United States Region 6 EPA/906/07-90-008
Environmental Protection 1445 Ross Avenue July 1990
Agency Dallas, TX 75202
«>EPA ENVIRONMENTAL DRAFT
IMPACT STATEMENT
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Freshwater Bayou
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site Designation
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 6
1445 ROSS AVENUE SUITE 1200
DALLAS TEXAS 75202-2733
July 24, 1990
TO INTERESTED AGENCIES, OFFICIALS, PUBLIC GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS:
Enclosed 1s a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concern-
ing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) designation of the Fresh-
water Bayou ocean dredged material disposal site. The National Environmental
Policy Act does not apply to EPA activities of this type. EPA has voluntarily
committed to prepare EISs in connection with Its ocean disposal site designa-
tion program. EPA and the New Orleans District Corps of Engineers jointly
prepared this EIS.
EPA encourages agency and public participation in the declslon-making process.
Written comments on this Draft EIS will be considered 1n the preparation of
the Final EIS.
The Final EIS will be sent to those making substantive comments on the Draft
EIS and to those specifically requesting a copy (subject to EPA supply
limits;. Written comments or inquiries regarding this Draft EIS should be
sent to: Norm Thomas, Chief, Federal Activities Branch, at the above address
by the date stamped on the cover sheet following this letter.
^Ronert E. Layton Jr., P.E.
^Regional Administrator
Enclosure
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
THE FRESHWATER BAYOU
OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS) DESIGNATION
VERMILION PARISH, LOUISIANA
Responsible Agencies: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
Administrative Action: The purpose of this action is to comply with the
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 by providing an
environmentally acceptable ocean disposal site (ODMDS) for material dredged
from Freshwater Bayou, in compliance with the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40
CFR Parts 220-229).
Contacts: Mr. Norm Thomas (6E-F) Mr. Robert Martinson
ABSTRACT
The proposed action is the designation of the existing Freshwater Bayou,
Louisiana ODMDS. In 1977, the EPA approved the site for interim use, based
on historical use of the site since 1968. Other alternatives considered
were no action, relocation of the ODMDS to alternate ocean areas, land
disposal, marsh creation, and beach nourishment. Adverse environmental
impacts of disposal at the site include: 1) occasional and temporary
increases in concentrations of suspended sediments and other pollutants
(e.g., mercury and manganese); 2) short-term changes in grain size of ODMDS
surficial sediments; 3) localized burial of benthic organisms; and
4) potential temporary mounding of substrate.
U.S. Environmental Protection
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Agency
Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIS DUE: SeDtember 24, 1990
RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS:
Riotiard V. Gorski
Colonel, U.S. Army
District Engineer
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SUMMARY
PURPOSE AND NEED - The purpose of this draft Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) is to evaluate the Freshwater Bayou Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Site (ODMDS) as an appropriate EPA designated site. This site, at the
gulfward end of Freshwater Bayou has been used for disposal of dredged
material since 1968. The site received interim designation by EPA in 1977,
the same year an Environmental Assessment was prepared to determine impacts
of channel maintenance and ocean dumping (COE, 1977). Designation of the
Freshwater Bayou ODMDS would provide an environmentally acceptable site for
future disposal of dredged material that is in compliance with the Ocean
Dumping Regulations (40 CFR Parts 220-229). Freshwater Bayou is a link to
the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and Intracoastal City.
ALTERNATIVES - Alternatives considered in this EIS include:
1) No Action.
2) Relocation of the ODMDS to an alternate ocean area: near-shore,
mid-shelf, or off-shelf sites.
3) Non-ocean disposal - beach nourishment, marsh creation, and land
disposal.
4) Preferred-designation of the interim Freshwater Bayou ODMDS.
RATIONALE FOR THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE - The preferred alternative is
designation of the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS, which has been used for about 20
years. The no action alternative is unacceptable because it leaves the
site in an interim status. Relocation would subject other areas to effects
of disposal without resulting in environmental advantages. Relocation of
the site, marsh creation, or beach nourishment would also be more costly
than use of the existing site because distances to transport the dredged
material would be increased; substantially in the case of the mid-shelf or
off-shelf sites. The Freshwater Bayou ODMDS has been evaluated using the
eleven specific and five general criteria listed in the Ocean Dumping
Regulations and found to be environmentally acceptable.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS - Past use of the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS has resulted
in minimal, short-term adverse impacts. Temporary increases in turbidity
occur, but conditions return to ambient soon after cessation of disposal.
Concentrations of other pollutants such as mercury and manganese may also
increase temporarily in surrounding waters when disposal occurs.
The grain size of the substrate east of the channel is somewhat finer than
that existing in the ODMDS (COE, 1977), but no other effects of previous
disposal on sediment physical characteristics are discernable. Benthic
organisms are buried during disposal, but repopulation usually occurs
within 2 to 3 months. Temporary mounding of dredged material may occur
within the site, but the mounds disperse quickly.
INTRODUCTION
The Freshwater Bayou, Louisiana, project serves as a link to the Gulf of
Mexico for Intracoastal City and the GIWW (Figures 1 and 2). The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (COE), New Orleans District, is responsible for planning
and conducting necessary maintenance dredging of Freshwater Bayou. In
1977, the COE prepared an assessment on the maintenance dredging and ocean
dumping for this project (COE, 1977).
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1972 made
designation of dredged material disposal sites in the ocean mandatory. The
only ocean disposal from Freshwater Bayou is in an 1,242-acre site running
about 4.1 mi. long and 0.5 mi. wide, parallel to the west side of the
channel (Figure 3). Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards (cy) of dredged
material are disposed in this site during each disposal operation.
Disposal generally occurs once every 2-3 years. The Freshwater Bayou Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site received a 3-year interim designation by EPA
in 1977. This interim designation was based on historical use of the site
since 1968. In January 1980, the interim status of the site was extended
indefinitely.
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Figure 1. Vicinity map for the
Freshwater Bayou ODMDS.
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CORPS OF ENGINEERS
C\
JL.
im MM t-«» tar
%'\
' ISLAND BOWMAN
LOCK
SCHOONER BAYOU CU7-0FF
Sc.
SCMOONC* BAYOU
control STmjcrvat
"**>o
C*4water
^ ,
!-
£ M-i
^ a."
B*«( Ritf(«
FRESHWATER BAYOU
LOCK 84'X600'X/S' x ¦ \ ©
ClWH *«»>•, >«M \ M-' \ c
JETTIES-
(0*ttrr*d construction) A-~?
Figure 2. The Freshwater Bayou
Navigation Channel.
PLAN
kale of miles
0 I 2 JL *
Com our* •* » '•«" - M l G
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The proposed action in this EIS is the designation of the Freshwater Bayou
ODMDS. The EIS presents the information used to evaluate the suitability
of the site and is based on environmental studies conducted in the area.
The COE is likely to be the sole user of the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS. The
COE does not issue itself a permit; however, the requirements that must be
met before dredged material from a COE project can be discharged into the
ODMDS are the same as when a permit is required. Prior to dredged material
disposal, the COE evaluates the material for compliance with 40 CFR
Part 227 criteria and provides the results of its evaluation to the EPA and
other agencies. The EPA reviews the information and determines whether the
proposed dumping complies with the criteria. If a non-Federal entity
desires to use the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS for dredged material disposal,
the COE would apply the criteria in 40 CFR Part 227 during its public
interest review of the permit application.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the proposed action is to designate an environmentally
acceptable ocean location for continued disposal of materials dredged from
the offshore reach of Freshwater Bayou.
The Freshwater Bayou is an important entrance to and from Intracoastal
City, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. The channel provides access for
commercial traffic carrying crude petroleum, fish, manufactured products,
water and clay. A designated ocean disposal site is needed for material
dredged from the offshore portion of Freshwater Bayou (COE, 1977).
