchester Bay (Umpqua
River) and Cascade Head, near Lincoln City (B. Mate, pers. comm.,
1990). These summering gray whales occur in scattered, small
groups or as individuals. There was reportedly a cow/calf pair
summering off Coos Bay in 1990 (Jan Hodder, OIMB, pers. comm. 7-
90). Three small groups have been reported elsewhere in Oregon
during 1990 (Beverly Lund, pers. comm. 7-90); these include
approximately 6 individuals between Boiler Bay and Yaquina Head,
a group between the south Jetty of Yaquina Bay and Seal Rock, and
a group at Gold Haven near Sea Lion Caves.
There are occassional reports of gray whales occurring in
coastal estuaries including the Columbia River, Tillamook Bay,
Yaquina Bay, Siuslaw River, and Coos Bay (B. Mate, pers. comm.,
1990). Apparently it is not uncommon for gray whales to occur
between the Highway 101 bridge and the jetties at Yaquina Bay;
these observations include north and south bound migrants and
summering gray whales. Summering gray whales have been observed
in the mouth of the Siuslaw River between the jetties by Corps
personnel and other observers have recorded them as far upriver
as Mapleton on the Siuslaw. Operators of the charter boat
Siggi-G out of Garibaldi reported a gray whale near buoy six,
Tillamook Bay entrance channel, in late spring 1990; it is not
known whether this represented a migrant or summering gray whale.
A whale, species unknown, was observed just north of Tillamook
Bay in June 1989 less than one-half mile offshore.
The most recent study of summering whales off Oregon was
conducted by Sumich (1984). Summer sightings were defined as
those which occurred between 1 June and 15 September. Sumich
reported over 1200 gray whale sightings during a 1977-1980 study
off coastal Oregon. A 100 km section of coastline from the
Siuslaw River to Government Point just north of Depoe Bay,
appeared to be relatively important to gray whales. In 1977, 60%
of the 460 observations occurred within this 100 km section.
Sumich reported a maximum observed occurrence of 0.2-0.3
whales/km over the 100 km study area during the 1977 and 1978
studies. It was not determined whether whales were more numerous
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along this section, or simply easier to detect. Whale
distribution within the 100 km section varied between 1977 and
1978; in 1977 whales were most commonly observed in the southern
half of the study area, in contrast to 1978 when whales were more
frequently observed in the northern half of the study area.
Sumich noted that site specific use also varied daily; thus, a
period of maximum occurrence was undetectable. Additionally,
weather, sea state, observer effort, the presence or absence of
strategic observation points, and the unreliability of aerial
counts due to the predominant occurrence of gray whales in surf
and foam lines (which makes them difficult to detect) also
contribute to the large variation in observed abundance. Because
of these factors, Sumich considered his abundance estimate of
0.2-0.3 whales/km to be conservative.
Sumich (1984) noted that the primary activity of summer gray
whales off the Oregon coast appears to be feeding. Benthic
infauna, primarily gammarid amphipods and polychaete worms are
the principal food items of gray whales (Rice et al 1984).
Migrating whales feed, to some extent, on benthic organisms at
the mouths of rivers and estuaries (Nerini 1984). Pelagic
foraging by grey whales is thought to be rare (Nerini 1984),
though Sumich (1984), suggests that offshore sightings may be an
indication of pelagic feeding.
Sumich noted that nearshore locations with silty sediments
appear to be foraging areas for gray whales; presumably because
of high amphipod populations in silty sediments (D. Hancock,
USACE pers. comm., 1985). Gray whales also frequented surf or
foam lines. A pod of whales summering near Boiler Bay, OR
(1990), was reported to have been feeding in kelp beds (Beverly
Lund, pers. comm. 1990).
Sumich (1984) postulates that whales which summer off Oregon
may gain energetic benefit by shortening their migration. He
further noted that the whales off Oregon consisted predominantly
of immature or small mature individuals. Mate has also indicated
that the majority of whales summering off Oregon appear to be
immature (Beverly Lund pers. comm. 1990). Grey whales that
summer off British Columbia have been documented to return to
within 150 km of an established location, with some individuals
reportedly having returned for up to 8 consecutive years (Darling
1984). As such, Darling argues that these whales are not cutting
their migration short, but that they are intentionally seeking
out and utilizing available "pockets" of habitat. Although a
through investigation of the age structure of these whales has
not been made, Darling (1984) believes that these populations may
also be composed primarily of young individuals.
