United States Office of Water
Environmental Protection Criteria and Standards Division
A^oncv W«nlogton, DC 20460
Water
vvfcPA Environmental
Impact Statement
(E!S) for the
San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico
Dredged Materia!
Disposal Site Designation
December 1?82
FINAL
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Conqrijos
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FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)
FOR
SAN JUAN HARBOR, PUERTO RICO, OCEAN
DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE DESIGNATION
December 1982
Prepared by: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
Washington, D.C. 20460
-------
SUMMARY SHEET
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)
FOR
SAN JUAN HARBOR, PUERTO RICO
OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE DESIGNATION
( ) Draft
(x) Final
( ) Supplement to Draft
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF WATER REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
CRITERIA AND STANDARDS DIVISION
1. Type of Action
(x) Administrative/Regulatory action
( ) Legislative action
2. Description of the Proposed Action
The proposed action is the final designation of a San Juan Harbor (SJH),
Puerto Rico, Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS). The Interim
Site at San Juan is square shaped, centered at 18o30'40"N, 66°09'00"W,
covers 0.98 rani^, and is approximately 2.2 nmi north of the San Juan
coast. The Interim Site is proposed to receive final designation for
the disposal of dredged material.
Alternative ocean disposal sites were considered in a Site Evaluation
Study (Appendix B) and included both a shallow water and deep water
area.
ii
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Department of State
Department of Transportation
Coast Guard
EPA, Region II, Carribean Field Office
National Science Foundation
States and Municipalities
Autoridad Puertos de Puerto Rico
Commonwealth Department of Natural Resources
Commonwealth Environmental Quality Board
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority
Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office
Private Organizations
American Littoral Society
Audubon Society
Center for Law and Social Policy
Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.
League of Women Voters
National Wildlife Federation
Resources for the Future
Sierra Club
Water Pollution Control Federation
6. Comments on the Final EIS are due 30 days from the date of EPA's
publication of Notice of Availability in the Federal Register which is
expected to beMAR 0 7
Comments should be addressed to:
Michael S. Moyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 245-3036
v
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Copies of the EIS may be obtained from:
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
The Final EIS may be reviewed at the following locations:
Environmental Protection Agency
Public Information Reference Unit, Room 2404 (Rear)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Environmental Protection Agency
Region II, Carribean Field Office
Post Office Box 792
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Library
400 W. Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32201
vi
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SUMMARY
ORGANIZATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
This summary highlights succeeding chapters and explains the major
points of the document. The main body of the text contains reduced
technical information, with an abstract and summary at the beginning of
each chapter.
Chapter 1 specifies the purpose of and need for action, presents
background material relevant to dredged material disposal, and provides
an overview of the legal framework by which the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) selects, designates, and manages ocean disposal sites.
Chapter 2 presents the alternatives including the proposed action and an
evaluation of the proposed site based on the 11 specific site selection
criteria listed in the Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria (40 CFR
§228.6). The reasons for proposing designation of the existing San Juan
Harbor Site (Interim Site) are summarized.
Chapters 3 and 4 contain the essential site information: Chapter 3
describes the environment of the interim site, emphasizing the dominant
physical, geological, and biological features, and discusses other
activities at the site. Chapter 4 discusses the environmental con-
sequences of dredged material disposal at the proposed site in terms of
the effects on public health and safety and on the ecosystem of the
site. Unavoidable consequences are discussed in terms of adverse
effects, productivity, and commitment of resources.
Chapter 5 identifies the principal and contributing authors of this
EIS. Chapter 6 contains the glossary of terms used herein and a list of
references.
viii
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Appendix A is a summary of the equipment used, survey methods,
and the results. Reference citations and approximate center coordinates
of the sampling sites are included. Appendix B is a Site Evaluation
Study performed to examine the desirability of using alternative ocean
disposal sites. Appendix C presents the bioassay procedures and
results. Appendix D contains comments received and EPA's responses.
PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION
The Proposed Action discussed in this Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) is the final designation of the San Juan Harbor Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site, corner coordinates 18°30'I0"N,
66°09"31"W; 18°30' 10"N, 66°08'29"W; 18°3riO"N, 66°08*29"W; 1S°31'10MN,
66°09'31"W (Figure S-l). The Proposed Action amends the 1977 interim
designation of the EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria by making
final designation of the site.
The Port of San Juan is the center of commerce and industry for
Puerto Rico, handling about 80 percent of all cargo entering or leaving
Puerto Rico. To accomodate these deep-draft vessels, the harbor must be
periodically dredged by the Army Corps of Engineers (CE).
The action, as proposed, fulfills the need for an ocean location
which will provide for expedient disposal of dredged material. The
proposed site has received an annual average of nearly 465,000 yd-* of
dredged material during the dredging cycle. In addition, the CE has
proposed a project within San Juan Harbor to deepen, widen, and possibly
realign and extend channels and turning basins (CE, 1975). The Proposed
Action does not exempt the use of this site from additional
environmental review nor does it exempt the dredged material from
compliance with the Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria prior to
disposal at a designated site.
ix
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ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
Alternatives to the Proposed Action include (I) No Action, and
(2) selection of Alternative Ocean Sites. This EIS does not consider
land disposal alternatives. The CE evaluated land disposal in its
Maintenance Dredging EIS (CE, 1975b) and determined that the few
potential land sites presented considerable environmental hazards and
technical difficulties.
The No-Action Alternative to final designation is not considered
acceptable. The interim designation of the San Juan Harbor ODMDS will
expire in February 1983 without the permanent designation of that site
or an alternate ocean disposal site for continuing use.
In a site Evaluation Study (Appendix B), three alternative disposal
areas, including the interim site, (hereinafter termed "sites") off the
north coast of Puerto Rico were compared on the basis of the 11 specific
site selection criteria listed at 40 CFR §228.6:
o Interim site: The interimly - designated San Juan Harbor ODMDS
is located 1.4 nmi from the coast in water up to 400m (see
Figure S-l).
o Inshore site: An area 1 nmi offshore in water averaging 100m
deep (see Figure 2-1).
o Offshore site: An area 2.4 - 3.4 nmi offshore (1-2 nm north of
the interim site) in water averaging 400 - 600m deep (see Figure
2-1) .
The Interim Site is recommended for designation because:
o Impacts resulting from dumping at the site have been temporary
and restricted to site boundaries.
o The past dredged materials are similar to' disposal site
sediments at the interim site.
o The site has been previously used.
x
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Figure S-J.
Inters Ogaan Dredged Hfttefja* Disposal Site
-------
affected ehvirohmeht
Three distinct topographic features—the Insular Shelf, the
escarpment, and the Insular Slope—reflect the geology of the region.
The Insular Shelf, composed of biogenic limestones and granitic
insertions, is a continuation of terrestrial geological formations.
The depth of sandy sediments in this region ranges from a few
centimeters to over two meters in local depressions. The interim site
ia located over the slope. Sediments at the site are predominantly silt
and clay. The Shelf region is separated from Che Insular Slope by a
steep submarine escarpment which is generally devoid of sediments.
Easterly trade winds dominate the climate of Puerto Rico providing
a climate that is distinctly tropical throughout the year. Trade winds
generate sea and swell which are highest in August and minimal in
February, and also create a westerly flowing current of surface water
which flows around Puerto Rico. Infrequent tropical hurricanes and
tropical storms are sometimes severe, occur any time from August to
October, and generally produce considerable rainfall.
Three distinct water masses, defined by temperature and salinity,
occur in the deeper waters. ^ These water masses, found throughout the
Carribb«an Sea, include Tropical Surface Water (Om to 75m), Subtropical
Underwater (200m to 600m), Antarctic Intermediate Water (600m to the
bottom). A large permanent density gradient (pycnocline) from 50m to
xii
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240m separates the two upper water masses, inhibiting vertical mixing.
The layer of Tropical Surface Water extends over the Insular Shelf.
The surface water shows little seasonal variation in temperature or
salinity, reflecting the relatively constant weather conditions of
Puerto Rico.
Surface waters in the Caribbean Sea generally flow westward due to
the constant easterly trade winds. The current regime off the north
coast of Puerto Rico is composed of tidal and non-tidal components of
similar magnitude. Semi-darinal tidal currents rotate in a clockwise
direction, whereas wind-driven, non-tidal currents are predominantly
along shore. The reported net flow off San Juan is westward.
The waters of the region are similar to those occurring elsewhere
in the Caribbean Sea, and are typical of tropical waters. Surface water
are low in nutrients (nitrate-N, nitrite-N, orthophosphate-P), low in
suspended solids, and well oxygenated. Subsurface waters are relatively
higher in nutrients and lower in dissolved oxygen, as a result of the
decomposition of detrital material.
Commercial fisheries in coastal waters around Puerto Rico are not
very productive. Some of Che reasons for this lact of productivity are
speculated to be:
o Puerto Rico's insular shelf is limited in areal extent;
o There is little or no upwelling nearshore to bring nutrients
from the bottom into coastal circulation;
o Rivers emptying into coastal waters are relatively small, and
therefore, no great quantities of nutrients from the land are
carried out into the sea.
xiii
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The latter two items may be reflected in the relatively small
phytoplankton and zooplankton populations in Puerto Rican coastal waters
(Department of Natural Resources, L979) .
All dredged material must meet EPA criteria [40 CFR 227], before
permit for ocean disposal is granted. None of the material is to be
packaged in any way.
The CE has and will continue to perform dredging using Corps -
owned hopper dredges. Future dredging will also be performed by private
contract using hopper, dragline, clamshell, and dipper dredged (CE,
1975).
A total of 4.3 mil 1 ion yd3 from San Juan Harbor has been dumped
at the interim site since 1974. Maintenance dredging would be
biennial, removing a total of 465,000 yd3 of silaceous and other
sedimentary materials fr°m San Juan Bay to be disposed at the chosen
site. If the proposed deepening proiect is implemented, its completion
would result in the need for an increase of 185,000 yd3 in the average
annual estimated operation and maintenance dredging.
Both surveillance and monitoring are feasible at the Interim Site
because it is relatively close to shore. Surveillance of disposal
operations at the interim could easily be achieved by shipriders and/or
helicopter. Monitoring costs would be considerably higher at a site
further offshore due to both increased distance from shore and increased
water depth.
xiv
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Although heavy shipping and cruise ship traffic passes through or
in the vicinity of aLL three ocean sites, disposal activities will not
cause any interference with these activites. The small volume of
dredged material makes operation and maintenance disposal activities
necessary only every two years.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Previous disposal of dredged material at the interim site has had
no significant adverse impacts on human health, economics, safety, or
aesthetics. Mounding has not resulted in sufficient shoaling to create
a navigational hazard. Minor, short-term adverse effects from dumping
has likely occurred at the interim site, including a temporary reduction
in abundances of bottom-dwelling animals resulting from burial.
Disposal of dredged material would be expected to have a minimal
effect at the offshore site. Mounds are less likely to form because of
greater depths and because dredged material would likely be dispersed
over a large area by currents.
Disposal of dredged sediment at an inshore site over the insular
shelf would increase the turbidity of the near shore waters which could
adversely impact coral reef communities and waterfront recreational
facilities.
Disposal operations do not interfere with any long-term use of
resources.
CONCLUSION
Considering both environmental and economic factors, the Interim
Site is an acceptable location to receive material dredged from San Juan
Harbor. The site is recommended as the preferred site for continuing
disposal activities.
xv
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CONTENTS
Chapter Page
SUMMARY SHEET iii
SUMMARY viii
1 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION 1-1
PROPOSED ACTION 1-1
PURPOSE AND NEED 1-3
COE National Purpose and Need 1-4
COE Local Need 1-5
SJPA'» Purpose and Need 1-5
Interim Dumping Sites . . 1-6
Site Studies 1-7
Site Designation 1-8
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION BACKGROUND 1-9
Federal Legislation 1-9
FEDERAL CONTROL PROGRAMS 1-12
Ocean Dumping Evaluation Procedures 1-12
Environmental Impact Criteria 1-15
Permit Enforcement 1-17
Ocean Disposal Site Designation 1-18
INTERNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS. 1-19
2 ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTIO* 2-1
NON-OCEAN DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES 2-2
NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE 2-3
ALTERNATIVE OCEAN SITES 2-5
Inshore ..... 2-5
Offshore 2-7
PROPOSED ACTION 2-8
Geographic Position, Depth of Water, Bottom
Topography, and Distance from the Coast 2-9
Location in Relation to Breeding, Soawnine,
Nursery, Feeding, or Passage Areas of Living
Resources in Adult or Juvenile Phases 2-9
Location in Relation to Beaches and Other
Amenxty Areas ................... 2—11
Types and Quantities of Wastes Proposed'
to be Disposed of, and Proposed Methods of
Release, Including Methods of Packing the
Waste, If Any • ••#•••»•••••«•••.. 2—11
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring 2-12
Dispersal, Horizontal Transport and Vertical
Mixing Characteristics of the Area Including
Prevailing Current Direction and Velocity 2-12
xvi
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CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter Page
Existence and Effects of Current and Previous
Discharges and Dumping in the Area (Including
Cumulative Effects) 2-14
Interference with Shipping, Pishing, Recreation,
Mineral Extraction, Desalination, Fish and
Shellfish Culture, Areas of Special Scientific
Importance and Other Legitimate Uses of
the Ocean. • ••••••••••••••••••• 2™!^
The Existing Water Quality and Ecology of the
Site as Determined by Available Data or by
Trend Assessment of Baseline Surveys 2-15
Potentiality for the Development of Recruitment
of Nuisance Species in the Disposal Site 2-16
Existence at or in Close Proximity to the Site
of Any Significant Natural or Cultural Features
of Historical Importance 2-16
CONCLUSIONS 2-17
3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3-1
REGIONAL CHARACTERIZATION 3-1
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED SITE . . 3-3
Geological Conditions 3-3
Climate. . . . ; 3-7
Physical Characteristics .... 3-13
Chemical Characteristics 3-17
Biological Characteristics 3-25
CHARACTERISTICS OF DREDGED MATERIAL 3-37
SOCIOECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS 3-43
MARINE DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA 3-46
4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEOUINCES 4-1
EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, AESTHETIC
VALUES, AND SOCIOECONOMICS 4-1
AESTHETICS 4-3
Effects on the Ecosystem 4-5
Effects of Water Quality 4-6
Turbidity 4-6
Nutrient Releases 4-8
Oxygen Demand 4-9
Trace Metal and Organohalogen Accumulation 4-10
xvii
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CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter Page
EFFECTS ON BIOTA 4-11
UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS AND MITIGATING MEASURES 4-14
IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS
OF RESOURCES. •••••••••••••••••••, 4—15
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM
USE AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY
5 COORDINATION 5-1
PREPARERS OF THE EIS 5-1
REVIEWERS OF THE EIS
6 GLOSSARY, ABBREVIATIONS, AND REFERENCES 6-1
GLOSSARY 6-1
ABBREVIATIONS 6-11
REFERENCES 6-13
APPENDICES
A SURVEY METHODS, RESULTS, AND INTERPRETATION A-l
B SITE EVALUATIONS STUDY FOR SAN JUAN, PUERTO
RICO OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL B-l
C RESULTS OF BIOASSAY EVALUATION OF SEDIMENTS
FROM SAN JUAN HARBOR, PUERTO RICO C-l
D COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS D-l
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page
S-l Interim Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site xi
1-1 San Juan, Puerto Rico 1-2
1-2 Dredged Material Evaluation Cycle 1-14
2-1 Alternative Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites . . . 2-6
2-2 Station Locations, Coordinates, and Depths in
the Area of San Juan ODMDS »••••••««••••• 2—10
3-1 Station Locations, Coordinates, and Depths in
Area of San Juan ODMDS . 3-2
3-2 Bathymetry and Physiographic Features
in the Vicinity of Puerto Rico 3-6
3-3 Interpolated Total Tide Levels for the 10-,
25- 100- and 500 year Return Period for the
North Coast of Rico 3-14
xviii
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CONTENTS (continued)
Figure Page
3-4 Temperature vs. Salinity Profile 3-16
3-5 Common Macrofauna Collected at ODMDS 3-32
3-6 San Juan Harbor 3-39
3-7 Sampling Locations of S«diments Used in
Bioassay Tests 3-42
4-1 Schematic Representation of the Disposal of Harbor-
Dredged Material into a Two-Layered Deepwater System
with Strong Theroo-Pycnocline 4-7
TABLES
Number Page
1-1 Responsibilities of Federal Departments and Agencies
for Regulatory Ocean Disposal Under MPRSA 1-13
3-1. Environmental Surveys off the North Coast of
Puerto Rico »•••••••••••••••••••• 3—4
3-2 Sediment Composit ion in Che Area of the San Juan
ODMDS During February, 1980 3-8
3-3 Mean Annual Percentage Frequencies of Wind
Direction at San Juan, Puerto Rico 3-11
3-4 Prevailing Wind Direction and Speed at
San Juan, Puerto Rico 3—12
3-5 Values of Trace Metals, Oil and Grease, and Total
Organic Carbon (TOC) in the Sediments in the Area
of the San Juan ODMDS, February, 1980 3-21
3-6 Values of Trace Metals, Oil end Grease, and Total
Organic Carbon (TOC) in the Sediments in the Area
of San Juan ODMDS, June 1980* ..•.«••»•..« 3—22
3-7 Values of Organohalogens Measured in Sediments
in the Area of the San Juan 3-24
3-8 Common Macrofaunal Species Captured in the Area of
the San Juan ODMDS during February and June, 1980 . . 3-28
3-9 Percent Trophic Composition of the Common Macro-
faunal Species Collected in the Area of the
San Juan ODMDS 3-31
3-10 Numerical Data for Dominant Species Collected in
the Area of the San Juan ODMDS, February, 1980. . . . 3-34
3-11 Numerical Data for Che Dominant Species Collected
in the Area of the San Juan ODMDS, June, 1980 .... 3-35
3-12 Analysis of Variance (Model II) of Densities of Che
Dominant Species Collected in the ARea of the San
Juan ODMDS During February and June, 1980 3-36
3-13 Total and Fecal Coliform Levels in Sediments 3-38
4-1 Settling Velocities of Quartz Spheres in
Distilled Water (20*C) 4-8
xix
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CHAPTER 1
PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION
The Port of San Juan is the center of commerce and
industry for Puerto Rico, handling about 80 per-
cent of all cargo entering or leaving Puerto Rico.
Access of ships to the harbor depends on dredging
of the channels to maintain the authorized depths.
The action proposed in this EIS is the final
designation of the interim-designated San Juan
Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site
(ODMDS). Guidelines for site management are
provided by the Ocean Dumping Regulations.
The action proposed in this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the
final designation for continuing use of an Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Site (ODMDS) in the San Juan Harbor (SJH) area (see Figure 1-1). The our-
pose of the proposed action is to provide an environmentally acceptable
ocean location for the disposal of materials dredged from San Juan Harbor.
The EIS presents the information needed to evaluate the suitability of
ocean disposal areas for final designation for continuing use and is based
on one of a series of disposal site environmental studies. The
environmental studies and final designation process are being conducted in
accordance with the requirements of the Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA) (86 Stat. 1052), as amended (33 U.S.C.A
§1401, et. seq.); the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Ocean Dumping
Regulations and Criteria (40 CFR 220-229), and other applicable Federal
environmental legislation.
1-1
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Figur# 1-1. s«n Juan, Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN HARBOR
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
LOCATION MAP
SCALE AS SHOWN
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
JACKSONVILLE OISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
JACKSONVILLE , FLORIDA
DATED' AUGUST, 1980 P.O. FILE NQ.IQ2.33. 3 85
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Based on an evaluation of aLL reasonable alternatives, the proposed
action in this EIS is to permanently designate the existing interim-
designated San Juan Harbor ODMDS. The boundary coordinates of the site
are: 18'30»10"N, 66*08'29"W; 18°30'10"N, 66°08,29MW; 18*3riO"N,
66°08'29"W; 18°31 *10"N, 66°09'31"W. The site is centered approximately 2.2
nautical miles (nmi) offshore, has an averaged depth of 292m and a
rectangular area of 0.98 square nautical miles.
The SJH-ODMDS, as delineated above, would be designated for the disposal
of dredged material. The site may be used for disposal of the dredged
material only after evaluation of each Federal proiect or permit
application has established that the disposal is within site capacity and
in compliance with the criteria and requirements of EPA and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (CE) regulations.
PURPOSE AND NEED
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
The MPRSA was enacted in October 1972. Congressional intent for this
legislation as expressed in the Act is:
Sec.2(b). The Congress declares Chat it is the policy of the United
States to regulate the dumping of all types of materials into ocean
waters and to prevent or strictly limit the dumping into ocean waters
of any material which would adversely affect human health, welfare,
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic
potentialities.
(c). It is the purpose of this Act to regulate (1) the transportation
by any person of material from the United States and, in the case of
United States vessels, aircraft, or agencies, the transportation of
material from a location outside the United States, when in either
case the transportation is for the purpose of dumping the material
into ocean waters, and (2) the dumping of material transported by any
person from a location outside the United States if the dumping occurs
in the territorial sea or the contiguous zone of the United States.
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Title I of the MPRSA, which is the Act's primary regulatory section,
authorizes the Administrator of EPA (Section 102) and the Secretary of the
Army acting through the CE (Section 103) to establish ocean disposal perrait
programs for nondredged and dredged materials, respectively. Title I also
requires EPA to establish criteria, based on those factors listed in
Section 102(a), for the review and evaluation of permits under the EPA and
CE permit program. In addition, Section 102(c) of Title I authorizes EPA,
considering criteria established pursuant to Section 102(a), to designate
recommended ocean disposal sites or times for dumping of nondredged and
dredged material"
Corps of Engineers National Purpose and_Need
Section 103 of Title I requires the CE to consider in its evaluation of
Federal projects and 103 permit application the effects of ocean disposal
of dredged material on human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine
environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities. As part of
this evaluation, consideration must be given to utilizing, to the extent
feasible, ocean disposal sites designated by the EPA pursuant to Section
102(c). Since 1977, the CE has used those ocean disposal sites designated
by EPA on an interim basis. Use of these interim designated sites for
ocean disposal has been an essential element in the CE's compliance with
the requirements of the MPRSA and its ability to carry out its statutory
responsibility for maintaining the nation's navigable waterways. To
continue to maintain and improve the nation's waterways, the CE considers
It essential that environmentally acceptable ocean disposal sites be
identified, evaluated, and permanently designated for continued use
pursuant to Section 102(c). These sites will be used after review of each
project has established that the proposed ocean disposal of dredged
material is in compliance with the criteria and requirements of EPA and CE
regulations.
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Corps of Engineers Local Need
Annually approximately 465,000 cubic yards of silaceous and other
sedimentary materials enter the San Juan, Puerto Rico Harbor mainly from
two rivers, Rio de Bayamon and Rio Piedras, and one Canal, Cano de Martin
Pena. For the CE's Jacksonville District to maintain the San Juan Harbor
to its authorized depth, this material must be removed on a biennial basis.
The CE has requested the EPA to permanently designate an ocean disposal
site suitable for continued disposal of dredged material from the San Juan
Harbor and for materials derived from any future approved Deepening
Project.
EPA's Purpose and Need
As previously stated, the CE has indicated a need for locating and
designating environmentally acceptable ocean dredged material disposal
sites to carry out its responsibilities under the MPRSA and other Federal
statutes. Therefore, in response to the CE's stated need, EPA, in coopera-
tion with the CE, performed the necessary studies pursuant to the
requirements of 40 CFR 228.4(e) to select, evaluate, and possibly designate
the most suitable sites for the ocean disposal of dredged material. This
document has been prepared to provide the public and decisionmakers with
relevant information to assess the impacts associated with the final
designation for one of the sites proposed. It is not anticipated that the
CE will conduct any further environmental studies with respect to the
selection of this site.
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Interim Dumping Sites
On 11 January 19", promulgated final Ocean Dumping damnations and
Criteria to implement MPRSA. The Radiation, set forth criteria and
procedures for the selection and designation of ocean disposal sites. tn
addition, the Regulations desisted 129 ocean .it., for the disposal of
dredged material to allov the CE to full, comply with the purpose and
procedural provisions of the MPRSA. ™ese site, could be used for
interim period by the CE pending completion of site designation studies „
u O i.t-irmi TJse of the interim designated sites by the CE
required by the Regulations. use
would be dependent on compliance with the retirements and criteria
contained in EPA's Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria.
Those sites given interim designation were selected by EPA, in
consultation with the CE, with the size and location of each site based or.
historic use. Th. interim designation would remain in force for a period
not to exceed 3 year, fro. the date of the final promulgation of th.
Regulations. However, due to the length of time retired to complete th.
necessary environmental studies and operating restraints of both .
technical and budgetary nature, environmental studies were not completed
j oeriod. As a result, the Regulations were
within the approved 3-year pen
toon ro extend the interim designation for those sites
amended in January 1<>80 to excen
~ A„ for a period not to exceed 3 years, while the
currently under study for a pei
remaining site.' i«.rl. actus was extended indefinitely pending
completion of studies and determination of the need for continuing »8
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Sice Studies
In mid-1977, EPA by contract, initiated environmental studies on
selected nondredged material disposal sices. The studies were designed Co
characterize the sites' chemical, physical, and biological features and Co
provide che data needed to evaluate che suitability of each sice for con-
tinuing use. All studies are being conducted in accordance with the appro-
priate requirements of Part 223 of Che EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations and
Criteria. Results of chese studies are being used in che preparacion of an
EIS for each site where such a statement is required by EPA policy. The
CE, to assist EPA in its national program for locating and designating
suitable sices for the ocean disposal of dredged materials, agreed in 1979
to ioin che contract effort by providing funds for field surveys co cotlecc
and analyze baseline data. Data from each field survey and ocher relevant
information are being used by EPA in the disposal sice evaluation study and
EIS co ascercain che acceptability of an interim site and/or another
site(s) for final designation. In addition to providing funds, the CE
agreed to further assist EPA by providing technical review and
consultation.
The EPA, in consultation vith the CE, selected 25 areas containing 59
interim designated ODMDS's for study under Che EPA concracc. Regional
prioricies and possible application of the data to similar areas were con-
sidered in this selection process. For some selected areas, an adequate
data base was found eo exist; consequently, field studies for chese areas
were considered unnecessary for disposal site evaluation studies. For the
remaining selected areas, it was determined chat surveys would be required
for an adequate data base Co characterise Che areas' physical, chemical,
and biological features and to determine the suitability of a sice(s) in
Chese areas for permanent designation. Field surveys were initiated in
early 1979 and were completed in mid-1981.
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The studies are directed to the evaluation of .Iterative ocean dispo.al
sites for the diapos.1 "f dredged metarial in an area. «aaed on the dee,
ho. the diaooaaL aite evaluation study and other relevant information, an
A frtT- each of the 25 selected areas. These EIS's only
EIS will be prepared for eacn or
addrea. thoae issue. germane » "Uctxon, evaluate, and f1Ml
deaignation of environmentally acceptable ODMDS's. A. a reautt, the d«.
and conclusions contained in Chapter. 2. 3, and 4 are limited to tho..
significant issues relevant to sit. designation; e.g., analyses of impact,
on aite and adiacent are. from the diaposal of dredged material. Hon-oc.«tt
diapoaal alternative, (e.g.. m>l«nd. beach nourishment) are not addreaaed
in the EIS'a since aite deaignation is independent of individual project
disposal requirements. however, in the event that non-ocean dispoe.l
alternatives have been previously addresaed by Federal projects or Section
1- »•,»„ ffT«5'9 a summary of the results and conclusion i»
103 permit application EIS s, a
included in Chapter 2.
Site Designation
In accordance with the EPA's Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria,
site designation will be by promulgation through formal rulemaking. Th*
decision by EPA to designate one or more sites for continuing use will b«
based on appropriate Federal statutes, disposal site evaluation study, EIS,
supporting documentation and public comments on the Draft EIS, Final F.I3,
and the public notice issued as part of the proposed rulemaking.
In the event that one or more selected areas are deemed suitable for
final designation, it is EPA's position that the site designation proceset
including the disposal siteCs) evaluation study and the development of the
EIS, fulfill all statutory requirements for the selection, evaluation, and
designation of an ODMDS.
The EIS and supporting documents provide the necessary information to
determine whether the proposed site(s) is suitable for final designation.
In the event that an interim designated site is deemed unacceptable for
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continuing use, the sice's interim designation will be terminated and
either Che no action alternative will be selected (no sice will be desig-
nated) or an alternative site(s) will be selected/designated. Furthermore,
final site designation infers only EPA's determinations chat the proposed
sice is suicable for the disposal of dredged material. Approval for use of
the site will be determined only after review of each project to ensure
that the proposed ocean disposal of dredged material is in compliance with
Che criteria and requirements of EPA and CE regulations.
LEGISLATION ASP REGULATION BACKGROUND
Federal Legislation
Despice legislation dating back almost 100 years for Che control of
disposal into rivers, harbors, and coastal waters, ocean disposal of
dredged material was not specifically regulated in Che United Scaces uncil
passage of the MPRSA in October 1972. The first limiced regulation was
provided by Che Supervisor of New York Harbor Act of 1888, which empowered
the Supervisor (a U.S. Navy line officer) to prevent Che illegal deposit of
obstructive and iniuriouis materials in New York Harbor, its adjacent and
Cributary waters, and Long Island Sound. In 1952, an amendment provided
that Che Secretary of the Army appoint a Corps of Engineers officer as
Supervisor and, since Chat date, each New York DiscricC Engineer has
automatically become the Supervisor of Che Harbor. In 1958, an amendmenc
extended Che act Co apply to the harbors of Hampton Roads, Virginia, and
Baltimore, Maryland. Under Che 1888 Act, the Supervisor of Che Harbor
established sices in the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and Atlantic
Ocean for dumping certain Cypes of materials. Further limiced regulation
was provided by che River and Harbor Act of 1899, which prohibited Che
unauthorized disposal of refuse into navigable waters (Section 13) and
prohibited the unauthorized obstruction or alteration of any navigable
water (Section 10).
The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Acc was passed in 1958. Ics purpose
was "...to provide Chat wildlife conservation shall receive equal
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consideration and b« coordinated with other feature* of vater~re*oure«
development program..." The law directed that water-resource Droiects,
including channel deepening, be performed "with a viev to the
conservation of wildlife resources by preventing loss of and damage to such
resources...N This was a first step towards concern for ocean areas.
After the passage of this law, the CE (backed by judicial decisions) could
refuse permits if the dredging or filling of a bay or estuary would resulc
in significant unavoidable damage to the marine ecosystem.
Passage of the National Environmental Policy Ace (NEPA) of 1969 (?^
91-190, 42 USC Parts 4321-4347, 1 January 1970) reflected public concern
over the environmental effects of man's activities. Subsequently,
particular attention was drawn to the effects of dredged materials by the
River and Harbor Act of 1970 (PL 91-611). This act initiated «
comorehensive nationwide study of dredged material disposal problems.
Consequently, the CE established the Dredged Material Research Program
(DMSP) in 1973, a 5-year, S30-aillion research effort, Obiectives were (1)
to understand why and under what conditions dredged material disposal might
result in adverse environmental impacts, and (2) to develop procedures and
disposal options to minimize adverse impacts (CZ, 1977).
Two important acts were passed in 1972 that specifically addressed the
control of waste disposal in aquatic and marine environments: (1) the
Pederal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments (FWPCA), later amended by
the Clean Water Act of 1977, and (2) the MPRSA. Section 404 of the FWPCA
established a permit program, administered by the Secretary of the Army
acting chrough the Chief of Engineers, to regulate the discharge of dredged
material into the waters of the United States (as defined at 33 CFR
!323.2[aJ). Permit applications are evaluated using guidelines jointly
developed by SPA and the CE. Section 404(c) gives the EPA Administrator
authority to restrict or prohibit dredged material disposal if eh«
operation will have unacceptable adverse effects on municipal water
supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas (including spawning and breeding
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grounds), wildlife, or recreational areas. Procedures Co be used by ZPA in
making such a determination are found at. 40 CFR Part 231.
MFRSA regulates Che transportation and ultimate dumping of barged
materials in ocean waters. The Act is divided into three pares: Title
I—-Ocean Dumping, Title II—Conrprehensive Research on Ocean Dumping, and
Title III—Marine Sanctuaries. This SIS is concerned only with Title I of
the Act.
Title I, the primary regulatory section of MPRSA, establishes the permit
program for the disposal of dredged and aondredged materials, mandates
determination of impacts and alternative disposal methods, and provides for
enforcement of permit conditions. The purpose of Title I is to prevent or
strictly limit Che dumping of materials that would unreasonably affect
human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological
systems, or economic potentialities. Title I of the Act provides proce-
dures for regulating Che transportation and disposal of materials inco
ocean waters under the jurisdiction or control of the United Scates. Any
person of any nationality wishing co transport waste material from a U.S.
port, or from any port under a U.S. flag, to be dumped anywhere in the
oceans of the world, is required to obtain a permit.
Title I prohibits the dumping into ocean waters of certain wastes,
including radiological, biological, or chemical warfare agents, and all
high-level radioactive wastes. la March 1974, Title I was amended (PL
93-253) to bring the Act inco full compliance with the Convention on the
Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter,
discussed below under "International Considerations." The provisions of
Title I include a maximum criminal fine of $50,000 and jail sentence of up
to one year for every unauthorized dump or violation of permit require-
ments, or a maximum civil fine of $50,000. Any individual may seek an
injunction against an unauthorized dumper with possible recovery of all
costs of litigation.
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FEDERAL CONTROL PROGRAMS
Several Federal departments and agencies participate in the implementa-
tion of MPRSA requirements, with the lead responsibility given to EPA.
(Table 1-1). October 1973, EPA implemented its responsibility for
regulating ocean dumping under MPRSA by issuing the Final Ocean Dumping
Regulations and Criteria, which were revised in January 1977 (40 CFR Parts
220-229). The Ocean Dumping Regulations established the procedures and
criteria to apply for dredged material permits (Part 225), enforce permit
conditions (Part 226), evaluate permit applications for environmental
impact (Part 227), and designate and manage ocean disposal sites (Part
228) .
Ocean Dumping Evaluation Procedures
The Ocean Dumping Regulations specify the procedures for evaluating the
effects of dredged material disposal. The EPA and CE evaluate Federal
projects and permit applications for non-Federal projects to determine (1)
whether there is a demonstrated need for ocean disposal and that other
environmentally sound and economically reasonable alternatives do not exist
(40 CFR Part 227 Subpart C), and (2) compliance with the environmental
impact criteria (40 CFR Part 227 Subparts B, D, and E). Figure 1-2
outlines the cycle used to evaluate the acceptability of dredged material
for ocean disposal.
Under Section 103 of MPRSA, the Secretary of the Army is given the
authority, with certain restrictions, to issue permits for the transporta-
tion of material dredged from non-CE projects for ocean disposal. For
Federal proiects involving dredged material disposal, Section 103(e) of
MPRSA provides that "the Secretary lof the Army] »«y, in lieu of the
permit procedure, i*«ue regulation* which will require the application to
such projects of the same criteria, other factor# to be evaluated, the same
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TABLE 1-1
RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FOR REGULATING OCEAN DISPOSAL UNDER MP2SA
Department/Agency
Responsibility
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Issuance of Waste disposal permits,
other than for dredged material.
Establishment of criteria for
regulating waste disposal.
Enforcement actions.
Site designation and management.
Overall ocean disposal program
management.
Research on alternative ocean disposal
techniques.
U.S. Department of Army
Corp* of Engineers
Issuance of permits for transportation
of dredged material for disposal.
Recommendation of disposal site
locations.
U.S. Department Transportation
Coast Guard
Surveillance.
Enforcement support .-
Issuance of regulations for disposal
vessels.
Review of permit applications.
U.S. Department of Conmeree
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Long-term monitoring and research.
Comprehensive ocean dumping impact and
short-term effect studies.
Marine sanctuary designation.
U.S. Department of Justice
Court actions.
U.S. Department of State
International agreements
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rignz* L-2 Or«dx*d-iia&»riaL. Evmloaeicm Cyel*
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procedures> and the int requirements which «pply to the issuance of
permits....." for non-Federal dredging proiects involving disposal of
dredged material* Conseouently, both Federal and non-Federal dumping
requests undergo identical regulatory reviews. The only difference is
that, after the review and approval of the dumping reauest, non-Federal
projects are issued an actual permit. The CE is responsible for evaluating
disposal applications and granting permits co dumpers of dredged materials;
however, dredged material disposal sites are designated and managed by Che
EPA Administrator or his designee. Consequently, dredged material
generated by Federal and non-Federal proiects must satisfy the requirements
of the MPRSA (as- detailed in the Ocean Dumping Regulations) to be
acceptable for ocean disposal.