The nearest land disposal area occurs on a beach and sand ridge adjacent to
the north end of the ODMDS. Also available are 191 acres paralleling the
east side of the land cut from the beach to the Freshwater Bayou lock (COE,
1981). However, this area is already used for disposal of material dredged
from the land cut. The remainder of nearby land areas are beach, chenier
ridge, or marsh. The beach could use additional material if sufficiently
coarse grained, but the material from the Freshwater Bayou Gulf Channel is
6
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very fine. Placement of material on the marsh in this area could be
detrimental by smothering otherwise healthy marsh. Also, using other sites
would increase costs by necessitating acquisition of new areas.
The authority for designation of ocean disposal sites is the MPRSA of 1972
(86 Stat. 1052), as amended (33 U.S.C.A. § 1401 et seq.). Section 102(c)
of Title 1 of the Act authorizes EPA to designate recommended ocean
disposal sites and times for disposal of dredged material. The EPA's Ocean
Dumping Regulations (ODR) (40 CFR 220-229) must be followed for site
evaluation and management. This EIS is being prepared under EPA's
voluntary EIS preparation policy.
In accordance with the ODR, site designation will be promulgated by formal
rule-making. The proposal by EPA to designate the Freshwater Bayou 0DMDS
will be published in the Federal Register and will be based on appropriate
Federal statutes, disposal site evaluation studies, the draft EIS and
supporting documentation. The final rule-making package will be prepared
and published in the Federal Register after expiration of the review period
on the final EIS.
ALTERNATIVES. This section describes the alternatives that were considered
and explains the rationale for their elimination.
NO ACTION. The interim designation of the Freshwater Bayou 0DMDS does not
have a specific termination date. If no action is taken, the interim
designation and the disposal of acceptable dredged material at the site
would continue for an indefinate period. The interim designation was made
pending completion of any necessary studies and evaluation of the site's
suitability for continued use. The environmental studies and evaluation
have been completed, and in accordance with the ODR, a decision regarding
designation is required.
RELOCATION OF ODMDS TO ALTERNATE OCEAN AREAS. The location of an
alternate shallow-water site (one with comparable depths to the interim
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site, 0.0-7.0 feet) was determined by avoiding locations of conflicting
activities (oil and gas activities, fishing areas, shipwrecks, etc.)(C0E,
1984). An alternate shallow-water ODMDS could be located on the east side
of the navigation channel or immediately west of the Freshwater Bayou
interim ODMDS. These alternate sites would be approximately the same depth
and size as the interim site. Environmental effects of dredged material
disposal on the physical, chemical, and biological environment of the
alternate shallow-water site would be similar to those at the interim
ODMDS. Longshore current patterns in the area appear to be generally to
the west (MMS, 1989, 1987), but have been studied inadequately (Wells
et al., 1981; Murray 1976). Murray (1976) states that very little is known
about currents inside the 10-m depth contour along the Louisiana coast.
Sediments brought to the Chenier Plain are derived from the Atchafalaya
River resulting in active progradation in some areas (Wells et al., 1981).
No environmental benefits would be gained by moving the disposal site to
either shallow-water alternative location and channel maintenance costs
could be increased at the east site due to a possible increased frequency
of dredging. Costs would be increased in the area further west because of
greater pumping distance. There are no other shallow water sites that
would be less damaging environmentally and/or less costly.
Selection of an alternate mid-shelf site was based on criteria similar to
those for the alternate shallow-water site. An alternate site in
approximately 60 feet of water, located about 30 miles south of the interim
site would be acceptable because there are no active oil and gas leases.
Because of its greater depth, the mid-shelf area is less dynamic than the
shallow-water area. Bottom organisms would be buried as they would be at
the interim site. The mid-shelf site would be further from the dredging
site than the interim site; thus transportation costs would be much
greater. Safety hazards, resulting from transporting dredged material
greater distances through areas of active oil and gas development and
shipping, would be increased. Surveillance methods would be similar to
those at the interim site, but surveillance would be more expensive because
of the additional travel time to the site. Monitoring would also be more
expensive due to greater distances and water depths involved. In addition,
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use of the mid-shelf site would remove sediments from the nearshore
environment and make them Less available for movement and deposition by
longshore currents.
The deep-water region lies off the continental shelf seaward of the
400-foot depth contour. An alternate deep-water ODMDS could be located off
the continental shelf about 100-110 miles south of the interim site. No
specific site was selected for evaluation, but the characteristics of a
deep-water site were considered. The dredged material would be dispersed
over a larger area because of the dissipation of the descending plume.
Sediments reaching the bottom would tend to remain in place because of the
slow erosion and transport. Effects on benthic organisms would be less
than those at the interim site or mid-shelf alternate sites because it is a
natural deposition zone (MMS, 1987). Safety hazards would be Increased by
longer distances required to transport the material. Surveillance and
monitoring would be more costly and difficult because of deep water.
Annual costs of disposal would be significantly increased over costs at the
interim site because special deep-water barges would be required and travel
time would be increased over use of a mid-shelf site. With existing
equipment, it is not feasible to dredge and transport the necessary volume
of material. Use of the deep-water site would remove sediments from the
nearshore environment and make them unavailable for deposition.
BEACH NOURISHMENT AND MARSH CREATION ALTERNATIVES. Beach nourishment and
marsh creation with the material dredged from the Freshwater Bayou Gulf
channel are options supported by some state and Federal agencies, including
the EPA and the COE. EPA believes that marsh creation and/or beach
nourishment should be evaluated each time the COE or any other entity plans
to use the site. Site designation will not preclude the use of material
for marsh creation and/or beach nourishment.
The material is mostly silt and clay (91X) {COE, 1978) and would not be the
best material for beach nourishment. Fine grained material taken from the
Gulf channel would quickly wash away if placed on the beach. Also, it
would be more expensive ($400,000 greater) than using the ODMDS.
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Material could also be pumped to an area of broken marsh (about 210 acres),
2.5 mi. northeast of the Freshwater Bayou Gulf channel, for marsh
creation. However, this would increase costs by up to $640,000 per
disposal. Should another entity desire to absorb these costs, the COE
would coordinate the effort with them. The COE may be able to fund the
increase in costs, depending on budgetary constraints via Section 150 of
the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1976, or it could be
cost-shared (75 percent Federal, 25 percent local) under Section 1135 of
WRDA 1986. The COE must apply for the extra funds each dredging cycle. An
acceptable ODMDS would be necessary if funding is not approved.
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
The alternative preferred by the EPA and COE is the designation of the
historically-used interim Freshwater Bayou ODMDS. The boundary coordinates
of the preferred site (Figure 3) are 29° 31' 59" N., 92° 18' 47" W.; 29°
32' 04" N., 92° 191 17" W.; 29° 28' 24" N., 92° 19' 28" W.; 29° 28' 29" N.,
92° 19' 57" W.; thence to the point of beginning. A need exists for
locating and designating an acceptable ODMDS in the vicinity of the
Freshwater Bayou Gulf channel. The need for continued disposal of dredged
material from Freshwater Bayou has been demonstrated (COE, 1977; 1981) and
the no-action alternative is considered unacceptable. Because creation of
marsh with the material may not be possible for every dredging cycle, an
acceptable ODMDS is needed. Selection of this alternative is based on the
following information: 1) the Freshwater Bayou site has been in use for
some 22 years with minimal adverse environmental effects, 2) no adverse
environmental effects were detected outside the site boundaries during
environmental surveys, 3) relocation of the site to other ocean areas would
subject new areas to adverse effects of dredged material disposal, without
resulting in environmental advantages over continued use of the interim
site, and 4) the costs of using any other sites would be greater than those
associated with the interim site. Utilizing the eleven specific criteria
(40 CFR 228.6) and the five general criteria (40 CFR 228.5), EPA has
determined that the final designation of the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS is
environmentally acceptable.