DISCUSSION
Typically, disposal operations at the ODMDS will occur
during the latter part or after conclusion of Phase B of the
northward migration of gray whales. Dredging and disposal would
not occur during the southward migration. Should disposal
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operations occur when whales are present, it is unlikely that
gray whales would be impacted as disposal operations are
intermittent in nature and confined to a limited area. We would
anticipate some potential for avoidance of the immediate disposal
area. As material to be disposed is not contaminated, we
anticipate no impacts from contaminants on migrant or summering
gray whales. Few summering whales apparently occur in this area
of the Oregon coast. Further, the disposal area is offshore and
not typical of areas used by foraging gray whales which summer
off Oregon's coast.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that designation and subsequent use of the
Chetco River Entrance ODMDS will have "no affect" on gray whales.
LITERATURE CITED
Darling, J. D. 1984. Gray whales off Vancouver Island, British
Columbia. Pages 267-287 in M. L. Jones, S.L. Swartz, & S.
Leatherwood, eds. The gray whale, "Eschrichtius robustus."
Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, FL. 600pp.
Herzing D. L., & B. R. Mate. 1984. Gray whale migrations along
the Oregon Coast, 1978-81. Pages 289-307 in M.L. Jones,
S.L. Swartz, & S. Leatherwood, eds. The gray whale,
"Eschrichtius robustus." Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, FL.
600pp.
Nerini, M. 1981. A review of gray whale feeding ecology. Pages
423-450 in M. L. Jones, S. L. Swartz, & S. Leatherwood,
eds. The gray whale, 'Eschrichtius robustus'. Academic
Press, Inc., Orlando, FL 600pp.
Rice, D. W., A. A. Wolman, & H. W. Braham. 1984. The gray
whale, 'Eschrichtius robustus'. Mar. Fish Rev. 46(4):7-14.
Sumich, J. L. 1984. Grey whales along the Oregon Coast in
summer, 1977-1980. The Murrelet. 65:33-40.
HUMPBACK, RIGHT, FIN, BLUE, SEI, AND SPERM WHALES
These species may occur in the project area but information
on numbers, distribution, and feeding habits is lacking other
than in a general sense. Occurrence of blue whales off the Oregon
coast is primarily in May-June and August-October (Rice 1974 in
Maser et al. 1981). Blue whales typically occur offshore as
individuals or in small groups. Blue whales winter well south of
Oregon as do fin whales (Maser et al. 1981). Fin whales do range
off the Oregon Coast during summer. Whaling records indicate
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that fin whales were primarily harvested off Oregon from
May-September (Maser et al. 1981). Sei whales also winter south
of Oregon. Based upon information from central California, Sei
whales probably occur in southward migration off the Oregon coast
in late summer - early fall (Maser et al. 1981). Based upon
catch records, humpbacks primarily occur off the Oregon coast
between April and October with peak numbers occurring during
June, July, and August (Maser et al. 1981). Sperm whales occur
as migrants and some may summer off the Oregon coast (Maser et
al. 1981). Strandings have occurred along the Oregon coast.
Right whales may occur off the Oregon coast during winter; summer
distribution is in cool waters north of 50 degrees north latitude
(Maser et al. 1981).
DISCUSSION
Discussions with Bruce Mate and other observers have
indicated that these species of whales are rather infrequent
visitors to the vicinity of coastal jetties, entrance channels
and bays.
CONCLUSION
Given the nature of the project and whale use/occurrence in
the project area, we have determined that there will be no effect
to these whale species from use of the Chetco River Entrance
ODMDS.
LITERATURE CITED
Maser, C., B.R. Mate, J.F. Franklin, and C.T. Dyrness. 1981.
Natural history of Oregon coast mammals. PNW Forest and
Range Exper. Stat., USDA, USFS, Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-133.
Rice, D.W. 1974. Whales and whale research in the eastern North
Pacific. Pages 170-194 in W. G. Scheville, ed. The whale
problem: A status report. Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge.