Environmental Impact Criteria
Section 103(a) of Che MPRSA states that dredged material may be dumped
into ocean waters after determination that "the duping will not
unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities, or
the marine environment., ecological ay sterna., or economic potentialities."
This appliea. to the ocean disposal of dredged materials from both
Federal and non-Federal projects. To ensure that ocean dumping will not
unreasonably degrade or endanger public health and Che marine environment,
the Ocean Dumping Regulations restrict the transportation of all materials
for dumping, specifically:
* Prohibited materials; High-level radioactive wastes; materials
produced or used for radiological, chemical, or biological warfare;
materials insufficiently described to apply the Criteria (40 CFR
Part 227); and persistent inert synthetic or natural materials
which float or remain suspended and interfere with fishing,
navigation, or other uses of the ocean.
* Constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants; Organo-
halogens; mercury and mercury compounds; cadmium and cadmium
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compounds; oil; and known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens, ot
teratogens.
* Strictly regulated materials: Liquid waste constituents immiscible
with or slightly soluble in seawater (e.g., benzene), radioactive
materials, wastes containing living organisms, highly acidic or
alkaline wastes, and wastes exerting an oxygen demand.
Dredged material is environmentally acceptable for ocean disposal
without further testing if it satisfies any one of the following criteria:
* Dredged material is composed predominantly of sand, gravel, rock
or any other naturally occurring bottom material with particle
sizes larger than silt, and the material ia found in areas of high
current or wave energy...
"* Dredged material is for beach nourishment or restoration and is
composed predominantly of sand, gravel, or shell.,.
* Ohen: (i) the material proposed for dumping is substantially the
same as the substrate at the proposed disposal site; and (ii) the
[proposed dredging] site...is far removed from known existing and
historical sources of pollution so as to provide reasonable
assurance that such material has not been contaminated by such
pollution. (40 C7R S227.13tb])
If dredged material does not meet the above criteria, then further
testing of the liquid, suspended particulate, and solid phases is required.
The Ocean Dumping Regulations require that the liquid phase '•not
contain... constituents in concentrations which will exceed applicable
serine water quality criteria after allowance for initial mixing" (4o
C?R $227.6), and that "bioassays on the liquid phase of the dredged
material show that it can be discharged so as not to exeeed the limiting
permissible concentration..." (40 CFR S227.13).
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The suspended particulate and solid phases must be tested using
bioasaays which can demonstrate that dredged materials will not cause the
"occurrence of significant mortality or significant ad-verse sublethal
effects including bioaccumulation due to the dumping..." (40 CFR
1227.6) and that the dredged material "can be discharged so aa not to
exceed the 1imiting permissible concentration..." (40 CFR $227.13).
The bioasaays ensure that "n» significant undesirable effects vill occur
do* either to chronic toxicity or to bioaccomnlatioa..(40 CFR
§227.6). The required testing ensures that dredged material contains only
constituents which are:
(1) present in the ouiterial only as chemical compounds or forms
(e.g., inert insoluble solid materials) oonrtoxic to marine
life, and ooo-biaaccumulative in the marine environment upon
disposal and thereafter* or (Z) present in the material only
as chemical camp«ends or forma vhich* at the time of dumping
and thereafter* vill be rapidly rendered non-toxic to marine
life and nonrrbioaccumulative in the marine environment by
chemical or biological degradation in the sea; provided they
will not jmake edible marine organisms unpalatable; or vill not
endanger human health or that of. domestic animals* fish,
.shellfish, or vildlif*. (40 CFR §227.6)
Permit Enforcement
Under MPRSA, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (TJSCG) is assigned
responsibility by the Secretary of Transportation to conduct surveillance
of disposal operations to ensure compliance with the permit conditions and
to discourage unauthorized disposal. Alleged violations are referred to
EPA for appropriate enforcement. Civil penalties include a maximum fine of
350,000; criminal penalties involve a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or a
1-year jail term. Where administrative enforcement action is not
appropriate, E?A may request the Department of Justice Co initiate relief
actions in court for violations of the terms of MPRSA. Surveillance is
accomplished by means of spot checks of disposal vessels for valid permits,
interception or escorting of dump vessels, use of shipriders, and aircraft
overflights during dumping.
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The Commandant of the Coast Guard has published guidelines for ocean
dumping surveillance and enforcement in Commandant Instruction 16470.2B,
dated 29 September 1976. An enclosure to the instruction is an Interagency
Agreement between the CE and the USCG regarding surveillance and enforce-
ment responsibilities over federally contracted ocean dumping activities
associated with Federal Navigation Proiects, Under the agreement, the CE
"recognizes that it has the primary surveillance and enforcement
responsibility over these activities." The CE directs and conducts the
surveillance effort over CE contract dumpers engaged in ocean disposal
activities, except in New York and San Francisco; the USCG retains primary
responsibility for surveillance in these two areas. In all other areas,
the USCG will respond to specific requests from the CE for surveillance
missions. The USCG retains responsibility for surveillance of all dredged
material ocean dumping activities which are not associated with Federal
Mavigation Proiects.
Ocean Disposal Site Designation
EPA is conducting studies of various disposal sites in order to
determine their acceptability. The Agency has designated a number of
existing disposal sites for use on an interim basis until studies are
completed and formal designation or termination of each site is decided (40
CFR 5228.12, as amended 16 January 1980, 45 FR 3053).
Under Section 102(c) of Title I of MPRSA, EPA is authorized to designate
sites and times for ocean disposal of acceptable materials. Therefore, EPA
established criteria for site designation in the Regulations. These
include general and specific criteria for site selection and procedures for
designating the sites for disposal. If it appears that a proposed site can
satisfy the general criteria, then the specific criteria for site selection
will be considered. Once designated, the site may be monitored for adverse
disposal impacts. The criteria site selection and monitoring are detailed
in Chapter 2.
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nrrZRNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The principal incemational agreement governing ocean dumping is Che
Convention on Che ?revencion of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
Other Matter (London Dumping Convention), which became effective in August
1975, upon ratification by 15 contracting countries including che United
States (26 UST 2403: TIAS 8165). There are now 44 contracting parties.
Designed to control dumping of wastes in the ocean, Che Convention
specifies that contracting nations will regulate disposal in the marine
environment with their jurisdiction and prohibit disposal without permits.
Certain hazardous materials are prohibited (e.g., radiological, biological,
and chemical warfare agents, and high-level radioactive matter). Certain
other materials (e.g., cadmium, mercury, organohalogens and their
compounds; oil; and persistent, synthetic or natural materials which float
or remain in suspension) are also prohibited as other than trace
contaminants. Other materials (e.g., arsenic, lead, copper, zinc,
cyanides, fluorides, organosilicon, and pesticides) are not prohibited from
ocean disposal, but require special care. Permits are required for ocean
disposal of materials not specifically prohibited. The nature and
quantities of all ocean-dumped material, and the circumstances of disposal,
must be periodically reported to the Inter-Governmental Maritime
Consultative Organization (IMCO) which is responsible for administration of
the Convention.
U.S. ocean dumping criteria are based on the provisions of the London
Dumping Convention (LDC) and include all the considerations listed in
Annexes I, II, and III of the LDC . Agreements reached under the LDC also
allow exclusions from biological testing for dredged material from certain
locations. These agreements are also reflected in the U.S. ocean dumping
criteria. Thus, when a material is found to be acceptable for ocean
dumping under the U.S. ocean dunning criteria, it is also acceptable under
the LDC.
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CHAPTER 2
ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
Alternate locations for a San Juan Harbor (SJH),
Puerto Rico ODMDS were evaluated in a Site Evaluation
Study (Appendix B). Based on this evaluation it was
determined that the interim-designated SJH-ODMDS should
receive final designation. Evaluation of this site
based on the 11 specific site selection criteria [40
CFR {228.6(a)] are presented in this Chapter.
EPA proposes that the interim-designated SJH-ODMDS receive final
designation for continuing use as a disposal site for dredged material.
Alternatives considered were:
o No Action
o Alternative Ocean Sites
o Proposed Action
Various ocean alternatives, including the Interim Site, were
considered in detail in a Site Evaluation Study (see Appendix B). The
results of this study are summarized below. The "No-Action" and
"Proposed Action" alternatives are considered in detail in thi3
chapter. In addition, although not a requirement for this study, use
of land disposal as an alternative is discussed.
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NON-OCEAN DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES
All alternative disposal methods must be evaluated during the
consideration of permit applications for non—Federal dredging projects
and in the preparation of the proiect EIS for Federal proiects. The
selection and permanent designation of an environmentally acceptable
ocean disposal site for use in these evaluations is independent of
these individual proiect requirements. Consequently, the non-ocean
disposal alternatives are not considered in this EIS. However, ae
information, a brief resume of the availability of land—based disposal
sites is presented below.
Land use in the San Juan area is almost exclusively urban and
semi-urban in character. San Juan Harbor is surrounded by urban and
industrial development. The metropolitan area of Greater San Jujmi
borders the bay on the north, east, and southeast while Catano and
satellite cities are filling in the formerly less-urbanized areas to
the south and west of the bay. Flood control improvements have
alleviated oeriodic flooding which occurred in the area south and west
of the bay. This has resulted in the development of the marshy
lowlands in this area for urban and industrial use. The little
remaining agricultural land in the vicinity of the bay, lying near its
southwest side, is rapidly being urbanized, primarily because of the
protection afforded by the flood control improvements (CE, 1075).
The Corpe of Engineers studied the availability of upland disposal
sites (CE, 1*75). This study found that the extent of development is
such that no suitable upland disposal site is available within a
feasible distance. The only land available near the harbor consists of
small scattered parcels of doubtful practicability for both economic
and environmental reasons.
2-2
-------
The nearest inland sices of suitable size are about seven to
eleven miles west of the harbor. Preliminary cost estimates for these
sites shoved that the costs would be considerably higher than for the
tiearshore sites. In addition, the effects of dike construction,
support facilities construction, hauling of dredged material to the
site, and loss of land for other purposes would be more severe than
disposal at an ocean site. Use of the dredged material as fill was
considered. This use was considered to be inadvisable because of the
high silt and fines content of the dredged material. It was determined
that the dredged material would be unsuitable as a supporting base for
facilities and would require expensive diking for its retention (CE,
1975).
Prior to 1974, all operation and maintenance dredged material
(with the exception of Bar Channel material) wa3 placed in upland
disposal areas. In 1974, these areas were finally exhausted, and no
new upland site could be obtained even in small parcels adequate for
one-time maintenance dredging operations. Consequently, from 1975 on,
all material resulting from operation and maintenance dredging of San
Juan Harbor has been disposed offshore.
NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Under the EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations and Criteria (ODR), issued
January 11, 1977, in accordance with the requirements of Section 102(c)
of the MPRSA, various sites were approved for ocean dumping "...on an
interim baais pending completion of baseline for continuing use of
termination of use [40 CFR S228.12(a)!. The SJH-ODMDS was included in
2-3
-------
the interim designations. Ammendments to the ODR on December 9 1980
stipulates that " this list of interim sites will remain in force
according to the following schedule: (4) until such time as formal
rulemaking is completed or until February, 1983, whichever is sooner
the following sites for disposal of dredged material under Corns of
Engineers permits under Section 103 of the Act: (iv) San Juan Harbor "
One alternative to the proposed action is that of taking no-action
This would result in the termination of the use of the SJH-ODMDS in
February, 1983 when its interim designation expires without the
permanent designation of an alternate ocean disposal site.
The net result of the No-Action Alternative would be that the CE
would not have an EPA-approved, finally designated ocean site for
disposal of the dredged material from San Juan Harbor. Therefore the
CE would be required to either: (1) iustify an acceptable alternate
disposal method (e.g., land based), (2) develop information sufficient
to select an acceptable ocean site for disposal, or (3) modify or cancel
dredging proiects that depend on ocean disposal as the only feasible
method for disposal of the dredged material.
It was determined in the Site Evaluation Study (Appendix B) that
the interim-designated SJH-ODMDS should receive final designation for
continuing use for disposal of dredged material. Consequently, the
No-Action Alternative, effectively terminating the EPA designation of
this site, is not considered to be acceptable.
2-4
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ALTERNATIVE OCEAN SITES
After an initial appraisal of various alternative ocean locations,
areas inshore and offshore of the interim-designated site were selected
for evaluation (see Figure 2-1). These evaluations did not demonstrate
significant environmental advantages to designation of these sites in
lieu of the interim-designated site.
Inshore Area
An inshore site could be designated in a representative area
located 1.0 nrai offshore in water averaging 100 m deep. The dominant
sediment type for this insular shelf area is calcareous skeletal sand
(coral, mollusks, calcareous algae, and foraminifera predominate).
Relict skeletal components are common sediment constituents
(Schneidermann, et al. 1975).
Disposal of dredged sediment at a nearshore site over the insular
shelf increase turbidity in nearshore waters which could adversely
impact coral reef communities and waterfront recreational facilities.
Anticipated savings associated with using a site closer to shore than
the Interim Site ere estimated at $70,000 per 500,000 yd^ of sediment.
However, the potential adverse environmental effects associated with the
insular shelf ecosystem could not justify use of ths area based solely
on economic savings. Thus this inshore area was eliminated from further
consideration as an alternative ocean disposal site.
2-5
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-------
Offshore Area
Hse of an offshore area, located 2.4 - 3.4 ami from shore (1-2 rani
north of the interim site) in 400 - 600 m of water wauld move the
effects of dumping even further offshore than the Interim Site.
Although excess turbidity and nutrient release associated with sediment
disposal would be less likely to be detected in coastal waters, other
environmental effects^ would be similar to those at the interim site. In
light of the fact that there is no evidence to indicate that the Interim
Site is currently creating adverse water quality effects in coastal
waters, the added cost of transporting the material the greater distance
cannot be justified. The cost of monitoring would also be higher at an
offshore site because of both higher travel costs and increased costs of
sampling in the deeper waters. For these reasons, a site located
further offshore than the existing Interim Site cannot be justified.
2-7
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PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action is the final designation of a San Juan Harbor,
Puerto Rico Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site. Part 228 of the
Ocean Dumping Regulations describes general and specific criteria for
selection of sites to be used for ocean dumping. In brief, the general
criteria state that site locations will be chosen "...to minimize the
interference of disposal activities with other activities in the marine
environment..." and so chosen that "...temporary perturbations in water
quality or other environmental conditions during initial mixing...can
be expected to be reduced to normal ambient aeawater level# or to
undetectable contaminant concentrations or effects before reaching any
beach, shoreline, marine sanctuary, or known geographically limited
fishery or shell fishery." In addition, ocean disposal site sizes
"...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." Finall-y, whenever feasible, EPA will "designate
ocean dumping sites beyond the edge of the continental shelf and other
such sites that have been historically used."
The above general criteria were used in the initial process of
selecting three alternative ocean sites off the northern coast of
Puerto Rico. The Site Evaluation Study eliminated two of the
alternative ocean sites (see above) and reconaended the Interim Site
for final designation.
2-8
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The location of the site, sampling stations, and depths are shown
in Figure 2-2. The interim-designated SJH-ODMDS was evaluated using
the 11 specific site selection criteria [(40 CFR 228.6(a))] of the ODR.
The results of these evaluations are presented below.
1. Geographical position, depth of water, bottom topography, and
distance from the coast [40 CFR 228.6(a)(1)]
The center coordinates of the interim SJH-ODMDS are presented
in Figure 2-2 (Site I).
The site is centered 2.2 ami from Che nearest coastal land,
the Isle de Cabras, and has an average depth of 292 m. The bottom
drops off steeply to the north. The Insular Slope in this area to
the north is characterized by numerous submarine ridges and swales.
The bottom sediments within the 0.98 nmi area of the site averages
48J silt and 45X clay, the remainder being sand and gravel.
2. Location in relation to breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding or
passage areas of living resources in adult or juvenile phases
[40 CFR 228.6(a)(2)!
The Interim Site does not encompass any known unique breeding,
spawning, nursery, or paeaage areas of nekton, marine mammals, or
birds. The open water of Che site may be feeding grounds for some
wide ranging pelagic fish (i.e., tuna, iacks, mackerel). Deep
waters at the site are feeding grounds for various snappers
(blackfin, silk, and vermillion), but the site ia not unique in
this regard.
2-9
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e
to
wt
o
(
•10
• 8
•6
I ^ n«1 |
18*30.
NUtUM
urrruoc
UMOITUOf
DCfTH
1
mm
2
n*iui
2M*
3
ii*3irs
Mm
4
irti.7*
u*M.rw
znm
1
irtui
mm
1
irti m
w*ur»»
1
'Cm*
tfnrw
i
1l*W.T*
H*1UH
mm
1
Mta
I
I
Figure 2-2
Station Locations, Coordinates, and Deptha
in the Area of the San Juan ODMDS
2-10
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3. Location in relation to beaches and amenity areas [40 CFR
228.6(a)(2)!
Palo Seco and Punta Salinas, on the coast immediately west of
San Juan, are both approximately 2.5 nmi from the center of the
Interim Site. Both are developed beaches which serve metropolitan
San Juan.
El Morro Castle, a National Historical Site, attracts
thousands of visitors every year. The castle is located on a
prominance on the western tip of Isle San Juan overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean. Disposal activities at the site are 2.5 nmi to the
north in the Atlantic Ocean and can be seen from the castle.
4. Types and quantities of wastes proposed to be disposed of, and
proposed methods of release, including methods of packing the
waste, if any f40 CFR 228.6(a)(4)!
Only dredged material will be disposed of at the site. All
dredged materials must meet EPA criteria (40 CFR 227) before permit
for ocean dumping is granted. None of the material will be
packaged in any way.
The CE has and will continue to perform dredging using
Corps-owned hopper dredges. Further dredging will also be
performed by private contract using hopper, dragline, clamshell,
and dipper dredges (CE, 1975).
2-11
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The total amount of dredged material dumped at the site since
1974 has been 4.3 million yd3. Maintenance dredging of 173,000
and 1.3 million yd3 has been conducted in 1974 and 1980,
respectively. From 1974—76, 2.8 million yd3 0f dredged material
from harbor improvements were dumped at the site.
A deepening project has been proposed by the CE for San Juan
Harbor-. The proposal under consideration consists of a plan for
deepening, widening, and possibly realigning and extending
channels; deepening of turning basins, and easing of channel
connecting angles within the authorized existing project.
Additionally, consideration is being given to incorporation of
Sabana approach channel, a Puerto Rico Ports Authority project,
into the authorized Federal harbor project. Excavation volume is
estimated at 12,795,000 cubic yards of soft material and rock with
work, to be accomplished by barge-mounted clamshell or dragline and
dredged material barged to the offshore disposal area.
Accomplishment of the project would require an estimated 41 months
from the letting of the initial contract. Maintenance would be
scheduled at 2-year intervals and would involve an incrase of an
estimated 185,000 cubic yards per year over previous maintenance
(CE, 1975).
5. Feasibility of surveillance and monitoring [ 40 CFR 228.6(a)(5)]
Surveillance of disposal operations at the Interim Site could
easily be achieved by helicopters or shipriders.
Environmental surveys (Appendix A) were conducted at the
Interim Site in February and June, 1980 and encountered minor
difficulties or delays. Similar surveys could be conducted in the
future to determine whether or not disposal at a site is
significantly affecting adjacent areas.
2-12
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6. Dispersal, horizontal transport and vertical mixing characteristics
of the area including prevailing current direction and velocity
f40 CFR 228.6(a)(6)!
Dredged materials characteristical ly exhibit dispersion of
fine material and subsequent elevated levels of suspended sediment
and turbidity upon being dumped at the surface, during descent
through the water column, and on impact with the ocean floor. The
material dredged from San Juan Harbor is mainly silty clay which
would cause turbidity during all phases of disposal.
The current regime off the north coast of Puerto Rico is
composed of tidal and non-tidal components of similar magnitude.
Semi-diurnal tidal currents rotate in a clockwise direction,
whereas wind-driven non-tidal currents are predominantly along
shore. The resulting net surface drift has not been established
with any certainty, but the reported net flow off San Juan is
westward, with frequent reversals. Current velocities at the
Interim Site are unknown, but at Barceloneta, 23 nmi to the west,
average approximately 0.5 kn. Generally, subsurface currents off
the north coast are also along shore but weaker than surface
c urrents.
There is no known upwelling of subsurface water at the Interim
Site. A well-mixed layer of surface water extends to approximately
20 m in May, to 75-100 tn in January. A strong permanent
thermocline inhibits mixing,
The frequent reversals of currents at the Interim Site
indicate that elevated levels of suspended sediments associated
with dumping would be dispersed parallel to the coast, but not in a
specific direction. Surface turbidity would be dispersed rapidly
in the mixed layer. Elevated levels of suspended sediments in mid
and bottom waters will remain below the thermocline and also be
dispersed parallel to the coast, until particles settle to the
bottom.
2-13
-------
The strength of bottom currents at the Interim Site is
unknown, but sedimentary information indicates that the area is a
depositional environment. Thus, horizontal movement of dredged
material on the sea floor is not expected.
Existence and effects of current and previous discharges and
dumping in the area (including cumulative effects)
40 CFR 228.6(a)(7)]
Chemical and biological data suggest that previous dumping has
created only minor modifications at the site (Appendix A). Oil and
grease levels are higher in site sediments; however, levels of
other trace contaminants show no consistent trends. ^enthic
infaunal communities at the Interim Site show low abundances and
diversity similar to the surrounding area (Appendix A). Low levels
of infauna in the region are the result of the general fine grain
size, high water content, and unconsolidated nature of the
sediments, and appear to be unrelated to disposal activities at the
site.
Values for water quality parameters measured at the Interim
Site (see Appendix A) are similar to those found in surrounding
waters.
Interference with shipping, fishing, recreation, mineral
extraction, desalination, fish and shellfish culture, areas of
specific scientific importance and other uses of the ocean
[40 CFR 228.6(a)(8)]
Heavy shipping and cruise ship traffic passes through or in the
vicinity of the Interim Site. However, pass disposal activities
have not interfered with the ship traffic.
2-14
-------
A modest commercial fishery exists out of San Juan, but most
fishing activity is centered in shallow water, inshore of the
Interim Site. Commercial fishing near San Juan is hampered by
rough seas and strong winds, conditions which occur throughout most
of the year.
The Bureau of Land Management does not plan to lease any part
of the north coast for oil or gas extraction. No other mineral
extraction occurs at or near the site. (Federal Register, April
17, 1981
Disposal at the Interim Site would not interfere with the
other activities listed above.
9. Existing water quality and ecology of the site as determined by
available data or by trend assessment or baseline surveys
[40 CFR 228.6(a)(9)]
An environmental survey of the Interim Site was conducted in
1980 (Appendix A). The study revealed oceanic water similar in
water quality and thermalhaline structure to other areas of the
tropical Atlantic.
Benthic infaunal populations at the site and surrounding
regions of similar depth are extremely low in density and dominated
by polychaete and sipunculid worms (see Tables A-12 to A-16,
Appendix A).
Fish fauna at the site are expected to be sparse and composed
of wide-ranging pelagic fish, such as tunas, jacks, and mackerals.
Deep-waters at the site may be inhabited by various species having
wide depth ranges (snappers, spiny dogfish, conger eels, and
batfishes) as well as others representative of the abyssal slope,
such as grenadiers.
2-15
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10 p^nHalitv for the development or recruitment of nuisance species
^ «-h» disposal site [40 CFR 228.6(a) (10) ]
Survey work at the Interim Site has not indicated the
development or recruitment o£ any nuisance species. There are no
components in the dredged material, or consequences of its
disposal, which would attract such fauna to the site.
11. Existence at or in close proximity to the site of any significant
nahira 1 or cultural features of historical importance
40 C7R(a)(ll)l
The National Register of Historic Places and its supplements
list no sites within or near the Interim Site.
USE OF THE SITE
Permissible Material Loadings
To date, approximately 4.3 million yd-* of dredged material has
been dumped at the site with no obvious adverse impacts and no
noticeable effects on the surrounding sea bottom. It is anticipated
that the continuation of historic dumping volumes will have little
effect. Further monitoring at the site is not recommended unless
dredging volumes significantly exceed present volumes as would occur
upon approval of the proposed deepening project.
2-16
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Conclus ion
Considerations for final site designation of the San Juan Harbor,
P.R. ODMDS are based on EPA Ocean Dumping; Regulations 11 site-specific
criteria. The recommendation is made for the following reasons:
° Dredged material disposal has occurred at the Interim Site since
1974. Recent surveys (Appendix A) have detected no persistent
or cumulative changes in the water quality or ecology at the
disposal site.
* Impacts resulting from dumping have been temporary and
restricted to site boundaries.
Dredged materials are similar to disposal site sediments, thus
changes in sediment texture and/or chemistry are unlikely.
* Surveillance and monitoring are facilitated due to the size and
location of the site.
* Dredged material disposal at the SJH-ODMDS is cost effective.
* Interference with fisheries, shipping, or other beneficial uses
of the ocean are insignificant.
2-17
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CHAPTER 3
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
Chapter 3 describes Che environmental characteristics
of the Sen Joan,. Puerto Rico 0DMD3« This Interim Site
has-been ased.for disposal of dsedged material since
1924. Turhidity and suspended solids, levels Mas tared
at the site sere low. Ssdiments_at the San JuanrODMDS
are primarily (90ZO silt and clay. The macrofaunal
assemblage was dominated- by small-bodied, deposit
feeding polychaetes and siponcalans typical of muddy
habitats^ Ho differences mere detected in the
.densities.of these species batween the disposal site
and adjacent area.
Environmental characteristics which either will affect or be
affected by the proposed dredged material disposal operations are
described below. Oceanographic characteristics potentially affected by
dumping are generally characterized as geological, chemical, or
biological* Weteorlogical and ancillary oceanographic information is
also presented in this chapter because natural physical processes
influence the fate of released dredged material and the impacts of
subsequent disposal. A history of the dredging operation, and commercial
and recreational resources which may be affected by dredged material are
also presented.
Site-specific surveys of the Interim Site were conducted for Che
Environmental Protection Agency by Interstate Electronics Corporation
(IEC). Station locations, coordinates, and water depths are given in
Figure 3-1. Ten stations were located in the study area: five (1-5)
were within the ODMDS, and five (6-10), outside the site, were used as
controls. Stations were oriented with the long *xis in an upcurrent-
dovneurrent direction.
3-1
-------
~r
a
2
c
V0
•9
Figure 3-1
Station Locations, Coordinates, and Depths
in the Area of the San Juan ODMDS
3-2
-------
Methods of daCa collection and detailed survey results are presented
in Appendix A.
In addition to the field data collected by IEC, data has been com-
piled from numerous other sources to assist in characterizing the interim
site. One of the oceanographic surveys was performed near San Juan
Harbor (EPA, 1971); two additional surveys were performed off the north
coast of Puerto Rico approximately 50-60 km west of San Juan Harbor
(Black and Veatch, 1975; Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975); a deepwater
\
(6000 m) study was conducted at the Puerto Rico chemical waste dump site
located approximately 80 km northwest of San Juan (Raytheon, 1978).
Table 3-1 summarizes the raaior environmental studies previously conducted
off the northern coast of Puerto Rico.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSED SITE
For each of the maior headings discussed in this section, i.e., geo-
logical conditions, meteorology, and physical, chemical and biological
characteristics, a general overview of conditions in the area is
presented followed, where appropriate, by a discussion of site-specific
conditions. The physical and chemical characteristics of the dredged
material are given at the end of this section.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Geological information relevant to a ODMDS includes bathymetry and
bottom character. Bathymetric data can provide information on bottom
stability, persistence of sediment mounds and shoaling. The character of
the bottom sediments strongly determines the composition of the resident
benthic biota. Differences in sediment size distribution between natural
ODMDS sediments and dredged material may be used as a tracer to determine
the area of bottom influence of the dredged material. Changes in ODMDS
sediment size induced by disposal can produce significant changes in
chemical characteristics and the composition of the benthic biota.
3-3
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Year
Sponsor
Studies Performed
Reference
1971
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Coastal Water Quality
U.S. EPA, 1971
1973-75
Puerto Rico Uater
Resources Authority
Biological, Chemical,
Physical and Geological
Survey of Ocean Environ-
ment
Puerto Rico Nuclear
Center, 1975
1974
Puerto Rico Aqueduct
and Sewer Authority
Biological, Chemical,
Physical, and Geological
Survey of Ocean Environ-
ment
Black and Veatch,
1975
1978
National Oceanographic
and Atmospheric
Administration
Physical and Chemical
Study of Dumpsite
Raytheon, 1978
Table 1-1
Environmental Surveys Off the
North Coaat of Puerto Rico
-------
Puerto Rico, the easternmost and smallest of the four major islands
of the Greater Antilles, is about 160 tan long and 50 to 60 km wide.
Together with the Virgin Islands and the Leeward and Windward Islands of
the Lesser Antilles, this chain of islands form a broad, southward-
stretching arc to eastern Venezuela and provide the boundary between the
Atlantic Ocean and the Garribean Sea (Department of Natural Resources,
1979).
The north coast of Puerto Rico is characterized by sand beaches and
rock ledges superimposed upon a sequence of generally continuous Tertiary
sedimentary deposits. Rock outcrops are conraon along the coast but are
less prominent seaward as outcrops become increasingly covered by
present-day sediments. A maior portion of the stratigraphic section here
is composed of a thick sequence of carbonate units (Monroe, 1973).
Structurally, the north coast stratigraphic section is dominated by
gentle folding, low amplitude flexures and a few faults. All stratas dip
gently northward (seaward) and are essentially unbroken until terminated
by the southernmost bounding faults of the Puerto Rico Trench (about 35
to km from shore) (Department of Natural Resources, 1979). See Figure
3-2. Normal weathering of predominantly limestone outcrops coupled vith
a complex history of tectonisms and various periods of sea-level
fluctuation have resulted in a karst topography along a raa.ior portion of
the north coast (Black and Veatch, 1975).
The dominant sediment type for the insular shelf (defined by the
200 m contour) is calcareous skeletal sand (coral, molluscs, calcareous
algae and foraminifera predominant). Relict skeletal components are
common sediment constituents (Schneidermann et al., 1975). The principle
sand size non-carbonate component of shelf sediments is quartz
(Schneidermann et al., 1975). Non-carbonated grains are generally
concentrated in areas influenced by river run-offs. On the northern
shelf the relative proportion of quartz to skeletal grains decrease from
a high at the beach to a low at the shelf edge (Schneidermann et al.,
1°75).
3-5
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BATHYMETRY AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES
IN THE VICINITY OF PUERTO RICO
BATIMETRIA Y FISIOGRAF1A EN AREAS
CERCANAS A PUERTO RICO
—imwiiui «r «i.; i*Tt
n«M. MmiSO* •»
Figure 3-2
-------
Sedimencs within the interim site, with a depth variance from 213-
400 o, were predominantly (90Z) silc and clay. There were no significant
temporal or spatial trends in the distribution of silt and clay over the
deeper portion of the survey area. (Percent sand, silt, and clay and
station depth data is summarized in Table 3-2.).
From depths taken during sediment sampling (a separate bathymetric
study was not performed), it is apparent that the bottom drops off steeply
to the north. The entire site is located over the insular slope and is
characterized by numerous submarine ridges and swales.
CLIMATE*
Climatic parameters of interest at a ODMDS are air temperature,
rainfall, wind statistics, storm occurrences, and fog. Air temperature
interacts with surface waters and, particularly during warm periods,
influences the vertical stability of the water. Vinds and storms can
generate waves and currents which stir up and transport dredged material.
A high incidence of fog during particular seasons might affect
navigational safety and limit disposal operations.
Regional Climatology
Puerto Rico has a tropical maritime climate dominated by easterly
trade winds and modified considerably by local effects such as sea and
land breezes.
~Source: Department of Natural Resources and Mineral Resources
Development Corporation, 1979
3-7
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Mean Depth X Composition (X ^ SD)^^
Station anong Casta(m) Gravel Sand Silt Clay
1
260
4.81 t 7.71
8.99
+
3.74
37.30
9.61
48.89
+
m
5.50
2
283
0.00 - 0.00
L
7.56
+
146
49.72
+
5.09
42.72
+
4.91
3
194
0.10 ± 0.13
15.44
+
m
4.50
44.73
+
3.21
39.73
+
3.85
4
26S
0.00 - 0.00
9.75
+
1.07
44.54
+
2.29
45.72
+
2.82
S
420
1.43 t 3.78
8.55
+
3.16
47.13
+
5.67
42.89
+
3.88
6
407
0.01 t 0.03
8.25
+
10.53
44.17
+
6.65
47.59
+
m
4.58
7
36
23.93 ± 8.31
73.84
+
10.30
2.23
+
2.40
0.00
+
0.00
0
311
0.99 - 2.61
5.09
+
3.24
43.57
+
5.55
50.35
+
5.80
9
466
0.00 t 0.00
3.78
+
1.25
45,46
+
4.51
50.75
*
4.02
10
260
0.00 t 0.00
1.66
+
0.21
41.77
+
4.20
56.57
4.33
(1) n «¦ 7 except at Station ? (n*«3).
Table 3-2. Sediment Coapoaition in the Area of the San Juan DMDS During February, 1980
-------
Temperature
Temperatures exhibit seasonal uniformity with monthly temperatures
varying only slightly from the mean annual temperature of 25.8*C. Daily
temperature ranges in coastal areas are small due to the moderating
effects of nearby marine waters. The normal range at Is la Verde Airport
in San Juan between the warmest month, August (27.4*C) and the coolest
month, January (24.1*C), is 3.3*C (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1976).
In tropical areas exhibiting small seasonal temperature variations,
temperature conditions are almost entirely dominated by diurnal
variations. The mean diurnal range in San Juan is 7.4*C, a value uhich
is the difference between the mean daily maximum (29.6*C) and minimum
(22.2*C) temperatures. On an average, there are only 37 days a year when
Che maximum daily temperature exceeds 32.2*C. The maximum and minimum
temperatures on record in the area are 36*C (October, 1963) and 16*C
(March, 1957), respectively.
Precipitation
Atmospheric precipitation in the tropics consists almost entirely of
rainfall. The mean annual rainfall of 152cm along the northern coast is
the result of two rainfall producing mechanisms: easterly waves and cold
fronts. The former are migratory wave-like disturbances superimposed on
the predominating trade winds that occur in the Caribbean most often
between April and November. During this period, there is a marked
increase in the number of cloudy days and precipitation; monthly rainfall
averages 15 to 18cm compared to the lover values (5 to 8cm) experienced
during the rest of the year. Thunderstorms occur on an average of 40
days per year, moat commonly during the night and early morning hours.
Hail, a phenomenon associated with thunderstorms, rarely occurs. None
has been recorded in San Juan since 1926. The remainder of the rainfall
is associated with trailing edges of cold fronts that have moved across
the U.S. mainland and occasionally penetrated far enough south to affect
3-9
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Puerto Rico. The extent Co which Puerto Rico is affected depends upon
the intensity of the front. Weak cold fronts may result in only
cloudier-than-normal conditions, trtiile strong fronts can produce heavy
and continuous rainfalls which may last for several days. Extreme
precipitation conditions have been recorded: maximum monthly
rainfall 42.86cm, minimum monthly rainfall—0.13cm, and Tru-H,,,,™,
24-hour rainfall——26.8cm.
Wind
Easterly trade winds predominate in Puerto Rico throughout the
entire year. Because of the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, these trade
winds are significantly modified by land and sea breezes. Table 3-3
presents the mean annual percent frequency of wind direction at San Juan.
The frequency distribution is bimodal showing two peaks: one from the
ENE, and the other from the ESE. Wind passes through the east during the
transition between the two peaks, which occurs when land and sea breezes
initiate during Che course of the day. The diurnal variation of wind
direction in the vicinity of San Juan is shown on-Table 3-4.
The ENE direction is most frequent thoughout the year, and is a
result of the sea breeze; an opposite, more southerly, circulation
prevails during the morning hours as a result of the land breeze effect.
Wind speeds in the area are moderate. The mean annual wind speed is
14.2 tan Air but shows considerable daily and monthly variation. Table
3-4 illustrates this variation.