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AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
INTRODUCTION
The Freshwater Bayou ODMDS Is located in southwest Louisiana about 20 miles
south, southwest of Intracoastal City, in Vermilion Parish (Figure 3). The
area from Vermilion Bay into Texas is the Chenier Plain, a complex mixture
of wetlands, uplands, and open water formed by sea level rise and fall
associated with glacial advance and retreat (Gosselink et al., 1979). The
continental shelf extends about 100 miles south of the interim ODMDS. Much
of the Chenier Plain is currently retreating to the north. Longshore
currents are generally to the west (MMS, 1989; Federal Energy
Administration, 1977). The mouths of rivers from the Chenier Plain have
been shifted progressively toward the west by the dominant currents to the
west (Gosselink et al., 1979). This phenomenon is exemplified by the
Mermentau River. Beaches in the immediate area are mostly sand, east of
Freshwater Bayou, or silt, west of Freshwater Bayou. The area from about
6-7 miles west of Freshwater Bayou to the Freshwater Bayou area was stable
or accreting, while the area east of the bayou for about 8 miles was
eroding (COE, 1971). Study of infrared photography from 1978 to 1988 shows
these phenomena are still occurring.
The climate in the area is subtropical, rainfall averages about 144 cm
(57 in) per year, and winds are generally southeasterly, although northerly
winds occur more frequently in winter (Murray, 1976). Hurricanes and
tropical storms occur in summer and early autumn, with a frequency of about
once every three years in or near southwest Louisiana (COE, 1972). These
storms have a tremendous influence on sediment movement, erosion, and
deposition.
SPECIFIC AND GENERAL CRITERIA
Section 228 of the ODR mandates that 11 specific criteria and five general
criteria be utilized to select and evaluate a potential ODMDS. These
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criteria are discussed in the following paragraphs; the impacts of site
designation and past use on each criteria are analyzed.
Specific Criteria (§ 228.6)
1) "Geographical position, depth of water, bottom topography and distance
from coast."
See Figures 1, 2, and 3 for the location of the proposed site. Water
depths at the site range from 0.0 to 4.9 m (0.0-17.0 ft). Bottom
topography slopes gently to the south (5.0 ft/mi). The site begins
adjacent to the shore and extends approximately 4.1 miles offshore.
2) "Location in relation to breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding, or
passage areas of living resources in adult or juvenile phases."
Breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding, and passage of shrimp, menhaden,
bottom fish, and other organisms occur within the entire northern Gulf of
Mexico, and thus, also in the vicinity of the 0DMDS. The Freshwater Bayou
Gulf channel is a pathway for movement of fish and shellfish between the
Gulf and the Vermilion estuary. Migration of fish and shellfish through
passes is heaviest during spring and fall (Darnell et al., 1983). Major
estuaries including Rockefeller National Wildlife Refuge, the Vermilion
Basin, and Rainey Wildlife Refuge and Game Preserve are located in the area
(Gaidry and White, 1973). The Freshwater Bayou 0DMDS represents a small
area of the total range of fisheries resources. Impacts to endangered or
threatened turtles and whales that might utilize the disposal area are
negligible. No known waterbird nesting colonies are located near the 0DMDS
(Keller et al., 1984).
3) "Location in the relation to beaches and other amenity areas."
The ODMDS is 0.5 miles west of the nearest beach, only mudflats occur west
of Freshwater Bayou for several miles. The beach is sparsely used because
of shallow turbid water, lack of access, and its distance from population
centers. The turbidity plume resulting from disposal would go to the west
and would not adversely impact the beach, which is predominantly mud.
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4) "Types and quantities of wastes proposed to be disposed of and proposed
methods of release, including methods of packing the waste, if any."
The material to be disposed is from the Freshwater Bayou Gulf channel and
consists of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay obtained by hydraulic
dredge. Sediments are dominated by fine-grained material (silts and
clays), comprising 88 percent of the sediment in the channel at mile -1.0
(COE, 1981). This compares with 93 percent silts and clays in the ODMDS in
an adjacent location. Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of material
are disposed in the site during each use, based on historical use
(Table 1). Included in this volume is material dredged from the land cut
to the lock, which is deposited in inland disposal areas, so it is an
overestimate. The material is removed with a hydraulic dredge and released
in the ODMDS. The material is not packaged In any way. Future disposal is
expected to be similar to past actions, in terms of material types,
quantities, and method of disposal. The Corps of Engineers would likely be
the only user of the site.
TABLE 1
HISTORIC DISPOSAL VOLUMES - MERMENTAU RIVER
ODMDS, 1960-1988
Dredging Period
Volume (yd^)
1968
1,439,000
1970
1,265,000
1972
1,000,000
1974
830,000
1978
1,217,000
1982
1,266,000
1985
1,067,000
5) "Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring."
Surveillance is possible by shore-based radar, aircraft, or day-use boats.
No surveillance is currently performed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Monitoring
would be facilitated by the fact that the ODMDS is nearshore, in fairly
shallow waters, and has baseline data available. The primary purpose of
monitoring is to determine whether disposal at the site is significantly
affecting areas outside the disposal area and to detect any unacceptable
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adverse effects occurring in or around the site. Based on historic data,
an intense monitoring program is not warranted. However, in order to
provide adequate warning of environmental harm, the EPA will develop a
monitoring plan in cooperation with the COE. The plan would concentrate on
periodic depth soundings and sediment and water quality testing. Details
of the monitoring plan will be developed and implemented after completion
of the proposed site designation action.
6) "Dispersal, horizontal transport, and vertical mixing characteristics
of the area, including prevailing current direction and velocity, if any."
Mixing processes, current characteristics, and sediment transport in the
nearshore region off the Chenier Plain are influenced by tidal currents,
winds, and storms. Because of the shallow water, the water column is
generally well mixed. Using data collected off shore of Vermilion Bay, the
area can experience density stratification during periods of very low
freshwater inflow, mainly September and October (Barrett et al., 1978). In
the summer, bottom waters on the Louisiana shelf are occasionally oxygen
depleted (Rabalais et al., 1985), which can cause mortality of benthic
organisms. This phenomenon does occur during the summer off the coast of
the Chenier plain region (Gaston et al., 1985), but does not occur in the
Vermilion Bay area (Rabalais et al., 1985). This is apparently related to
the low probability of density stratification. It appears that the
predominant current is to the west, but easterly currents occur with storm
events (MMS, 1989; Federal Energy Administration, 1977; Murray, 1976).
Data on the specifics of currents'in the area are sparse (Murray, 1976).
7) "Existence and effects of current and previous discharges and dumping
in the area (including cumulative effects)
Dredged materials from construction and maintenance of the Freshwater Bayou
channel have been disposed at the interim ODMDS since 1968 and no
significant adverse impacts have resulted. Previous disposals have caused
minor effects, such as temporary increases in suspended sediment
concentrations, temporary turbidity, sediment mounding, smothering of
benthic organisms, release of nutrients, possible minor releases of trace
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metals, and a temporary change in sediment grain size. The material is
swept in a westerly direction by prevailing currents. Because the effects
of disposal are temporary, there are no cumulative effects.
8) "Interference with shipping, fishing, recreation, mineral extraction,
desalination, fish and shellfish culture, areas of special scientific
Importance, and other legitimate uses of the ocean."
In the vicinity of the ODMDS the majority of shipping traffic is confined
to the Freshwater Bayou channel. Dredging Freshwater Bayou facilitates
shipping; periodic deposition of material dredged from Freshwater Bayou in
the ODMDS has some potential for interfering with ship movement in the area
during disposal operations.