NORTHERN (STELLER) SEA LION
Northern sea lions breed along the west coast of north
America from San Miguel in California's Channel Islands, to the
U.S.S.R.'s Kurile Islands and the Okshotsk Sea in the western
north Pacific Ocean. There is no evidence to indicate that there
are separate populations throughout this range (NMFS 1990). The
northern sea lion subpopulation which occurs off California has
been declining since the 1920's, with a more rapid rate of
decline since 1960 (Gentry and Winthrow 1986). The Alaskan
population has undergone an 60% decline since 1985 (ODFW 1990),
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prompting the emergency listing of the species throughout it's
range.
Northern sea lions are year-round residents along the Oregon
coast. The subpopulation off Oregon is second in size to the
Alaskan subpopulation (Brown 1988). Northern sea lions are known
to haul out at a minimum of ten sites off Oregon; two of these
sites, Rogue and Orford Reefs, are rookeries. Other important
haulout sites include Ecola State Park, Sea Lion Caves, Columbia
River South Jetty, Three Arch Rock, Cape Arago, and Seal Rock.
The south jetty of the Columbia River and Three Arch Rock
appeared to be used primarily during the winter (Brown 1988).
In contrast to the Alaska and California subpopulations,
statewide population counts for Oregon have remained fairly
stable. In 1984 and 1985, year-round counts ranged from 769 to
2352. During this survey, peak counts (2352) were made on Hay 21
& 23, 1984 with haulout attendance greatest at Ecola State Park,
Sea Lion Caves, Orford Reef and Rogue Reef (Brown 1988). Peak
attendance at the two Oregon rookeries occurs during May, June
and July. Sea lions begin to leave the rookeries in August.
Males are the first to leave, followed by females within a few
months (Gentry and Winthrow 1978). The number of sea lions using
Orford Reef has declined since .1986. It is not certain, but the
decline may be related to a rapidly growing sea urchin fishery in
the area (ODFW 1990). Seasonal shifts in the use of haul out
sites is common among northern sea lions. Northern sea lion
numbers appear to be lower off Oregon in the winter than summer,
though it is not known where these animals may be migrating to or
wintering. Northern sea lions forage at river mouths and near-
shore areas along the coast. Roffe and Mate (1984) studied the
feeding habits of pinnipeds, including northern sea lions in the
Rogue River estuary, Oregon in 1984. It was determined that the
sea lions fed most heavily on Pacific lamprey. A variety of
environmental correlations were studied with respect to feeding,
and it was determined that the factor which most affected feeding
habits was proximity to the mouth of the river. Although sea
lions have been accused of damaging the commercial salmon fishery
in several locations along the West Coast, studies have shown
that sea lions generally consume less of these fish than thought,
and in fact, that salmon comprise a relatively small proportion
of their diet (Gentry and Winthrow 1978). Roffe and Mate (1984)
determined that, of observed surface feeding, only 2% was on
salmon. The main food items for northern sea lions in the Rogue
River estuary appeared to be lamprey (26.8%) and non-salmonid
fishes (32.4%) (Roffe and Mate 1984).
DISCUSSION
The nearest haulout area to Chetco River Entrance ODMDS for
northern sea lions is Rogue Reef, which is well north of the
ODMDS.
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Foraging by this species would be expected to occur in the
project vicinity although the extent of foraging activities at
the immediate project site is unknown. It is unlikely that
northern 6ea lions would be impacted as disposal operations are
intermittent in nature and confined to a limited area. We would
anticipate some potential for avoidance of the immediate disposal
area. As material to be disposed is not contaminated, we
anticipate no impacts from contaminants on northern sea lions.
CONCLUSION:
The project may result in some localized avoidance around the
immediate construction site by northern sea lions. However, the
project should have "no affect" on the status of the population
nor should the survival of individuals be affected by the
proposed action.
LITERATURE CITED
Brown, R.F., 1988. Assessment of Pinniped Populations in Oregon.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife report to National
Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA. 44 pp.
NMFS. 1990. Listing of Steller Sea Lions as Threatened and
Endangered Species With Protective Regulations. Federal
Register 50 CFR Part 227. pp 12645-12661.
Gentry and Winthrow, 1986. "Steller Sea Lion" in Marine Mammals
Delphine Haley, ed. Pacific Search Press; Seattle, WA.pp.
186-194.
Roffe, T.J. and B.R. Mate, 1984. Abundances and Feeding Habits
of Pinnipeds in the Rogue River, Oregon. J. Wildl. Manage.
48(4):1262-1274.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), 1990. Northern
(Steller) Sea Lion Garners Concern. Wild Flyer, vol. 1, no.
2, June 1990.
LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE
Leatherback sea turtle occurrences off the Oregon Coast are
associated with the appearance of albacore. Albacore occurrence,
and very likely that of leatherback sea turtles, is strongly
associated with the warm waters of the Japanese Current which
tends to approach the Oregon Coast in late summer. Typically,
warm water associated with the Japanese Current does not closely
approach the Oregon Coast (i.e. 1-5 miles), generally occurring
30-60+ miles offshore. During El Nino events, warm water may
occur much closer to the Oregon coast than usual.
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Leatherback sea turtles generally occur well offshore from
the project location with only occasional individuals occurring
in nearshore, colder waters. It is expected that leatherback sea
turtles would only be casual visitors to the project area.
Therefore, we expect the project to have "no effect" on this
species.
SACRAMENTO RIVER WINTER RUN CHINOOK SALMON
The Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon is not
expected to occur in significant numbers in the vicinity of the
project. This species is thought to primarily occur offshore in
deep water from Fort Bragg to Monterey, California (ECOS INC.
1990}. Coded wire tag recovery information compiled by the
Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries
Service, indicates that tagged chinook salmon released in the
Sacramento River drainage have been recovered from foreign and
joint venture trawl fisheries off Oregon. These tagging programs
involve fall chinook salmon and not winter run Chinook salmon,
though. It does serve as an indication that Sacramento River
winter run chinook salmon may occur off the Oregon coast.
In addition to Sacramento River winter run chinook salmon,
five 6almonid species are listed as candidates for Federal
classification as threatened and/or endangered species. Species
proposed for listing are Salmon River Basin sockeye salmon, Snake
River fall, summer, and spring chinook salmon, and lower Columbia
River coho salmon.
Miller et al. (1983) noted that the largest catches of adult
coho salmon of Columbia River origin in the ocean fishery have
been off northern California to southern Oregon. They also
indicated that spring chinook salmon of Columbia River origin
apparently migrate north for rearing. Discussions with John
Williams, NMFS, Seattle, indicate that available information
indicates that Snake River chinook and sockeye stocks migrate
north for rearing. Information is preliminary and not complete,
however.
CONCLUSION
The limited extent of habitat affected by disposal
operations, intermittent nature of disposal events, and lack of
contaminants associated with disposal materials indicate that the
project will have "no affect" on Sacramento River winter run
chinook salmon or on the candidate stocks. Most fish from runs
of concern, except lower Columbia River coho stocks, are probably
absent from the area.
Literature Cited
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Miller, D. R., J. G. Williams, and C. W. Sims. 1983.
Distribution, abundance and growth of juvenile salmonids off
the coast of Oregon and Washington. Fisheries Research
2(1983):1-7.
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SEnviCE
7600 Sand Point Way N. E.
BIN C 15700, Building 1
Seattle, Washington 98115
F/NWR3: 1514-04 jbn
T 1991
Robert E. Willis, Chief
Fish & Wildlife Branch
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Portland District
P. O. Box 2946
Portland, Oregon 97208-2946
Dear Mr. Willis:
This is in response to your December 3, 1990 letter regarding an
Endangered Species Act (ESA) biological assessment for the
proposed designation and subsequent use of the Chetco Offshore
Dredged Material Disposal Site, near Brookings, Oregon. We have
reviewed the biological assessment and have enclosed comments.
We concur with your determination that populations of
threatened/endangered 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
information reveals impacts of the identified activities that may
adversely affect listed species or aquatic organisms, the
activity is subsequently modified, or a new species is listed or
critical habitat determined that may be affected by the
identified activity. If you have any new information or
questions concerning this consultation, please contact Brent
Norberg at (206) 526-6140.
Sincerely
Rolland A^"£
Regional Dia
Jh mitten
ctor
Enclosure
cc: F/PR2 - Pat Montanio
F/NWR5 - Merritt Tuttle
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Comments on Biological Assessment for the
Proposed Designation and Use of the
Chetco Offshore Dredged Material Disposal Site
Brookings, Oregon
The 1987 Northern (Steller) sea lion statuB review, prepared by
NMFS, indicates that northern sea lion pups are no longer born at
San Miguel Island, off southern California. The southern most
rookery for this species is now considered to be Ano Nuevo
Island, off central California.
Correct spelling for co-author on cited document (Gentry and
Winthrow 1986) is David E. Withrow.
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