Maximum wind speeds occur in July, which has the highest monthly
mean speed (16.1 kxa/hr) and average peak wind speeds in excess of 29
km/hr in downtown San Juan. October exhibits the lovesC mean Monthly
wind speed (11.3 km/hr). Nocturnal wind speeds are significantly lover
than those in late morning or early afternoon.
3-10
-------
Table 3-3
Mean Annual Percentage Frequencies of Wind Direction
at San Juan, PR
N
NNE
NE
ENE
E
ESE
SE
SSE
S
SSW
sw
wsw
«
WNW
NW
NNW
Calm
0.9
1.7
6.4
28.5
9.7
13.4
9.8
6.0
4.2
1.8
1.5
0.8
0.3
0.3
0.5
0.7
13.5
3-11
-------
Table 3-4
Prevailing Wind Direction and Speed
at San Juan, PR
Annual Prevailing Wind Direction
(Local Time)
2AM
SE
8AM
ESE
2PM
ENE
8PM
ENE
Annual
ENE
Mean Maximum Wind Speed (lan/hr) and Local Time
Station and Period Record
Strongest Month
(July)
Weakest Mont-K
(Octoberi
San Juan (1931-42)
San Juan (1957-60)
29.7
23.9
2 PM
2-3 PM
22.3 2 PM
18.5 2-3 PM
Mean Minimum Wind Speed (km/hr) and local Time
Station and Period of Record
Strongest Month
(July)
Weakest Moni-K
(October!) ~
San Juan (1931-42)
San Juan (1957-60)
15.0
8.5
5 AM
7 AM
8.9
5.6
8 AM
6 AM
3-12
-------
The maximum wind speed recorded in San Juan wais 258 km/hr during Che
San Felipe hurricane in September 1928.
Extreme Weather (Storms)
Hurricanes and tropical storms are important features of the climate
of Puerto Rico, particularly during the summer and early autumn.
Although Puerto Rico lies in the tropical hurricane region of the eastern
Caribbean, there have been only six storms of hurricane intensity to
strike the Island during the past 60 years.
Property damage and loss of lives results from high wind speeds
and flooding. Figure 3-3 provides interpolated total tide levels for
10-, 25-, 100-, and 500-year return periods for the north coast derived
from a NOAA storm tide frequency analysis based on hurricane data from
1871.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Physical oceanography parameters determine Che nature and extent of
the mixing zone, thereby influencing sediment transport and Che chemical
environment at a ODMDS. Strong temperature or salinity gradients inhibit
mixing of surface and bottom waters, whereas waves aid mixing, re suspend
bottom sediments, and affect the turbidity of the water. Currents,
especially bottom currents, determine the direction and influence the
extent of sediment transport in and out of the ODMDS. *3idal currents
might contribute to Che transport of dumped material, but usually do not
add net directional effects.
3-13
-------
t*l«fpolat«4 T«l«l TUt Urtli Fat Tfc« |0-, 2#-, IOO-,Am4 BOO Yiar fit turn pirltd For Tfc« Nirlk Cooal ui fn$f if nic*
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WO.
2 o
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o
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3
O
<
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n
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a
as
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w £
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—¦ r
I- *-
-I o
2 3
H 4
O >
H M
hi
NORTH COAST OF PUERTO RICO
COSTA NORTE DE PUERTO RICO
e.T
—O-
l.s
-O-
o.e
000 Y«or
BOO A Baa
J 00 ao r_
100 Alaa
29 Vaor
ZS Alloa
10 r«ar
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Startlt (I. 3. Di^wImmI a( Commareai 19 75
Oflfan: Dirarlimiala 0* ComarcU Oa L«i Eatadaa tlnltfaa) ID7A
Figure 3-3
lnt«reolatal Total TUa Icvela Cor the \0-. 15-, IflO-, and 500 year return period for th«
-------
Water Masses
Salinity and temperature data reveal the existence of a well-mixed
layer of surface water, the Tropical Atlantic Water (TAW), off the north
coast of Puerto Rico. The depth of the well-mixed, constant density
water varies with the season and may extend to more than 100 a in January
to less than 30 m from April through December (Raytheon, 1978; Schwab et
al., in press). The TAW is characterized by an average annual salinity
of 35.5 to 36.2! and temperature of 26 to 28*C. The nearshore waters
occupying the Interim Site can be relatively less saline during the rainy
season, due to the freshwater runoff from the Island (Appendix A, Table
A-3). Surface waters at the site show little variation throughout the
year reflecting the relatively constant tropical weather conditions in
Puerto Rico and the tropical Atlantic.
Below the TAW, at a depth greater than 200 td, lies the Subtropical
Underwater with higher salinity 36.52 and lower temperature 12-18*C
(Atwood et al., 1976; Schwab et al., in press). A pronounced density
gradient (pycnocline) separates the two water masses and inhibits
intermixing.
Figure 3-4 presents salinity/temperature profiles taken in 1978 at
the Puerto Rico Chemical Waste Hump Site, approximately 50 rrmi to the
north. The values are in good agreement with those at the Interim Site.
Cireulation
Currents in the San Juan area art greatly influenced by the
direction and strength of the tradevinds. The tradewinds blow primarily
from the northeast. This, in conjunction with the east-west alignment of
the coastline, results in a westerly, alongshore current. Short reaches
along the coast may show a reversal of the general westerly drift due Co
local conditions.
3-15
-------
temperature (c*)
15 ZO 2 2 2 4 26 7.
1 1 1 1 1 1——1
Figure 3-4
Temperature vs. Seliniey Profile*
(Source: 0'Conner, 1979)
3-16
-------
Surface currents at Che Interim Site show the general westward drift
(mean speed 0.6 km). Superimposed on Che longshore drift is a weak
rotary tidal current (semidiurnal) which is seldom felt except during
rare periods of calm (Calvesbert, 1970; Black and ^eatch, 1975).
Subsurface currents at the Interim Site are not well defined, but
open ocean data northeast of the site indicates Chat they will be weak
and variable (U.S. Navy Oceanographic Office, 1972). The sediments
present at Che site and surrounding area are indicative of a relatively
undisturbed depositional environment and reinforce the belief that
subsurface currents are weak.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The chemical parameters most pertinent to evaluation of a ODMDS
include suspended solids, nucriencs important to phytoplankton growth
(e.g., nitrate and phosphate), dissolved and particulate trace elements
(e.g., Cd, Kg, and Pb), and hydrocarbons (e.g., PCB, DDT, and ohenol).
Potential impacts are dependent upon the concentrations of
constituents released from dredged material and physical factors such as
mixing and dilution rates. However, because of the transient nature of
water masses', adverse effects are expected to be minor.
High levels of suspended solids can reduce light penetration through
the water column, thereby inhibiting phytoplankton productivity, or clog
respiratory structure of fishes and other organisms.
Nutrients are essential for growth and reproduction of
phytoplankton. However, under certain conditions and at elevated levels,
these nutrients can promote eutrophication and subeequeat depletion of
dissolved oxygen.
3-17
-------
Several trace elements are necaaty micronutrients for lit.
procaea of organic. However, «.y c.n be toxic, neb « dreary .ad
c„d„i„, -hen present in r.Ltiv.1, high 1-1. in water or in too*
source, such as suspended particulates. Many chlorinated and petrol.u.
* « hn*ic and can be bioaccuaulated in tome forma if
hydrocarbons are also toxic ana
U«e.ted in sufficient quantity by «"in. orxanis...
Water Column Parameter*
Value, for pH obtained at the .ite were norm.1 for ... water and
ranged from <*.0 to 8.2 in February and 8.2 to 8.4 in June (Appendix K,
Table A-O P« »ea.ure»ent. decr.ased slightly with depth for both
9urveyS. Dissolved oxygen concentration. aUo d.cr.a.ed with increeaUg
depth (Appendix A, Table A-3). Surface and botto. dis.olved oxy„n
..lues ranged fro. about 5.4 to 7.3 «g/l, ,i11« to dia.olved oxy„„
concentration, in other »rina water. .Ion* Puarto ta'. north co.ee
(PRASA, 1975).
A. expected for the.. water., turbidity level, and concentration, ot
j j ii/4« at the site were low (Appendix A, Table A-4).
total suspended solids at cne
turbidity ranged fro. 0.15 to 0.59 -m), with a «•» of 0.30 KTJ. Tot.!
suspended .olid, averted 0.3 .g/1, •»* ranged fro. below detectable
limits to about 1.8 mg/1*
Site values for diaaolv.d and particulate trace .etals (Appendix A,
Table A-5) wre well below EPA water quality criteria for Hg and Cd (EPA.
!„«) Dissolved lead value. varied widely and were reletively hi*,
during the Pebruary «rv.y Overall, concentration, rang.* fro. a low ot
0 38 u,A in June to e -*i— '•» in Pebruary.
3-18
-------
Deeper waters off the coast are typical of the Caribbean Sea -
optically clear and containing little suspended material. Concentrations
of suspended material are 0.2 to 5.7 mg/1 above the pycnocline, 0.1 to
2.5 mg/1 just below the pycnocline, and 0 to 4.8 mg/1 in near-bottom
waters (EG&G, 1978).
Four pesticides or derivatives were detected in the water column
during the surveys (Appendix A, Table A-5). Heptachlor, heptachlor
epoxide, and op1DDE were detected, but concentrations were below EPA
water quality criteria (EPA, 1976). Dieldrin concentrations were near or
above EPA guidelines during the June survey. Dieldrin, however, was
below detectable levels in the survey site sediments. Therefore, it is
not likely that the elevated dieldrin levels in the water column
originated from dredged material. Runoff from land is the most likely
source of this compound. No PCB's were found in measurable
concentrations in the water column.
Nutrient levels in surface waters show litle seasonality reflecting
the relatively constant tropical climate in Puerto Rico. Nitrate,
nitrite, and phosphate levels, in general are extremely low off the north
coast, typical of nutrient-poor tropical waters (Sverdrup, et al., 1942).
Sediment Characteristics
A variety of trace contaminants, such as trace metals, petroleum,
and chlorinated hydrocarbons, and other organic materials, commonly
expressed as total organic carbon (TOC), can accumulate in sediments.
Elevated levels of marine sediment contaminants are generally the result
of anthropogenic inputs such as municipal and industrial waste, urban and
agricultural runoff, atmospheric fallout from urban centers, and
accidental spillage. Silty and clayey sediments have a greater
absorptive capacity for trace contaminants and typically have higher TOC
levels than coarser material because of their large surface area to
volume ratio and charge density*
3-19
-------
Accumulation of trace elements and chlorinated and petroleum hydro-
carbons in sediments can have short-term or long-term negative effects on
marine organisms. Many benthic organisms are nonselective deposit
feeders which ingest substantial quantities of suspended and bottom sedi-
ments. The potential for bioaccumulation of mercury, cadmium, and lead,
and some chlorinated hydrocarbons, by these organisms is of particular
environmental concern.
High concentrations of organic materials in sediments can lead to
anoxic conditions resulting in the production of hydrogen sulfide and
metal sulfides. The oxidation of these sulfides is responsible for much
of the initial consumption of oxygen immediately following dredged-
material disposal or disruption of fine-grained organically rich bottom
sediments. Significantly lowered oxygen levels in sediments or near-
bottom waters can adversely affect marine organisms.
Heavy metal concentrations in the sediments (Table 3-5 and 3-6)
did not follow any spatial or temporal patterns. Concentrations of
metals were not significantly different between the disposal site and the
adjacent area or between surveys. Sediment cadmium concentrations in the
study area ranged from 0.01 to 0.26 mg/kg; mercury from 0.01 to 0.28
og/kg; and lead from below the detection limit to 25.5 mg/kg. The above
values generally are comparable to trace metal concentrations in clay and
silt from other sites in Puerto Rico (PRASA) and the Gulf of Mexico (CE,
1975a; Wheeler et al., 1980).
The shallow station (7) had the lowest concentration of cadmium and
lead, probably because of the lov proportions of silt and clay in this
area.
At some of the interim-site stations, values for lead from separate
casts differed by three to four orders of magnitude. For stations 5 and
6 in February and Station 1 in June, this variation can be partially
accounted for by differences in grain size between casts. At other
stations there is no apparent reason for these fluctuations in lead
concentrations. Sediment concentrations of lead were weakly but
significantly correlated with total organic carbon, oil and grease, and
3-20
-------
Station
Kg (mg/kg)
Cd (mg/kg)
Pb (mg/kg)
Oil and
TOC (mg/g)
Grease (mg/g)
1
0.03, 0.11
•
0.10, 0.11
2.63, .1.69
1.190, 1.270
8.92, 14.79
2
0.25, 0.07
0.05, 0.06
14.30, -9.46
2.360, 1.440
20.43, 15.71
3
0.11, 0.15
0.13, 0.26
•
23.60, 25.50
4.210, 6.080
15.39. 19.97
4
0.01, 0.19
0.15, 0.15
23.40, 24.20
2.170, 4.480
19.66. 16.59
5
0.01, 0.06
0.05, 0.02
4.40, .0.05
0.820, 0.910
14.32, 13.41
6
0.16, 0.18
0.13, 0.07
13.50, 0.04
1.750, 1.830
20.98, 13.06
7
0.12, 0.01
0.01, 0.01
<0.01, <0.01
0.670, 0.380
2.18, 2.56
8
0.14, 0.08
0.08, 0.05
9.82, 15.06
1.600, 1.180
16.14, 13.95
9
0.16, 0.13
0.15, 0.14
19.70, 22.30
2.150, 2.130
15.66, 15.06
10
0.14, 0.11
0.06, 0.04
19.30, 21.20
1.210, 1.560
14.71, 15.13
Table 3 5. Values of Trace Metals, Oil and Grease, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in the
Sediments in the Area of the San Juan DMDS, February 1980. (Two values were
measured at each station* (IEC, 1980).
-------
Station
Hg (mg/kg)
Cd (ag/kg)
Pb (mg/kg)
Oil and Grease
(mg/g)
TOC (mg/g)
1
0.28, 0.12
0.11, 0.03
14.95, 0.13
3.730, 1.460
13.25, 13.59
2
0.07. 0.09
0.03, 0.04
0.07, 1.22
1.590, 3.550
11.79, 12.84
3
0.15, 0.19
0.08, 0.09
15.17, 18.70
1.830, 3.300
11.54, 15.36
4
0.19, 0.13
0.07, 0.10
1.88, 12.50
1.890, 2.160
13.26, 12.90
5
0.11, 0.16
0.06, 0.03
0.17, 0.18
1.510, 0.900
6.28, 13.15
6
0.12, 0.14
0.04, 0.16
0.07, 17.50
1.380, 2.270
11.63, 11,69
7
0.07
0.03
0.05
5.090
16.58
8
0.09, 0.04
0.05, 0.05
17.90, 0,20
1.430, 1.530
12.43, 11.47
9
0.08, 0.10
0.08, 0.07
16.20, 15.20
1,040, 0.670
11.53, 11.25
10
0.10, 0.15
0.04, 0.04
13.10, 0.10
0.860, 0.500
11.8/, xl.84
Table 3-6. Values of Trace Metals, Oil and Grease, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in the Sediments
in the Area of the San Juan DUDS, June J 980. (Two values were measured at each station)
(TEC. 19BO>
-------
cadmium Table 3-7). However, at most stations where lead concentration
widely varied between casts, these other parameters did not vary in a
similar pattern. This suggests that the large differences in the values
of lead between casts may be an artifact introducted by sampling or
errors in the analysis.
Concentrations of TOC, (Tables 3-5 and 3-6) ranged from 2.18 mg/g at
Station 7 in June to 20.98 mg/g at station 6 in February. These values
generally are higher than are normally present in pelagic sediments
(Home, 1969), but are nermal when compared with other coastal marine
sediments (PRASA, 1975; CE, 1975a). At the shallow site, values in
February were significantly lower, with values of 2.18 and 2.56 mg/g.
Oil and grease content (Tables 3-5 and 3-6) at the interim site
ranged from 0.50 to 6.08 mg/g, and was significantly higher for sediments
inside the disposal area (Stations 1-5) than in the surrounding area
(Mann-Whitney U-test, p <0.05). Values of oil and grease in the original
dredged material are not available, however, the CE reports that channel
sediments in San Juan Harbor are predominantly clay and "appear to have
an oil or grease residue intermixed" (CE, 1975b). Consequently, it is
likely that the higher oil and grease content in the sediments at the
disposal site is a function of the disposal of dredged material.
Station 7 sediments contained high proportions of oil and grease
(5.09 mg/g) and TOC (16.6 mg/g) during the June survey. The sea bottom
in this area is overlain by coral rubble, gravel, and sand. More data is
required to determine whether these high values represent an actual trend
or if they are merely artifact.
Levels of organohalogens (CHC's) in the sediments (Table 3-7) were
generally low. Concentrations for pesticides and pesticide derivatives
were all below 5 mg/kg; those for total PCB (1254 plus 1242) were as high
as 55 ug/kg. The 20 to 30-fold increase observed for sediment PCB levels
st Station 1 between February and June may suggest that PCB levels
3-23
-------
Station 1 Station 6
Organohalogen (mg/kg) Feb June Feb June
Arochlor 1254
1.091
21.962
-
-
Arochlor 1260
-(1)
33.130
7.995
-
Reptachlor
0.128
-
-
-
Heptachlor epoxide
0.059
-
-
-
pp'DDE
1.049
2.184
4.234
-
dp'DDD
0.110
0.803
0.917
-
pp'DDT
1.040
-
0.838
op'DDE
-
-
4.931
—
(1) A dash (-) indicates that the value was below the detection limits
Table 3-7. Values of Organohalogens Measured in Sediments in the Area
of the San Juan ODMDS in February and June, 1980
3-24
-------
changed with time. However, the February and June casts were more than
0.5 nmi apart, and the variability may be spatial rather than temporal.
The sediment sampled at this station during June may have been dredged
material from San Juan Harbor because it is unlikely that these PCR
levels would occur naturally in sediments of this area. Bioassav tests
for dredged material previously disposed at the site (see Appendix C)
did not show unacceptable toxicity or bioaccumulation of PCB's .
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The following groups of organisms present at the Interim Site are
discussed: phytoplankton, zooplankton, nekton, benthic organisms,
microorganisms, and rare and endangered species.
Phytoplankton
In general, waters off the northern Puerto Rico coast contain
spacial and temporally patchy populations of phytoplankton of
considerable species diversity. Diatoms are the dominant group but
become less abundant offshore where coccolithophrids predominate.
Prominent diatom components are of the genera Nitzschia, Thalassiosira
and Navicula (Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975). Oinoflagellates,
although less common than diatoms, are also important components of the
phytoplankton population.
Standing crops of algae for the year 1974 demonstrated a broad
range. Counts varied from 730 to 18,602 cells per liter, with a mean
value of 4,356 (Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975). It has been suggested
that periods of increased standing crops may be due to increases in
nutrient concentrations during periods of rainfall and subsequent river
discharge (Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 1975). A slight
seasonality is present in the population where a small increase in
numbers has been correlated with periods of greater rainfall (Puerto Rico
Nuclear Center, 1975).
3-25
-------
Zooplankton
Copepods are invariably the most abundant organisms along the north
coast, followed by fish eggs, chaetognaths and larvaceans (Puerto Rico
Nuclear Center, 1975). Many o£ the c°PePod species are typical oceanic
species similar to those found in the open waters of the Caribbean and
Sargasso Sea. Prominent copepod components are of the genera Acartia and
Temora. Ostracods, pteropods, salps and gastropods are occasionally
numerous.
Zooplankton population is spatial and temporally patchy in
character. During the period November - July, biomass is slightly higher
offshore (at times exceeding 40 ml/100 M*) whereas the situation is
reversed during the remainder of the year (less than 30 ml/100 m3 j.n
inshore areas) (Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975). Vertical distribution
patterns are directly influenced by the daily migration of the
phytoplankton population up and down the water column. Zooplankton
populations are active throughout the year and are expected to exhibit
minimal seasonal variations as a result of small climatic fluctuations.
Nekton
The chief component of the nekton for the northern Puerto Rico coast
is the fishes, including species from the famalies Caragidae (jacks),
Scombridae (tunas and mackerels) and Lutianidae (snappers) (Puerto Rico
Nunclear Center, 1975). Fish faunas may be categorized into three
principle habitats—algal mats, rock outcrops and sand-covered bottoms.
Algal mats harbor the most abundant and diverse fish fauna. The most
numerous group of fishes was the wrasses (exp. Halichoeres a.p. and
Thai as soma bifasciatum). Rock outcrops support a fauna generally
dominated by species of the Labridae and Holocentridae families. Sand
covered bottoms support the least diverse and fewest fishes where the
most common species is the razorfish (Hemipteronotus nartinicensis).
Large ielly fishes (Aurelia aurita) and cephalopods (squid) can be found
in all three habitats and are also prominent components of the nekton
(Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 1975).
3-26
-------
Most marine tropical fishes spawn throughout the year, or at least
have prolonged spawning seasons. Physical parameters which trigger
spawning remain relatively constant yearly, allowing spawning periods to
be extended or continuous (Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975).
No migratory trends have been reported for the northern Puerto Rico
coast. Seasonality exists but is not related to salinity and temperature
changes. Annual salinity and temperature ranges are generally narrow.
It is believed that during winter months high seas and storms are
generated which cause the fishes to stray less from their normal habitats
(Puerto Rico Nuclear Center, 1975).
Marine mammals are infrequent vistors to the waters off the north
coast of Puerto Rico. Those sited include humpback whales, roquals,
sperm whales, Cuvier's beaked whales, pilot whales, and dolphins. West
Indian manatees have been sighted both east and west of the entrance to
San Juan Bay during a special manatee survey conducted by the Department
of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (1979).
Benthic Organisms
Forty-five species of macrofauna were common in the area of the
existing San Juan DMDS during the February and June, 1980 surveys.
Polychaete worms dominated the fauna and were best represented by species
of Spionidae and Nephtyidae. Spinculans were numberlcally abundant due
to the occurrence of a single species, Golfingia sp. D. All other
groups, such as crustaceans and molluscs, were sparsely represented.
Numerical data for the common species (Table 3-8) were used to
examine the trophic composition of the macrofauna. Species were assigned
to the following feeding categories based on Barnes (1968), Bloom et al.,
(1972), Santos and Simon (1974), Fauchald and Jumars (1979), and Dauer
(1980):
o deposit feeders which injest sediment and detritus;
o suspension feeders which filter food particles from the water
column;
3-27
-------
Table 3-8. Common Macrofaunal Species Captured in Che Area of th<
San. Juan DMDS during February and June, 1980
i Survey
Trophic Position* Feb
Species Trophic Position-1 Feb
Nemertea:
Nemertean sp. A C ^
Nemertean sp. I C X x
Cerebratulus lacteus C x
Annelida:
Polychaeta:
Leanira alba C X
Pisione sp. A 0 X
Sigawbra tentaculata C * X
Exogone lourei D * X
Haplosyllis spongicola G x
Sphaerosyllit sp. AD X
Aglaophamus verrilli C X j
Aglaophamus sp. B C X
Lumbrineris sp. 0 X
Paraorionospio pinnata D X
Prionospio ehlersi D x x
JP. longibranchiata D x X
Prionospio sp. D X
Spionidae gn. B D g
Spionidae D X
Spiophanes sp. AD * X
Cirrophorus sp. C .D X
Tauberia sp. B D g
Coasura delta D * X
£. soyeri D x
Cossurella sp. A D X X
Capitellidae gn. L D x X
3-28
-------
Survey
Species
Trophic Position^
Feb
June
Capitellidae
D
X
X
Mediomastus sp.
D
X
Mediomastus sp. B
D
X
Nocomastus sp.
D
X
Haldanidae gn. A
D
D
Ampharetidae gn. A
X
AmphareCidae
D
X
TerebelLidae
D
X
Archiaellida:
Polygordius sp. A
0
X
Oligochaeta:
Oligochaeta spp.
D
X
Arthropods:
Isopoda:
Apseudes sp. B
D
X
Astacilla sp. A
0
X
X
Stenetrium occidentale 0
X
Amphidoda:
Ganmaropsis sp. A
D
X
Gammaropsis sp.
D
X
Leucothae sp. A
?
X
Protohadzia sp. A
?
X
X
Decapoda:
Callianassa minima
S
X
Mollusca:
Aplacophora:
Chaetoderma sp. A
0
X
SipuncuLa:
Golfingia sp. D
D
X
X
Id ¦ Deposit feeders; S ¦ Suspension feeders
0 ¦ Omnivores; C ¦ Carnivores
3-29
-------
o omnivores which can feed on a wide range of plant, animal
detrital, or sediment particles; and
o carnivores which feed on living animal tissue.
Mean abundance of common species where totalled for each trophic
category for each station, and percentages were calculated and results
presented in Table 3-9.
The majority of species were deposit feeding organisms which are
characteristic of muddy habitats (Gray, 1974) found throughout the study
area. Abundant deposit feeders included the sipinculan, Golfingia sp. d
and polychaetes such as Prionospio longibranchiata. Spiophanes sp. A, and
Cossura delta.
Nemertean and polychaete carnivores were also common throughout the
area; the most numerous representatives were the polychaetes Sigambra
tentaculata and species of Aglaophamus. This trophic group was
particularly common in June at Station 7 when the syllid polychaete
Haplosyllis spongicola became abundant.
Suspension feeders were poorly represented among the common specie*
The lack of this trophic group probably was due to the high mud content
of the substratum. The feeding structures of these organisms can becotne
clogged by silt and clay particles, and burrows of tubes are often
difficult to maintain in muddy sediments which are not cohesive (Gray
1974).
Omnivores were also scarce, and represented by a few polychaete,
isopod, and a single molluscan species (Table 3-9).
Figure 3-5 presents a diagrammatic representation of several of the
abundant macrofauna which occurred along an inshore to offshore gradient.
Changes in sediment composition and depth are also indicated in this
figure. Station 7, the shallowest, had a much greater proportion of sand
than did the other stations, and consequently a different assemblage of
organisms. Stations 3, 1, and 5 shared similar assemblages of
macrofauna, but the deepest station (9) was dominated by species of
spionid polychaetes.
-------
February June^ 1980
Station D S C 0 T D S c 0
1
.70
.04
.26
.on
.00
.76
.00
.24
.00
o
o
•
2
.71
.00
.29
c
c
•
.00
.53
e
c
•
.47
.00
o
e
•
3
.61
.on
.39
.00
.00
.60
.00
.40
e
o
•
.00
4
.80
e
c
•
.10
.10
.00
.79
.00
.21
.00
.00
5
.87
.00
.13
.00
.00
.73
.00
.27
.00
.00
6
.88
e
c
•
.12
o
c
•
.00
.71
c
c
•
.29
.00
o
c
•
7
.74
c
e
•
.00
.16
.10
.28
e
c
•
.52
.12
.07
8
.92
e
e
•
.08
e
c
t
.00
.69
.00
.31
.00
o
c
•
9
.76
.00
.02
.10
.13
.81
c
o
•
.01
.08
.11
10
.65
e
e
•
.21
.15
.00
.81
o
c
•
.19
.00
.00
Table 3-9.
Percent Trophic Coapoaition of the Common MacrofaunaL Speciea Collected
in the Area of the San Juan DMDS. (D»depoait feeder, S-suapenaion feeder,
C^carnivore, 0~onmivore, and T^unknown.)
-------
SURFACE DEPOSIT FEEDERS
Spionid Poiychactes
CARNIVORE
Hiplosyltis *
lUtla* 9
tS w xo u
OMaim bwa Skon (mi)
Figure 3-5
Common Macrofauna Collected ac DMDS
3-32
-------
Six species were selected for further analysis based on their
abundance during both surveys. Species included the polychaetes Sigambra
tentaculata, Aglaophamus verrilli, Prionospio longibranchiata, Spiophanes
sp. A, and Cossura delta, and the sipunculan peanut worm Golfingia sp. D.
These species are small bodied organisms (_< 4 cm in length) which
represent a variety of trophic levels (Table 3-8 and Figure 3-5).
Numerical data for these species are presented in Table 3-10 and 3-11.
Abundance of all six dominant species was significally different
between stations (Table 3-12). Although densities of Golfingia sp. A
were not different significantly between stations when tested using
parametric methods, densities became significantly different when the
non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (Sokal and Rohlf, 1969) was applied to
the data (February survey, H"23.78, p<0.05; June survey H"20.40, p<0.05).
These dominant species were most prevalent at the mid-depth stations
(Appendix A, Figures A-3 to A-7), except for Spiophanes sp. A which
occurred in great abundance at the deepest station (Appendix A, Figure
A-8).
Differences in the densities of dominant species between the ODMDS
and control stations were examined for each survey as follows. Stations
along a similar isobath which ran through the ODMDS were separated into
two groups; a control group (Stations 10, 8, and 6) and a ODMDS groups
(Stations 1, 2, and 4). For each dominant species, all density
information from the replicates was polled for each group of stations to
form two samples. Differences between these samples were tested using a
Mann-Whitney U-test (Sokal and Rohlf, 1969). For all but one case, no
difference was found between control and ODMDS stations. The exception
occurred in February when significantly greater number of Golfingia sp. A
were found in the ODMDS site. If differences in densities of the other
macrofaunal species did occur between the ODMDS and control sites, then
they probably were masked by the natural variations in the abundances of
these organisms.
3-33
-------
Slftarebra Aclaophamua Prlonoaplo Splophanea Coaaura Coif lngta-
Station tentaculata verrllll .longibranchlnta ap.A delta ap.D
1
1.4 -
1.1
3.0
+
2.4
2.4
+
2.9
+•
as
•
o
0.8
0.0 t
0.0
5.6 - 4.6
2
o.a -
0.8
2.6
4-
2.3
1.4
+
3.1
0.8 -
0.8
0.0 t
0.0
4.6 - 3.9
3
1.0 -
0.7
8.2
+
1.9
2.0
+
2.5
1.2 t
0.8
0.0 t
0.0
2.8 t 2.5
4
0.4 -
0.9
1.6
+
2.3
2.8
+
3.3
1.8 -
1.1
0.4 -
0.5
3.2 t 3.5
5
0.2 t
0.4
1.0
+
1.4
0.2
f
0.4
1.2 t
1.3
1.6 -
1.7
0.4 - 0.5
6
1.6 -
1.3
0.2
+
0.4
0.0
+
0.0
0.8 -
0.8
1.8 -
1.3
0.2 t 0.4
7d>
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
8
0.4 -
0.9
0.8
+
*
1.8
0.0
+
0. 0
2.2 t
2.3
0.0 t
0.0
1.4 t 2.2
9
0.4 -
0.9
0.0
+
0.0
0.0
+
m
0.0
5.8 -
3.0
0.4 -
0.5
0.0 t o.O
10
0.6 t
0.5
2.8
+
«•
1.3
0.0
+
•»
0.0
0.8 -
0.8
0.2 ~
0.4
1.8 t 1.6
(1) Only one catt vtt taken at Station 7,
Table 3- JO. Numerical Data for the Dominant Speclea Collected In the Area of the San .
Juan BHDS, February, 1980. (Values are mean ? one standard Deviation; n-5.)
-------
SIgambra ARlaophamua Prlonoaplo Splophanea Cogaura Colflngla
Station tentaeulata verrllll longlbranclilata ap»A delta ap.D
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
(1)
1.0 t 0.7
1.4 t 1.1
1.5 - 1.3
0.4 t 0.5
0.4 t 0.3
0.6 t 0.3
0.0
0.8 - 0.8
0.2 t 0.4
0.0 t o.O
1.8 t 3.5
0.4 ^ 0.9
7.0 t 3.7
3.8 t 1.6
1.0 ± 0.7
0.0 ± 0.0
0.0
2.4 £ 3.8
0.0 t 0.0
2.4 t 2.8
3.2 - 5.5
0.0 t o.O
3.0 t 1.4
3.4 - 4.3
0.0 t o.O
0.2 - 0.4
0.0
2.2 t 2.3
0.0 t 0.0
0.8 - 1.3
0.2 t 0.4
0.0 - 0.0
1.8 * 1.5
0.0 t 0.0
0.2 t 0.4
0.0 - 0.0
0.0
1.4 - 2.2
5.4 - 5.9
3.6 i 4.2
0.6 - 0.9
0.2 * 0.4
0.5 - 1.0
0.0 - 0.0
2.0 - 1.0
1.6 - 0.9
0.0
0.4 - 0.5
0.2 - 0.4
0.4 - 0.5
1.6 ± 1.5
1.8 - 2.2
1.3 i 3.0
6.0 £ 4.9
0.4 £ 0.9
0.2 t 0.4
0.0
1.6 t 2.1
0.2 - 0.4
3.2 t 3.5
(1) Only one caat vaa taken at Station 7
Table 3-11 Hu»er±cal Data for the Doalnant Species Collected lii the Area "of the San
Juan DMDS, June, 1980. (Values are mean + one Standard Deviation; n«*5.)
-------
Species
Source of Variation
d.f.
Mean Sauare
V
Aelaophamus verrilli
Survey
1
2.1
0.4
Station
9
38.7
7 .0*
Survey x
Station
9
5.5
1.2
Residual
72
4.5
Total
91
Golfingia sp.D
Survey
1
0.7
0 .3
Stat ion
Station
9
31.3
2.4
Survey x
9
13.3
1.8
Residual
72
7.3
Total
91
Spiophanes sp. A
Survey
1
2.8
%
0.7
Station
Station
9
23.8
6.3*
•
Survey x
9
3.8
0.8
Residual
72
4.6
Total
91
Prionospio longibranchiata Survey
Station
Survey * Station
Residual
Total
1
9
9.
72
91
2.4
12.9
2.1
5.4
1.1
6.1*
0.4
Sigambra tentaeulata
Cossura delta
Survey
Station
Survey x Station
Residual
Total
Survey
Station
Survey x Station
Residual
Total
1
9
9
72
91
1
9
9
72
91
n.3
1.6
0.5
0.7
0.5
4.1
0.3
0.6
0.6
3.2*
0.8
1.7
13.7*
0.3
* - p < 0.05
Table 3-12. Analysis of Variance (Model II) of Densities of the Dominant Specif
Collected in the Area of the San Juan DMDS During February and Jun«* j
1
3-36
-------
Microbiology
All ten stations from the February survey were analyzed for total
and fecal coliforms in the sediments collected.
Table 3-13 lists the sediment coliform counts from the February
survey. Total and fecal coliforms were detected at three stations: two
stations on the perimeter of the site (Station 3 and 4) and one control
station to the east (Station 6). The data showed no visible pattern or
explanation for the presence of the coliforms and could not be related to
the other parameters (e.g., trace metal or grain size distribution).
Rare and Endangered Species
Endangered species which inhabit the region include the brown
pelican, hawksbill turtle, manatee and leatherback turtle. Threatened
species include green sea turtle and the loggerhead turtle.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DREDGED MATERIAL*
San Juan Harbor
The entrance channel (Bar Channel), which lies roughly in the center
of the 3,600-foot reach between Cabras Island and Las Cabritas islands on
the west and Moro Point on the east, has an overall width of 1,000 feet
and is 3.8 feeet deep (Figure 3-6). However, an interior channel is
maintained at a depth of 45 feet and width of 500 feet within the
1,000-foot-wide entrance channel.
The entrance channel extends from its northerly project limit in the
Atlantic Ocean south for 1,700 feet to the southeasterly bend which marks
the junction with Anegado Channel. The bend is 1,200 feet wide and 42
feet deep and the channel shallows in steps to 36 feet deep as it becomes
Anegado Channel which varies in width from 1,000 to 1,200 feet. At a
distances of about 4,000 feet from the entrance channel bend, an inner
~Source: CE, 1975a
3-37
-------
Station Total Fecal
Colifonas Coliforms
(MPN/100 g) (MPN/100 g)
1 <133 <133
2 <1 IS <118
3 167 167
4 167 167
5
-------
UJ
«
(J
LT)
-------
harbor area has been dredged on either side of Anegado Channel to a depeh
of 30 feet. This area, which covers about 329 acres, serves as anchorage
area on the western side of Anegado Channel and extends about 400
into San Antonio Channel which serves the waterfront area on the souch
shore of San Juan Island.
An approach channel 35 feet deep and 600 feet wide connects Anegado
Channel with San Antonio Channel and a maneuver area about 35 feet d««p
300 to 1,100 feet wide and 2,800 feet long in San Antonio Channel. s«u
Antonio Channel, which varies from 1,100 feet to 300 feet in width,
dredged to 30 feet to the easterly limit of the project area at th«
end of San Juan Island waterfront, a distance of about 3,400 feet from
Anegado Channel. Anegado Channel continues southeasterly to the iunction
of Army Terminal and Graving Dock Channels about two miles from th«
entrance channel bend.