Nearshore and estuarine areas of the Chenier Plain also contain a diverse
and highly productive fishing ground for a number of commercial and
recreational species (Barrett et al., 1978). The Freshwater Bayou ODMDS
represents a very small proportion of the total nearshore fishing grounds
in the Chenier Plain and adverse impacts from its use would be temporary
and minor. Interferences with fishing may occur if any shoals are created
by dredged material disposal, as this could cause groundings of shrimp
boats within disposal site boundaries. If the material is spread evenly,
it would raise bottom elevations within the ODMDS by about 0.5 ft, which
should present no problems for shipping and other uses. The material would
eventually move toward the west, which would occur naturally if the
dredging and disposal in the ODMDS did not occur.
The nearest oyster leases are just west of Chenier au Tigre near Vermilion
Bay (Dunham, 1989; personal communication), some 5 miles to the east of the
ODMDS. Designation of the ODMDS would not impact these or any other lease
areas. Desalination areas do not occur in the vicinity of the ODMDS. The
site is located about 12 miles east of the Rockefeller National Wildlife
Refuge and 9 miles west of Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Refuge and Game
Preserve. There has been no impact to the refuges from the use of the site
and no impact is expected to occur in the future.
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Petroleum and mineral-extracting activities occur offshore within
2,000 feet of the ODMDS and are not impacted by use of the site. Also,
there are oil and gas pipelines that occur throughout the area that have
not been Impacted by the deposition of dredged material. Intermittent
dumping does not interfere with the exploration or production phases of
resource development, or with other legitimate uses of the ocean.
9. "The existing water quality and ecology of the site as determined by
available data or by trend assessment or baseline surveys."
Physical Environment Baseline Conditions - Water and sediment samples were
taken in the project area in 1977 (COE, 1977). These data demonstrated
that concentrations of copper, lead, mercury, and nickel in the water
(Table 2) were above EPA chronic criteria for saltwater aquatic organisms
(EPA, 1986). Data from Arcement et al. (1989) indicate that the
Atchafalaya River is apparently a source of pollutants in the area;
however, the concentrations of copper found are unusually high and may be
in error. Sediment data show that chemical concentrations in the channel
and the disposal area are similar (COE, 1977). Elutriate data from the
channel sites showed exceedence of the EPA chronic criteria for mercury and
manganese at all the channel sites (see Table 2 for locations). Copper
concentrations were within the criterion (EPA, 1986). Elutriate mercury
concentrations were within the EPA acute criterion, which is a better gage
for predicting disposal impacts. Few data are available concerning
toxicity of manganese to marine organisms. However, manganese is the
second most abundant metal in the earth and it is a micronutrient. Few
cases of manganese toxicity to humans have been found throughout the world
(EPA, 1986). Further testing is planned this year to identify any changes
in conditions.
Water temperatures parallel air temperatures and range from 31°C in summer
to 10°C during winter. Surface salinities vary from 0 to 24 ppt near the
Freshwater Bayou ODMDS (Barrett et al., 1978). The water is generally well
oxygenated (3.5-11.4 mg/1) (see Specific Criteria Number 6) and alkaline
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TABLE 2
ARSENIC AND HEAVY METALS IN NATIVE WATER AT THE FRESHWATER BAYOU-GULF CHANNEL (1977) *
Parameter (ur/1)
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
Site 7
Site 8
EPA Criteria
Chronic
Acute
Arsenic
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
36
69
Beryllium
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
none
none
Cadmium
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
12
<0.5
<0.5
9.3
43
Chromium
30
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
50
1100
Copper
7 **
4
35
27
25
5
4
3
2.9
2. 9
Lead
4
2
6
0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
5.6
140
Mercury
0.7
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
1.7
<0.05
.025
2. 1
Nickel
6
4
5
8
6
5
23
3
8.3
75
Manganese
70
50
50
60
60
50
40
30
100
100
Zinc
40
50
50
30
50
50
50
30
86
95
Selenium
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0. 5
<0.5
<0. 5
<0.5
<0.5
54
410
Vanadium
240
290
300
350
330
340
290
340
none
none
* Site I: Inland Channel, mile 1.0
Site 2: Channel, mile -1.0
Site 3: West Side, mile —1.0
Site 4: East Side, mile -2.0
Site 5: Channel, mile -2.0
Site 6: West Side, mile -2.0
Site 7: Channel, mile -3.0
Site 8: West Side, mile -3.0
** Boldface values exceed EPA criteria
-------
(Barrett et al., 1978). Water quality appears to be fair in the area of
the ODMDS and highly influenced by the Atchafalaya River.
Nutrient concentrations, turbidity, and suspended solids, are directly
related to discharge from the Atchafalaya River. All are generally high in
the area of the ODMDS (Barrett et al., 1978) with peaks occurring from
February-May.
Physical Environment Impacts - Temporary mounding can occur within the
ODMDS during discharge, which reduces water depths. The disposed sediments
are reworked by waves and littoral currents and are moved out of the
ODMDS. The direction and speed of currents are variable, but sediments
generally drift toward the west under most circumstances. The channel has
coarser grained material than the ODMDS at two of three stations, leading
to a slight difference between sediment grain size in the ODMDS and areas
east of the channel (COE, 1978). These grain size differences are expected
to remain with continued use of the site.
Contaminants are generally not released into the water following disposal,
but remain associated with the sediments, especially silts and clays
(Brannon et al., 1978), which predominate in the Freshwater Bayou-Gulf
channel. Elutriate tests indicated that concentrations of mercury and
manganese could exceed EPA chronic criteria (COE, 1977) during disposal.
Mercury was within the acute criterion. Data (Arcement et al., 1989)
indicate that contaminants are derived from the Atchafalaya River.
Contaminant release, toxicity, and bioconcentration due to disposal should
be minor because of the sediment type, short duration of disposal, and
limited area of the work. Mercury should be within the acute EPA criterion
and manganese is unlikely to be toxic or bioaccumulate to an appreciable
extent in the few days of disposal, despite possible high concentrations
initially. Planned water quality tests should help to clarify any possible
problems because of manganese release. The chronic criterion of 100 ug/1
was recommended for manganese by EPA to protect humans that consume
shellfish.
18
-------
Disposal would temporarily increase turbidity at the site. The duration of
the plume depends oil particle size, currents, and nixing, but should not
extend over an area greater than about 71 acres beyond the ODMDS at any
given time. The fine sediments may remain suspended for hours, but would
eventually settle and turbidity would return to ambient conditions. The
Freshwater Bayou ODMDS is actively used for disposal an average of 14 days
per operation. Thus, turbidity would be increased for approximately 2
weeks each year that disposal occurs.
Plankton Baseline Conditions - Plankton communities at the ODMDS fluctuate
seasonally and annually as are typical of nearshore waters of the gulf.
Phytoplankton consists primarily of marine diatoms and dinoflagellates with
populations most closely following seasonal trends in the flows from the
Atchafalaya River that bring nutrients. The amounts of phytoplankton
generally decrease in a Gulfvard direction (Barrett et al., 1978J.
Dominant components of the zooplankton include gastropod larvae, copepods,
and ostracods. Numbers of zooplankton lag behind peak concentrations of
phytoplankton with a lag period of about two months (Barrett et al., 1978).
Impacts to Plankton - Impacts of disposal on plankton would be temporary.
Plankton in the ODMDS during disposal may be entrained in the dredged
material, subjected to decreased light transmission, and possibly exposed
to increased levels of contaminants. Solid phase, and liquid and suspended
particulate bioassays in 1979 on post larval mysid shrimp and grass shrimp,
using sediments collected near the ODMDS, showed no statistically
significant mortalities in any test treatment. The bioassay results
indicate that dredging in winter would be less likely to produce adverse
environmental impacts. The results would be a temporary, localized decline
in the concentration and production of phytoplankton and zooplankton. The
area has naturally high suspended solids concentrations from the
Atchafalaya River, so impacts would be relatively minor.
Benthos Baseline Conditions - Data on benthos at or near the ODMDS are
sparse. However, offshore areas near the Calcasieu River were comprised
19
-------
mainly of polychaete worms and the clam Abra alqualis (Gaston et al.,
1985). These organisms are well adapted to the area and are common along
the Gulf Coast. They are expected to be common at the ODMDS.
Impacts to Benthos - Benthic organisms in the ODMDS would be buried during
disposal. Motile species could burrow upward through the expected 15 cm of
substrate (Slotta and Williamson, 1974; Barnes, 1968). Recolonization
would start at the cessation of dumping and would be essentially complete
within a period of 2-3 months (Gaston et al., 1985). Disposal of dredged
material in the ODMDS occurs once every three years; therefore, disturbance
would occur approximately 10 percent of the time. Solid phase bioassays
conducted in 1978 on mysid shrimp, the Atlantic quahog, a polychaete, and
oysters showed no statistically significant differences in test organism
survival between controls and any test treatment.
The potential for bioaccumulation of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls,
heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons in tissues of marine organisms at
the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS project area was assessed using Atlantic quahog
clams and oysters exposed to test and reference sediments during the solid
phase bioassay. In many cases, the tissue concentrations of these
constituents were below the detection limits of the analytical procedure.
For all but four constituents, the analytically determined concentrations
of these materials in animals exposed to test sediments from three stations
In the Freshwater Bayou bar channel were either less than or statistically
no greater than concentrations found in animals exposed to the reference
sediments. Chlordane in the summer series was significantly greater in
clams exposed to sediments from two stations than in animals exposed to the
reference materials. Aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons in oysters exposed
to test sediments in the summer series from all three stations and aromatic
petroleum hydrocarbons in oysters exposed to test sediments in the summer
series from one station were statistically greater than concentrations in
animals exposed to the reference sediments. Mean cadmium concentration was
significantly greater in clams exposed to material from one station than in
animals exposed to the reference sediment in the winter series.
20
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Nekton Baseline Conditions - Numerous recreationally and commercially
important fishery species exist in Gulf waters off Louisiana. The
Vermilion Bay area has shown signs of erosion and increased salinities
(Eleuterious, 1971). However, Dugas (1970) presents evidence of decreased
salinities in Vermilion Bay. Abundance and composition vary seasonally as
many species spend part of their life cycle in the inshore marsh/estuarine
complex. The nearshore water in the Vermilion Bay area is the least
productive and contains the least diversity of any area along coastal
Louisiana (Barrett et al., 1978). Species most common to nearshore waters
in the area include white shrimp, bay anchovy, and Atlantic croaker
(Barrett et al., 1978). Table 3 summarizes important data concerning these
species.
Impacts to .Sekton - Due to the ability of nekton to avoid Che disposal
activities, effects would be minimal. Burial of benthic prey could have a
slight, temporary adverse impact on bottom feeders. Data in Table 3 show
April through December is the major time period for migrations to and from
estuarine areas. Freshwater Bayou is a migration avenue for all estuarine
species, especially in the spring and fall (Gosselink et al., 1979).
However, Freshwater Bayou was not listed among the most significant passes
in terms of fishery migration and tidal movements (Burk and Associates,
Inc., 1977). Migration in this area may be adversely impacted while
disposal is occurring.
Mammals, Turtles, Birds, and Endangered and Threatened Species Baseline -
The numbers and diversity of marine mammals and turtles are low in
nearshore waters. The Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin is common in tidal
passes (DOI, 1979). Five species of endangered or threatened sea turtles
[green (threatened), Kemp's ridley (endangered), hawksbill (endangered),
leatherback (endangered), and loggerhead (threatened)] occur in the
northern Gulf. Several species of endangered whales may occur in the
offshore area including finback, humpback, right, sei, and 6perm whales
(see letters from FWS and NMFS) (Attachment 1). Several species of oceanic
birds and waterfowl may occur throughout the year in the nearshore waters
of the area. There are no seabird nesting colonies in the project area
(Keller et al., 1984).
21
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TABLE 3
MOST COMMON FISHERIES SPECIES IN NEARSHORE WATERS OF FRESHWATER BAYOU
Common Name
White Shrimp
Bay Anchovy
Atlantic Croaker
Sci Name
Penaeus setiferus
Anchoa mitchilli
Micropogonlas undulatus
Spawning Area
7-31m depth
<20m depth
9-73m depths
Major Migratory Time
June—Dec
April-August
Oct-Feb May-July
Source
Rounsfell (1975)
White & Boudreaux (1977)
Robinette (1983)
Sheridan et al. (1984)
Sheridan et al. 1984
Barrett et al. 1978
Overstreet & Heard 1978
N>
hO
-------
Impacts on Mammals, Turtles, Birds, and Endangered and Threatened Species -
Effects of disposal should be minimal on these highly mobile animals. The
feeding of sea turtles may be disrupted by burial of prey, but disposal is
infrequent and effects are temporary and localized, so significant negative
impacts should not occur. Disposal would have little effect on migration
or breeding of sea turtles or whales. Food sources of endangered whales
would not be affected. Bird nesting colonies on the coast would not be
adversely affected by disposal at the site. A Biological Assessement of
impacts to threatened and endangered species of turtles and whales was
prepared by the COE and forwarded to the NMFS. The analysis showed there
would be no adverse impact on threatened and endangered species. The NMFS
concurred with this finding (Attachment 1).
Commercial/Recreation Fisheries Baseline Conditions - Waters off the
central Louisiana coast, shoreward of the 20m contour, comprise one of the
most heavily fished areas in the world (Kutkuhn, 1966). Fishing occurs
throughout the year, but activities are more intense from March through
October (Adkins, 1972; Dugas, 1981). The most valuable resources have been
penaeid shrimp, menhaden, blue crabs, redfish, tuna, and spotted seatrout
(Adkins, 1972; Barrett et al., 1978; Barrett and Gillespie, 1973; O'Bannon,
1988).
The port at Intracoastal City, Louisiana, some 21 miles to the north of the
ODMDS is the eighth busiest fishery port in the United States, with well
over 200 million pounds of fish landed annually in recent years (Holliday
and O'Bannan, 1989). In 1988, the total landings at Intracoastal City were
210 million pounds, valued at $14.7 million.
The commercial redfish fishery in Louisiana has been closed until
September 1, 1991. In Federal waters, there is an indefinite ban on the
commercial redfish fishery and recreational fishermen can not keep any
redfish. A number of management plans for Gulf fishes have been developed
by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and approved by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
23
-------
Impacts to Commercial/Recreational Fisheries - There would be some physical
interference with commercial and recreational fishing during disposal.
However, it would be confined to the ODMDS itself and Impacts should be
minimal. There would be minimal danger of heavy metal or CHC contamination
of fish and or shellfish during disposal as shown by elutriate analyses and
bioaccumulation studies discussed earlier in this report.
Shipping and Navigation Baseline Conditions - Shipping tonnage on
Freshwater Bayou was 200 thousand tons in 1987 (COE, 1989). Commodities
included mainly crude petroleum, water, clay, and machinery.
Impacts To Shipping and Navigation - Temporary shoaling after disposal may
reduce water depths within the site. However, the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS
is marked on NOAA navigation charts. The dredges may interfere with
shipping by temporarily blocking sections of the channel. This is an
unavoidable adverse impact resulting from disposal at the site.
Esthetics Baseline Conditions - Turbidities in the vicinity of the ODMDS
are high from November-June, but tend to be lower during June-October when
wind patterns are more stable from the south and the Atchafalaya River has
low flows. Man-induced noise in the area is from passing vessels and oil
and gas activity.
Impacts to Esthetics - Disposal would cause a temporary turbidity plume of
about 2,000 feet from the end of the discharge pipe (May 1973; Carstea
et al., 1976; Stern and Stickle, 1978; Bokuniewicz and Gordon, 1980) that
would disperse soon after disposal ceases. The dredging and disposal
activities would temporarily increase noise levels in the vicinity of the
ODMDS, but should not disturb wildlife.