Adjoining the junction of the two channels on Che northeast
extending to just off the southwestern shore of Is la Grande is
anchorage area 36 feet deep, 1,550 feet wide, and 3,200 feet long.
Terminal Channel extends south approximately one mile to the An®
Terminal which is the southern limit of the project. The channel i. *
is 3ft
feet deep and 300 feet wide. A turning basin 36 feet deep, 2,000
wide, and 2,100 feet long is in front of the terminal.
From the Army Terminal basin, Puerto Nuevo Channel, which is 32
deep and 300 feet wide, runs northeast off the Puerto Nuevo waterfro
and central market area of San Juan about 1-1/2 miles to Graving Dock
Turning Basin which is 30 feet deep, 1,000 feet wide and 2,200 f«ec l0tt
in front of the dock. Graving Dock Channel which is 30 feet deep and 4oq
feet wide runs northwest about 1-1/2 miles to the junction with Aria
Terminal Channel. ^
3-40
-------
Physical Characteristics of Dredged Material
Core borings showed a series of clay beds, each with distinct
coloration. The uppermost layer is black, very slimy, with a high water
content. In places, it appears to have an oil and grease residue
intermixed. The layer varies in thickness from several inches to about
four feet (CE, 1975a).
Chemical Characteristics of Dredged Material
Bioassay evaluation of sediments from San Juan Harbor were performed
by Jones Edmunds and Associates in 1979, Procedures and detailed results
are given in Appendix C. Sediments from five locations (Figure 3-7) were
subjected to bioassay and bioaccumulation tests and to liquid phase
chemical analyses.
No limiting permissible concentration (LPC)* based on suspended
particulate phase (SPP) or liquid phase (LP) bioassays would be
approached during ocean disposal of any of the five sediments analyzed
in this evaluation.
*The term "limiting permissible concentration (LPC)" is defined in
Section 227.27 of EPA's "Ocean Dumping - Final Revisions of Regulations
and Criteria"; see Appendix C.
3-41
-------
CADRAS|
ISLAND'
I
s
atlantic ocean
u>
I
M
O lOuo auoo
ii,i »
Scale in Feet
Figure 3-7
Sampling Location* of t«4iaent* limed in
-------
None of Che five solid phase samples was toxic Co clams, grass
shrimp or polychaetes. There were no significant differences in
survival between che controls (clean sand) «nd the test sediments for any
of the test species, and the LPC would not be approached during ocean
disposal of any of the five solid phases.
Generally, the liquid phase chemical analyses revealed few
significant differences from the control seawater. The control seawater
had a cadmium (Cd) content 13.2 times the LPC (5 ppb); but the liquid
phase Cd concentrations were not significantly different from this.
Seawater from the east coast of Florida rountinely has a cadmium content
higher than the LPC. The mercury content of the control seawater was
below the LPC (0.1 ppb) and the limits of detection for the analysis (0.1
ppb). Only two of the five sediment elutriates (SJ1 and SJ2) has
concentrations of mercury exceeding the LPC. Assuming that the
concentratioo of mercury in Che seawater at che disposal site is less
than 99Z of the LPC (0.1 ppb), the liquid phase of SJI and SJ2 will not
exceed the LPC.
None of the clam tissues analyzed for bioaecuaulation showed any
significant accumulation of either cadmium or mercury. PCB's and
petroleum hydrocarbons were below detection in all of the tissue samples
analyzed.
SOCIOECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Puerto Rico is in the midst of an economic turnabout that began in
the 1940's with the decision Co shift the island's economy from one based
largely on agriculture Co one based largely on industry (CI, 1975a). A
series of government planning and development agencies was created and
3-43
-------
long-range goals set. The success of the program has been marked to
date. Puerto Rico's annual economic growth rate is put at 10 percent
one of the world's higest. Today manufacturing contributes about 44
percent of the islands net income. Once dominant, agriculture now
provides only 4.5 percent of island income. Trade and cotanerce provide
about 27 percent (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1979),
COMMERCIAL FISHING
Due to the deep waters which surround the island, large commercially
exploitable schools of fish are not attracted to the area. As a result
most commercial fishing is restricted to small boats in the coastal
waters. Statistics compiled by Che Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture
show chat landings for Che San Juan area (San Juan and Catano) for the
period July 1968 - June 1969 amounted to 7f>,200 pounds valued at 325,500
Most commercial fishing is done at the mouths of rivers and along
beaches.
San Juan is part of the north coast (Puerto Rico) statistical
district established by the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture f0r
commercial fisheries statistics. In 1974, the last year records were
taken, the north coast ranked fourth out of four statistical districts in
total landings in Puerto Rico. In 1974, 214,000 pounds of figh and
shellfish were taken on the north coast. Fish commonly caught include
mackerel, snappper (land; yellowtail, silk, and mutton), sardine, end
snook (Rolon, 1975).
Numerous private and three charter fishing operations cantered
San Juan are available for deepsea fishing off the north coast. Billfi»h
and other species caught include blue and white marlin, sailfUh, wehoo
Allison tuna, dolphin, mackerel, tarpan, and snook.
3-44
-------
COMMERCIAL SHIPPING*
The immense importance of the port facilities at San Juan to the
island's economy is pointed up by the fact that about 80 percent of all
cargo entering or leaving Puerto Rico is handled by the port. It is
estimated that 43 of Puerto Rico's 76 municipios are in the ports
tributary area for general cargo. Growth of the port has been
remarkable. In 1940, the port handled a little less than 1.3 million
tons of cargo; in 1950, the figure was 2.4 million tons; and in I960, 4.7
million tons. By 1970, the port was handling about 9 million tons
annually. The Puerto Rico Ports Authority reported that, in 1972, the
port's cargo tonnage was 9,578,000 short tons, a 900 percent increase in
the 30-year period from 1940. The Ports Authority figures for gross
vessel tonnage also reflect this rapid growth. In 1966, gross tonnage of
vessels entering San Juan was 17.3 millon tons. By 1972, the port's
gross vessel tonnage was 26.1 million. Although the Commonwealth
government has embarked on plans to decentralize industry and commerce,
all indications point to continued growth of the San Juan facilities. In
1973, the volume trade was 10,7 million gross tons of cargo.
In addition, cruise-ship traffic places a sizable demand on the
port. In 1972, a total of 443 cruise ships and 219,000 cruise passengers
visited the port. The total number of vessels using the Port of San Juan
in 1973 was 5337.
RECREATION
Marine recreation on the north coast near San Juan consists mainly
of swimming and bathing at nearby beaches. Palo Seco and Punta Salinas,
two beaches nearest the Interim Site, are 2.5 nmi removed from dumping
act ivities.
Snorkeling, diving and sailing activities are generally curtailed
throughout much of the year due to the exposed topography and sea
conditions off the north coast.
* Source: Corps of Engineers, 1975a
3-45
-------
Oil ,n.
marine disposal activities in the area
Only dredged material will be disposed of at the site. All dredged
materials must meet EPA criteria (40 CFR 227), before permit for ocean
disposal is granted. None of the material will be packaged in any way.
All dredged materials previously dumped at the interim site
originated from San Juan Harbor. The toal amount of dredged material
dumped at the site since 1974 is 4.3 million yd*. Maintenance dredging
of 173,000 and 1.3 million yd3 has been conducted in 197* and 1980,
respectively. From 1974-76, 2.8 million yd^ of dredged material from
harbor improvements were dumped at the site.
The nearest active ODMDS in the ocean is the Arecibo interim site 33
nmi to the west. The site has an interim designation for the disposal of
dredged material only.
3-46
-------
Chapter 4
CTVIROKMEHTAL COHSEQUIWCES
Implementation of the proposed action will not signifi-
cantly degrade or endanger the marine environment or
public health. Both the water depth and the low biologi-
cal productivity of the site preclude many effects that
would be expected at a shallower site. Potential adverse
effects at the site are sdtigated by the rapid dilation
and dispersion of the dredged suiterial. In all* the
potential environmental consequences of continuing to use
the Puerto Rico ODMDS for disposal purposes are judged to
be of minimal environmental consequence.
This chapter examines available scientific and analytical data to
determine the environmental consequences of dredged material disposal at the
interim sice described in Chapter 3. The environmental effects include:
o Effects of the environmental changes directly affecting public health,
safety, aesthetic values, and socioeconomics;
o Environmental consequences of dredged-material disposal at the interim
site including the assessment of the effects on water quality, biota,
and sediments of the site;
o A description of unavoidable adverse effects and mitigating measures;
o Relationships between short-term uses of the environment and the
maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity;
o Irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources which would
occur if the proposed action is implemented.
4-1
-------
EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, AESTHETIC VALUES, AND SOCIOECONOMICS
Possible adverse effects on man are of primary concern in the ocean
disposal of dredged material. Disposal activities may directly affeC£
health, economics, safety, and aesthetics. Indirectly, the human environment
could be affected by significant adverse effects on the ocean ecosystem.
COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISH AND SHELLFISH
The most direct link to man of contaminants released into the marine
environment is via consumption of contaminated seafood. Harmful effects —
caused by eating fish or shellfish containing high levels of mercury, lead
or persistent organohalogen pesticides - have been documented (Phi11ips and
Russo, 1978). Dredged materials dumped in the ocean must be carefully
evaluated with respect to possible contamination of commercially 0r
recreationally exploitable marine animals.
•There are no active commercial fisheries at the site. All fisheries are
near shore and their contamination from disposal activities is highl
unlikely. Sport fisheries exist in the broad region of the site. However
Delagic fish commonly caught are all wide-ranging and possible impacts a
minimal. Disposal of dredged material does not directly affect fishes which
are mobile and can swim away from temporarily unfavorable conditions, such a
during disposal operations. Turbidity plumes resulting from disposal ar®
short-lived and can be avoided by fish (Sterne and Stickle, 1978).
The interim site does not encompass any known unique breeding, spawning
nursery, or passage areas of marine mammals or birds.
PfWTAMlNANTS
aniMS especially shellfish, are capable of concentrating
Many marine organisms, P
h as heavy metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum
mntaminants such as nectvj
colifom bacteria. Uptake of contain" may be from eh«
hydrocarbons, and coi-irorm
4-2
-------
water, diet, or sediments. The contaminants may be derived from a variety of
sources including dredged material.
The ability of different species to take up contaminants from sediments
(or from dredged material) varies between species and with the chemical form
of the contaminant. Uptake is usually lower from sediments because the
contaminant is tightly bound.
Although no bioaccumulation tests were performed on organisms found at
the ODMDS, a solid-phase bioassay test for bioaccumulation of metals and
organic residues was performed on tissues of clams exposed to the sediments
from San Juan Harbor. (See Appendix C). The concentrations of cadmium in
the tissue of clams exposed to the five test sediments were less than the Cd
concentration of the control (clean sand) clam tissue. The concentrations of
Hg in the same tissue samples showed no significant differences from the
control concentration. PCB and petroleum hydrocarbons were below detection
for all clams from all treatments. Dumping and subsequent dispersion/dilu-
tion of the dredged material at the ODMDS would tend to mitigate the effects
of contaminants on those organisms most likely to be affected the benthic
organisms. In addition, the dispersed distribution and wide-ranging
horizontal migrations of the epipelagic nekton tend to retard the
accumulation of contaminants in the nektonic population. Thus, no adverse
effects on public health would be expected to be caused by contaminants
present in the dredged material.
NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS
Infrequent dredging and the short periods when dredge vessels operate at
a disposal site ensure that disposal activities will not affect commercial or
recreational navigation at the proposed site. Past disposal activities have
not interfered with ship traffic.
4-3
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COMMERCEA.L SHIPPING
„,1 cruise ship t«fEi= """ tht°a'h °' " the "ki"ity
Heavy shipping a -infrequent disposal activities have not
. SiCe, However, inrrequem.
of the Interi. ^ ^ ^ and future problems are not
interfered with shipping traffic
expected.
c\rppr:v RESOURCES
1 niarroleum in economically attractive quantities
The occurrence of natura Expl0ratory drilling on the
has not been demonstrate^ ^ ^ hydrocarbons. Consequently,
northcentral coast . (0CS) lands have produced little interest
Puerto Rico Outer C°ntLner^o oCg Undg are not included in the present
by industry and Puer proposed leasing schedule (Fed. Re$?.4
offshore leasing schedule or on the prop
April 11> 1^81) •
marine recreation
«inds which occur throughout most of the year,
R0UttShearSecredatirn0algfish^ and sport diving off the north coast of
h"Pet To these activities do ta*e - th. shallower «... over the
^ *»,(««« * ——«
the interim site.
TnnrTcm/AESTHETIC VALUES
^ site for ocean dredged material disposal will not
fKa !lfie of the proposed site wc
, attractiveness to tourists for several reasons. The
leopard lie coasta t.cr..tion«l are... Dredging and disposal are
,it. is far fro» touris m.terial for disposal have bean minor
i.««-f a"d Pa" VOTea„ Lents prevent the material fro. ..shin,
inputs to the water. ^ addition, hopper-dredge operation
towards the beaches of wr ^ ^ ^ #tt«> the attention of
unobtrusive to ship trar
are
tourists
4-4
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EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEM
This section discusses possible effects of the dredged material on water
quality and on the biota of the water and sediments. Certain factors may
reduce adverse effects associated with dredged-material disposal, such as
benthic fauna which can withstand burial, and species which are able to
recolonize the site.
Adverse effects on the ecosystem, resulting from ocean disposal of
dredged material can be subtle and may not exhibit obvious direct effects on
the quality of the human environment. Sublethal and chronic effects can
combine to cause long-term consequences which are as serious as any readily
observed direct impacts. For example, an organism may accumulate in its
tissues contaminants from various sources (including dredged material) at
concentrations which do not cause its immediate death, but could reduce
reproduction, reduce health of eggs and larvae, or adversely affect other
facets of the life cycles of individual organisms.
EFFECTS ON WATER QUALITY
Turbidity
The duration of the tubid plume resulting from sediment disposal depends
on particle size, currents, and turbulent mixing (Wright, 1978). A turbid
plume composed of fine particles will persist longer than one made up of
coarser particles. Water density is also a factor. A plume vfoich has
disappeared from the surface may persist near a pycnocline at intermediate
depths or near the bottom because of sediment resuspension. As the turbid
plume moves, planktonic organisms may be carried with it and may be exposed
longer than mobile animals which temporarily avoid the area.
4-5
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• , from the maintenance dredging of San Juan Harbor i.
Material obtaiue curbidity during all phases of disposal,
mainly silt? clay **ueh coo. J=a^ (JBF scientific Corp., 1973),
According to tank tests an ^ ^ ^ ioq2 Boi,ture coatent
the following behavior for sl1" behavior (Figure 4-1) :
Wd okibit --h. follows prlict*
... . a8 solid blocks and entrain little water,
o Moat material «.U Eali
vich no deceleration before impact on th«
0 The descent *11 be rapid, wit
bottom ,
t of lighter particulate material will 1«R
o A small density cu"ea ^ currenC ^ be affected by pasaaga
behind the heavier oc . ^ ^ significant portion of lighter
through the thermoclme reg ^ ^ bec
auae of
uocon.olid.ted -teri.1.
horizontal diffusion.
•U be little horizontal spte.ding of -terUl on th. botto.
o There «U ^ viu «r, ™ property
.ft.r impact. The .etu.l •»
with th. coh«.i««« °« mlt"1
,1, will be some """ l"
0 There generally
water.
environmentally .ignific.pt i.eue due to Kr.et
Mounding .hould not e getl.r.l .beene. ot nevig.bl.
d.pth. .ncount.red « the dx.po..l
U.e«ge within the «r«»-
• «„ld permit »" °f the .lie «"d cl.y (in th.
predicts b*""°C rtich th. «lmo«t directly below th. d»p
torn of cohe.i« clod.) ^ rItts depending upon .i*e end wuld
point. Th. clod, -ou • ,« .hieh cont.in. th. loo.. ,Ut
f,„ th. l..din, edge <> entra^ COMid.rlble -cunt, of -bient veter «.
and clay. The jet w
4-6
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HIGH NET PRIMARY / -TEMPERATURE
SALINITY y
\ y
' —- THERMO-PYCNOCUNE
SALINITY (°/oo)
Figure 4-1. Scb«a*tic &ftpre««a££Cioa of eh* Dispoftl
of Earbor-Drtdgtd M*t«ri*l into a TVo-Lay«rtd D«epv*ter
Systaa wich Strong Thtnao-Pycnoclint
Soarc«: Adapted froa P«qa«gn«t «t *1., 1978
4-7
-------
becOTe less dense; « the it «y bee- «..ll, buoyant «*
unstable and .u«er collapse <*>8»r. *-» .
Silt snd cuy lose fro. rapidly falling clod. «4 the tr.wling den.it,
currents .re affected by tvo proc.es. First, the »«eri.l begin, to ..ul.
• i*. Sizes present in harbor-dredged silts and clay#
«« individual particles. sizes p^«=
"ox, would ».v. settling velocities -lower than 0.07 c./s, *.ree. SOT will
settle slower then 0.005 c,/s (T.bl. 4-1,. At the given rates even .low
0«.„ current, could carry ,edi»ent long di.t»ces before settUng on a,.
However, phy.ioche»ic.l »d biological flocculate takes place,
substantially increasing grain sis. 1962; Man,*.™ et 1,70;
«l 1978). Flocculation increases the settling velocities, but
Pecuegnat ec i7,w/
it is neither possible to predict eccuretely bow .uch wHl take place nor
precisely bv how much the settling velocities will be increased. General^,
.oy silts snd clay, lost fro. the rapidly settling phase «>uld re»axn in ch.
i for a number of days or longer, depending upon flocculation
water column for a nunBBi 7
rates. During such times material. »uld be carried confer.ble dv.tenc..
and will spread out thinly over the surrounding »e. floor. Along-.hor.
current, -ill c.nd Co di.per.e thi. -aerial in •» eaat-west direction
TABLE 4-1
OF OOARTZ SPKEF" ™ DISTILLED WATER (20*C)
Di—t.r W Settling Velocity <-/dey>*
62.5
31.2
13.6 iilt
7.8
3.9
1.95
0.98
0.49 cl*y
0.25
0.12
301.0
75.2
18.8
4.7
1.2
0.3
0.074
0.018
0.004
0.001
~Based on Stoke's Law
Source: Sverdrup et al., 1942
4-8
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High suspended sediment concentrations associated with dredged-material
disposal are unavoidable but short-term. Most organisms are not seriously
affected by the suspended sediments in the water (Hirsch et al., 1978).
Generally! only concentrations of suspended sediments well above those
created during most disposal operations cause mortality. Organims normally
associated with mud environments are highly tolerant of suspended sediments;
organisms not closely associated with muddy habitats are more sensitive.
Turbidity created by disposal is probably not of major environmental concern.
It will have limited, short-term adverse environmental effects on both
planktonic and nektonic communities. Most fish and other free-swimming
organisms can escape from falling material and high turbidity areas and
return when turbidity levels return to ambient conditions.
Nutrient Releases
Nutrient levels of tropical seawater are generally lower than found in
most oceanic waters (Sverdrup et al., 1942). Phytoplankton require nitrogen
and phosphorous to photosynthesize and grow. Nutrient releases from dredged
material disposal can stimulate biological activity and, under certain
conditions, lead to rapid growth of undesirable organisms or toxic
concentrations (Pequegnat et al., 1978b). Ocean disposal of dredged
materials will release nutrients and temporarily elevate nutrient levels and
stimulate planktonic growth. However, such growth will be quickly curtailed
as the nutrient levels are reduced to background levels by dilution with
ocean water. Nutrients which do escape from the sediments after disposal and
enter the water column would be diluted below toxic levels within 10m of the
disposal point (Conner et al., 1979).
4-9
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Oxygen Demand
ticulate matter with potentially high oxygen demands
Great volumes of particu ^ ^ released into the water upon
may he present oatter includes sulfur compounds, reduced iron,
disposal. Reduced inorganic^oa oxidized by free oxygen in the water
and reduced manganese ic ^ ^ ^ system. Organic substances,
and impose chemical oxygen a<.r(,ria ia the presence of oxygen, impose
^ v raoidly oxidized by bacc*
«*« — <»»> - <*« -1'-
, ^-.a-demandiM material CO the water col«n «.
Effect. of Mteri,l te.id.. in the vater «nd ot o.«
functions of the dilution. Studies show that only a small free-
amount of water aviala e jredged material is reactive on the tim«-
tioB of oxidixabL tim< 1978). R.d»ced di.-
scale relative to appear to be the most reactive and are
solved species m inCC"tXt ^ ^ ifflmediate oxygen demand on the vater
the only components ic Utblt particulates simply settle ou the
column after d"*** ' ia, dem.Q"»««•
study shows tha ^ proposed harbor-dredged material) i«
water contents of 80 f#diBtnt—«hich means that the dissolve*
approximately 0.4 og 2 * dredj?ed serial designated for ocean di.po.al
oxygen demand of • ¦ ° ^ concentr,cion 0f 6 mg/liter co
would require 31 to3 of water, an
satisfy the demand.
<• ... of harbor-dredged .aerial at the tncerim Site «»U C.U..
r;:... "= i*"1' — th* *",et,d. ""
tefflporary uuul for a de.f-.ter off
Considering the calc . ^ ^ 1981), reduction of
th* -vr 0(°-4 - °-8 "n-
background dissolved 7 ^ ^ expected reduction of dissolved oxygen.
tY ...t «..t 4"^;*bro;;o; ;orje ^ * hieh.r, » ».«. .wc-u^
u lh. descent j.e iB .a «... »iU •« » ""«• —
phenomena, and rur
impacts.
4-10
-------
The long-term impacts on dissolved oxygen levels of materials remaining
at the pycnocline at the site would be negligible due to further dilution of
materials after initial mixing. Levels of suspended sediments attributable
to dredged material will be rapidly reduced to background concentrations.
The COD and BOD of the material should be similar to existing suspended
sediments. Thus, the oxygen demand in deep waters should not exceed
already-existing levels.
Trace Metal and Organohalogen Accumulation
Toxic levels of trace metals for most marine organisms have not been
established, partially due to extreme variabilities in the sensitivities
exhibited by organisms during their different life stages. The form of
chemical contaminants is difficult to determine in the natural environment,
but is important in determining toxicity. Trace metals present in dredged
material may follow many pathways when introduced to the site environment.
For instance, the trace metals can: (1) be released into the water while the
dredged material is settling or after deposition on the sea floor; (2) remain
adsorbed to site sediments; and/or (3) be ingested, primarily by benthic
organisms.
Laboratory and field tests on dredged material indicate that, under
certain conditions (e.g., oxidizing or reducing environments), some trace
metals are released from dredged material into seawater in concentrations
veil above background levels (Lee et al., 1975). Manganese was released in
the greatest quantities under both oxidizing and reducing conditions. Under
reducing conditions, such substantial amounts of iron and lead were released.
Zinc was taken up from water under both oxidizing and reducing conditions,
while copoer, and lead, and cadmium were neither releaed nor taken up under
oxidizing conditions. Actual increases over background values tftich did
occur were insignificant (parts per billion or less) so that considerable
analytical difficulties are encountered in even detecting the contaminants.
Furthermore, there is little evidence to indicate that such low levels would
-------
cause adverse effects on marine organisms during the extremely short
before Che concentrations were diluted to the original background 1®V ^
(Pequegnat et al., 1978b).
EFFECTS ON BIOTA
Plankton
• .iv increased nutrient levels expected immediately
A, mentioned P""°" ^rarily stimulate pl.nktonic growth du. to
following l'"""1 " concentration, by dilation with ocn »t„.
the rapid reduction of elevate
.. ,i(, such as Phyto- and jooplankton in the p«h of
Microscopic ur t,„ped, carried to th. bottom, «nd soothered,
denser dredged materia may ^ «iniMl. but it can be expected th«t
Available studies on iota ^ ^^.nd being carried to the bottom i,
the ability of an otg*"'° ^ ^ ^ the six. of each plankton. Mo.c
directly related to its a ^ currentSi the water .ill be repleniahmd
of the organisms »»« «« be .ignificant adverae impact on Ch.
between each duop. us ^ tt.poing of orianiama by the descends.,,*
local planktonic community
dredged materials.
Nekton
• turbidity plume associated with the di.pos.l of dred,M
The transient threat to fishes. Suspended particle. c*n
material poses no re,pir,t„ry surface are. (Ritchie. 1970),
cause Jill '*"*'• hM Kl tMn positively identified as harmful to
but thi« C7P« of 811 ^ functional decrease in gill eurfac*
fish in c.r» o( overall survi ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ,u o( th. gin surf.c.
are. may be offset by usin ^ ^ colw,nt,tory increase in th.
is uaed for respiration 1077). Turbidity plumes associated
, . .,j (O'Connor et «.i 17""
capacity of th. bloo there is no significant
with dredged material disposal
threat to fish.
4-12
-------
During periods of high turbidity, pelagic fish probably swim to
favorable areas. Sedentary fish (e.g., toadfish) usually have a higher
tolerance of suspended particles, thereby minimizing the effects of suspended
solids on their respiration (O'Connor et al., 1977).
After dumping, fish are often attracted to disposal sites by the
exposure of food items in the dredged material and by the mound formed by
dumping (Oliver et al., 1977). Adverse effects are not expected because (1)
disposal has only short-term, transient effects on water-column parameters,
(2) foraging activity by the fish is not restricted to the disposal site, and
(3) fish have not been shown to accumulate contaminants associated with
dredged material.
Benthos
Benthic animals live on (epifauna) and in (infauna) the sediments.
Epifauna are usually dominated by echinoderms and crustacea, whereas the
infauna primarily consist of small, segmented worms (polychaetes) and
mo Husks. Sedentary benthic organisms are important indicators of
disposal-related effects because they are directly exposed to a stressed
environment. They are also important because many are commercially valuable
(e.g., shellfish) or are food sources (e.g., polychaetes or amphipods) for
demersal finfish.
Wright (1978) concluded that dredged material may physically bury
sessile and possibly some mobile organisms. Some organisms survive by
borrowing through the overburden material, but others cannot and die as a
result. The intensity of this effect varies with type of dredged material,
thickness of the overburden, frequency of dumping, and species of benthic
4-13
-------
organisms involved. The factors discussed below are the bases for COmpa
the effects of disposal on the benthos at the site.
The small volumes of dredged material and the similarity of
y or this
material and the bottom sediments at the disposal site (silty clay) j_
cause minimal harmful effects on the benthic biota RoncK!- • ^
-------
passing through their digestive tracts, changes in pH, digestive enzymes and
other factors may increase the mobility of some substances (especially
metals) and cause them to be absorbed into the tissues or excreted in a form
available to other organisms (EPA, 1976).
Concentrations of heavy metals were not significantly different between
the sediments of the disposal site and the adjacent areas and are generally
comparable to trace metal concentrations in clay and silt from other sites in
Puerto Rico (PRASA, 1975) and the Gulf of Mexico (CE, 1975a; Wheeler et al.,
1980). Benthic organisms should not be affected by these low concentration
of contaminants.
UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS AND MITIGATING MEASURES
Few unavoidable adverse environmental effects will be created by the
disposal of dredged material in the ocean at the existing site. The only
potentially unavoidable adverse effects which may occur at the site under
consideration are:
o Generation of turbidity in site waters which will temporarily lower
water quality;
o Possible avoidance of the site by fish during or immediately
following disposal operations;
o Smothering of some of the less mobile benthic organisms by burial
under dredged material; and
o Alteration of the sediment composition which will affect species
composition of the benthos at the sites. (The proposed
harbor-dredged material is similar to sediments existing at the
Interim Site and effects on the species composition should be
minimal.)
4-15
-------
The expected adverse effects on water quality as a result of the dredg d
material disposal operation will be short-lived, and mostly an aesthet'
problem rather than an environmental one. The residual turbiditv at m-
¦- cne site
will be rapidly diluted and will be of little consequence to th*>
ie general
water quality or biology of the surrounding area. Adverse pfferr* ~
Lc«^Lb on CVi©
benthic community will be confined to the selected site which is 131*
1 'j tn
1815 m (5955 ft x 5955 ft). The area represents a minor portion of
°cean
bottom available in the region, and the perturbation of the total benth"
community will be insignificant.
IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES
Several resources will be irrevesibly or irretrievably committed by th
use of the site:
o Loss of energy in the form of fuel required to transport hoppe
dredges and/or barges to and from site;
o Loss of economic resources due to costs associated with disposal
the ocean;
o Loss of some benthic organisms at the site which are buried by
dredged material during disposal operations.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USE AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY
Disposal operations will not interfere with the long-term use of „
1 any
resources at the Interim Site. The site is an oceanic area of limited
productivity, and important species of finfish and shellfish are nofc
affected. The site constitutes only a small portion of the much larger are»s
of the Insular Slope used by wide-ranging species, and actual disposal
operations will be limited. The principal adverse effect on the biota is
temporary reduction in the abundances of benthic animals after disposal
4-16
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CHAPTER 5
COORDINATION
PREPARERS OF THE DRAFT EIS
This Final EIS was prepared by the Environmental Protection
Agency's Ocean Dumping EIS Task Force.
The principle author of the Final EIS is Michael S. Meyer. Reviews
were provided by the members of the Task Force:
William C. Shilling, Project Officer
Frank G. Csulak
Edith R. Young
Christopher S. Zarba
During the preparation of the Final EIS, reviews were provided by:
Department of the Army
Waterways Experiment Station
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 631
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180
Marine and Wetlands Protection Branch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10278
The marine environment in the area of the San Juan ODMDS was
studied during sruveys conducted in February and June, 1980, by
Interstate Electronics Corporation (IEC) under contract to EPA (Contract
Number 68-01-4610). The "Survey Methods, Results, and Interpretations"
were provided by IEC (Appendix A).
5-1
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CHAPTER 6
GLOSSARY, ABBREVIATIONS, AND REFERENCES
GLOSSARY
ABUNDANCE
ADSORB
alkalinity
ambient
ANTHROPOGENIC
appropriate
SENSITIVE BENTHIC
MARINE ORGANISMS
APPROPRIATE
SENSITIVE MARINE
ORGANISMS
assemblage
BACKGROUND
level
baseline
CONDITIONS
The number of individuals of a species inhabiting a given
ere*. Normally, e community of several component species
will inhabit an area. Measuring Che abundance of each
species is one way of estimating the comparative
importance of each component species.
To adhere in an extremely thin layer of molecules to the
surface of a solid or liquid.
The number of milliequivalents of hydrogen ions
neutralized by one liter of seavater at 20*C. Alkalinity
of water is often taken as an indicator of ics carbonate,
bicarbonate, and hydroxide content.
Pertaining to the undisturbed or unaffected conditions of
an environment.
Relating to the effects or impacts of man on nature.
Construction wastes, garbage, and sewage sludge are
examples of anthropogenic materials.
Pertaining to bioassay samples required for ocean
dumping permits, "at least one species each representing
filter-feeding, deposit-feeding, and burrowing species
chosen from among the most sensitive species accepted by
EPA as being reliable test organisms to determine the
anticipated impact on the site" (40 CTR 5227.27).
Pertaining to bioassay samples required for ocean
dumping permits, "at least one speeies each representative
of phytoplankton or zooplankton, crustacean or mollusk,
and fish species chosen from among the most sensitive
species documented in the scientific literature or
accepted by EPA as being reliable test organisms to
determine the anticipated impact of the wastes on the
eeosystem at the disposal site" (40 CTR 5227.27).
A group of organisms sharing a common habitat.
The naturally occurring concentration of a substance
within an environment which has not been affected by
mmaeural additions of that substance.
The eharaeteristies of an environment before the onset of
an action which can alter that environment; any data
serving as a basis for measurement of other data.
6-1
-------
BASEL2®
XKD basslise data
szsraos
axoACcmsnuiios
biqassay
SIOMASS
biota
BIOT1C GBDtTPS
bloom
BOD
CZ7SAL0P0DS
CHAITOGHAIBA
C2L0UIHITT
Surreys od data collected prior eo the iniciatism «
actions which 3*7 alter an existing environment. of
All marine organisms (plant or animal) living on or 4- .
bottom of the »ea. the
The uptake and assimilation of materials (* ~
metals) leading to elevated • concentrations ' a# **7
substance* within organic tissue, blood, or body fill*
A aethod for deteniining the toxicity of a sobstan* ,
the effect of varying concentrations on growth or ^ i 7
of »nit*bU plants, animals or micro-organism^ **
concentration vfaich is lethal to 501 of the test o^~,tht
or censes a defined effect in 502 of the test o» <
often expressed in terms of lethal concentration f**'
effective concentration (2CJ0), 'respectively. 30J
The quantity (vet weight) of living organisms inhabit
given area or volume at any time; often used as a ll *1* «
measuring the productivity of an ecosystem. **«*» of
Animals and plants inhabiting a given region.
Assemblages of organisms which are ecoloei,.. .
structurally, or taxonomically similar. * c
-------
CHLOROPHYLLS
COELEHTEXAIA
C0KFS5SAXZ0H
DEPTH
COHTIBEHTAL RISE
COHTIBEHTAL SHEL7
COHTUJEJTA1 SLOPE
A group of oil-soluble, green plane pigments which
function u photoreceptors of Light energy for photo-
synthesis and primary productivity.
A large diverse phylum of primarily marine animals,
members possessing two cell layers and an incomplete
digestive system, the opening of which is usuaLly
surrounded by tentacles. This group includes hydroids,
jellyfish, corals and anemones.
The depth at which photosynthetic oxygen production equals
oxygen consumed by plant respiration; the lover part of
the photic zone.
A gentle slope with a generally smooth surface between the
Continental Slope and the deep ocean floor.
That part o£ the Continental Margin adjacent to a
continent extending from the low water line to a depth,
generally 200m, where the Continental Shelf and the
Continental Slope join.
That part of the Continental Margin consisting of the
declivity from the edge of the Continental Shelf down to
the Continental Rise.
C08T0UB. LXBE
COHTROLLING
SETTS
A line on a chart connecting, points of equal elevation
above oc below a reference plane, usually mean sea level.
The least depth in the approach or channel to an area,
such as a port, governing the maximal draft of vessels
which can enter.
COFSPOOS
C0ST/BESZ7IT
1AZX0
CSUSIACEA
CURXE3T DROGUE
A large diverse group of small planlctonic crustaceans
representing an important link in oceanic food chains.
A comparison of the priee, disadvantages and liabilities
of any project versus profit and advantages.
A class of arthropods consisting of animals vith jointed
appendages and segmented exoakeletons composed of chitin.
This class includes barnacles, crabs, shrimps and
lobsters.
A surfieial current measuring assembly consisting of a
weighted current cross, uadervater sail or parachute and
an attached surface buoy; it moves vith the current so
that average current velocity and direction can be
obtained.
CUBSZHT METER
An instrument for measuring the speed of a current, and
often the direction of flov.
6-3
-------
DECAPOD A
DEHKSSAL
DENSITY
omitxvoazs
DETRITUS
DIATOHS
Durnsioir
]>ISCBASGE PLUME
dispebsi°s
dissolved orrcEB
plVEXSITt
(Species)
The largest order of crustaceans; members have fiv«
of locomotor appendages, each joined to a segment of*!?
thorax; includes crabs, lobsters* *ad shrimps.
Living at or near the hoc torn o£. the sea*
Ihe- mass per unit volume of a substance, usually mr*
in grams per cubic centimeter (1 g water ia r#fe £****«
volume of 1 cc 8 4'C). to *
Animals which feed on detritus; also called *
feeders. »«P©«it-
Product of decomposition or disintegration- ^
organisms and fecal material. ' *««d
Microscopic phytoplaakton characterized by a cell w*n
overlapping silica plates. Sediaent and water eti °*
populations vary videl/ in response to chan*««
eovirpttmenttal conditions. * **
Transfer of material (e.g., salt) or a property Cm.
temperature) under the influence of a concentr.Vl1* *
gradient; the net movement is from an area of *»• *
concentration to an area of lower concentration. x**«r
A large diverse group of flagellated phytoplankton
rithooe a rigid outer «h«U. ¦« »f ,**«» «
particulate matter. Soma members of thia zrauH 0x1
responsible for toxic red-tides. ™ *re
The region of water affected by a discharge of waste **._•
can be distinguished from the surrounding water.