Industrial Development Baseline Conditions - The nearest land masses to the
ODMDS is the beach area and the saline marsh behind it. The entire area of
beach near the ODMDS is sparsely developed and has no roads connecting it
to inland highways. The town of Intracoastal City is the nearest sizeable
24
-------
community to the ODMDS at a distance of about 21 miles. It serves as a
base for commercial fishing, oil and gas development, and agriculture.
There are numerous active oil and gas wells in the vicinity of the ODMDS.
Industrial Development Impacts - There would be no Impact on oil and gas or
other industrial activities by use of the ODMDS.
10. "Potential for the development or recruitment of nuisance species in
the disposal sites." No nuisance species have developed at the Freshwater
Bayou ODMDS, and none are expected to develop in the future.
11. "Existing at or in proximity to the site of any significant natural or
cultural features of historical Importance." Cheniers and beach ridges in
the area are ancient Gulf beaches that serve important functions as
wildlife habitat, storm barriers, and limiting salt water intrusion into
marshes (Burk and Associates, Inc., 1977). A survey to identify
archeological and historical resources is not required at this time.
However, a Nautical Resources Plan for the COE is being prepared in
consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer. Under
guidelines established by this plan, studies may be done in the future to
evaluate impacts to historic shipwrecks that may result from use of the
Freshwater Bayou ODMDS.
General Criteria (§228.5)
(a) 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 shellfisherles,
and regions of heavy commercial or recreational navigation.
The interim ODMDS is located adjacent to the Freshwater Bayou Gulf
approach channel. A hydraulic dredge is used generally for about two weeks
every three years and there is limited transport and interference with
25
-------
other activities in the marine environment. There may be some minor
interference with fishing and navigation during the dredging and disposal
activities. It is expected that there will be no interference with these
or other marine activities outside these brief periods. Dredging the
channel will facilitate commercial and recreational activity.
(b) Locations and boundaries of the disposal sites will be so chosen
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 seawater levels or to undetectable contaminants or
effects before reaching any beach, shoreline, marine sanctuary, or
known geographical fishery or shellfishery.
There would be a turbidity plume of about 2,000 feet during the actual
dredged material disposal operations (May 1973; Carstea et al., 1976; Stern
and Stickle, 1978; Bokuniewicz and Gordon, 1980). This plume should be
dispersed beyond 2,000 feet to the point where it is undetectable from the
turbidity naturally occurring in the area. It could reach a small section
of nearby beach to the west of Freshwater Bayou. However, this beach area
is naturally muddy, so impacts would be minimal. Any temporary changes in
water quality would also return to ambient concentrations within a short
distance and would have a very minor impact on the beaches. There are no
marine sanctuaries in the area. Commercial fisheries exist; however, these
are not unique to the area of the site, and would be minimally impacted.
(c) If at anytime 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 the criteria for
site selection set forth in §§228.5 - 228.6, the use of such sites
will be terminated as soon as suitable alternative disposal sites
can be designated.
26
-------
The studies to date indicate that the interim ODMDS meets the
requirements of both §228.5 and §228.6. Surveys of the site indicated the
water quality and sediments were generally similar inside and outside the
ODMDS. No permanent adverse environmental effects inside or outside the
site boundaries due to dredged material disposal have been noted.
(d) The sizes of ocean disposal sites will be limited in order to
localize for identification and control any Immediate adverse
impacts and 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.
The configuration of the interim ODMDS has resulted from the ease and
economics of disposal from maintenance dredging the Freshwater Bayou Gulf
channel. The proximity led to the establishment of a site parallel to the
channel in the direction of prevailing current. The site lends itself to
surveillance of individual dredged material disposal operations and
long-term monitoring because of its distinct location and proximity to
inland docking areas.
(e) EPA will, wherever feasible, designate ocean dumping sites beyond
the edge of the continental shelf and other such sites that have
been historically used.
The interim site has been used historically for disposal of dredged
material; there is no environmental advantage to locating the site beyond
the shelf without incurring large increases in the cost of disposal.
Material would have to be transported some 100 miles south of the bar
channel near the Bauma Bank and other banks. Therefore, impacts to
shipping and the oil and gas industry could be greater than deposition in
the interim ODMDS.
27
-------
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
There are active oil and gas platforms located just west of the ODMDS.
Production and associated impacts of inshore developments probably have
been declining since the late 1960's (MMS, 1984). Pipelines from offshore
oil and gas rigs traverse the area. The adverse impacts from offshore oil
and gas development in the Gulf are generally temporary and localized. The
occasional use of the ODMDS would result in additional temporary, localized
impacts to the nearshore area. Use of the ODMDS would not adversely impact
marsh, Cheniers, or beaches in the area.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Coastal Zone Consistency - The EPA is coordinating with the Louisiana
Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) concerning the consistency of final
designation of the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS with the Louisiana Coastal Zone
Management Plan. Designation by EPA only makes the site available for
disposal of dredged material. Site designation does not preclude the
consideration of other disposal options, including beneficial use. Each
time the COE desires to use the site, they would go through the same
actions as if they were applying for a permit.
History of Public Involvement - The COE prepared an EIS in 1975 (COE, 1975)
for operation and maintenance work in Freshwater Bayou. The COE published
an Environmental Assessment to update the EIS in 1981 (COE, 1981). Also, a
Maintenance Dredging Ocean Dumping Assessment was prepared in 1977 (COE,
1977).
A Notice of Intent to prepare the EIS for the Freshwater Bayou ODMDS was
published in the Federal Register on 8 December 1989. A scoping input
request was sent to all interested parties in November 1989. A scoping
document was sent on January 10, 1990, to all parties responding to the
scoping input request. Comments received from said parties have been
incorporated into the EIS. Letters regarding endangered and threatened
28
-------
species were sent to the FWS, the NMFS, and the Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries; responses are included in this document
(Attachment 1). Biological Assessments were prepared by the COE and sent
to the NMFS. The NMFS concurred with the COE conclusion that the proposed
action would not adversely impact threatened and endangered species
(Attachment 1)*
Coordination of the draft EIS - This EIS will be sent to the following
agencies, groups, and individuals:
FEDERAL
Honorable J. Bennett Johnston
Honorable Lindy Boggs
Honorable Robert Livingston
Honorable Jimmy Hayes
Honorable Jim McCrery
Honorable
Honorable
Honorable
Honorable
Honorable
John B. Breaux
Jerry Huckaby
Richard Baker
Billy Tauzin
Clyde Holloway
Dept. of the Interior
Washington, DC
J Mineral Management Service
New Orleans, LA
/'Advisory Council of Historic
Preservation
Washington, DC
Golden, CO
y/Dept of Agriculture
Alexandria, LA
•^Forest Service
Atlanta, GA
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC
"''U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Lafayette, LA
v/^U.S. Dept. of Commerce
Washington, DC
-------
STATF. OFFTCTALS AND AGENCIES (Cont'd)
La. Dept. of Transportation and
Development
La. Natural Heritage Program
ar^Depr.- of NanrfalTResources
Office of Environmental Affairs
^Division of State Lands
^Coastal Resources Program
Coastal Restoration Division
La. Dept. of Culture, Recreation
, and Tourism
^ State Historic Preservation Officer
J Office of State Parks
-/La. Dept. of Environmental
/ Quality
Water Pollution Control
Division
J La. Dept. of Commerce
J La. State Planning Office
A'/
/
LSU
/Center for Wetlands Resources
J Curator of Anthropology
Technical Coordinator for Coastal
Activities
J
La. Geological Survey
J
•JGovernor's Coastal Protection
Task Force
LOCAL AGENCIES
Vermilion Parish Library
Mr. Ernest Trahan, President,
Cameron Parish Police Jury
Mr. Harris F. Vallo, President,
Vermilion Parish Police Jury
ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
Orleans Audubon Society
Environmental Defense Fund
Gulf Coast Conservation
Association
fChappepeela Group, Sierra Club
/National Wildlife Federation
J National Resources Defense Council
\lSouth LA. Environmental Council
^ Gulf States Marine Fisheries Comm.
Gulf Coast Conservation Assn.
J Delta Chapter, Sierra Club
>/ Tulane Law School
\l Louisiana Wildlife Federation
J League of Women Voters of LA
J Fund for Animals
/ Sea Grant Legal Program
Gulf of Mexico Fisheries J
Management Council /
30
-------
Description of EIS and Rule-making Processes - The draft EIS Is being
distributed to the above entities for a 45-day review and comment period.
A final EIS will be prepared taking into account comments on the draft
EIS. Site designation also requires publication of proposed and final
rule-making packages in the Federal Register by EPA. The proposed rule
should be published concurrent with the draft EIS review period. The final
rule will be published after expiration of the 30-day comment period on the
final EIS.
LIST OF PREPARERS
The draft EIS was prepared by Robert J. Martinson (Environmental Resource
Specialist in the New Orleans District, COE) in cooperation with Darlene
Coulson (EIS Project Officer of EPA, Region 6).
31
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Adkins, G. 1972. A Study of the Blue Crab Fishery in Louisiana.
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Technical Bulletin
No. 3. New Orleans, LA.
Arcement, G.J., L.J. Dantin, C.R. Garrison, and C.G. Stuart. 1989. Water
Resources Data for Louisiana, Water Year 1988. U.S. Geological
Survey. Baton Rouge, LA.
Barnes, R.D. 1968. Invertebrate Zoology, 2nd ed. W. B. Saunders Co.,
Phila., PA.
Barrett, B.B., J.L. Merrell, T. P. Morrison, M.C. Gillespie, E.J. Ralph
and J.F. Burdon. 1978. A Study of Louisiana's Major Estuaries and
Adjacent Offshore Waters. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries. Technical Bulletin No. 27. New Orleans, LA.
Barrett, B.B. and M. Gillespie. 1973. Primary Factors which Influence
Commercial Shrimp Production In Coastal LA. LA. Wildlife and Fisheries
Commission, New Orleans, LA
Bokuniewicz, H.J. and R.B. Gordon. 1980. Deposition of dredged sediment
at open water sites. Estuarine and Coastal Mar. Sci., 10:289-303.
Brannon, J.M., R.H. Plumb, Jr., and I. Smith. 1978. Long-term release of
contaminants from dredged material. Dredged Material Research
Program. Technical Report D-78-49. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Burk and Associates, Inc. 1977. Unique Ecological Features of the
Louisiana Coast. Louisiana State Planning Office, Baton Rouge, LA.
Carstea, D., L. Boberschmidt, R. Holberger, S. Saari, and R. Strieter.
1976. Considerations for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Small
Structures and Related Activities as Applied to the New Orleans
District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prepared for the U.S. Corps of
Engineers by the Mitre Corporation, McLean, VA.
COE See U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Darnell, R.M., R.E. Defenbaugh, and D. Moore. 1983. Northwestern Gulf
shelf bio-atlas; a study of the distribution of demersal fishes and
penaeid shrimp of soft bottoms of the continental shelf from the Rio
Grande to the Mississippi River Delta. Open File Report No. 82-04.
Minerals Management Service, Metairie, LA.
DOI See U.S. Department of the Interior.
32
-------
LITERATURE CITED (Continued)
Dugas, R. 1970. An ecological survey of Vermilion Bay 1968-1969.
Unpublished M.S. Thesis University of Southwestern Louisiana,
Lafayette, Louisiana.
Dugas, R. 1981. Louisiana Oyster Industry 1980, Proceeding of the North
American Oyster Workshop (K.K. Chew, ed.), special Publication of the
World Mariculture Society.
Dunham, F. 1989. Biologist with Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and
Fisheries, personal communication with Robert Martinson U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
Eleuterius, L.N. 1971. Recent changes in the Louisiana marsh near
Vermilion Bay. Gulf Research Reports 3:259-262.
EPA. See U.S. Environmental Protection Agnecy.
Gaidry, W.J. and C.J. White. 1973. Investigations of Commercially
Important Penalid Shrimp in Louisiana Estuaries. Louisiana Wildlife
and Fisheries Commission. Technical Bulletin No. 8. New Orleans, LA.
Gaston, G.R., P.A. Rutledge, and M.L. Walther. 1985. The effects of
hypoxia and brine on recolonization by macrobenthos off Cameron,
Louisiana (USA). Cont. Mar. Sci. 28: 79-93.
Gosselink, J.G., C.L. Cordes, and J.W. Parsons. 1979. An Ecological
Characterization Study of the Chenier Plain Coastal Ecosystem of
Louisiana and Texas. FWS/OBS-78/10. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Slidell, LA.
Holliday, M.C. and B.K. O'Bannon. 1989. Fisheries of the United States,
1988. Current Fishery Statistics No. 8800. National Marine Fisheries
Service, Washington, DC.
Juneau, C.L., Jr. 1977. A study of the Seabob, Xiphopeneus kroyeri
(Heller) in Louisiana. Technical Bulletin No. 24 Louisiana Department
of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA.
Keller, C.E., J.A. Spendelow, and R.D. Greer. 1984. Atlas of Wading Bird
and Seabird Nesting Colonies in Coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and
Alabama: 1983. FWS/OBS-84/13. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Washington, D.C.
Kutkuhn, J.H. 1966. The role of estuaries in the development and
perpetuation of commercial shrimp resources. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec.
Pub. No. 3:16-36.
May, E.B. 1973. Environmental Effects of Hydraulic Dredging in
Estuaries. Alabama Marine Resources Bulletin No. 9. Alabama Marine
Resources Laboratory, Dauphine Island, AL.
33
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LITERATURE CITED (Continued)
MMS See U.S. Minerals Management Service.
Murray, S.P. 1976. Currents and circulation in the coastal waters of
Louisiana. Sea Grant Publication LSU-T-76-003. CSI Publ. No. 210.
Baton Rouge, LA.
O'Bannan, B.K. 1988. Fisheries of the United States, 1987. Current
Fishery Statistics No. 8700. National Marine Fisheries Service,
Washington, D.C.
Overstreet, R.M. and R.W. Heard. 1978. Food of the Atlantic croaker,
Micropogonias undulatus. Gulf Research Reports. 6:145-152.
Rabalais, N., M. Dagg, and D. Boesch. 1985. Nationwide review of oxygen
depletion and eutrophication in estuarine and coastal waters: Gulf of
Mexico (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas). Ocean Assessments
Div., Natl. Oceanographic and Atomospheric Administration.
Robinette, H.R. 1983. Species profiles: life histories and environmental
requirements of coastal fishes and inverterbrates (Gulf of Mexico)—bay
anchovy and striped anchovy. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division
of Biological Services, FWS/OBS - 82/11.14. U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, TR EL-82-4.
Rounsefell, G.A. 1975. Ecology, Utilization, and Management of Marine
Fisheries. C.W. Mosby Co., St. Louis, MO.
Sheridan, P.F., D.L. Trimm, and B.M. Baker. 1984. Reproduction and food
habits of seven species of northern Gulf of Mexico fishes.
Contributions in Marine Science. 27:175-204.
Stern, E.M. and W.B. Stickle. 1978. Effects of Turbidity and Suspended
Materials in the Aquatic Environment. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dredged Material Research Program. Technical Report D-78-21.
Vicksburg, MS.
Slotta, L.S. and K.J. Williamson. 1974. Estuarine impacts related to
dredge spoiling. Ln: Proceedings of the South Dredging Seminar, Texas
A&M Univ., 25 January 1974. Center for Dredging Studies Report
No. eds-176:20-37.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1971. National Shoreline Study, Louisiana.