The dissemination of discharged matter over large a*»
natural processes, e.g., currents. ** by
nature —' " * * .
tt« ,o*ntitT °£ 0I7S" »°t2t Vol.™ of «m««"
g-f/JS i k«y >«»««
af water quality-
dchinabt species
of water .
4. statistical concept which generally combines the me*
of the total number of species in a given envirotmaafc ****
the number of individuals of eaeh species. «a ***
diversity is high when it is difficult to predict •*
species or the importance of a randomly chosen indivi^^*
organism, and low when an accurate prediction can be
A spacies or group of species which, because of m.
abundance, siae, or control of the energy flow, st*-«- fr
affect a community. rQ,**ly
6-4
-------
Z52 CTJB2ZHT,
222 TIDE
Tidal current moving away from land or down a tidal
stream.
ECHUJODERMS
KCOSTSTZH
DDT
S2DEHZC
nxim
IPTPAUHA
JPXPELAGIC
JSTOAEY
?HJHA
JIHFXSH
YIOCCCUZION
T3JOD IU5K,
ILOOD CSB2Z5T
1101*
CJUWIOFODS
Exclusively marine animals which are distinguished by
radial symmetry, internal skeletons of ealcareous plates,
and water-vascular systems which serve the needs of
locomotion, respiration, nutrition, or perception;
includes starfishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sand
dollars.
The organisms in a community together with their physical
and chemical environments.
A circular mass of water within a larger water mass which
is usually formed where currents pass obstructions, either
between two adjacent currents flowing counter to each
other, or along the edge of a permanent current. An eddy
has a certain integrity and life history, circulating and
drawinj energy from a flow of larger scale»
Restricted or peculiar to a locality or region.
To draw in and transport by the flow of a fluid.
Animals which live on or near the bottom of the sea.
Of, or pertaining to that portion, of the oceanic zone into
which enough light penetrates to allow photosynthesis;
generally extends from the surface to about 200m.
~ semienclosed coastal body of water which has a free
connection to the sea, conoonly the lower end of a river,
and within which the mixing of saline and fresh water
occurs.
The animal life of any location, region, or period.
Term used to distinguish "normal" fish (e.g., with fins
and capable of swimming) from shellfish, usually in
reference to the commercially important species.
The process of aggregating a number of small, suspended
particles into larger masses.
Tidal current moving toward land, or up a tidal stream.
The plant life of any location, region, or period.
Molluscs which possess a distinct head (generally with
ayes and tentacles), a broad, flat foot, and usually a
spiral shell (e.g., snails).
gZSBXVOHSS
Animals which feed chiefly on planes.
6-5
-------
B0FPE5 DBZDGZ
ETDHOCTAPHY
IC2T2IOPLAHXTOH
rSDICATOS SPECIES
XHDIGEHOUS
DCPAU8A
xsxtxal amsG
IB SITC
IBTESZH DISPOSAL
SITES
CTVEBIEBBmS
ISOBATH
ISOTEEBMAL
LARVA
LITTORAL
A self-propelled vessel with capabilities to dredge,
store, transport, and dispose of dredged materials.
That science which deals with the measurement of the
«hvsical features of waters and their marginal land artas t
with special reference to the factors which affect safe
«*wi«ation, and the publication of such information ia a
^Stabl. for ».. by Q«Tig*cora.
That portion of the planktonic mass composed of fiab egg,
and weakly motile fish larvae.
An organism so strictly associated with particular
environmental conditions that its presence is indicate*
of the existence of such conditions.
Ravins originated in, being produced, growing, or lwxst*
naturally ia a particular region or environment; nativ*.
Aquatic animals which live in the bottom sediment.
Dispersion or diffusion, of liquid, suspended particular$
tad solid phases of a waste material whxch occurs witfcia
4 hours after dumping.
[Latin] In the original or natural setting (i» fc.
environment). *
Ocean disposal sites tentatively approved for use b*
SPA. 7
Animals lacking a backbone or internal skeleton.
A line on a 'chart connecting points of equal depth b«i
mean sea level. 0,r
Approximate equality of temperature throughout
geographical area. *
A young and immature form of an organism which m.
usually undergo one or more form and size changes b«f*C
assuming characteristic features of the adult* *®*e
Of or pertaining to the seashore, especially the
between tide lines. *«*Oaa
LOHCSHOSZ CUEBEHT A current which flows in a direction parallel to a
line.
HAZN SHIP CHAHSEL The designated shipping corridor leading into a harbor
MAHrrZBAKCE
DSEDGIHG
Periodic dredging of a waterway, necessary for contia
use of the waterway. u*d
6-6
-------
MESOPELAGXC
MICMNUTmSTS
TJlYITg
ULT
MLH
MOLLUSCA
MOBTITOEXHG
bsctov
BQUTODi.
VEBIXXC
SBO8T0H
SQZSAHCE SPECZSS
bozszzbt-lzgst
omnivorous
OffiAHOHALOGZR
pesticides
0S3B0PBO8FBA1E
Pertaining to depths of 200m Co 1,000m below the ocean
surface.
Microelements, trace elements,. or substances required in
minute smounts; essential for normal growth and
development of an organism.
The upper layer of the ocean which is well mixed by wind
and wave activity.
Mean Low Tide (mlt); the average height of all low tides
measured over an 18.6—year period at a specific site.
Mean Low Water (mlw); the average height of all low waters
at a specific place.
k phylum of unaegmanted animals most of which possess a
calcareous shell; includes snails, muasals, clams, and
oysters.
As used herein, - observation of environmental effects of
disposal operations through biological and chemical data
collection and analyses-
Free swimming aquatic animals which move independently of
water currenta.
A. phylum of free-living and parasitic unaegmented worms;
found in a wide variety of habitats.
Pertaining to the region of shallow water adjoining the
seacoast, and extending from the low-tide mark to a depth
o£ about 200m.
Organisms which are aasoeiated with the upper 5 to 20 em
of water; mainly composed of copepods and ichthyoplankton.
Organisms of no commercial value, which, because of
predation or competition, may be harmful to commercially
important organisms.
The overall combination of natrienta and light in the
environment, as they relate to photosynthesis.
Pertaining to animals which feed on snimal and plant
matter.
Pesticides whose chemical constitution includes the
elements carbon and hydrogen, plus a eoonon element of the
halogen family: bromina, chlorine, fluorine, or iodine.
One of the aalta of orthophoephoric acid; an essential
nutrient for plant growth.
«-7
-------
OXEDB
02IGZ5 HUTTKOM
LA3CDL
PASAHEH3L
P1THOCZH
PGB(s)
PELAGIC
PESSUSBAZZOH
pE
FBOTIC ZORE
PHTTOPLAJJKTOT
PUHCTON
PLUME
POLTCHAZTA
FBZCTPITA7Z
PSXMAK7
PRODUCTIVITY
V «>,#mical compound m which oxygen la combined
A. binary chemi v° naBaeeal, gas, ot radical,
with another element, metal, nowv , *
x 1 La the water column in which ch«
of o*7S~ i" <*•
layers above or below.
7.1»« or physical prop.rti.. which d.acrib. th.
tic. or b«h^ior of 4 «t of Tanabl...
in. Mtic7 producina or capable of produciag dia.aa..
STuSiy"£* ?£«¦»» *"• tMd " *»
the euvix onaexxt.
P.reaiEin to «t« of th. op.n oc.au b.yoad th.
Sh.lf and .boy. th. rt7.«l "*«•
i dijturbaac. of . natural or regular .7at.mi
U.Vt«» fro. a- a..«ed -a" •« •
Th# acidity or alkalinity of a solution, determined by th
negative logarithm to the base 10 o£ the hydrogen i *
concentration (in gram-atoms per liter), ranging from o
14 (lower than 7 is acid, higher than 7 is alkaline).
The layer of a body of water which receives suffici-
sunlight for photosynthesis. at
Minute passively floating pl*nt life in « body of v«t*
the base of the food chain in the sea. *
The passively floating or weakly swimming, usually minut
animal and plant life in a body of water. *
~.patch of turbid water, caused by the suspension o£ f±
particles following a disposal operation. &*
The largest class of the phylum Annelida (segnsat
worms); benthic marine worms distinguished by
lateral,' fleshy appendages provided with bristles (s«t >
on most segments. **'
A solid which separates from a solution or suspeoaioa x
chemical or physical change. ?
The mount of organic matter synthesized by produc
organisms (primarily plants) from inorganic substances
unit time and
may not be
respectively).
r—»us«r
substances p*r
... ' 'o£ vater?l«t respiration may or
-------
PS0T020AHS
QniT.TTATITS
qojarnzAxiTs
HSCBDimEST
ITT,EAST! ZOHZ
TOH0I7
salzkzt;
SSCLF WATSSL
SHELLFISH
SEXP&XSE&
SLOPS HiZEl
SPECXSS
STAHDASD
botluti
1SAL7SIS
9ZA2DZ56 STOCK
S0BSTB13Z
Mostly microscopic, single-celled animals which constitute
on* of the largest populations in the ocean. Protozoans
play a major rola in Che recycling of nutrients.
Pertaining to the non-numerical assessment of a parameter.
Pertaining to the numerical measurement of a parameter.
Addition to a population of organisms by reproduction or
immigration of new individuals.
An area defined by the locus of points 100m from a vessel
engaged in dumping activities; will never exceed the total
surfaee area of the dumpsite.
That portion of precipitation upon land which ultimately
reaches streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.
The amount of falts dissolved in water; expressed in parts
per thousand ( /oo, or ppt).
Water which originates in, or can be traced to the
Continental Shelf, differentiated by characteristic
temperature and salinity.
Any invertebrate, usually of commercial importance, having
a. rigid outer covering, such as a shell or exoskeleton;
includes some molluscs and arthropods; term is the
counterpart of finfish.
A shipboard observer, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard to
ensure chat a waste-laden vessel is dumping in accordance
with permit specifications.
Water which orginates from, occurs at, or can be traced to
the Continental Slope, differentiated by characteristic
temperature and salinity.
A. group of morphologically similar organisms capable of
interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
k test used to determine the types and amounts of
constituents which can be extracted from a known volume of
sediment by mixing with a known volume of water.
The biomass or abundance of living material per unit
volume of water, or area of sea-bottom.
The solid material upon which an organism lives, or to
which it is attached (e.g., rocks, sand).
6*9
-------
SURVEILLANCE
SUSPENDED SOLIDS
THZBMOCLIKE
IJS
TSACZ METAL OS
tTT.y.MKMT
TBAHSKXXXABCE
rasas ASSZSSMEHT
SURVEYS
ISOFSIC LEVELS
tuesiditi
ZOOFLAHEXOH
v.^tion of aa area by visual, elecfcrouie,
Systematic obs ^ ^ purpose of anatoxin*
^UaS.lrit"«p,.U=xbl. U«, regulationj, „d
safety.
. « j j „^ti£lcs of a solid temporarily suspended
io ""s)-
water, wfaicb is app which such * gradient
above or below it, a i»7
oeeurs.
, , . tK« sum of organic nitrogan (in
Total ^eld^t2e) '^d amnionia nitrogen analytically
tb« crinegatxje st ^ digMtion procedure. This
£oc?d~re is particularly applicable to sediaant end
•lodge samples.
- in tie environment in extremely small
Aa element includes metals constituting o.U
quantities; w teisht, in the earth's cruat.
(1,000 ppm) or less, by veigat,
clarity, an instrument whieh can
Ia tlitTknoJn quantity of light through a standard
transmit a too q coUtctor# The percentage of the
J cie collector U „
txanamittance.
Surveys conducted over long periods to detect shifts ia
environmental conditions within a region.
region
Discrete steps along a food chain in vhich energy
transferred from the primary producers (planta?
herbivores and finally to carnivores and decomposer* 64
Cloudy or hazy appearance in a naturally clear li
caused by a suspension of colloidal liquid drcpl«ta
solids, or small organisms. * "3jm
Weakly swimming animals whose distribution in the oca***
ultimately determined by current movements. ^
6-10
-------
ABBREVIATIONS
C Centigrade
C2 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
C7B. Code of Federal Regulations
*
yd cubic yard(s)
0A, District Administrator (CE)
DMEP Dredged Material Research Program
DMDS Dredged Material Disposal Site
DOC U.S. Department of Commerce
SOX U.S. Department of the Interior
ywA Espey, Huston and Associates, Inc.
EZS environmental impact statement
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
g gram(s)
XMCO Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization
in« kilometer(s)
ka knot(s)
n meter(s)
¦g milligram(s)
ytfc mean low tide
al-w mean lov vater
sbs millimeterCs)
UPSSA Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
«>•
S north
HEPA Rational Environmental Policy Act
laki nautical mile(s)
fliPS national Marine Pisheries Service
BOO Haval Oceanographic Office
PL Public Lav
ppb parts per billion
ppa parts per million
ppt parts per thousand ¦ 0/oo
Regional Administrator (EPA)
6-11
-------
TDWK Texas Department of Water Resources
TOC total organic carbon
W west
Tf year(s)
6-12
-------
REFERENCES
Barnes, R.D. 1968. Invertebrate zoology. Second edition.
W.B. Saunders Co, Philadelphia. 743 pp.
Black & Veatch and Rafael A. Domenech & Associates. 1975. Barceloneta,
Puerto Rico, Oceanographic Baseline Study, Black & Veatch, Kansas
City, Mo.
Bloom, S.A. , J.L. Simon and V.D. Hunter. 1972. Animal-sediment
relationships and community analysis of a Florida estuary. Mar.
Biol. 13:43-56.
Calvesbert, R.O. 1970. Climate of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:
climatology of the United States, No. 60-52. U.S. Department of
Commerce.
Conner, W.G., D. Aurand, M. Leslie, J. Slaughter, A. Amr, and
F.I. Ravenscroft. 1979. Disposal of dredged material within the
New York district: Volume I, present practices and candidate
alternatives. MITRE Tech. Rep. MTR-7808 Vol. 1. The MITRE Corp.,
McLean, VA. 398 pp.
Dauer, D.M. 1980. Population dynamics of the polychaetous annelids of
an intertidal habitat in upper Old Tampa Bay, Florida. Int. Revue
ges. Hydrobiol. 65: 461-487.
Department of Natural Resources and Mineral Resources Development
Corporation. 1979. Seismic exploration for petroleum onshore
survey area, north-central coast of Puerto Rico. Draft
Environmental Impact Statement. San Juan, Puerto Rico.
EG&G, Environmental Consultants. 1978. A baseline environmental
assessment for ocean disposal of dredged materials near Roosevelt
Roads, Naval Station, Puerto Rico. Prepared for Army Corps of
Engineers, Jacksonville District, Contract No. DACW17-78-0005.
Fauchald, K. and P. Juraars. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of
polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 17: 193-
284.
Gray, J.S, 1974. Animal-sediment relationships. Oceano. Mar. Biol.
Ann. Rev. 12: 233-261.
Hirsch, N.D., L.H. DiSalvo, and R. Peddicord. 1978. Effects of
dredging and disposal on aquatic organisms. Tech. Rep. DS-78-5.
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Home, R.A. 1969. Marine chemistry. Wiley-Interscience, New York.
568 pp.
6-13
-------
Interstate Electronics Corp. 1980. Survey methods, results, and
interpretation; San Juan Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Sice
Disposal.
JBF Scientific Corp. 1975. Dredging technology study, San Francisco
Bay and estuary. A report to the Corps of Engineers, San Francisco
District, Contract DACW 07-75-G0045.
Krone R.B. 1962. Plume studies of the transport of sediment in
estuarial shoaling processes. Final report. Hydraulic Engineering
Laboratory and Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory.
University of California, Berkeley.
Lee, G.F., M.D. Piwoni, J.M. Lopez, G.M. Mariani, J.S. Richardson,
d'.H.' Homer, and F. Saleh. 1975. Research study for the
development of dredged material disposal criteria. U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
381 pp.
Mannheim, F.T., R.H. Meade, and G.C. Bond. 1970. Suspended matter in
surface waters of the Atlantic continental margin from Cape Cod to
the Florida Keys. Science 167:371-376.
Monroe, W.H. 1973. Stratigraphy and petroleum possibilities of middle
tertiary rocks in Puerto Rico. Assoc. of Petrol. Geologists Bull.
57(6): 1086-1099.
O'Connor, D.J., R.V. Thomann, and H.J. Salas. 1977. Water quality.
MESA New York Bight Atlas Monograph 27. New York Sea Grant
Institute, Albany, NY. 104 pp.
O'Connor, Thomas P. 1979. Ocean dumping research and monitoring at
Puerto Rico dumpsite. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA.
Oliver, J.S., P.N. Slattery, L.W. Hulberg, and J.W. Nybakken. 1977.
Patterns of succession in benthic infaunal communities following
dredging and dredged material disposal in Monterey Bay. DMRP Tech.
Rep. D-77-27. Environmental Effects Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station, VicksburR, MS. 186 pp.
Pequegnat, W.E., B.M. James, E.A. Kennedy, A.D. Fredericks, and R.R.
Fay. l?78a. Development and application of the biotal ocean
monitor system to studies of the impacts of ocean dumping. TerEco
Tech. Rep. to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water Program Operations, T.A. Wastler, Proiect Officer. 143 pd.
Pequegnat, W.E., D.D. Smith, R.M. Darnell, B.J. Presley, R.O. Reid.
1978b. An assessment of the potential impact of dredged material
disposal in the open ocean. Tech. Rep. D—78—2. U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
6-14
-------
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. 1975. Barceloneta, Puerto
Rico, Oceanographic Baseline Study. Black and Veatch Consulting
Engineers, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Nuclear Center. 1975. Environmental studies of the
proposed north coast nuclear plant no. I site. Final report.
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
Phillips, G.R. and R.C. Russo. 1978. Metal bioaccumulation in fishes
and aquatic invertebrates: a literature review. EPA-600/3-78-103.
Duluth, MN. 116 pp.
Raytheon, Env. Oceanogr. Serv. 1978. Ocean monitoring study, Puerto
Rico chemical waste dumpsite. Prepared for Bristol Alpha Corp,
Inc. et al.
Ritchie, D.W. 1970. Gross physical and biological effects of overboard
spoil disposal in upper Chesapeake Bay. Proiect F: Fish. Special
Report 3. Natural Resources Institute, University of Maryland,
College Park, MD.
Rolon, M.A. 1975. La pesca en Puerto Rico. 1974. Puerto Rico Dept.
of Agriculture, Commercial Fisheries Laboratory, Special Services
Publication, VII(1).
Santos, S.L. and J.L. Simon. 1974. Distribution and abundance of the
polychaetous annelids in a south Florida estuary. Bull. Mar. Sci.
24: 669-689.
Schneidermann, N., O.H. Pilkey, and C. Saunders. 1976. Sedimentation
on the Puerto Rico insular shelf. J. of Sed. Petrol. 26(1):
167-173.
Schubel, J.R., H.H. Carter, R.E. Wilson, W.M, Wise, M.G. Heaton, and
M.G. Gross. 1978. Field investigations of the nature, degree, and
extent of turbidity generated by open-water pipeline disposal
operations. Environmental Effects Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. 297 pp.
Sokal, R.R. and F.J. Rohlf. 1969. Biometry. W.H. Freeman and Company.
Stern, E.M. and W.B. Stickle. 1978. Effects of turbidity and suspended
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Vicksburg, MS,
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their physics, chemistry and general biology. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1087 p.
6-15
-------
US Army Corps of Engineers. 1977. Dredged Material Research Program,
' ' fourth annual report. U.S. Army Corns of Engineers, Waterways
Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
n S Armv Corps of Engineers. 1975a. Final environmental statement on
"" maintenance dredging Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas. U.S. Army
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17 S Armv Corps of Engineers. 1975b. Final Environmental Impact
Statement San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico. U.S. Army Corps of
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U S Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, 1975. Final
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of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida.
_ 1979. Statistical abstract of the U.S.
U.S. Department of Commerce.
Washington, D.C. 1057 pp.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. Oualitv criteria for water
Washington, D.C. 256 pp.
TT S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1971. A Study of coastal water
quality in the vicinity of San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 13-31,
1971. Southwest Water Laboratory, Technical Services Program. PB
213 445. Athens, Georgia.
U S. Naval Oceanographic Office. 1972. Environmental acoustic atlas of
' the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Volume II, Marine
Environment. Washington, D.C.
Wheeler R.B., -J.B. Anderson, R.R. Schwarzer, and C.L. Hokansen. 1980.
Sedimentary processes and trace metal contaminants in the Buccaneer
oil/gas field, northwest Gulf of Mexico. Environ. Geol. 3:
163-175.
• i t TD 1978. Aquatic dredged material disposal impacts. DMRP
Tech' Rep. DS-78-1. Environmental Effects Laboratory, U.S. Array
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS 5722.
6-16
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Appendix A
SURVEY METHODS, RESULTS, AND INTERPRETATION
1. INTRODHCTION
The marine environment in the are* of Che San Juan Farbor Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site (SJH-ODMDS) was studied during surveys
conducted in February and June, 1980, by Interstate Electronics
Corporation (IEC) under contract to the EPA (Contract Number
(68-01-4610). The purpose of the surveys was to provide baseline
biological, chemical, geological, and physical data to characterise the
environment of the disposal sites, and to evaluate the effects of
dredged-material disposal on the marine environment. Methods of data
collection, survey results, and interpretations of the survey data are
presented in the following sections.
2. METHODS
Surveys were conducted using the Ocean Survey Vessel (OSV)
ANTELOPE. Radar range and bearing positioning were used for
navigation.
Ten stations were located in the study area; five were within the
ODMDS, and five were used as controls (Figure A-l). Stations were
oriented with the long axis in an upcurrent-downcurrent direction. The
parameters measured, coordinates, and water depths for all stations are
presented in Table A-l
-------
in
MicrobioUsic.1 •« tU""" *°d Phy,i"1
ocaanoRraphic —- -» ^ ^
oth.r detailed eh«i«l. ,-U.U.l. »d bioloSical analyaaa «r.
v Hated laboratories listed in Table A-2.
performed at shore-based taoor
SWU« equipment, procedure,. -< praaarvation «chod. «r.
..
following sections.
2 1 WATER COLUMN MEASUREMENTS
Procedural Conductivity and ta.p.r««e profilaa -r.
aaaaured «t* He.aey - «• «re atored on ,-trace co«puC„
4i>ta x roaette M»l« "Ch 3°"U"t S°-n° b°"1" ""
u,.d co collect aurface and near-bocto. -»i« «« ""<1..
W salinic7 and "temperature CTD calibration wapl.s;
dissolved oxygen, and salinity
««re collected for analysis of dissolved and
aid-depth samples vere
metals and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Salinity
particulate trace metals
analyzed with a Beckman salinometer. Surface and botccm
samples were analyzed
« were measured using reversing or bucket
water temperatures were mea»
tbar^ter.. TurbidUv ...
turbidimeter; o„s«« «*. - "'h0i<"»
(Strickland and Par.o*., 1™>. """
f. cot.! .u.p.»4.< «"'• - -*"1
-------
filters. The filtrate was collected for dissolved trace metals
analysis in precleaned bottles acidified with Ultrex nitric acid.
Measured water volumes were pressure-fed directly from Go-Flo bottles
through as Amberlite XAD resin column for extraction of chlorinated
(CHC's) hydrocarbons (Osterroht, 1977). Both the filters and resin
column were processed in a positive pressure clean hood and frozen
until extraction and analysis.
Laboratory Methods: Total suspended solids were determined
gravimetrically on an electrobalance, according to the procedure of
Meade et al. (1975). Particulate trace metal samples collected on
tiucleopore filters were leached with IN Ultrex nitric acid and
filtered. Samples were analyzed for Cd and Pb by graphite furnace
atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Particulate Hg samples were
analyzed with cold-vapor AAS (EPA, 1979).
Analysis of dissolved Hg required an acid-permanganate digestion,
reduction with hydroxylamine sulfate, and analysis with cold-vapor AAS
following EPA (1979). Dissolved Cd and Pb were extracted using a
chelation-solvent extraction method described by Sturgeon et al.
(1980), and analyzed by graphite furnace AAS.
Organohalogens were eluted from adsorption column with acetoni-
trile, extracted three times with hexane, dried, fractionated in
florisil columns, and analyzed with an electron capture gas chromato-
graph according to Osterroht (1977).
2.2 GEOCHEMISTRY AND GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS
Shipboard Procedures: Sediment samples for geochemical analyses (trace
metals, oil and grease, TOC, and CHCs) were collected from the surface
A-3
-------
2-cm of t» r.pUc.c. 0.06 m* box core. per .t.tion, S«ipl.. «r.
fro.en i= precl..a.d Teflon *>«!••• 5" * °f -4i~"
„«. removed from e.ch cor. »d f««n «"U "" ~1»—' Ftv*
„in ai-e determinations were taken from biological
other samples foe gram
r«Ti#cted as described later,
sediment samples collected •»
n.rWa- Trace metals (Cd and Pb) were leached from 3 to
laboratory Methods- irate
«4rt IN nitric acid, and analyzed by graphite furnace
10 g of sediments with i« nitli '
^ Bg VM uached from 5 Co 10 g of .ediment. «th .<,u. regia and
ranOi .t «-c'for 30 Th. «»•" "" "du" Edition.! .ci„
Cleanup «.p re,uir.d for «.«ly.i. of polychlorin.ted biph.nyl.
(PCB). Petroleo. hydrocarbon, -r. «tr.cc.d from .edimenc. «ch .
mechyl.ne dicbloride-.eth.nol ...ocropic mixture, .nd „.lyz.d -ith
column .nd ,1... c.piU.ry ga. chromatography a. de.cribed by Brov, «
al. (1979).
Oil «d gra... ««• excracc.d from 100 g MdimMC aampla. with „
.e.tonr-h««.. mixtur., dri.d .nd ,u.ncifi.d gr.vim.cric.Uy accortin,
co the method of APHA (1975). Tot.I org.nic carbon U «dime«. w
meaaursd with . P.rtiu-H»« *>d'1 240 "«»««.l taalyaer, «in, «
procedure deacribed by Oibba (1977).
A-A
-------
Sediment grain size was determined by washing sediment samples
through 2,000 and 62 u mesh sieves to separate gravel, sand, and silt-
clay fractions following a procedure described by Folic (1978). Sand/
gravel fractions were separated with 1 phi (0) interval sieves, dried,
and weighed. The silt-clay fractions were analyzed using the pipette
method (Rittenhouse, 1933); a dispersant was used to prevent floccula-
t ion.
2.3 BIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS
Shipboard Procedures: Five macrofaunal samples were collected at each
station with a 0.06 m^ box core and washed through a 0.5-mm screen;
organisms were preserved in 102 formalin in seavater and stored until
analysis. In addition, two trawls, one inside and one outside of the
site, were performed using a 7-6 m Otter trawl to collect epifauna from
the area, end to examine tissue concentrations of total and fecal coli-
forms. 2pifauna were sorted in stainless steel trays, identified, and
counted.
2.4 MICROBIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS
Shipboard Procedures; Approximately 30 g of sediments from the (1 cm)
of each of the two geochemical box cores were collectd with a sterile
spoon, placed into a sterile container, and refrigerated. Ten grams of
Che pooled sample were analysed for total and fecal coliforms using a
modified Most Probable Number (MPN) method (APRA, 1975)} the analysis
vaa completed within 6 hours after collection.
A-5
-------
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 WATER COLUMN PARAMETERS
3.1.1 Hydrography and Related Constituents
Salinity and temperature during the surveys were typical of
tropical ocean waters and followed no strong temporal or spatial
patterns. The largest changes for these parameters occurred with
depth. Surface temperatures ranged between 25 and 26®C in February and
were slightly higher in June, ranging from 27 to 29°C (Table A-3). The
mean bottom temperatures at the deep stations (1, 6, 8, 9) were 15.7*C
in February and 17.78C in June.
Temperature-depth profiles were not available for either survey,
thus the seasonal variation of the thermocline is not known. However,
the similarities of surface and bottom (60 m) temperatures at Station 7
indicated that the mixed layer extended to at least 60 m during
February.
Salinity ranged from 36 to 37Voo with a mean for both surveys of
36.55"/oo (TabLe A-3). These measurements were slightly higher than
average values (35.92 to 36.47'/oo) reported for the Atlantic Ocean
between 15* and 20"N latitude (Sverdrup et al., 1942).
Values for pH were normal for sea water, and ranged from 8.0 to
8.2 in February and 8.2 to 8.4 in June (Table A-4). pH measurements
decreased slightly with depth for both surveys. Dissolved oxygen
concentrations also decreased with increasing depth (Table A-3),
Surface and bottom dissolved oxygen values ranged from about 7.3 to 5.4
mg/l, similar to dissolved oxygen concentrations in other marine waters
along Puerto Rico's north coast (PRASA, 1975).
A-6
-------
As expected for these waters, turbidity levels and concentrations
of total suspended solids were low (Table A-4). Turbidity ranged from
0.15 to 0.59 NTU, with a mean of 0.30 NTU. Total suspended solids
averaged 0.3 mg/1, and ranged from below detectable limits to about 1.8
mg/1.
3.1.2 Trace Metals and Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Values for dissolved and particulate trace metals (Table A-5) were
well below EPA water quality criteria for Hg (0.01 ug/1) and (5.0 ug/1)
Cd (EPA, 1976). Dissolved lead values varies widely and were
relatively high during the February survey. Overall, concentrations
ranged from a low of 0.38 tng/1 in June to a maximum of 5,53 mg/1 in
February for Station 6. The maximum value was considerably higher than
dissolved lead values reported for seawater near the mouth of the
Manati River, about 25 km west of San Juan Harbor (PRASA, 1975). The
large range of lead concentrations in the survey area may be a function
of runoff from San Juan Harbor combined with local tides and variations
in water currents.
Four pesticides or derivatives were detected in the water column
during the surveys. Heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and op'DD were
detected, but concentrations were below EPA water quality criteria
(EPA, 1976). Dieldrin concentrations were near or above EPA guidelines
(0.003 ug/1) during the June survey. Dieldrin, however, was below
detectable levels in the survey site sediments, therefore, it is not
likely that the elevated dieldrin levels in the water column originated
from dredged material. Runoff from land is the most likely source of
this compound. No PCB's were found in measurable concentrations in the
water column.
A-7
-------
3.2 SED1MKNT CHARACTERISTICS
3.2.1 Physical
depth, ever Che —y .re. «ri.d .nd increa.ed vith
di.tance from San Juan Harbor . Uare -re no .ignif leant
temporal or apatial trend. I. the di.cribution of .Ut and clay ov«
the deeper portion of the .orvey ax...
3.2.2 Chemical
With the exception of Station 7, concentration, of heavy ««.l, u,
¦edimeota (Table. A-8. A-9) followed no apatial or temporal pacta™.
Concentration, of .atal. ™ aip.ific.ntl, different between th.
di.po.al .it. -nd th. .djacant area, or between .urv.y., S.di.„e
cadmium concentration, in Che .tudy araa ranged fro. 0.01 to 0.2*
Bg/k«; mercury fro. 0.01 to 0.26 m,/Hi a* 1— «*.
detection li.it t, ».» »g/*g (Table W>. • *>*
generally are comparable to trace metal concentratione in clay and ailt
fro. other .it., in fuerto Rico (PRASA, 1975) and th. Onlf of M«ico
(«. 1975a; «b«l.r, « »«»• ScKim ' h" "" l"""t
concentration* of ca*.i® «0 I—. >"b*bl? C>W l~
proportion, of .Ut and iB tt,i*
A-8
-------
Ac some stations, values of lead from separate cases differed by
three to four orders of magnitude. For Stations 5 and 6 in February
and Station 1 in June, this variation can be partially accounted for by
differences in grain sizes between casts. At other stations there is
ao apparent reason for these fluctuations in lead concentrations.
Sediment concentrations of lead were weakly but significantly
correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease, and cadmium
(Table A-ll); however, at most stations where lead concentrations
widely varied between casts, these other parameters did not vary in a
similar pattern. This suggests that the large differences in lead
between casts may be an artifact introduced by sampling or errors in
the analysis.
Concentrations of TOC (Tables A-8, A-9) ranged from 2.18 mp/g at
Station 7 in May to 20.98 mg/g at Station 2 in February. These values
generally are higher than are normally present in pelagic sediments
(Home, 1969), but are normal when compared with other coastal marine
sediments (PRASA, 1975; CE, 1975a). Except at Station 7 in May, no
seasonal or spatial trends existed in the TOC distribution.
Oil and grease content ranged from 0.38 to 6.08 mg/g in June, and
was significantly higher for sediments inside the disposal site than in
Che surrounding area (Mann-Whitney TJ-test, p<0.05). Values of oil and
grease in the original dredged material are not available; however Che
CE reports that channel sediments in San Juan Harbor are predominantly
clay and "appear to have an oil or grease residue intermixed" (CE,
1975b). Consequently, it is likely Chat Che higher oil and grease
-------
content in sediments at the disposal site is a function of the disposal
of dredged material. There was no significant seasonal variation in
oil and grease content with the exception, again, of Station 7.
Station 7 sediments contained high proportions of oil and grease
(5.0«» mg/g) and TOC (16.6 mg/g) during the June survey (Table A-9).
The sea bottom in this area is overlain by coral rubble, gravel, and
sand. The high oil and grease and TOC concentrations could indicate
disposal of dredged material from Che bar channel which is
predominantly sand (CE, 1975b). Unfortunately, only one sample from
Station 7 was available for laboratory analysis; more data are required
to determine whether these high values represent an acCual trend or if
they are merely artifact.
Levels of organohalogens fCHCs) in the sediments were generally
low; values were higher outside the disposal site (Station 6) than
inside (Station 1) during the February survey (Table A-9).
Organohalogens were only analysed within the site for the June survey.
Concentrations for pesticides and pesticide derivates were all below 5
ug/kg; those for total PCBs <1254 plus 1242) were as high as 55 ug/k8.
The 20 to 30-fold increase observed for sediment PCB levels at Station
1 between February and June may suggest that PCB levels changed with
time; however, Che February and June casts were more Chan 0.5 ami.
apart, and the variability may be spatial rather than temporal. Xh«
sediment sampled at this station during June may have been dredgad
material from San Juan Harbor because it is unlikely that these PCB
levels would occur naturally in sedxaents of this offahore ar*a.
A-10
-------
3.3 MACROFAUNA
Forty-five species of macrofauna were common in the area of the
existing San Juan ODMDS during the February and June, 1980 surveys
(Table A-12). Polychaete worms dominated the fauna, and were best
represented by species of Spionidae and Nephtyidae. Sipunculans were
numerically abundant due to the occurrence of a single species,
Golfingia sp.D. All other groups, such as crustaceans and molluscs,
were represented poorly.
Numerical data for the common species in Table A-12 (available
upon request) were used to examine the trophic composition of the
macrofauna. Species were assigned to the following feeding categories
based on Barnes (1968), Bloom et al., (1972), Santos and Simon (1974),
Fauchald and Jumars (1979), and Dauer (1980):
0 deposit feeders which injest sediment and detritus;
0 suspension feeders which filter food particles from the water
column;
0 omnivores which can feed on a wide range of plant, animal,
detrital, or sediment particles, and
0 carnivores which feed on living animal tissue.
Mean abundance of common species were summed for each trophic
category for each station, and percentages were calculated and are
presented in Table A-13.
A-11
-------
Th
characte
e majority of species were deposit feeding organisms which are
ristic of muddy habitats (Gray, 1974) found throughout the
study area. Abundant deposit feeders included the spincuian, Golfingia
sp. D, and polychaetes such as Prionospiolongibranchiata.Spiophanes sp.
A, and Cossuradelta.
Nemertean and polychaete carnivores were also common throughout
the area; the most numerous representatives were the polychaetes
si oambra tentaculata and species of Aglaophamus. This trophic group
was particularly common in June at Station 7 when the syllid polychaete
Haplosyllis spongicola became abundant.
Suspension feeders were poorly represented among the common
species. The lack of this trophic group probably was due to the high
mud content of the substratum. The feeding structures of these
organisms can become clogged by silt and clay particles, and burrows or
tubes are often difficult to maintain in muddy sediments which are not
cohesive (Gray, 1974).
Omnivores were also scarce, and represented by a few polychaete,
isopod, and a single molluscan species (Table A-12).
Figure A-2 presents a diagrammatic representation of several of
the abundant macrofauna which occurred along an inshore to offshore
gradient. Changes in sediment composition and depth are also indicated
in this figure. Station 7, the shallowest, had a much greater
proportion of sand than did the other stations, and consequently a
different assemblage of organisms was found at this site. Stations 3,
1, and 5 shared similar aasemblages of macrofauna, but the deepest
station (9) was dominated by species of spionid polychaetes.