U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1972. History of Hurricane Occurrences
Along Coastal Louisiana. U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1975. Final Environmental Statement for
Flood Control Mississippi River and Tributaries, Teche-Vermilion
Basins, LA (water supply). U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans,
LA.
34
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LITERATURE CITED (Continued)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1977. Freshwater Bayou Ocean Dumping
Assessment. U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1978. Navigable and Ocean Waters New
Orleans District Water Quality Data in Support of Dredging Operations.
Engineering Report LMNED-H-H-QW-11. U.S. Army Engineer District,
New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Array Corps of Engineers. 1981. Freshwater Bayou Maintenance Dredging
Environmental Assessment. U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans,
LA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1984. General Approach to Designation
Studies for Ocean Dredged Material Disposal sites. U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Water Resources Support Center. Ft. Belvoir, VA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1988. Louisiana Coastal Area, Louisiana;
Marsh Value Analysis. U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1989. Waterborne Commerce of the U.S. -
Calender Year 1987. Report No. WRSC-WCUS-87-2, New Orleans, LA.
U.S. Department of the Interior. 1979. Final Environmental Impact
Statement for Proposal 1979 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease
58, Western and Central Gulf of Mexico, Vol. 1. Bureau of Land
Management, Washington, DC.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1986. Quality Criteria for Water.
USEPA, Office of Water Regulation and Standards, Washington, DC.
U.S. Federal Energy Administration. 1977. Strategic Petroluem Reserve,
Final Environmental Impact Statement, West Hackberry Salt Dome FES
76/77-4, Washington, DC.
U.S. Minerals Management Service. 1984. Final Environmental Impact
Statement - Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales 94, 98, and 102, Gulf of
Mexico OCS Region, Metairie, LA.
U.S. Minerals Management Service. 1987. Draft Environmental Impact
Statement - Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales 113, 115, and 102 Gulf of
Mexico OCS Region, Metairie, LA.
U.S. Minerals Management Service. 1989. Final Environmental Impact
Statement. Gulf of Mexico Sales 123 and 125. Gulf of Mexico OCS
Region, Metairie, LA.
35
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LITERATURE CITED (Continued)
Wells, J.T., R.L. Crout, and G.P. Kemp. 1981. An Assessment of Coastal
Processes, Dredged-Sediment Transport, and Biological Effects of
Dredging, Coast of Louisiana. Coastal Studies Institute Technical
Report No. 314. Coastal Studies Institute, Baton Rouge, LA.
White, C.J. and C.J. Boudreaux. 1977. Development of an Areal Management
Concept for Gulf Penaneid Shrimp. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
Commission. Technical Bulletin No. 22. New Orleans, LA.
36
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ATTACHMENT 1
Letters from U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
and the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
Concerning Threatened and Endangered Species
-------
i*o,c
/ V \
^«T.« 0» ^
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oeaanie and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Southeast Regional Office
9450 Koger Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 3 3702
November 13, 1989
F/SER2 3:TLD
Mr. R. H. Schroeder, Jr.
Chief, Planning Division
U.S. Dept. of the Army
New Orleans District, COE
Post Office Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Dear Mr. Schroeder:
This responds to your November 3, 1989, letter requesting
information on endangered and threatened species under the
jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) which
might occur in the vicinity of the proposed project. The enclosed
list contains species under NMFS purview that may occur in the
marine environment off Louisiana.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Terry Henwood,
Fishery Biologist, at FTS 826-3366.
Sincerely yours,
0> CPaok
Charles A. Oravetz, Chief
Protected Species Management Branch
Enclosure
-------
endangered and threatened species and critical habitats
UNDER
NMFS JURISDICTION
Louisiana
Listed Species
finback whale
humpback whale
right whale
sei whale
sperm whale
green sea turtle
hawksbill sea turtle
Kemp's (Atlantic)
ridley sea turtle
leatherback sea
turtle
loggerhead sea
turtle
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera physalus
Megaptera novaeangliae
Eubaleana' glacialis
Balaenoptera borealis
Physeter catodon
Chelonia mydas
Eretmochelys imbricata
Lepidochelys kempi
Dermochelys coriacea
Caretta caretta
Status
Date Listed
E
12/02/70
E
12/02/70
E
12/02/70
E
12/02/70
E
12/02/70
Th
07/28/78
E
06/02/70
E
12/02/70
E
06/02/70
Th
07/28/78
SPECIES PROPOSED FOR LISTING
None
LISTED CRITICAL HABITAT
None
PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT
None
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United States Department of the Interior
825 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Brandywine Bldg. II, Suite 102
Lafayette, Louisiana 70S08
November 21, 1989
Mr. R. H. Schroeder, Jr.
Chief, Planning Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Post Office Box 60267
New Orleans, Louisiana 70160
Dear Mr. Schroeder:
This is in response to your November 3, 1989, letter in which you requested
information concerning listed and proposed threatened and endangered species
that may be impacted by disposal of dredged material at two ocean dredged
material disposal sites in the Gulf of Mexico. One site is near the mouth of
Freshwater Bayou Canal in Vermilion Parish and the other is near the mouth
of the Mermentau River Channel in Cameron Parish. The following comments
are provided in accordance with provisions of the Endangered Species Act (87
Stat. 884, as amended: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Our records indicate that no endangered, threatened, or proposed species or
their critical habitat occur within the disposed areas. However, the National
Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for aquatic marine threatened or
endangered species. Contact Terry Henwood (813/893-3366) in St. Petersburg,
Florida, for information concerning those species.
If you anticipate any changes in the scope or location of this project, please
contact Kim Mitchell of this office for further coordination.
Acting Field Supervisor
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NOV 1 3 1389
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
BUDDY ROEMER
GOVERNOR
VIRGINIA VAN SICKLE
SECRETARY
POST OFFICE BOX 98000
BATON ROUGE, LA. 70898
PHONE (504) 765-2800
November 7, 1989
R. H. Schroeder, Jr.
Chief, Planning Division
Environmental Analysis Branch
Department of the Army
New Orleans District, Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Dear Mr. Schroeder,
A review of the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program's data base for significant
ecological features revealed no occurrences of endangered or threatened plants or
animals within the proposed project boundary.
The Louisiana Natural Heritage Program has compiled data on rare, endangered,
or otherwise significant plant and animal species, plant communities, and other natural
features throughout the state of Louisiana. While this information is available for
preparation and review of environmental assessments, it is not a substitute for on-site
surveys. The quantity and quality of data collected by this inventory are dependent on
the research and observations of many individuals and organizations. In many cases,
information on environmental elements is not the result of comprehensive field surveys.
RE: Disposal of dredged material in
two ocean dredged material sites -
Mermentau River and Freshwater
Bayou (Letter dated 3 Nov. 89)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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Mr. R. H. Schroeder, Jr.
November 7, 1989
Page 2
For this reason, the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program cannot provide an absolutely
definitive statement on the presence, absence, or degree of health of environmental
elements in Louisiana.
VVS:GDL/plh
cc: Ecological Studies Section
EPA/906/07-90-008
Environmental impact
statement: Freshwater
Bayou ocean dredged...
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; UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
! National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
I NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
I Southeast Region
9450 Koger Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
February 12, 1990 F/SER23:TLD
Mr. R. H. Schroeder, Jr.
Chief, Planning Division
U.S. Dept. of the Army
Post Office Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Dear Mr. Schroeder:
This responds to your January 17, 1990, letter regarding the
potential impacts of ocean disposal of dredged materials at two
sites, offshore Louisiana. A Biological Assessment (BA) was
submitted pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (ESA)
We have reviewed the BA and concur with your determinations that
populations of endangered/threatened species under our purview
would not be adversely affected by the proposed action.
This concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of the
ESA. However, consultation should be reinitiated if new
information reveals impacts of the identified activity that may
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 questions, please contact Dr. Terry Henwood,
Fishery Biologist at 813/893-3366.
w
% 1 1990
l*10»C
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