A-12
-------
Six species were selected for further analysis based oa their
abundance during both surveys. Species included the polychaetes
Sigambra tentaculata, Aglaophamus verrili, Prionospio 1ong ib r anc h i at a,
Spiophanes sp. A, and Coasura delta, and the sipunculan peanut worm
Coifingia sp. D. These species are small bodied organisms (<_ 4 cm in
length) which represent a variety of trophic levels (Table A-12 and
Figure A-2). Numerical data for these species are presented in Tables
A-14 and A-15)
Abundance of all six dominant species was significantly different
between stations (Table A-16). Although densities of Golfingia sp. A
were not different significantly between stations when tested using
parametric methods (Table A-16), densities became significantly
different when the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (Sokal and Rohlf,
1969) was applied to the data (February survey, H*23.78, p<0.05; June
survey H"20.40, p<0.05).
These dominant species were most prevalent at the mid-depth
stations (Figures A-3 to A-7), except for Spiophangfs sp. A which
occurred in great abundance at the deepest station (Figure 8).
Differences in the densities of dominant species between the ODMDS
and control stations were examined for each survey as follows. Sta-
tions along a similar isobath which ran through the ODMDS were sepa-
rated into two groups', a control group (Stations 10, 8, and 6) and an
ODMDS group (Stations 1, 2 and 4). For each dominant species, al den-
sity information from the replicates was pooled for each group of
A-13
-------
stations to form two samples. Differences between these samples were
tested using a Mann-Whitney U-test (Sokal and Rohlf, 1969). ?or *11
but one case, no difference was found between control and ODMDS
stations. The exception occurred in February when significantly
greater numbers of Golfingia sp. A were found in che ODMDS. if
differences in densities of the other macrofauna species did occur
between the ODMDS and control sites, then chey probably were masked by
the natural variations in the abundance of ehese organisms.
3.4 EPIFAUNA
Information on the epifauna and demersal fish living in the ar««
of the San Juan ODMDS is very sparse due to problems or trawling at
this deep area. During the first survey, the net was lost and no
organisms were collected. Trawls were attempted at Station 1 during
the second survey, but due to partial fishing by the net, only a few
animals were collected. These organisms included two species of
sponge, the shrimps Solenoccra cf. vioscai and an unidentified
Aristeinae, and a hermit crab, ?agurus sp. Because of this limited
data, no attempt will be made to discuss the epifaunal community of the
area.
3.5 MICROBIOLOGY
All ten stations from the February survey were analysed for total
and fecal coliforms in the sediments; no shellfish were collected.
Only tissue samples were scheduled to be analysed in the June survey;
however, none were collected.
A-14
-------
Table A-17 lists the sediment coliform counts from the February
survey. Total and fecal coliforms were detected at three stations:
two stations on the perimeter of the site (Stations 3 and 4) and one
control station to the east (Station 6). The data showed no visible
pattern or explanation for the presence of the coliforms and could not
be related to the other parameters (e.g., trace metal or grain size
distribution as discussed in Sections 3.2.1 and 3.?..2., respectively)
measured at the site.
A-15
-------
4. CONCLUSIONS
W.t.t col win and «<*««« 8ener,U:' "i"in n°r~1
ranges for coastal area- Th«r. -r. . f« indications of contaminant
input., possibly in -off, fro. th, Ut«d of Puerto Rico. *,es. and
i-h* survey are* were indicated by relatively
dredged material inputs to the survey ar
high le,.lt „ p..ticid.. «d >«'• in th« "*"r COl,,nn "«"•«*•
increased concentrations of Lad in th. .ater col«n, and higher oil
and p.... level' in •«"««" i"i<" th* '*i,PO"1 "" ("1,tlV*
b.ck*roand level.)- *>" "h="U*1 ChMiCal
distributed in . patchy -r throughout th. «... Were «. fa.
i soatial trends in water column or sediment
clear temporal or spatial
'parameters.
The macrofaunal «.«*!«• «' by —*»>«*
f.eding polychaec.s «nd sipunculans typical of muddy habitat.. Thi.
assemblage of organism. »» ->»"« « *U »«
shallowest, Static* 7; thi. .hallower ait. ... inhabited by mall
polychaete. and crustacean.. and a »id.r ran,e of trophic .roup. „aa
represented.
Dominant macrofauna «r. patchily diatributed throughout th. stud,
ltel. H, differences «r. detected in th. d.nsitie. of th... .p.ci„
b.t«« th. disposal .i" •»" *"*•
Th. total and f.c«l colifora distribution in th. ..dlm.nt. could
not be'correlated «ch th. other physical and chemicai «.ra
M..ured at th. .it.- - «i«in of th. coliforms at th. sit. and U.
vicinity i» unknown.
A-16
-------
REFERENCES
American Public Health Association. 1975. Standards Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater. 14th ed.
Barnes, R.D. 1968. Invertebrate Zoology. Second edition.
W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 743 p.
Bloom, S.A., J.L. Simon and V.D. Hunter. 1972. Animal-sediment
relationships and community analysis of a Florida estuary. Mar.
Biol. 13: 43-56.
Brown, D.W., S. Ramos, M.Y. Uyeda, A.J. Friedman, and W.D. MacLeod, Jr.
1979. Ambient-temperature extraction of hydrocarbons from marine
sediment-comparison with boiling-solvent extraction. In L.
Petrakis and F.T. Weiss, eds., Petroleum in the Marine
Environment. Advances in Chemistry Series Ho. 185.
Rauer, D.M. 1980. Population dynamics of the polychaetous annelids of
an intertidal habitat in upper Old Tampa Bay, Florida. Int.
Revue, ges. Hydrobiol. 65: 461-487.
Fauchald, K. and P. Jumara. 1979. The diet of worms: A study of
polychaete feeding guilds. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 17:
193-284.
Folk, R.L. 1978. Petrology of sedimentary rocks, Hemphill Publishing
Co., Texas, 192 p.
Gibbs, R.J. 1977. Effect of combustion temperature and time and of
the oxidation agent used in organic carbon and nitrogen analysis
of sediments and dissolved organic material. J. Sed. Petrol. 47:
547-560.
Gray, J.S. 1974. Animal-sediment relationships. Oceano. Mar. Biol.,
Ann. Rev. 12: 23-261.
Horne, R.A. 1969. Marine Chemistry. Wiley-Interscience, New York.
568 pp.
Interstate Electronics Corporation. 1980. Oceanographic Sampling and
Analystical Procedures Manual. Prepared for U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (Contract *68-01-4610).
A-17
-------
w t n a PL Sachs, F.T. Manheim, J.C. Hathaway, and D.W. Spencer.
1975^' ' Sources of Upended ..ct.r in »«er. of Che fiddle
Atlantic Bight. J- Sed. Petrol.
r 1977 Development of a method for the extraction and
"""detUmiiation of non-polar, dissolved organic substances in
seawater. J• Chromato. 101:289.
- Abduct and Sewer Authority. 1975. Barceloneta, Puerto
Puerto 1^1 0c^QOgraphic Baseline Study. Black and Veach Consulting
Engineers, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rittenhouse, G., 1933. A. suggested modification of the pipette method.
J. Sed. Petrol. 3: 44-45.
e « c t and J.L. Simon. 1974. Distribution and abundance of the
polychietous annelids in a south Florida estuary. Bull. Mar. Sci.
24: 669-689.
Sohal. R.R.. tohlf- 1,M- siOT»cr>'' W-H" ?r,e°™ ai
Company. 776 o•
Strickland J.D.H. and T.R. Parsons. 1972. A practical handbook of
geawater analysis. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Bulletin
167, 310 p.
„ n « g s Berman. A. Desaulniers, and D.S. Ruasell. 1980.
Preconcentration of trace metals from sea-water for determination
by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Talanta
27: 85-94.
H U M.W. Johnson, and R.H. Fleming. 1942. The Oceana,
SZir Jhjiici. Chemist^, and General Biology. Prentice-Hall,
Inc. Englewood Cliffs, S.J. 1087 p.
T, S Armv Corps of Engineers. 1975a. Final environmental statement on
maintenance dredging Sabine-Neches Waterway, Texas. U.S. Army
Engineer District, Galveston, TX,
n s Armv Corns of Engineers. 1975b. Final Environmental Impact
Statement, San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico. U.S. Army Corpa of
Engineers', Jacksonville District.
U S Environmental Protection Agency. 1979. Manual of methods for
chemical analyai® of water and wastes. Environmental Protection
Agency, Environmental Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1976. Quality criteria for
Water. Washington, D.C. 256 o.
A-18
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1974. Analysis of pesticide
residues in human and environmental samples, a compilation of
methods selected for use in pesticide monitorng programs.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
1977. Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Discharge of Dredged
Material into Ocean Watrs. Implementation Manual for Section 103
of PL 92-532. Environmental Effects Laboratory, U.S. Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Second printing, April 197ft.
Wheeler, R.B., J.B. Anderson, R.R. Schvarzer, and C.L. Hokansen. 1980.
Sedimentary processes and trace metal contaminants in the
Buccaneer oil/gas field, northwest Gulf of Mexico. Environ. Geol.
3: 163-175.
A-19
-------
Figure A-l
Station Locations in the Area of the San Juan Harbor BHDS
-------
SURFACE DEPOSIT FEDEXS
Sptonid Polychactcs
CARNIVORE
^ V fl
Hsplosyttis \ + V £xogon#
Figure A-2
Coanoa Macro fauna Collect «d at DMDS
A-21
-------
18° 30.0 N
» fOl
-------
Figure A-4.
166° 10.0'W |
Distribution (Number of Individuals/m2) of Aglaophawua verrilli
in the area of the San Juan DMDS.
-------
*
\ioo|
VffjbriMfy 190D |
\*1® A
m
J
30.0 N|
4 «iiw K—^ _ Ot«tr i.V»\it.V.CK\
lap
A-
/'/
n
|«° tlrwl
MftMkV
-------
5/
>
i
M
in
•t
' *\
D
M
C3
-el i-iO|ia-iooi>Mo|
^ JumIMOI
18° 30.0 N\
'•13|
J
Hih
tst\
J
A
<0!
I#l
u»
A.
w
571
rv
—
lee' mewl
2
figure A-6. Distribution (Number of individuals/ra ) of Coasura delta
in the area of the San Juan DMDS
-------
4T
fi~a|
-------
I
hi
|*?M
'i i
I
•I
i) *gp |,r
18?>0.0 NH
fTil
t
Figure A-8.
fes^lo-cw!
Distribution (Number of individuals/fo2) 0f Spiohanea sp.A
*' '-,^-i nf Km Can Titan nMiy?
-------
r
N
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OC
OC
OC
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MMBER I I 1 4 I • I I i| U
utitooe ir*»< ti*MLiv ts*M.r> i«**»r ii'ji.r* tiTians fi*»ni
lorsitode run m'hiw h'iui M*tf.rw n'miw m'im-w :U*ni« m'iu*
mpm mm nta ttjm in* m* ui» u» Mm uu» in*
¦C - ME IWUTT CIIIHl SAMPLE Will It TAKER M ADOrTMN TO THE SAMPLE I KIM COLLECTED AT
f HE KSWMTEB STATMR
OE - ATMOSPHERIC FALLOOT
M - MffSNla Ern«MY ran REMOVAL of WEAWATCR FROM mjCLEBrOHE FILTERS
M - HAN Dt IMS dAMKI FOR TRACE MET Alt
M - COMPOSITE SAMPLE FROM BOTRBOX CORES AT EACH OESttMATEB STATIOH
M (m m SAMPLES FROM ONE MX CORE 0«tT
W cowoshe samples from aumemei abb tra*ls. piw samples of wtmtmitv mom
BEOLBOICAl CHEMICAL MX CORES: SPECIES MEMTIFIEO M fOARB BEFORE AHALYI# OH PRClfRVAIWB.
Table A-l
Smplini Schedule «t Che San Ju«n Harbor OHOS, Puerto Rico
-------
Table A-2. Laboratories performing analyses of samples.
Biology
Barry A. Vittor & Associates
Mobile, Alabama
LaMer*
San Pedro, California
Chemistry/Geology
Science Applications, Inc.
La Jolla, California
LFE Environmental*
Richmond, California
* quality control
A-29
-------
ible A-3. Measurements of temperature, salinity,-and dissolved oxygen in the water column In the area of the
San Juan DMDS during February and June, 1980.
Temperature
(*C)
Salinity
00
Dissolved
Oxygen (mg/1)
Station
Depth(m)
Feb.
Jun.
Feb.
Jun.
Feb.
Jun.
1
2
25.9
28.8
36.45
36.53
7.247
6.912
111
_G>
-
-
36.79
-
-
132
«•
-
37.22
-
-
-
265
17.8
T
36.71
-
6.044
-
320
-
17.5
-
16.19
-
6.075
6
2
25.8
27.6
36.46
36.54
7.328
6.781
220
-
-
-
36.76
-
-
280
-
-
37.03
-
-
-
439
-
17.7
-
36.32
-
6.041
560
16.4
-
36.51
-
5.681
-
7
2
25.8
28.4
36.66
36.20
7.066
6.880
15
-
-
-
36.26
-
-
32
-
27.7
-
36.20
-
6.909
61
25.7
-
36.56
-
6.504
-------
Con*I: Table A-3
Temperature (**C) Salinity (X) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l
*Station Depth (m) Feb. Jun. feb. Jun feb. Jun.
8 2 25.2 21.7 36.75 36.19 7.071 7.225
149 - 36.83
268 12.0 - 36.60 - 5.382
298 - 18.7 - 36.48 - 6.814
9 2 25.8 27.8 36.75 36.18 7.128 7,271
350 - . - 36.62
464 16.6 - 36.61 - 5.939
700 - 16.8 - 36.07 - 5.833
(1) A dash (-) indicate* that a measurement va« not taken at that depth.
-------
Table A-4. Measurements of pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids in the water
column in the area of the San Juan DMDS during February and June, 1980.
PH
Turbidity
(NTU)
Total ;
Suspended Solid.
Station
Depth(m)
Feb.
Jun.
Feb.
Jun.
Feb.
Jun.
1
2
111
132
265
320
8.2
-1
8.1
8.0
8.3
8.3
8.3
0.57
0.19
0.41
0.27
0.23
0.35
0.380
0.509
0.847
1.850
*2
*
6
2
220
280
439
560
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.3
8.3
8.3
0.59
0.20
0.31
0.37
0.15
0.18
0.966
0.292
0.390
*
*
~
7
2
15
32
61
8.2
8.2
8.4
8.4
8.4
0.33
0.45
0.38
0.30
0.27
0.467
«¦
0.456
0.164
0.182
0.204
8
2
149
268
298
8.2
8.1
8.4
8.3
8.3
0.21
0.50
0.30
0.20
0.25
0.276
0.827
0.185
0.203
0.118
9
2
350
464
700
8.2
8.1
8.4
8.3
8.2
0.24
0.25
0.32
0.21
0.18
0.287
0.354
0.178
0.049
*
(1) A dask (-) indicates Chat a measurement was not taken at that depth.
(2) An asterisk (*) indicates that the value was below detection limits.
A-32
-------
Table A-5. Measurements of particulate and dissolved trace metals, and organohalogens in
the water column in the area of the San Juan DMDS during February and June,
1980. (All measurements were taken at mid-depth).
Station 1
Station 6
Measurement
Feb.
Jun*
Feb.
Jun.
Particulate Trace
Metals (ug/1):
Hg
0.188xl0~3
0.200xl0~3
0.236xl0~3
0.200x10*3
Cd
0.173X10"1
0.200xl0"2
0.559x1o"2
O.IOOxIO"2
Pb
0.886x10°
0.300xl0~2
0.564x10"2
0.200x10"2
Dissolved Trace
Metals (ug/1):
Hg
0.015
0.003
0.002
0.003
Cd
0.700
0.085
0.310
0.012
Pb
1.130
0.640
5.530
0.380
Organohalogens (ng/1):
Heptachlor
0.462
0.596
0.419
0.102
Heptachlor
epoxide
-<1>
-
-
0.175
op 'DDE
-
0.302
-
0.124
Dieldrin
•
5.653
—
2.659
(1) A dash (-) indicates that a measurement was below analytical detection
limits.
A-33
-------
Table A-6. Sediment composition in the area of the San Juan DMDS during February, 1980.
- + fl^
Mean Depth "U Composition (X - SD)
Station among Casts(m) Gravel Sand Silt Clay
1
260
4.81 t
7.71
8.99
+
3.74
37.30
+
9.61
48.89
+
5.50
2
283
0.00 t
0.00
7.56
+
146
49.72
+
5.09
42.72
+
4.91
3
194
0.10 i
0.13
15.44
+
4.50
44.73
+
3.21
39.73
+
3.85
4
265
0.00 t
0.00
9.75
+
1.07
44.54
+
2.29
45.72
+
2.82
5
420
1.43 ^
3.78
8.55
+
3.16
47.13
+
5.67
42.89
+
3.88
6
407
0.01 t
0.03
8.25
+
10.53
44.17
+
6.65
47.59
+
4.58
7
36
23.93 -
8.31
73.84
+
10.30
2.23
+
2.40
0.00
+
0.00
8
311
0.99 -
2.61
5.09
+
3.24
43.57
+
5.55
50.35
+
5.80
9
466
0.00 t
0.00
3.78
1.25
45.46
+
4.51
50.75
+
4.02
10
260
0.00 i
0.00
1.66
+
0.21
41.77
+
4.20
56.57
+
4.33
(1) n - 7 except at Station 7 (n-3).
-------
Table A-7. Sediment composition in the area of the San Juan DMDS during June, 1980.
Mean Depth
among Casta(m)
I Composition
(X - SD)(l)
Station
GraveI
Sand
Silt
Clay
1
310
3.60 - 9.04
5.31 - 7.57
54.25 -
8.53
45.83 - 4.83
2
296
2.92 - 5.71
4.65 - 8.74
48.64 t
8.74
43.80 ± 6.09
3
232
1.73 - 3.44
8.92 - 9.79
45.90 ±
13.52
43.45 - 3.76
4
281
0.00 ± 0.00
0.00 0.00
54.75 -
3.39
45.24 - 3.39
5
379
0.00 t 0.00
0.00 t 0.00
52.43 -
6.46
47.57 - 6.46
6
448
0.00 ± 0.00
0.00 i 0.00
48.43 ^
4.43
51.56 - 4.43
7
49
61.15
38.85
0.00
0.00
8
300
0.00 ± 0.00
0.00 ± 0.00
48.49 -
3.65
51.51 - 3.65
9
464
o.oo i o.oo
0.00 - 0.00
45.23 ±
5.07
54.77 - 5.07
10
287
0.00 t 0.00
0.00 ± 0.00
46.92 t
2.47
53.08 -• 2.47
i
(1) n-7 except at Station 3 (n»6) and Station 7 (n<*l).
-------
8 tatlon Rg (ng/kg) Cd (ng/kg) Pb (mg/kg) Oil and
Greaae (ng/g) TOO (ug/g)
10
0.03, 0.11
•
0.10, 0.11
2.63, -1.69
1.190,
1.270
8.92, 14.79
0.25, 0.07
0.05, 0.06
14.30, *9.46
2.360,
1.440
•
20.43, 15.71
0.11, 0.15
0.13, 0.26
23.60, 25.50
4.210,
6.080
15.39, 19.97
0.01, 0.19
0.15, 0.15
23.40, 24.20
2.170,
4.480
19.66, 16.59
0.01, 0.06
0.05, 0.02
4.40, .0.05
0.820,
0.910
14.32, 13.41
0.16, 0.18
0.13, 0.07
13.50, 0.04
1.750,
1.830
20.98, 13.06
0.12, 0.01
0.01, 0.01
<0.01, <0.01
0.670,
0.380
2.18, 2.56
0.14, 0.08
0.08, 0.05
9.82, 15.06
1.600,
1.180
16.14, 13.95
0.16, 0.13
0.15, 0.14
19.70, 22.30
2.150,
2.130
IS.66, 15.06
0.14, 0.11
0.06, 0.04
19.30, 21.20
1.210,
1.560
14.71, 15.13
Table A-8. Values of Trace MeCala, Oil and Grease, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Che
ifiedinenta in Che Area of Che Sen Juan DUDS, February, 1980. (Tiro valuea were
matured at each station)
-------
Station ttg (aft/kg) Cd (wg/kg) Pit (mg/kg) Oil sod Oreiil TOC (»}/s)
(•ng/g)
1 0,28, 0.12 0.11, 0.03 14.95, 0.13 3.730, 1.460 13.25, 13.59
2 0.07, 0.09 0.03, 0.04 0.07, 1.22 1.590, 3,550 11.79, 12.44
3 fCt A 0.08, 0.09 ifll 15.17, 18.70 1.830, 3.300 11.54, 15.36
O.1" r f
4 0.1*, 0.13 0.07, 0.10 1.88, 12.50 1.890, 2.160 13,26, 12.90
5 0.11, 0.16 0.06 , 0.03 0.17, 0.1 A 1.510, 0.900 6.28, 13.15
6 0.12, 0.14 0.04, Q,i6 0.07, 17.50 1.380, 2.270 11.63, 11,69
7 0,07 0.03 0.05 3.090 16.59
8 O.ffc, 0.04 0.05, 0.05 17.90, 0.20 1.430, 1.530 12.43, 11.47
9 0.08, 0.10 0.08, 0.07 16.20, 15.20 1,040, 0.670 11.53, 11.25
10 0.10, 0.15 0.04, 0.04 13.10, 0,10 0.860, 0.500 11.87, 11.84
Table fc-9.
V«L«e* Df Trace t
-------
Station 1
Station 6
Arochlor 1254
1.091
Arochlor 1260
-(1)
Heptachlor
0.128
Heocachlor epoxide
0.059
1.049
pp * DDE
pp'DDD
o.no
pp'DDT
1.040
op'DDE
.21.962
33.130
2.184
0.803
7.995
4.234
0.917
0.838
4.931
(1) k dash (-) indicates that the value was below che detection liaita
Table A-10. Values of Organohalogens Measured in Sediaenta in the krmm.
the San Juan DMDS in February and June, 1980
A-38
-------
Table A-ll. Pearsons Correlation Coefficients (r) between sediment
variables measured in the area of the San Juan DKDS,
February and June, 1980.
CD
Pb
Oil &
Grease
% Silt
Z Clay
T0C
Hg
.2864*
.2561
.3213*
.2292
.1723
.2361
Cd
.6865*
.5608*
.2565
.3271*
.4227*
Pb
.3964*
.4475*
.3625*
.4332*
Oil &
-.0320
-.0705
.5410*
Grease
1 Silt
.7182*
.3673*
1 Clay
.4081*
* - p - 0.05
A-39
-------
Table A-12. Consaoa Macrofaunal Species Captured in the Area of th«
San Juan DMDS during February and June, 1980
Survey
Species Trophic Position1 Feb June
Nenertea:
Neaterteas sp. AC ^
Neaertean sp. I C X j
Cerebratulua lacteua C x
Annelids:
Polyehaeta:
Leanira alba C X
Piaione ap. A 0 X
Siggnbra tentaculaca C * X
Exogone lourei D X j
Haploayllia apongicola C ^
Sphaerosyllis sp. AD X
Aglaophanus verrilli C x j
Aglaophaaus sp. B C X
Lumbrineris ap. 0 X
Paraprionospio pinnata D X
Prionospio ehlerai D X j
£. longibranchiata D X g
Prionospio sp. 0 X
Spionidae gn. B D ^
Spionidae D X
Spiophanea sp. AD X g
Cirrophorus sp. C D X
Tauberia ap. B D
Coasora delta D X
C. soyeri D
Coaaurella ap. A D X g
X
X
Capitellidae gn. L D X
X
A-'.O
-------
Species
Trophic Position*
Feb
June
Capiceliidae
Mediomastas sp.
Mediomaatua sp. B
Not ocas tus sp.
Maldanidae gn. A
Amphareeidae gn. A
Amphareeidae
Terebellidae
Archiaeilida:
Polygordiua sp. A
OligochaeCa:
Oligochaeta spp.
0
D
D
D
D
D
D
0
D
Z
X
x
D
z
z
z
z
z
Arthropods:
Xsopoda:
Apaeudea ap. B
Aatacilla sp. A
Stenctriua occidentale
Amphidoda:
Gaaaaroosia sp. A
Gaamaropsia sp.
Leticothae sp. A
Protahadsia sp. A
Decapoda:
Callianassa minima
D
0
0
D
D
?
?
Z
z
X
z
z
z
z
z
Molluaca:
Aplacophora:
Chaetoderma sp. A
Sipuncula:
Colfingia sp. D
X
X
Id • Deposit feeders; S ¦ Suspension feeders
0 * Onnivores; C ¦ Carnivores
A-41
-------
February June, 19B0
Station D S C 0 T D S C 0 7
1
.70
.04
.26
e
c
•
.00
.76
.00
.24
.00
.00
2
.71
.00
.29
.00
.00
.53
.00
.47
.00
.00
3
.61
.00
.39
.00
.00
.60
.00
.40
.00
.00
4
,R0
.00
.10
.10
.00
.79
.00
.21
.00
.00
5
.87
.00
.13
.00
.00
.73
.00
.27
.00
.00
6
.88
.00
.12
.00
.00
.71
.00
.29
.00
.00
7
.74
.00
.00
.16
.10
.28
.00
.52
.12
.07
e
.92
.00
.Oft
.00
.00
.69
.00
.31
.00
.00
9
.76
.00
.02
.10
.13
.81
.00
.01
.08
.11
10
.65
.00
.21
.15
.00
.81
.00
.19
.00
.00
Table A-13. Percent Trophic Composition of the Common Macrofaunal Species Collected
in the Area of the San Juan DMDS. (D~depoait feeder, S'suspension feeder,
Ocarnivore, O"onnivore, and 7-unknovn.)
-------
Slgambra Aelaophamua Prionoaplo SplopUanca Coaaura Golfing!*--
Station tentaculata verrllll .lonaibranchlflta ap.A delta ap.D
1
2
3
1.4 t 1.1
0.8 t 0.8
1.0 - 0.7
3.0 t 2.4
2.6 - 2.3
0.2 t 1.9
2.4 t 2.9
1.4 - 3.1
2.0 t 2.5
0.8 i 0.8
0.8 - 0.8
1.2 - 0.8
0.0 I 0.0 5.6 - 4.6
0.0 - 0.0 4.6 - 3.9
0.0 - 0.0 2.8 - 2.5
t s
0.4 - 0.9
0.2 t o.4
1.6 t 2.3
1.0 t I.*
2.8 t 3.3
0.2 t 0.4
1.8 t 1.1
1.2 t 1.3
0.4 - 0.5 3.2 - 3.5
1.6-1.7 0.4-0.5
1.6 t 1.3
0.2 t 0.4
0.0 t o.O
0.8 t o.l
1.8 t 1.3 0.2 - 0.4
1
8
9
10
CD
0.0
0.4 - 0.9
>.4 ~ 0.9
0.6 ± 0.5
0.0
0.8 t 1.8
0.0 ± 0.0
2.8 t l.j
0.0
0.0 t 0. 0
0.0 - O.'O
0.0 ± 0.0
0.0
2.2 t 2.3
5.8 - 3.0
0.8 t 0.8
0.0
0.0
0.0 - 0.0 1.4 - 2.2
0.4 - 0.5 0.0 - 0.0
0.2 - 0.4 1.8 - 1.6
CD Only one c««t vaa taken «t Station 7
Table A-14. Numerical Data for the Dominant Species Collected In the Area of the-San
Joan HMDS, February, 1980. (Values are mean ? one Standard Deviation! n-5.)
-------
Itatfon
3 lit safer a
tentaculata
AnllOpbtlMM
verrtltt
PciottQBPlO
longlbranclilat*
Splonhanea
bj»»A
Coasura
delta
Golflnata
•p.D
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
«
«*
f
10
{1>
1.0 - 0.7
1.4 - 1.1
1.5 - 1.3
0.4 - 0.5
0.4 t 0.3
0.6 t 0.5
0.0
0.8 t 0.8
0.2 t 0*4
0.0 £ 0.0
1.8 £ 3.5
0.4 - 0.9
7.0 t 3.7
3.8 t 1.4
1.0 t 0.7
0.0 t o.O
0.0
2.4 £ 3.0
0.0 £0.0
2.4 £ 2.8
3.2 £ 5.5
0.0 £ 0.0
3.0 £ 1.4
3.4 £ 4.3
0.0 £ 0,0
0.2 £ 0.4
0.0
2.2 £ 2.3
0.0 £ 0.0
0.8 £ 1.3
0.2 £ 0.4
0.0 £ 0.0
1.8 £ 1.5
0.0 £ 0.0
0.2 £ 0.4
0.0 £ 0.0
0.0
1.4 £ 2.2
5.4 £ 5.9
3.6 £ 4.2
0.6 £ 0,9
0.2 £ 0.4
0.5 £ 1.0
0.0 £ 0.0
2,0 £ 1.0
1.6 £ 0.9
0.0
0.4 £ 0,5
0.2 £ 0.4
0.4 £ 0.5
1.6 £ 1.5
1.8 £ 2.2
8.3 £ 3.0
6.0 £ 4.9
0.4 £ 0.9
0.2 £ 0.4
0.0
l.C £ 2.1
0.2 £ 0.4
3.2 £ 3.5
Only ww cut m tiku 1-15.
-------
Species
Source of Variation
d.f.
Mean Square
P
Aglaoohasius verrilli
-Survey
1
2.1
0.4
Station
9
38.7
7.0*
Survey x Station
9
5.5
1.2
Residual
72
4.5
Total
91
Golfinaia sp.D
Survey
1
0.7
0.5
Station
9
31.3
2.4
Survey s Station
9
13.3
1.8
Residual
72
7.3
Total
91
Soiophanes sp. A
Survey
1
2.A
0.7
Station
9
23.8
6.3*
Survey x Station
9
3.8
0.8
Residual
72
4.6
Total
91
Prionosoio lonpibranchiata Survey
1
2.4
1.1
Station
9
12.9
6.1*
Survey x Station
9
2.1
0.4
Residual
72
5.4
Total
91
Sisraatbra tentaculata
Survey
1
0.3
0.6
Station
9
1.6
3.2*
Survey x Stcuon
9
0.5
0.8
Residual
72
0.7
Total
91
Cossura delta
Survey
1
0.5
1.7
Station
9
4.1
13.7*
Survey x Station
9
0.3
0.5
Residual
72
0.6
Total
91
* " P j£ 0«"5
Table A-16. Analysis of Variance (Model II) of Densities of the Dominant Species
Collected in Che Area of the San Juan DMDS During February and June, 1980.
A-45
-------
Station
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TABLE A-17
TOTAL AND FECAL COLUORM LEVELS
IN SEDIMENTS
February 1980
Total
Coliforms
(MPN/100 g)
<. 133
< 118
167
167
4. U1
346
133
< 143
< 167
^ 154
Fecal
Coliforms
(MPN/100 g)
< 133
<. 118
167
167
< 111
346
< 133
< 143
< 167
< 154
A-46
-------
Appendix 8
SITE EVALUTION STUDY
FOR
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL
The Corps of Engineers (CE) has indicated a continuing need for
EPA designated Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (ODMDS) for the
disposal of operation and maintenance dredged material. The CE has
also indicated a need for EPA-designated ocean sites for the disposal
of dredged material resulting from new Federal projects or new
permitted dredging.
An ODMDS was interimly designatd by EPA in January, 1977, for the
disposal of material resulting from the operation and maintenance
dredging of San Juan Harbor. This interim status expires in February,
1983. This appendix presents the results of a study conducted to
determine if the Interim Site or an alternative ocean site should be
permanently designated for: (1) disposal of dredged material resulting
from the operation and maintenance activities of San Juan Harbor; and
(2) as an alternative in the planning for disposal of dredged material
resulting from other dredging projects in the San Juan Bay area.
BACKGROUND
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (NPRSA) of
1972, as amended, and the EPA implementing Ocean Dumping Regulation and
Criteria (ODR) provide the basis for designation of ocean disposal
sites. Each of these has affected the seauence of events in the
process of permanently designating ocean disposal sites.
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuarie Act (MPRSA)
The MPRSA, passed by the Congress October 23, 1972, provides the
basis "-—to regulate the transportation for dumping, and the dumping
of material into the ocean waters—". Among oth«r things, the MPRSA
establishes a permitting system for controlling dumping into the ocean.
B—1
-------
The permitting system is adminstrated by the EPA Administrator (non-
dredged material) and the Secretary of the Army (dredged material).
The designation of appropriate locations for dumping into the oceans is
provided for as a part of the permitting system.
Section 102(a) stipulates criteria that EPA shall consider in th«
review and evaluation of permit applications. Section 102(a) states,
"The Administrator may, considering the criteria established pursu«ne
to subsection (a) of this section, designate recommended sites or tin«a
for dumping and, when he finds it necessary to protect critical are««,
shall, after consultation vith the Secretary, also designate sites or
within which certain materials may not be dumped.
times
Section 103U) .stablish.s « permitting program to b. .dmini.t.r.d
by th. Secretary of eh. Army "—for th. transportation of dr.d*.d
„.t.ri.l for the purpose of doping it into ocesn wters—». Action
" The Secretary shall also make an independent
103(b) states m part
determination .. to appropriate location, for the dumpxng. t«
considering appropriate location,, he shall, to th. extent f...ibl.,
„tili« th. «eo—»«• »"• ""P*"1 by ""
to section 102(a) •'
^..n Dumoin* Pag"l.tions and Criteri.
Th. ODR were i"""* J«»«ry 11, 19". to implement th. provision,
of th. MP EISA. Section 228.4 est.blish.s proc.cur.s for designation of
,ites Section 228.4(e)(1) "Are.s "»«e oc«*n of
dr.dged material i« P«n.iet.d subj.ct to th. sp.cific condition, of
dr.dg.d materiel * Ch« D'S' °£
»ill be de.ign.ced by SPA by promulgation in this P.« 228, Bid such
designation will be Mde b«.d on environmental studi.a of each ait.,
region. Ij.cent to th. sit., and on historical tao»l.dg. of th. ap.ee
of dredgad material disposal on .r.« .imil.r to .uch sit.. ln
physical, chemical, ^ biologic.l characteristic. All .tudi.. for
th. evaluation .ni P°«nti«l ..l.ction of dr.dged Mt.rl.l dl.po.«l
sites will be conducted in accordance with the appropriate requirement®
of S1228.5 and 228.6
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Seccion 228.5 describes the general criteria for selection of
sites to be used for ocean dumping. Section 228.6 describes the
specific criteria for site selection.
Site Designation
At the time of issuance of the ODR, a number of ocean disposal
sites existed for which a continuing need was indicated. However, the
necessary studies to fully evaluate these sites had not been
completed. Because of this, EPA approved the sites on an interim basis
for a period not to exceed three years pending the completion of
baseline or trend assessment surveys and designation for continuing use
or termination of use. It was stated "the sizes and use specifications
are based on historical usage and do not necessarily meet the criteria
stated in the Part" (228.12).
The San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico ODMDS was interimly designated in
the ODR (January 11, 1977). By amendment (December 8, 1980), the
interim designation of this site was extended until such time as formal
rulemaking is completed or until February, 1983.
EVALUATION OF OCEAN ALTERNATIVES
Theoretically, a site anywhere in the ocean could be selected for
location of an ocean dredged material disposal site. For various
economic, logistic, safety, and/or environmental reasons, many
locations would not be suitable. Therefore, potential site locations
were restricted to that area off the north coast of Puerto Rico in the
vicinity of San Juan Harbor.
General Criteria for Site Selection
Section 228.5 of the Ocean Dumping Regulations describes the
general criteria for selection of sites to be used for ocean dumping.
In brief, the general criteria state that site locations will be
chosen"...to minimize the interference of disposal activities with
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oth«r activities in the marine environment..." end so chosen th*t
» temporary perturbation. in water quality or other environmental
condition, during initi.l mixing ... can be expected to be reduced to
normal ambient .e.water levels or to undetectable continent
concentrations or effect, before reeching any beach, shoreline.,
marine sanctuary, or known geographically limited fishery or
shellfishery." In addition, ocean disposal site eiies "... will be
limited in order to localize for identification end control «ay
inssediate Averse i»P«t. end permit the implementation of effective
monitoring and surveillance programs to prevent adver.e long-rang.
imp.cc." Finally, whenever f.e.ible, «i" "...designate ocean
dumping site, beyond the edge of the continental shelf and other wch
site, that have been historically used."
The ebove general criteria »er. u,ed in the initial proc... of
selecting three altemetive ocean sites off the northern coast of
Puerto Rico. Each of the three areas was considered as a potentially
suitable environment in which to locate en ocean disposal site.
Alternatives selected for consideration include: (1) an inshore «it«
(depth, averaging 100m, approximately 1 nmi offshore; (2) th«
interim-designated site (depths to 400m, 1.4 nmi offshore and; (3) „
offshore (from the interim) site (depths averaging 400-600.,
approximately 2.4-3.4 nmi offshore). (See Figure 1.) Both the inahore
and off.hore site alternatives are generalised areas with no .pacific
boundaries AvaiWble data fro. the., area. i. «.ed to char.ct.rix,
existing condition. of the sh.llow-u.ter Bid deeper-water
environments.
Specific Criteria s*-te Selection
The proposed action is the final designation of a San Juan 0DMDS
for the disposal o* material dredged from Sen Juan Harbor. The final
screening of the sites is based on the 11 specific criteria listed at
40 CFR 228.6 of Ocean Dumping Regulations. EPA established the 11
specific criteria co constitute "...an environmental assessment of the
impact of the u*e of the site for disposal." These criteria will be
used to recommend an 0DMDS for final designation.
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Figure l
Alternative Ocean Dredged Material Disposal sitea
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In the following sections, each of the 11 specific criteria is
discussed with reference to the three alternative disposal locations.
1. cnr-.spnTCM. ?0«TTT08. DEPTH OF WATER, BOTTOM TOPOGRAPH? AMD
nTgTAMfTF FROM ™A«T ftp era I228.6(a)( 1)1
Each of the three alternatives is located off the coast ot Puerto
Rico north of San Juan. *¦«» «" ri»" * teUtiVel7
submerged bank which f.Us ~.y i»» the ... in an irregular pattern.
The insular shelf in this area is extremely narrow nth the 200-.
isobath being scarcely more than two or three kilom.t.r. fro. ehor..
Individual coral heads and coral banks are scattered ov.r th. eh«l£
from very oe.r shore to th. seaward edge of the shelf. The bottom
topography here is irr.gular, composed mostly of sand inshore snd silt,
clay beyond the shelf•
a. Inshore Site
Th. inshore site is s repres.ntativ. area located 1.0 ami offshor.
i- -tar averaging 100m deep. Th. dominant s.dim.nt type for thi.
insular ,helf area is calcareous skeletal sand (coral, molluc..,
calcareous algae, and for mini fen predominate). Relict skeletal
components sr. common sedim«nt constituents (Schneidermann, et «1.
1975).
b. Interim Site
The interim-designated site is centered at 18'30'40-t., 66 • 09'00"V
approximately 2-2 »i °« th« """ """" S*"
Juan (S.. Figure A-l) .nd h.s sn av.r.g. d.pth of 292m. Th. bottom
sediments within th. 0.98 n»i sr.. of th. sit. aver.,.. silt .nd
451 clay, th. remainder being sand end grav.l. The bottom drop, otf
steeply in th. northward dir.ctio«. Th. Insular slop, in thi. area u
ch.ract.riMd by numerous submarine ridg.s and sval.s.
C. Offshore (from interim) Site
The area considered as an alternative for offshore disposal i,
located 2.4-3.4 ami from shore (1-2 nmi north of the interim .ite) ov.r
Che steep upper slope in 400-600m of water.
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2. LOCATION IN RELATION TO BREEDING, SPAWNING, NURSERY, FEEDING, OR
PASSAGE AREAS OF LIVING RESOURCES IN ADOLT OR JUVENILE PHASES [40
CFR S228.6(a)(2)]
Commercial fisheries in coastal waters around Puerto Rico are not
very productive. Some of the reasons for this lack of productivity are
speculated to be:
* Puerto Rico's insular shelf is limited in areal extent;
* There is little or no upwelling nearshore to bring nutrients
from the bottom into coastal circulation;
* Rivers emptying into coastal waters are relatively small, and
therefore, no great quantities of nutrients from the land are
carried out into the sea.
The latter two items may be reflected in the relatively small
phytoolankton and zooplankton populations in Puerto Rican coastal
waters (Department of Natural Resources, 1979).
a. Inshore Site
In a commercial fisheries survey (Puerto Rico Department of
Agriculture, 1976), significant average catches were obtained in the
38-73m depth range of San Juan. Table A-l shows that the San Juan
catches were dominated by three commercially important snappers: the
lane snaoper, Lutianus synagris, the vermillion snapper, Phomboplites
aurorubens, and the silk snapper, Lut janm vivanus. Additional
specific data concerning breeding, spawning, etc. is not available for
Che shallow water site.
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TABLE A—1. CATCH RATES (C/F) OF IMPORTANT SPECIES GROUPS, EXPRESSED AS NUMBERS
PER 50 POT-DAYS, BY DEPTH RANGE AND SURVEY AREA. SPECIES GROUPS COM-
~ PRISING LESS THAN 4 INDIVIDUALS/50 POT-DAYS EXCLUDED
0-20 faa. 21-40 fu.
Soaclaa group C/f Spacta* rroup C/f
Dap eh ranga
41-60 faa. 61-90 f*a. 91-123 fu,
Spacla* trt». C/i Soacias trouc C/f Spaclas rn. CJ*
Laaa snap par
Grxmts
VaralUion cap.
Naaaau grp.
Rainbow rami.
67
30
14
8
4
Ltna snapper
Van. aap.
Stilt snap par
Hinds, Conay
Croats
Splar labatar
204 Tan. tap. 1269
62 Silk snappar 423
J7 Ltna map par 131
14 Blaefcfin sap. 33
12 Crc. aabarjack 12
4 Hinds, Conay 12
Silk rap.
7am. top,
7ormx top.
Slackiln lap.
Una mp.
202
186
1J
5
6
SUk Sap. U4
Vara. sap. 134
Vora* sap. l6
Una saappar 4
Sonrea: Puarto Rico Sapartaaae of Agriculcura, 1976.
b. Interim Sice
The Interim Site does not encompass any known unique breeding ¦»
•»
nursery, or passage *r«as of nekton, marine mammals or birds. The open u*t>
of
the site may be feeding grounds for some wide-ranging pelagic fi«h a -
tua«,
iacks, mackeral). Waters at the site are feeding grounds for various »n*p
(blackfin, silk, and vermilion), but the site is not unique in this regard
c. Offshore Site
Same as interim site.
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3. LOCATION IN RELATION TO BEACHES AND OTHER AMENITY AREAS
[40 CFR S228.6(a)(3)!
San Juan, as one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere,
is rich in historical interest. While the city has dozens of churches,
buildings, and other historic sites, the two most important are El
Morro Castle and La Forteleza. First built in 1533 and reconstructed
in 1625, La Forteleza was erected by the Spanish colonials as a defense
against raids by French and English pirates and Carib Indians. Located
on the southwest corner of San Juan Antiguo, it has been the residence
of island governors. By the 1540s, the Spanish also were beginning to
fortify the northwest tip of the Island of San Juan to protect the
entrance to San Juan Bay and Harbor. But the massive fort which today
is know as El Morro Castle or the Fortress of San Felipe del Mororo was
not begun until 1591. Work on the fortifications continued over the
years until by the end of the 18th century, the defenses included El
Canuelo, San Cristobal, and Che city walls linking the forts. Today,
the National Register of Historic Places lists both La Forteleza and
the San Juan National Historic Site, lAiich includes in its 40 acres all
of the magnificent El Morro1 s massive works, as well as lesser
fortifications at La Frincesaa on the north coast of the island and
along the linking wall extending to San Cristobal on the old island's
east end (CE, 1975). Table A-2 summarizes distances to beaches and El
Morro Castle for all three alternatives.
| | Developed Beaches | El Moro Castle
j ((Palo Seco and Punta Salinas) (National Historical site
jlnshore Site | <^1.0 | £ 1.0
(interim Site f 2.5 | 2.5
bffshore Site I >3.5 I >3.3
Table A-2
Distance of Sites from Amenity Areas (nmi)
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Although no survey was conducted at a specific inshore site, the
potential for adversely affecting the beaches around San Juan, is
greater if disposal takes place in the shallower waters rather than at
the Interim Site. (Jse of the offshore site would further reduce any-
potential risk..
4. TYPES AND QUANTITIES OF WASTES PROPOSED TO BE DISPOSF.n of, AND
PROPOSED METHODS OF RELEASE, INCLUDING METHODS OF PACKING THE
WASTE, IF ANY [40 CFR §228.6(a)(4)1
Identical types and volumes of dredged material would be released
at all three alternative ocean sites. All dredged material must meet
EPA criteria [ 40 CFR 227] before permit for ocean disposal is granted
None of the material is to be packaged in any way.
The CE has and will continue to perform dredging using Corps-owned
hopper dredges. Future dredging will also be performed by private
contract using hopper dragline, clamshell, and dipper dredges (CE
1975).
A total of 4.3 million yd3 from San Juan Harbor has been dumped
at the Interim Site since 1974. Maintenance dredging would be
biennial, remove a total of 465,000 yd3 of silaceous and other
sedimentary materials from San Juan Bay to be disposed at the chosen
site biennially.
A deepening project has been proposed by the CE for San Juan
Harbor. The proposal under consideration consists of a plan for
deepening, widening, and possibly realigning and extending channels-
deepening of turning basins, and easing of channel connecting angles
within the authorized existing project. Additionally, consideration is
being given to incorporation of Sabana approach channel, a Puerto Rico
Ports Authority project, into the authorized Federal harbor project
Excavation volume is estimated at 12,795,000 cubic yards of soft
material and rock, with work to be accomplished by barge-mounted
B-10
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clamshell or dragline and dredged material barged Co the offshore
disposal area. Accomplishment of the project would require an
estimated 41 months from the letting of the initial contract.
Maintenance would be scheduled at 2-year intervals and would involve an
increase of an estimated 185,000 cubic yards per year over previous
maintenance. (CE, 1975).
5. FEASIBILITY OF SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING f40 CFR S228.6(a)(5]
Both surveillance and monitoring are feasible at each of the
alternative sites because they are relatively close to shore.
Surveillance of disposal operations at the interim and inshore sites
could easily be achieved by shipriders and/or coastal observers.
Surveillance (by shipriders or aircraft) and monitoring of the offshore
site are feasibLe but would be more difficult and expensive because of
the greater distance offshore.
6. DISPERSAL, HORIZONTAL TRANSPORT AND VERTICAL MIXING
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AREA, INCLUDING PREVAILING CURRENT
DIRECTION AND VELOCITY IF ANY [40 CFR S228.6(a)(6)]
No specific current direction or velocity data was gathered for
this study in the waters off San Juan. However, previous studies
indicate that the coastline of Puerto Rico is generally marked hy
coastal currents (Shepard and Inman, 1950; Wiegel, 1953) that flow
approximately parallel to the shore and one therefore divergent to the
trend of oceanic currents farther out. In some instances, coastal
currents, which may extend out to sea for many miles, may operate as
part of broad eddy circulations created by special hydrographic
conditions. Off the north coast of Puerto Rico, the oceanic current is
westerly or northwesterly, and the prevailing coastal and longshore
currents are westerly. This fact is clearly indicated by the westerly
grain of the serrated northern coastline (Kaye, 1959). Such currents
would tend to disperse the lighter components of the dredged material
parallel to the coast.
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There is no known upwelling of at the interim sit. .„d a
well-mixed layer of surface water extends to approximately 20m i„ M«y
to 7 5-100m in January. A strong permanent thermocline inhibits
mixing. .....
Tie frequent reversals of currents at the interim site indicate
that elevated levels of suspended sediments associated with dumping
would be dispersed parallel to the coast. Surface turbidity would be
dispersed rapidly in the mixed layer. Elevated levels of suspended
sediments in mid and bottom waters will remain below the thermocline
and also be dispersed parallel to the coast until particles settle to
the bottom.
The strength of bottom currents at the interim site is unknown,
but sedimentary information indicates that the area is a deposition!
environment. This horizontal movement of dredged material on the sea
floor is not expected.
7 F¥TRTENCE AND EFFECTS OF ClUMNT AMP PREVIOUS DISCHARGES AMP
miMPTMfl IS THE *»** (mCinPllW CUMULATIVE EFFECTS) 140 CFR
t?7fl.(6)(a)(7)1
a. Inshore Site
An unknown amount of dredged material was placed at a shallow site
. „ 1fi»nnt03"N 66*08'22"W) in the 1960's. Any immediate and
(centered at l» uu uj "»
emulative effects at the site were not documented (Hart, personal
correspondence) .
b. Interim Site
Chemical and biological data suggest that previous disposal has
created only minor modifications at the site (See Appendix A). Oil and
grease levels are higher in site sediments, however, level, of other
trace contaminants show no consistent trends.
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Benthic informal communities at the Interim Site show low
abundances and diversity similar to the surrounding area.
Water quality parameters at this site are similar to those found
in surrounding waters.
c. Offshore site
Area has never received dredged material.
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 [40 CFR S228.6(a)(8)]
Although heavy shipping and cruise ship traffic passes through or
in the vicinity of all three alternative sites, disposal activities
will not cause any interference with these activities. The small
volume of dredged material makes operations and maintenance disposal
activities necessary only twice a year.
A modest commercial fishery exists out of San Juan, mainly in the
shallow water area. Commercial fishing is hampered by rough seas and
strong winds, conditions occurring throughout most of the year.
Disposal activities would not be expected to interfere with
fishing activities at the interim or offshore sites. Although no
specific data was gathered at the inshore site, use of the region could
reasonably be expected to increase turbidity in the area irtiich could
have potential adverse impact on the coral reef communities and
waterfront recreational facilities.
The Bureau of Land Management does not plan to lease any part of
the north coast for oil or gas extraction. No other mineral extraction
occurs at or near the Interim Site.
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Desalination or fish and shellfish culture activities are not
known to exist in the area.
9 THT? MISTING wat™ OTTM.TTY and ecology of the site as determined
KV AVAILABLE DATA OR BY TREND ASSESSMENT OR BASELINE SURVEYS [40
CFR 8228.6(a)(9)]
a. Inshore Site
The water off the north coast of Puerto Rico are typical of
tropical seawater in having generally low concentrations of nutrients.
Although no specific studies have been performed in the shallow waters
off San Juan, the benchic community associated with the hard bottom
environment in these waters rs very important. It exhibits the highest
d iversity of organisms and also has a direct influence on other
communities. The community serves as a habitat for many demersal
fishes which are an intricate part of th, icthyofaunal food web, and
its lush algae are a primary producer for the populations and organisms
that live in it, below it in the honeycombed substrate, and above it in
1 . Its importance cannot be ignored (Puerto Rico
the water column. its import
Nuclear Center, 1975) .
b. Interim Site
An environmental survey of the Interim Site was conducted in l,g0.
The study revealed oceanic water similar in water quality and thermal-
haline structure to other areas of the tropical Atlant.c,
Benthic infaunal population, at the sit, and surrounding region,
of similar depth are extremely low in density and dominated by poly-
chaete and sipunculid worms.
Fish fauna at the site are expected to be sparse and composed of
wide-ranging pelagic fish, such as tunas, jacks, and mackerals. Oeep-
waters at the site may be inhabited by various species having wide
depth ranges (snappers, spiny dogfish, conger eels, and batfishes) as
well as others representative of the abyssal slope, such aa grenadier..
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Potential adverse effects at the site are mitigated by the rapid
dilation and dispersion of the dredged material. Benthic organisms
would he smothered but subsequent resolunitation would occur.
c. Offshore Site
No site-specific water quality or ecological data is available.
Since the site is in deep waters, effects of disposal would be similar
to but not as pronounced as those at the Interim Site.
10. POTENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OR RECRUITMENT OF NUISANCE SPECIES
IN THE DISPOSAL SITE [40 CFR §228.6(a)(10)1
There are no components in the dredged material or consequences of
its disposal which would attract such fuana to the alternative sites.
Nuisance species have not been observed as a result of disposal activi-
ties at the Interim Site.
11. EXISTENCE AT OR IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE SITE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT
NATURAL OR CULTURAL FEATURES OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE [40 CFR
S228.6(a)(ll)
The National Register of Historic Places and its supplements list
no sites within or near the three alternative sites (see criteria
three) .
CONCLUSION
In making a recommendation for final site designation, a major
factor which must be considered is the cost of transporting the dredged
material to the site. The total cost of dredging material from San
Juan Bay is the sum of:
Operating costs of the hopper dredge.
* Monitoring and surveillance costs.
Income lost from resource development.
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Cost components "ill 6« ^ c° <=°"P"e the OTSn9e ot """* the
inshore and offshore sices with the historically used interim site. No
!o,s of income fro. »»»•«« development is caused by disposal
activities at any of the sites.
A disposal site located in Che inshore area would save
approximately $70,000 per 500,000 yd', the amount to be dredged
annually. 4. previously discussed in the "11 Specific Criteria",
of a shallow, inshore site ha, the potential to adversely impact Che
coral reef communities and the recreational facilities of this area.
In light of this potential adverse environmental impact use of an
Ko iusti fied. The immediate and relatively modest
inshore site cannot be justiciea.
economic benefit is not worth the potential environmental risk. The
inshore site is thus eliminated as a disposal alternative.
,fol,.re sice would move the effects of dumping further
Use of ar> offshore wuuj.
from the shore. Turbidity and nutrient release would be less likely to
be detected in the deeper water. Other environmental effects would be
similar to those detected at the interim site. In light of the fact
that there is no evidence to indicate that the Interim Site is currently
creating adverse water quality effects in co.stel waters, the added cost
of transporting the material the greater distance cannot be justified.
The cost of monitoring would also be higher at an offshore site both
t v.4»w travel costs and increased costs of sampling in deeper
because of higner
water, For these reasons, a site located further offshore than the
existing interim site cannot be justified. Thus, the Interim Site U
recommended a, the site to receive final designation as the San Ju.„,
Puerto Rico 0DMDS.
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APPENDIX C
RESULTS OF BIOASSAY EVALUATION
OF SEDIMENTS FROM
SAN JUAN HARBOR, PUERTO RICO
CONTRACT.. NO- DACW17-79-C-0Q74
SEPTEMBER 1979
FINAL REPORT
PREPARED FOR:
Department of the Army
Jacksonville District, Corps of Engineers
JONES, EDMUNDS & ASSOCIATES, INC
730 North Waldo Road
Gainesville, Florida 32601
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART 'I SUMMARY AND- CONCLUSIONS . ]
PART II METHOOS ............... r 4
Liquid and Suspended Particulate Phase Bioassays. ...... 5
Solid Phase Bioassays . . . . . 6
Collection and Handling of Animals. 6
Bloaccumulation 7
Chemical Analysis _ . 7
PART III RESULTS AND-DISCUSSION, . . . . - . 8
Sediment SJ1 Bioassays. . 8
Sediment SJ2 Bioassays. r ... —— . 8
Sediment SJ3 Bioassays. > > .. . . . . . . *. g
Sediment SJ4 Bioassays. g-
Sediment SJ5 Bioassays. g
Liquid Phase Chemical Analyses . 10
Bloaccumulation Tests ...... 11
APPENDIX A: DATA FROM BIOASSAYS AND ANALYSES PERFORMED. .
. APPENDIX B: DATA FROM PHYSICAL PARAMETER MEASURED ON BIOASSAYS 35-^
11
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PART I. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Sediments from five locations in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico (Figure 1)
were subjected to bioassay and bioaccumulation. tests and to- liquid phase
chemical analyses following Federal guidelines as publfshed in the EPA/COE
Manual**
2. No limiting permissible concentration (LPC) based on suspended particulate
phase (SPP) or liquid phase (LP) bloassays would-be approached during ocean
disposal of any of the fiver-sediments.
3. None of the five solid phase samples was toxic to clams, grass shrimp cr
polychaetes. There were no significant differences in survival between the
controls (clean sandJ.and the test sediments for any of the test species, and
the LPC would not be approached during ocean disposal of any of the five solid,
phases.
4. Generally, the liquid phase chemical analyses revealed few significant
differences from the control seawater. The control seawater had a cadraiun (Cd)
content 13.2 times the LPC (5 ppb ); but the liquid phase Cd concentrations
were not significantly different from this. Seawater from the east coast of
Florida routinely has a cadmium content higher than the LPC. The mercury
content of the control seawater was below the LPC (0.1 ppb ) and the limits of
detection for the analysis (0.1 ppb ). Only two of the five sediment elutriates
(SJ1 and SJ2) had concentrations of mercury exceeding the LPC. Assuming that
the concentration, of mercury in the seawater at the disposal site 1s less than
99X of the LPC (O.lppb), the liquid phase of SJ1 and SJ2 will not exceed the
LPC.
•Environmental Protection Agency/.Corps of Engineers Technical Committee on
Criteria for Dredged and Fill Material, 'Ecological Evaluation of Proposed
Discharge of Dredged Material Into Ocean Waters; Implementation Manual for
Section 103 of Public Law 92-532 (Marine Protection, Research, and Santu-
aries Act of 1972)," July 7977 (Second Printing April 1978), Environmental.
Effects Laboratory, U»S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Yicks-
burg, Mississippi.
c-i
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0
1
M
«o
c
-t
a
U)
1
3
«a
o
r*
o»
o
3
m
M
ro
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5. None of the clam tissues assayed for bioaccumulatlon showed an/
significant accumulation of either cadmium or mercury. PCB's and petroleum
hydrocarbons, were below detection in alT of the tissue samples analyzed.
6. The disposal vessel,, traveling at 2,68 m/sec will require 300 seconds to
empty a full capacity-load of 9200. m^. The maximum water depth at the
disposal site was assured to- be 20m. These figures yield a calculated dilution
factor of 0.00126 or 0.1261 after the four-hour initial mixing period.
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PART II. METHODS
7. Sediment samples were collected using a Ponar grab-sampler. Sediments
were placed directly into 6-gallon polyethylene containers,, which were filled *
the top and tightly sealed. Sediment samples were shipped air express and wer*
used Immediately upon receipt in the laboratory. The remaining sediment was
stored in a chest freezer specially modified to maintain a temperature of 1-4*^
ATI sediment was used within two weeks*
8. Suspended particulate phase (SPP) for each sediment was prepared In a
single 52-gallon linear polyethylene
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Liquid and Suspended Particulate 'Phase Bioassays
IT. Three control vessels with filtered seawater and three replicates each of
LP and; SPP were set. up for each of three test species. All bioassays were
illuminated by Sylvania 43 watt cooT white fluorescent lights on a"TThour
light/10 hour dark cycle- Laboratory temperature was maintained at 21±2*C.
12. Ten Individuals of the sheephead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, were placed
into 1 1/2 gallon molded glass aquaria containing 4 litres of liquid. Juveniles
minnows, 1-1.5 cm 1n length, that had been cultured, in the lab, were used. The
aquaria were aerated continuously.
13*. Hysid (Mysidopsis bahia) bioassays were performed in 1.1/2.gallon
jJl-slass molded, aquaria..containing 4'litres of..liquid. .These, .assays were also
^agratscL continuously-., gys;idsa were* fed.Actenrja twice, da43yft£p. prevent,
cannabal1sm.
J4. Zooplankton.tests .were-performed, on.-Palaemonetes.pugio. laryae. -Larvae
.werjeL.col 1 acted- from sr&v infernal es.miintained Jo. our. jab... and were. .
4<^
-------
solid Phase Bioassay
m ..«»« were performed In 10-gallon. all-glass aquaria wit*
17. Solid phase b o ^ reference sediment (clean sand) was
continuous aeration. eaitineter depth, and then: 20 class Mercenary
placed; 1n each aquar ® paUemanetes mal° added t0 Meh
»Tcenaria_and 20 gr ^ aecliOTt1on period. After two days, 1.5 c#
The animals were all owe . ^ fresh test sediment was distributed evenl/
of reference sediment (con r ^ jd(J1n3 the sediments and every 48 hour*
through each ««p»rtuB. ^ ^ rep,ace(j Mlth fresh filtered seawater.
thereafter, wata* was slpn°n
Survivors were counted after .10
M«a«avs with polychaetes were performed in the same manner
18. Solid phase bi uarla. The p^yh*gtes. Neanthes arenaceodentata*
1 1/2 9Sll°" ^tl^he^ference sediment 48 hours before the test sediment
were 1n^dUAll jquaria were aerated continuously. The water was changed
?«™r« is "* °""""" """"•
r^n^etion and Handling of Animals
, „,„rh«tes used 1n the solid phase bioassays were obtained
19. Clans and P°* were f1eU collected (North Carolina) Hercenaria
commercially. Tta ^ ^ yz _ z m lgnj). Laboratory cultured
2SrcMiar- „ rhr purchased from O.J. Reish at
polvchaetes, Neanthes arenas
California State University Long Beach.
_,.1dj used in the tests were routinely wllected fro» ^
20. Grass shri P were well acclimated heW
east coast of nor . ^ ^ always exercised to treat animals gentl/
»„ in F1e1d collected gravid grass shri'1
during co11«"on 1# spee1ai containers untU the larvae were released.
were separated an zooplanWcn species In the liquid and
These larvae were then us«>
suspended particulate phase tests.
C-6
-------
Bioaccumulation
21. Clams surviving the solid phase bioassay tests were prepared for chemical
analysis in order to assess the potential for bioaccumulation of metals and
organic residues from the sediments, assayed. At the end of the solid phase
bloassays, clams were kept in filtered..seawater for two days in order to void
their intestines. The clams were killed, by freezing and were briefly thawed for
cleaning. The flesh was placed 1n labeled plastic bags and frozen; shells were
discarded. Frozen clam tissue was sent air sprint to Micro Methods in
Pascagoula, Mississippi for analysis. The samples were received within 4
hours.
Chemical Analysis
22. Mercury and its compounds were measured by the cold-vapor atomic
absorption technique after low-temperature acid digestion. Cadmium and its
compounds were measured on the same digest, using atomic absorption
spectrophotometry.
23. Qrganohalogen compounds were extracted and measured using acetonltrlle
partitioning and' col urn chromatography followed by quantification by gas
chromatography using Ni-63 electron capture detection. Techniques for petroleum
hydrocarbons included saponification, ether extraction, fractionation on a
silica gel column, and gas chromatography using flame ionization.
C-7
-------
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Sediment SJ1 Bioassavs
24. Based on results of the suspended particulate phase (SPP) and liquid pha$*
(LP) bioassays, the limiting permissible concentration (LPC) would not be
exceeded during ocean disposal of sediment SJ1. Hysids (SPP, 832; LP, 90%)
sheephead minnows (SPP and LP,. 100%) and grass shrimp larvae (SPP and LPt 97%)
survived well in the LP and SPP.prepared from sediment SJ1.
gXzr£* the-^oT-1d -phase-tests..of.gscdlioent .SJ1, clams (100%), grass shrlnp (88%)
and-^QlychaetestedrweHcr.Srass shrimp "survivaT'was not
from contro1 survival (93%). The LPC would not be
exceeded during ocean disposal of SJ1 based on the results of these solid phase
fetoassaj^;-*1^*- were-exirac".?: v : ri'ts -~s—7
psrz'.Z'.zr-ir.z viz zz'. jrrxr.rc^cgrj-rry t;', 'r .
c?rosst.r7-2TtT el ectron' zr~ "7 "t- . "srr-Tv-- ¦
zi'r.zi r-" ^. "- 7=^ rSediment S32 Bioassavs
26. Results of the bioassays of the SPP and LP of sediment SJ2 indicate that
the LPC would not be exceeded.during ocean disposal. Survival among ayslds
(SPP, 90%; LP, 90%) sheephead minnows (SPP and LP, 100%) and grass shrimp larv*1
(SPP, 93%; LP, 97%) was excellent.
C-8
-------
27. In the solid phase tests of sediment SJ2, clams (99%), grass shrimp (395)
and polychaetes (1005); survived well; and therefore* the LPC would not be
exceeded during ocean disposal of sedlinent 5J2.
Sediment 5J3 Bfoassays
28. Based on bioassay results of the SPP and LP of sediment SJ3, the LPC would
not be exceeded during ocean disposal- Survival was excel Tent among all test
species? .Biysids (SPP, 835, IP 90%)^ grass shrimp larvae (SPP, 935, LP,975); and
sheephead minnows {SPP and LP, 100%}*
29~ In the solid phase tests of sediment SJ3, clams (99%), grass shrimp (845}
and polychaetes (995) all survived well.~ Grass shrimp survival was not
significantly different fr.om control survival (935).
Sediment SJ4 Bloassays
30l Results" of the bloassays or the SPP and LP of sediment SJ4- also Indicate
that^the LPC would not be exceeded during ocean disposal. Myslds (SPP, 905,
LP 835}, sheephead minnows (SPP. and LP,. 1005) and grass shrimp larvae (SPP>
90S; LP, 975) all survived well.
31. In the solid phase bloassays of sediment S04, clams (955), grass shrimp
(845) and polychaetes (985) str*4ved-*eU; and therefore, the LPC would not be
exceeded during ocean disposal of sediment SJ4»
Sediment SJS Bloassays
32* Based on bioassay results of the SPP and LP of sediment SJ5, the LPC would
not be.exceeded, during ocean disposal. Survival was excellent among all test
species: oyslds (SPP 865; LP 905); sheephead minnows (SPP and LP, 1005); and
grass shrfnp larvae (SPP, 975; LP, 935).
C-9
-------
33. In the solid phase tests of sediment SJ5, clams (100%), grass shrimp (84^
and polychaetes (98%) survived well; therefore, the LPC would not be exceeded-
during ocean disposal of sediment SJ5.
34. In suraaary, none of the sediment samples taken from San Juan Harbor
significantly decreased survival of the test organisms in the SPP, LP or soH^
phase bloassays. There are no indications that the LPC would be exceeded iuri*1
ocean disposal of any of the 5 sediment samples* based on the results of the
bloassays.
Liquid Phase Chemical Analyses
•35. Results of the metal and nutrient analyses of liquid phase samples for ^
of the sediments (see Table A-TO) revealed only a few differences from the
control seawater values. Only two of the eleven metals (As and Hg) showed
elevated levels in the liquid phase samples compared to the control seawater-
Sediments SJ3 and SJ5 had arsenic coifcentra^Tons ZS.iTand 8.5 times
(respectively) the control seawater concentration (0.002 ppm}\ Currently,
1s no LPC established for arsenic. The concentrations of mercury In the liq^
phase of SJ1 and SJ2 were 11 and 6 times (respectively) the control seawater
concentration and the LPC. In this case, the LPC Is equal to the detection
Unit of mercury 1n water (0.1 ppb). Assuming that the concentration of mertf1
in seawater at the disposal site 1s no greater than 99X of the LPC, the liqu-f*
phase of SJ1 and SJ2 will not exceed the LPC for Hg following Initial mixing-
Although the concentrations of cadmium.in all of the 5 liquid phase samples ^
considerable higher than the.suggested LPC (5 ppb ), they were not different
from the control seawater (66 ppb )• -The cadmium concentration of seawater
from the east coast of Florida was 13.2 times the LPC.
c-io
-------
36. As is usual for sediment elutriates, several of the. liquid phases showed
nitrogen (NH3 and TKN) and phosphorus (orthophosphate and total phosphate)
levels greater than for the seawater. Thusfar,no IPC's have been established
for nutrients.
37. The concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons was below the limit of
detection (0.1 ppm) for all water samples analyzed.
Bioaccuciulation Tests
38. The concentrations of cadmium in the tissue of clams exposed to the five
test sediments were less than the Cd" concentration of the control (clean sand)
clam tissue. The concentrations of Hg in the.same tissue samples showed no
significant differences from the control concentration. PCB.and petroleum
hydrocarbons were below detection for all clams from all treatments.
C-11
-------
APPENDIX A: DATA FROH
BIOASSAYS AND ANALYSES PERFORMED
Table Page
A-l Stannary of Bioassay Results ...... 13
A-2 Static Bloassays of Sediment T. 14
Static Bloassays of Sediment Z ~ . . . . T7
A-4 Static Bloassays of Sediment 3. 20
A-5 Static 81oassays of Sediment 4 . . 23
A-6 Static Bloassays of Sediment 5. • •»••••••. 25
A-7 Results of Solid Phase Bloassays with
Mercenaria mercenarla ...» - . 29
A-8 Results of Solid Phase Bloassays with
Palaemonetes puglo ................ 30
A-9 Results of Solid Phase Bloassays with
Neanthes arenaceodentata » 31
A-10 Metal and Nutrients Analyses of Liquid Phase
Samples 32
A-ll Chemical Analyses from B1oaccurnulat1on Tests .... 33
c-12
-------
Table A-l
Summary of Bioassay Results
Ratios are controT/test sediments. Numbers are total numbers of survivors
at ti» end of the test. None of the differences 1s significant.
Suspended Particulate Phase SOI SJ2 SJ3" SH SJ5
Sheephead minnows 30/30 30/30 30/30 30/30 30/30
Mysids 28/25 28/27 28/25 28/27 28/26
Grass shrimp
larvae (48,hrs) 29/29 - 29/28 * 29/28 29/27 29/29
• • %
L1quid:Phase Jri-f 5-«&bsv: vtzr.
Sheephead minnows ; —30/30 30/30 30/30 • 30/30 • 30/30
"Hyslds ' = - • - 28/27 -*^28/27 **"28/27 28/25 28/27
Grass chr-imp-? i-z'zmz*-'. • ¦ • • •
larvae (48 hrsj- -"^.29/29 ; ^29/29- --^29?29^ 29/29 29/28
• • » i
Solid Phase. • -- - ~
Hard clams 100/100 100/99 100/99 100/99 100/100
Grass shrimp 93/88 93/89 93/84 93/84 93/84
Polychaetes 100/98 100/100 100/99 100/98 100/98
C-13
-------
Table A-2
Static Bioassays of Sediment 1
Hours After Start
JL
8
48
72
96
Cyprlnodon varteqatus
Controls
T
1Q
1C
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
TO
10
10
3
10
10
TO
10
10
1J3
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
TOOS SPP
1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
'10
3
10
I£
11
10
I£
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
1
10
10
10
10
>0
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
TO
11
K)
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Palaemonetes ouglo (larvae)
Controls
T
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
30
30
29
29
Larvae starved to death after 48 hrs.
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
TOOX SPP
r
10
10
TO
10
2
10
TO
TO
9
3
10
TO
11
10
30
30
30
29
C-14
-------
Table A-2
Static Bloassays of Sediment T (Continued)
Hour? After Start
JL
8
48
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
T
10
10
10
9
2
10
10
10
10
3
10
11
10
10
30
30
30
29
Mysldopsls baftla*
Controls
1
10
10
TO
5
2
10
10
10
2
3
is.
10
10
_3
30
30
30
10
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
loot SPP
1
10
10
i'o
4
2
9
9
9
4
3
10
10
12.
-1
29
29
29
11
Liquid Phase (1^).
1
10
10
10
2
IOCS LP
2
10
10
10
3
3
10
10
10
-i
30
30
30
9
~Tests discontinued because of apparent contamination of counter dally
obtained Arterola fed to the nyslds*
C-15
-------
Table A-2
Static Bioassays of Sediment 1 (Continued)
Hours After Start
A
8
24-
48
72
96
Mysidopsis bahia - RERUN
Controls T
10
10
10
10
9
9-
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
JO
__9
30
30
30
30
29
28
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
100% SPP T
10
10
10
10
10
8
2
10
10
10
10
9
8
3
JO
JO
10
JO
JO
_9
-
30
30
30
30
29
25
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP 1
10
10
10
10
9
8
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
JO
JO
JO.
10
JO
_9
30
30
30
30
29
27
c-16
-------
Table A-J
Static Bloassays of Sediment 2
Hours After Start
4
E
2A
48
72
96
Cyprinodon varlegatus
Controls
T 10
10
10
10
10
10
2 10
10
10
10
10
10
3 to
10
10
JO
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suspended Particulate Phase
CSPP)
100X SPP
1 10
10
10
10
10
10
2 10
10
10
10
10
10
i 10
10
10
10
10
TO
30
30
30
30
30
30
•Liquid Phase (LP)
1001 LP
1 10
10
10
10
10
10
2 10
10
10
TO
10
10
3 IS
10
10
10
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Palaemonetes duq1o flarvae)
Controls
1 10
10
9
9
2 10
10
10
10
3 10
10
10
10
30
30
29
29
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
1001 SPP
1 10
10
10
10
2 10
10
10
9
3 ifi
10
JL
_9
30
30
29
28
C-17
-------
Table A-3
Static Bioassays of Sediment 2 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
a
Ji
48
Liquid Phase (LP)
100X LP
T
10
10
10
10
Z
10
10
9
9
3
JO
10
10
10
30
so
29
29
Mysidopsis bahia*
Controls
1
10
10
10
5
2
10
10
10
2
3
11
10
12.
.3
30
30
30
10
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
100S SPP
I
10
10
9
2
2
10
10
10
4
3
10
10
TO
_2
30
30
29
8
Liquid Phase (LP)
T
10
10
9
3
100%. LP
2
10
10
10
3
3
12
10
10
30 30 29 8
~Tests discontinued because of apparent contamination of cornnerclally
obtained Artemia fed to the niysids.
C-18"
-------
Table A-,3
Static Bioassays of Sediment 2 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
72
96
Hysidopsis bahla - RERUN
Control s 1
10
10
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
Ifi
TO
10
10
10
_9
30
30
30
30
29
28
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
1001 SPP 1
10
10
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
J
9
8
3
10
10
To
11
10
li
30
30
30
29
28
27
Liquid Phase (LP)
lOOt LP I
10
10
10
10
10
8
2
10
10
10
10
10
9
3
10
TO
TO
10
10
TO
30
30
30
3Q
30
27
C-19
-------
Table A-4
Static Bioassays of Sediment 3
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
72
96
Cyprinodon variegatus
Controls
1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
ro
10
10
10
10
3.
10
TO
10
10
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suspended Particulate Phase
(SPP)
100% SPP
1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
TO
10
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Ltquid Phase (LP)
100S LP
T
10
10
10
10
10
TO
2
10
io
10
10
10
10
3
10
TO.
10
10
TO
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Palaemonetes ougio (larvae)
Controls
1
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
3
10
IS
10
10
30
30
29
29
Larvae starved to dea.th after 48 hrs.
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
100S SPP
1
10
10
10
10
2
10
TO
9
9
3
10
10
-£
30
30
29
28
C-20
-------
Table A-4
Static Bloassays of Sediment 3 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
Liquid Phase (LP)
IOCS LP
I
10
10
10'
10
2
10
TO
10
S
10
10
_±
_9
30
30
29
29
Mys1dop1s bahla*
Controls
X
10
10
10
5
2
10
10
10
2
3
10
10
10
30
30.
30
10
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
1001 SPP"
l
10
10
9
2
2
10
10
10
2
3
10
ia
_9
_4
30
30
28
8
Llquid Phase (LP)
1
10
10
9
4
2
10
10
10
5
3
JO
10
10
_Z
30
30
29
n
~Tests discontinued because of apparent contamination of commercially
obtained Artemia fed to the nyslds.
C-21
-------
Table A-4
Static Bloassays of Sediment 3 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
3
24
48
72
96
Mysldopsis bahia. - RERUN
Controls
1
10
10
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
I£
10
10
10
-1
30
30
30
30
29
28
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
100% SPP
t
10
10
10
10
10
9
2
10
10
10
9
9
3
10
10
10
10
_9
_7
30
30
30
30
28
25
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
4
10
10
10
10
9
8
2
10
10
10
10
10
9
2
12.
10
10
10
12
TO
30
30
30
30
29
27
-------
Table A-5.
Static Bloassays of Sediment 4
Hours After Start
4
8
24
4*
72
ii
Cyprinodon vartegatus
Control $
T
JO
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
10
10
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
10QS SPP
1
TO
10
10
10
10
2
10
TO
10
10
10
10
3.
10
10,
1|
10
10
ia
30*
30
30
30
30
30
Liquid Phase (LP}
100% LP
T
40
.10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
10
10
30
30
30'
30
30
30
Palaemorretes puglo (larvae)
Controls
1
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
30
30
29
29
Larvae starved to death after 48 hrs.
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
100% SPP
1
10
10
8
8
2
10
10
10
9
3
to
10
10
10
30
30
28
27
-------
Table A-5
Static Bioassays of Sediment 4 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
1
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
9
3
10
10
10
10
30
30
30
29
Mysidopsis bahia*
Controls
1
10
10
10
5
2
10
10
10
2
3
10
JO
10
_3
30
30
30
10
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
100* SPP
T
10
10
10
1
2
9
9
8
3
3
10
10
-I
_3
25
29
27
7
Liquid Phase (LP)
1
10
10
10
4
1001 LP
2
10
10
9
2
3
10
TO
-1
__3
30
30
28
9
~Tests discontinued because of apparent contamination of commercially
obtained Artemia fed to-the oiyslds.
C-24
-------
Table A-5
Static Bioassays of Sediment 4 {Continued}
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
72
96
Mvsidoosts bahfa - RERUN
Control s.
1
10
10
ia
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
Z
2£
la
TO
10.
10
_9
30
30
30
30
29
28
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
100% SPP
I
10
i?
10
10
10
9
2
10
10
10
10
9.
8
3
10
10
10
10
10
T_0
30
30
30
30
29
27
Liquid Phase (LP)
I00X LP
1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
9
8
3
10
15
10
10
_8
_7
30
30
30
30
27
25
C-2S
-------
Table A-6
Static Bioassays of Sediment 5
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
72
95
uyprinuuun varicyauui
Control s 1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
ia
3
12
10
10
10
JO
JO
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suspended Particulate Phase (SPP)
100% SPP 1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3.
JO
10
10
10
JO
io
30
30
30
30
30
30
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP 1
10
10
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
10
JJ3
30
30
30
30
33
?0
PaTaetnonetes pugio (larvae)
Controls' 1
10
10
9
9
2
10
10
10
10
3
10
10
10
10
30
30
29
29
Larvae starved to death after 48
hrs
Suspended Particulate Phase(SPP)
100% SPP 1
10
10
10
10
2
10
10
10
9
3
1£L
JO
10
10
30
30
30
29
C-26
-------
Table A-6
Static Bloassays of Sediment 5 (Continued)
Hours After Start
4
8
24
48
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
I
10
10
10
9
I
10
10
10
9
I
10
10
10
TO
3D
30
30
28
Mysidopsis bahfa*
Controls
V
10
10
10
5
I.
10
10
10
2
J
10
10
10
JJ
30
30
30
TO
Suspended Particulate
Phase(SPP)
100S SPP
1
10
10
9
- m
¦ j
2
10
10
8
2
3.
JO
TO
_9
__3
30
30
26
10
Liquid Phase (LP)
1
10
10
10
6
100% LP
2
10
10
9
2
3
JO
[0
10
J_
30
30
29
9
*Tests discontinued because of apparent contamination of commercially
obtained Artemia fed to the nysids.
C-27
-------
Table A-6
Static Bioassays of Sediment 5 (Continued)
Mysidopsis bahia - RERUN
Controls
Suspended Particulate Phase
lOOt SPP
Liquid Phase (LP)
100% LP
Hours After Start
8
24
48
72
96
10
10
10
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
10.
10
10
10
_9
30
30
30
29
28
10
10
10
10
9
10
10
9
9
7
10
10
JO
10
10
30
30
29
29
26
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
8
12
10
J?
_9
J9
30
30
2S
28
27
4
1 10
2 10
3 TO
30
(SPP)
1 10
2 10
3 10
30
1 10
2 10
3 jO
30
C-28
-------
Table A-7
Results of Solid Phase Bioassays with
Mercenaria mercenaria
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
1
20
20
20
19
20
20
2
20
20
20
20
19
20
3
20
20
19
20
20
20
4
20
20
20
20
20
20
5
20
20
20
20
20
20
TOO
100
99
99
99
100
C-29
-------
Table A-S
Results of Solid Phase Bloassays with
Palaemonetes pugio
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
Replicate
1
18
18
18
19
18
15
2
20
17
16
16
14
16
3
19
16
17
17
19
18
4
17
18
18
17
17
19
5
19
21
20
1_5
16
16
93
88
89
84
84
84
CSS
5.2
5.2
8.8
8.8
14.8
10.8
s2
1.3
1.3
2.2
2.2
3.7
2.7
^treatments " 2.72
MS
error
2.23
F « 1.22 (not significant]
F.05(5,24) - 2.62
-------
Table A-9
Results of Solid Phase Bioassays with
Neanthes arenaceodentata
Replicate
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
1
20
20
20
20
20
20
2
20
20
20
20
20
19
3
20
19
20
20
19
20
4
20
19
20
20
2a
19
5
20
20
20
J!
li
20
100
98
100
99
98
98
C-31
-------
Table A-10
Hetal and Nutrient Analyses of Liquid Phase Samples
(Values are all reported In milligrams per litre (ppm).)
Constituents
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
NO2-N1
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
NO3-N1
0.05
Q.05
0.05
0.075
0.11
0.05
hh3-k'
<0.02
<0,02
0.21
0.26
0.56
0.33
TKN-H1
0.18
0.06
0.25
0.30
0.58
0.66
Orthophosphate-PO^*
0.50
0,22
0.50
1.50
l.?0
3.65
Total phosphate-PO^*
0.76
0.76
1.84
2.24
1.84
5.20
TOC-C1
9 3
10.0
11.0
11.0
12.0
12.0
As1
0.002
<0.001
<0.001
0,057
0.006
0.017
Be1
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
Cd3
0,066
0.070
0.070
0.070
0.073
q .077
Cr1
0.'35
0.39
0.41
0,40
0,43
0,37
Cu4
<0.01
<0.31
<0.01
<0.01
<0,01
<0.01
Hg5
<0.0001
0.0011
0.0006
<0.0001
<0.0001
<0.0001
N16
0,22
0.24
0.26
0.24
0.25
0,25
Pb6
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.05
0.05
0,04
Se6
<0.002
<0.002
0,002
0.002
0.002
0.003
Zn6
0.01
0.03
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
Va1
0.005
0.006
0.004
0.004
0.005
0.003
Pet. Hydrocarbons*
<0.1
<0^
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
Marine standards suggested by
U.S. EPA 1976 Quality
Standard
for Water
(EPA-440/9/76/023) are: *none
suggested;
20.01 times
the 96 hour LC50
^ \
V^\ Wm ^ Vw
>
-------
Table A-Tl
Chemical Analyses from Bioaccumulation Tests
(Values in parts per rail!ion (yg/g)
test species Mercenaria mercenaria)
Mercury
Replicate
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
1
0.033
<0.001
0.013
0.003
0.062
0.045
2
0.003
0.003
0.083
0.028
0.003
0.380
3
O.OOS
0.003
0.038
0.080
0:003
0.043
4
0.013
0.004
0.028
0.018
0.008
0.013
5
0.017
0.011
0.028
0.018
<0.001
0.011
X
*
0.0142
0.0044
0.0371
0.0294
0.0154'
0.0984
CSS
at
0.00058
0.00006
0.0028
0.0035
0.0027
0.100
s2
9
0.000145
0.000015
0.00069
0.00088
0.00068
0.025
(Variances were nonhomogeneous; therefore, we applied the
approximate test of the equality of means given by Sokal and
fcohlf.)
Fs ¦ 3.13(not significant)
^.05(5,10) » 3.33'
Cadmium
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
T
0.18
0.13
0.14
0.16
0.08
0.12
2
0.18
0.1 o'
0.13
0.13.
0.08
0.12
3
0.19
0.17
0.13
0.08
0.12
0.09
4
0.16
0.15
0.14
0.14
0.08
0.07
5
0.20
0.12.
0.10
0.12
0.10
0.15
X
0.182.
0.134
0.128
0.126
0.092
0.11
C-33
-------
Table A-ll
(Continued)
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
1
ND*
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
2
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
3
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
4
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
5
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Limit of detection for PCB 1s 0.01 vg/g.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Replicate 1
2
3
4
5
Limit of detection for petroleum'hydrocarbons 1s
T-0pg/g.
~None Detected
Control
SJ1
SJ2
SJ3
SJ4
SJ5
ND*
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
C-34
-------
APPENDIX B: DATA FROM
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS MEASURED ON BIOASSAYS
Table Page
B-l
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of Sediment
1 . . .
. 36
B-2
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of Sediment
2 . . .
> . 38
B-3
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of Sediment
3 . . .
. . 40
B-4
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of Sediment
4 . . .
, . 42
B-5
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of Sediment
5 . . .
. . 44
B-6
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 1'.
46
B-7
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 2
. 47
B-8
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 3
• • • «
, . 48
B-9
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 4
• • • «
, . 49
B-10
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 5 ••• 50
C-35
-------
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 1
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(°C) Salinity (VQOy O.Q»{ppnO pH
Cyprinodon variegatus
Controls
100% SPP
100* LP
lOOt SPP
100X LP
Palaemonetes puglo 0«"vae)
Controls
I
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.4
7.9/7.9
2
23/22
30/30
8.0/6.8
7.9/7.8
3-
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.8
7.9/a.a
V
23/22
32/32
7.9/8.0
7.9/7.9
2
23/22
32/32
7.9/8.1
7-9/8.0
3
23/22
32/32
7.9/8.0
7.9/8.0
V
23/22
32/32
8.1/8.1
8.0/7.9
z
23/22
32/32
8-1/8.2
8.0/8.0
z
23/22
32/32
8.1/8.1
8.0/7.9
\
23/22
*29/32
5:8/7.0
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
3
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
T
23/22
30/31
6.9/6.3
7.8/7.9
2
23/22-
30/31
6.9/6.3
726/7.9
3
23/22
30/31
6.9/6.4
7.8/7.9
T
23/22
30/31
8.0/6.1
7.9/7.9
2
23/22
30/31
8.0/6.2
7.9/7.9
3
23/22
30/31
8.0/6.1
7.9/7.9
C-36
-------
Table B-l
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 1 (Continued)
INITIAL' READINGS/FINAL READINGS
O
0
1
Salinity C/00) D.O.fppm)
dh
Mysidopsis bahia - RERUN
Controls
1
2Q/2T
31/31
8.3/8.2
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
31/31
8.4/8.5
8.1/8.1
3
20/21
31/31
8.2/8.5
8.1/8.1
TOW SPP
T
20/27
31/32.5
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.1
2
20/21
31/32.5
8.5/8.2
8.1/8.2
Z
20/21
31/32
8.6/8.4
8.1/8.2
100% LP
}
20/21
31/32
8.5/8.1
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
31/33
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.2
3
20/21
31/33
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.1
C-37
-------
Physical Parameters of Static Sioassays of
Sediment 2
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(°C) Salinity (°/Q0) O.Q.(ppnQ
PH
Cyprinodon variegatus
Controls
100% SPP
100% LP
1
23/22
30/30-
8.0/7.4
7.9/7.9
2
,23/22
30/30
8.0/6.8
7.9.7.3
3
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.8
7.9/8.0
I
23/22
33/33
8.0/7.9
8.0/7.g
2
23/22
33/33
8.0/8.3
8.0/7.9
3
23/22
33/33
8.0/8.2
8.0/8.0
1
23/22
33/33
7.7/8.0
7.9/7.S
2
23/22
33/33
7.7/8.0
7.9/7.9
3
23/22
33/33
7.7/8.1
7.9/7.9
Palaemonetes pugio parv«e)
Control s
1
23/22.
29/32
2
23/22
29/32
3
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0 7.9/8.0
6.8/7.0 7.9/8.0
6.8/7.0 7.9/8.0
100% SPP
100% LP
1
23/22
30/32
7.0/6.5
7.7/8.0
2
23/22
30/32
7.0/6.4
7.7/8.0
3
23/22
30/32
7.0/6.5
7.7/7.9
1
23/22
30/32
8.0/6.1
7.7/7.9
2
23/22
30/31
8.0/6.3
7.7/7.9
3
23/22
30/32
8.0/6.1
7.7/7.8
C-38
-------
Table B-2
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 2 (Continued)
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
TempCC) Salinity C/00) D.Q.(ppm) pH
Mys1dops1s bahla - RERUN
Controls
1
20/21
Jl/31
8.3/8.2
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
Jl/31
8.4/8.5
8.1/8.1
3
20/21
31/31
8.2/8.5
8.1/8.1
1005 SPP
1
20/21
31/33
8.4/8.5
8.2/8.1
2
20/21
31/33
8.5/8.2
8.2/8.1
f
20/2?
31/33
8.4/8.5
8.2/8.2
100% LP
1
20/21
31/31
8.4/8.2
8.2/8.2
2
20/21
31/31
8.6/8.5
8.2/8.1'
Z
20/21
31/33
8.6/8.4
8.2/8.2
C-39
-------
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 3
- -- - —
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(°C) Salinity (VOO) D.Q.(ppm) pH
Cvorinodon variegatus
8.0/7.4
7.9/7.9
Controls
1
23/22
30/30
2
23/22
30/30
8.0/6.8
7.9/7.8
3
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.8
7.9/8.0
100% SPP
1
23/22
33/33
8*2/8.0
8.0/8.2
2
23/22
33/33
8.2/8.0
7.9/8.0
3
23/22
33/33
8.2/8.2
7.9/8.0
100% LP
1
23/22
33/33
8.3/7.9
7.9/7.9
2
23/22
33/33
8.3/8.0
7.9/8.0
3
23/22
33/33
8.3/8.0
7.9/8.0
Palaemonetes pugio (larvae)
Controls
100% SPP
100% LP
1
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
3
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
1
23/22
30/32
6.0/5.9
7.7/8.0
2
23/22
30/32
6.0/6.0
7.7/7.9
3
23/22
30/31
6.0/5.3
7.7/8.0
1
23/22
30/32
8.5/6.3
7.8/8.0
2
23/22
30/32
8.5/6.4
7.8/8.1
3
23/22
30/31
8.5/6.4
7.8/8.0
C-40
-------
Table B-3.
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 3* (Continued)
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(°C) Salinity (°/00) P.O.(pom) gH
Kysidoosls bahia - RERUN
Controls
1
20/21
31/31
8.3/8.2
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
31/31
8.4/8.5
8.1/8.1
3
20/21
31/31
8.2/8.5
8.1/8.1
loot SPP
1
20/21
31/33
8.6/8.5
8.1/8.3
2
20/21
31/33
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.3
3
20/21
31/33
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.3
100% LP
1
20/21
31/32
8.5/8.2
8.2/8.3
2
20/21
31/32
8.5/8.5
8.2/8.3
3
20/2T
31/32
8.6/8.4
8.2/8.2
C-41
-------
taste
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 4
INITIAL READINGS/FIKAL READINGS
Temple.) Salinity f/00) D.O.(ppnt) gH_
Cyprlnodon variegatus
Controls
100* SPP
100% LP
Palaeroonetes ouqio (larvae)
Controls
100% SPP
100% LP
1
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.4
2
23/22
30/30
8.0/6.8
3
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.8
I
23/22
34/33
8.0/8.0
2
23/22
34/33
8.0/8.1
3
23/22
34/33
8.0/8.1
I
23/22
33/33
8.2/8.0
2
23/22
33/33
8.2/8.0
3
23/22
33/33
8.2/8,3
1
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
2
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
3
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
1
23/22
30.5/32
5.7/6.7
2
23/22
30.5/31
5.7/6.5
a
23/22
30.5/32
5.7/6.5
i
23/22
30.5/32
8.2/6.8
2
23/22
30.5/32
8.2/6.8
3
23/22
30.5/32
8.2/6.9
7.9/7.9
7.9/7.8
7.9/8.0
7.9/8.0
8.0/8.1
7.9/8.0
8.0/8.2
7.9/8.0
8.0/8.0
7.9/8.0
7.9/8.0
7.9/8.0
7.8/8.1
7.8/8.0
7.8/8.1
7.B/7.9
7.8/8.0
7.8/8.0
C-42
-------
Table B-4
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 4 (Continued)
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
TempfaC) Salinity fVOQ) D.O.(ppm)
DH
Mysldopsis bahia - RERUN
Controls
1
20/2T
31/31
8,3/8.2
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
31/31
¦8.4/8.5
8.1/8.1
2
20/21
31/31
8.2/8.5
8.1/8.T
100X SPP
T
20/21
31/31
8.5/8.4
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
30/32
8.4/8.5.
8.1/8.2
3
20/21
30/32
8.4/8.4
8.1/8.2
100S LP
-1
^0/21
31/32
8.6/8.5
8.1/8.3
2
20/21
31/32
8.4/8.5
8.1/8.3"
3
20/21
31/32
8.5/8.5
8.1/8.3
C-43
-------
Physical Parameters of Static Bioassays of
Sediment 5
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(*C) Salinity (V00) D.O.(ppm) pH ^
Cvorinodon variegatus
8-0/7.4
7.9/7.9
Controls
t
23/22
30/30
2
23/22
30/30
8.0/6.8
7.9/7.8-
Z
23/22
30/30
8.0/7.8
7.9/8.0
100% SPP
1
23/22
34/34
8.2/7.9
8.0/8.2
2
23/22
34/34
8.2/7.9
8.1/8.J
3
23/22
34/34
8.2/8.0
8.1/8.3
100S LP
.1
23/22
34/33
8.0/8.0
7.9/8.1
2
23/22
34/34
8.0/8.0
7.9/8.3
3
23/22
34/33
8.0/8.0
7.9/8.2
Palaemonetes ouqlo (larvae)
Control s
1.
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
3
23/22
29/32
6.8/7.0
7.9/8.0
lOOt SPP
1
23/22
30.5/32
4.8/6.3
7.8/8.0
2
23/22
30.5/32
4.8/6.5
7.8/8.0
3
23/22
30.5/32
4.8/6.4
7.8/8.0
1001 LP
1
23/22
30.5/32
8.1/6.4
7.8/8.2
2
23/22
30.5/32
8.1/6.4"
7.8/8.2
3
23/22
30.5/32
8.1/6.5
7.8/8.1
C-44
-------
Table B-5
Physical Parameters-of Static Bfoassays of
Sediment 5 (Continued)
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
TemoCC) Salinity (*/00) 0.0.(ppm) gH
Mysidopsis bahia - RERUN
Controls
X
20/21
31/31
8*3/8.2
8.1/8.2
z
20/21
31/31
8.4/8.5
8.1/8.1
z
20/21
37/31
8.2/8.5
8.1/8.T
100% SPP
1
20/21
31/32.5
8.4/8.5
8.2/8.4
z
20/21
31/32.5
8.2/8.4
8.2/8.4
3
20/21
30/32
8.3/8.6
8.2/8.4
1001 LP
1
20/21
31/31
8.5/8.4
8.1/8.2
2
20/21
31/31
8*4/8.1
8.1/8.2
3
20/21
31/31
8.2/8.4
8.1/8.3
c-45
-------
Table B-6
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 1
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp rc) Salin1ty(°/00) Q.O.(ppm) pH
PaTaerconetes pugio ana
Mercenarfa mercenarla
Controls (clean sand) 1
23/22
29/29
8.T/8-1
7.9/8
2
23/22.
29/29
8.1/7.4
8.0/3
3
23/22
29/29
8.T/7.9
8.0/8
4
22/22
28/29
7.5/8*0
8.0/8
5
23/2Z
28/29
7.7/8.T
7.9/7
Sediment 1 T
23/22
29/29
7.2/7.3
7.8/7
2
23/22
30/30
4.3/7.3
7.8/8
3
23/22
30/30
7.2/7,6
7.7/7
4
23/22
30/30
7.8/7.7
7.7/7
5
23/22
30/30
7.7/7.7
7.8/7
Neanthes arenaceodentata
Controls T
23/22
31/29
7.1/7.2
7.9/8
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.3
7.8/8
3
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.4
7.9/8
4
23/22
31/29
6.9/7.4
7.9/8
5
23/22
31/29
7;0/7.6
7.9/8
Sediment 1 1
23/22
31/30
6.5/7.0
7.9/7
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.4
8.0/8
3
23/22
30/30
6.7/7.2
8.0/8
4
23/22
31/30
6.7/7.2
7.9/7
5
23/22
31/30
6.8/7.4
7.8/8
s
t
*
i
A
A
J
A
J
Temperature and dissolved oxygen were checked dally. Salinity and pH were
measured Initially and finally only.
C-46
1
~ -v
-3t
* \
J'
i
/'
I
*
i
*
-------
laoie tw
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 2
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temp(°C)
Sal inity(VOO)
0.0.(dot)
PH
Palaemonetes ougio and
Mercenaria mercenaria
Controls (clean sand)
1
23/22
29/29
8.1/8.1
7.S/8.0
2
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.4
8.0/8*9
3
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.9
8.0/8.0
4
23/22
23/23
7.5/8.0
8.0/8.0
5
23/22
28/29
7.7.8.1
7.9/7.9
Sediment 2
I
23/22
30/29
8.0/7.9
7.8/7.9
2
23/22
30/30
6.8/7.3
7.8/7.9
3
23/22
30/29
6.5/7.6
7.8/7.9
4
23/22
29/29
6.9/7.7
7.9/8.0
5
23/22
29/29
7.6/8.2
7.9/8.0
Neanthes arenaceodentata
Controls
1
23/22
31/29
7.1/7.2
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.3
7.8/8.0
3
23/22
31/29
6,8/7.4
7.9/8.1
4
23/22
31/29
6.9/7.4
7.9/8.1
5
23/22
31/29
7.0/7.6
7.9/8.0
Sediment 2
T
23/22
31/31
6.9/7.4
8.0/8.1
2
23/22
31/30
6.9/7.2
8.0/8.0
3
23/22
31/31
7.0/7.4
8.0/8.1
4
23/22
31/30
6.9/7.8
8.0/8.1
5
23/22
31/30
6.9/7.0
8.0/8.1
Temperature and dissolved oxygen were checked daily. Salinity and pH were
measured initially and finally only*
C-47
-------
laote ti-tf.
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase Bioassays of
Sediment 3
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
TempCC)
Sal Init.yfVOO)
D.O.(ppm)
dH ^
PaTaemonetes pugio and
Mercenaria mercenaria'
Controls (clean sand)
T
23/22
29/29
8.1/8.1
7.9/8'*;
2
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.4
8.0/3 ' j
3
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.9
8.0/8''
•4
23/22
28/29
7.5/8.0
8.0/8'^
5
23/22
28/29
7.7/8.1
7.9/7'*
Sedimerrt j
1
23/22
29/30
7.9/8.0
7.9/3 'f
Z
23/22
30/30
7.7/8.1
7.9/7'^
3
23/22
30/29
7.9/7.9
8.0/7 'f
4
23/22
29/29
7.1/7.9
7.9/8'!
5
23/22
29/30
7.8/8.0
8.0/5'|
Neanthes arenaceodentata.
Controls
1
23/22
31/29
7:1/7.2
7.9/8'f
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.3
7.8/8
3
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.4
7.9/8' ^
4
23/22
31/29
6.9/7.4
7.9/3'1
5
23/22
31/29
7.0/7.6
\
CO
o>
•
Sediment 3
1
23/22
31/31
7.0/7.6
7.9/7
2
23/22
31/30
7.0/7.4
7.9/8'^
3
23/22
31/31
6.9/7.4*
7.8/8'f
4
23/22
31/31
6.9/7.8
7.9/7 J
5
23/22
31/30
6.9/7.5
7.9/8^
>
Temperature and dissolved oxygen were checked daily. Salinity and pH were
measured initfally and finally only.
C-48
-------
Table B-9
Physical Parameters of Solid Phase 31oassays of
Sediment 4
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Temo(^C)
Sal irftyCVOO)
D.O.(doti)
oH .
Palaemchetes Dutrfo and
Mercenaria mercenaria
Controls (clean sand)
1
23/22
29/29
8.1/8.1
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
29/29
8.3/7.4
8.0/8.0
3
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.9
8.0/8.0
4
23/22
28/29
7.5/8.0
8.0/8.0
5
23/22
28/29
7.7/8.1
7.9/7.9
Sediment 4
T
23/22
29/29
7.9/7.3
8.0/8.0
2
23/22
30/29
6.8.7.6
8.0/8.0
3
23/22
30/29
6.4/7.6
8.0/8.0
4
23/22
30/29
5.9/7.8
7.9/8.0
5
23/22
30/29
7.2/7.8
8.0/8.0
Neanthes arenaceodentata
Controls
1
23/22
31/29
7.1/7.2
7.9/8.0
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.3
7.8/8.0
3
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.4
7.9/8.1
4-
23/22
31/29
6.9/7.4
7.9/8.1
5
23/22
31/29
7.0/7.6
7.9/8.0
Sediment 4
1
23/22
31/30
7.0/7.8
8.0/8.2
2
23/22
31/30
6.8/7.6
8.0/8.2
3
23/22
31/29
6.8/8.0
8.0/8.2
4
23/22
31/30
6.9/7.8
7.9/8.2
5
23/22
31/30
6.9/6.6
7.9/8.2
Temperature and dissolved oxygen were checked dally. Salinity and pH were
measured Initially and finally only.
<>49-
-------
Physical Parameters of Sol 1d Phase-Bioassays of
Sediment 5
INITIAL READINGS/FINAL READINGS
Palaetnortetes pugio and
Mercenarya mercenaria.
Tenp(°C) Salinity(°/00) D.O.fppm) d£
Controls (dean sand)
1
23/22
29/29
3.1/8.1
7.9/8'
8.0/S'1
8.0/8'1
8.0/8 ^
£
2
23/22
29/29
8.1/7.4
3
23/22
29/29
8.T/7.9
4
23/22
28/29
•7.5/8.0
S
23/22
28/29
7.7/8.T
7.9/7-'
Sediment 5
1
23/22
30/29
7.8/7.8
8.0/8
8.0/7**
2
23/22
30/30
5.9/7.3
3
23/22
30/30
7.9/7.9
8.0/8
8.0/8^
8.0/8*^
4
23/22
30/30
6.8/7.6
5
23/22
30/30
7.2/7.4
Neanthes arenaceodentata
Controls
1
23/22
31/29
7.1/7.2
7.9/8*0
2
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.3
7.8/8*
3
23/22
31/29
6.8/7.4
7.9/8*
gg
4
23/22
31/29
6.9/7.4
7.9/8*
5
23/22
31/29
7.0/7.6
7.9/Z,a
Sediment 5
T
23/22
31/30
6.8/8.1
2
23/22
31/30
6.7/8.0
7.9/7^
3
23/22
31/30
6.7/8.0
7.9/7,^
4
23/22
30/30
6.8/8.1
7.8/7*^
5
23/22
30/30
6.8/8.1
7.S/7*^
Temperature and dissolved oxygen
were checked dally.
Salinity and pH"
were
measured initially and finally only*
c-so
-------
APPENDIX D
COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
ON THE DRAFT SIS
The Draft EIS (DEIS) was issued 13 August 1982. The public was encouraged to
submit written comments. This Appendix contains copies of written comments
received by EPA on the DEIS.
Comments on the DEIS are numbered in the margins of the letters, and responses
presented for each numbered item.
The EPA sincerely thanks all those who commented on the DEIS, especially those
who submitted detailed criticism that reflected a thorough analysis of the EIS.
D-l
-------
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P. O. BOX 4970
JACKSONVILLE. FLORIDA 32232
SAJPD-ES
15 October 1982
Mr. Michael S. Moyer
EPA (WH-585)
401 M Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Moyer:
I have reviewed the DEIS for the San Juan Harbor, P.R. Dredged Material
Disposal Site Designation and recommend the following additions:
l-l 1. Page 1-4, paragraph 2; insert after the 4th sentence: "In addition
to disposal of maintenance materials the usage of interim approved sites is
an intergral part of Congressionally authorized navigation improvement
projects which require disposal of construction materials associated with
harbor deepening."
1-2 2. Page 1-4, paragraph 2; Sentence 5 should read: "To continue to
maintain and improve the nation's waterways..."
Sincerely,
Incl A. J. SALEM
DEIS Acting Chief
Planning Division
D-2
-------
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WATER RESOURCES SUPPORT CENTER. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
KINGMAN BUILDING
FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA 22060
2 8 SEP 1982
WRSC-D
Mr. Patriok Tobin, Acting Director
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
.401 M Street, S. W.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Tobin:
Inclosed are the Corps review comments on the EPA Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) for the San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site Designation, Incl 1. These comments and concerns are essentially
unchanged from those which the Corps provided your office on the Preliminary
DEIS, in March 1982.
Our major operational concern with the document involves site designation •
exclusively for materials derived from operation and maintenance. Our previous
understanding was that site designation would be for those materials that are
in compliance with the EPA Ocean Dumping Criteria. This would prevent the
costly and unnecessary redesignation of a site for each specific project and/or
103 permit action. We are particularly concerned in this instance, in that
planning is well advanced for proposed deepening of the San Juan Harbor, with
ocean disposal as the most practical alternative, both from an environmental as
well as an economic standpoint. A General Design Memorandum, Incl 2, has been
prepared for this proposed deepening, which recommends ocean disposal as the
preferred alternative. EPA Region II is in general agreement with this
approach.
We are continuing to experience problems with the distribution of these site
desijjnation documents to the appropriate Corps personnel for review and
comment. I request that, for all future document reviews, your staff coordinate
directly with Mr. David Mathis of my staff (202) 325-0537» prior to document
distribution by your of .. ice, to insure that the appropriate Corps personnel
receive copies for review.
D-3
-------
2 8 SEP 1982
WRSC-D
Mr. Patrick Tobin, Acting Director
Your cooperation in this effort is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
2 Incl
As stated
MAXIMILIAN* IMHOFF
Colonel, CE
oramander and Director
D-4
2
-------
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
MMiTM ATLANTIC OIVMION, CO«*» Of (NOMCCM
lit rrru ¦uilomo, m myou itmct. i.w.
ATUNTA, aiOMQIA MM3
SADPD-R/SADCO-O 22 September 1982
SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the San Juan Harbor,
Puerto Rico Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation
Commander and Director
Water Resources Support Center
ATTN: WRSC-D
Kingman Building
Fort Bel voir, VA 22060
3-1 Attached comments on subject draft document, which were provided to WRSC-D
by SADPD-R/SADCO-O 1st Ind of 19 March 1982, are still valid. A copy of
the San Juan Harbor Survey Report is being provided to WRSC-D. We continue
to be concerned about the restriction on the final site designation to
maintenance dredged material. Jacksonville District comments on the current
draft are Inclosure 2.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
2 Incl fin* DAN M. MAULDIN 0
1. SAD Previous Comments Chief, Planning Division
2. Jacksonville District
Comments
CF:
SAJPD-E w incl
DAEN-CWP-V w incl
D-5
-------
SADPD-R/SADCO-R
19 March 1982
SAO Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
For San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation
3_2 1. General. The document statss that the proposed action is the final site
designation for the dredged mat9rial from maintenance dredging of San Juan
Harbor (page iii). The maintenance dredging restriction on the site designation
causes considerable concern. Tne Boa"d of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors has
recently recommended at a meeting on 3 March 1982 that the dredged material from
the proposed deepening project at Sar Juan Harbor be disposed of in the interim
approved EPA ocean disposal site. Thu ocean disposal plan had been agreed to
with Region II EPA, contingent jpon tusting the dredged material in accordance
with the ocean disposal criteria applicable at time of construction. We believe
the final site designation should be "or all dredged material from San Juan
Harbor which meets the ocean dumping criteria. A copy of the San Juan Harbor
Survey Report and EIS can be provided to WRSC-D, if needed. The Survey Report
will be sent out by OCE for Washington level review in the coming weeks. We
believe the dredged material from the deepening project will be undisturbed clean
material which meets the ocean dumping criteria.
3-3 2. Page iv, para. 3, line 7. Suggest "significant" be used in lieu of "obvious".
3_4 3. Page ix, last para., 1st sentence. Dredging occurs once every two years
(biennial) rather than twice a year (biannual).
3-5 4. Page ix, last para., last sentence. The purpose of the statement that "the
proposed action does not exempt the use of this site from additional environmental
review..." is unclear. While continued surveillance of the site may be desirable, we
believe that current studies should provide adequate environmental review.
According to a 1 May 1981 letter from Mr. Joseph Krivak, EPA, Washington to Colonel
George R. Robertson, EPA will s^ate ir site designation documents that "the report
fulfills all legal responsibilities with respect to environmental analysis of the
proposed site and that it is not anticipated that the Corps will conduct any further
environmental studies wicn respect to the selection of the site". We believe
Mr. Krivak's concept should be included in the DEIS in lieu of the above statement
in the existing document.
3-6 5. Page x, para. 1. The discussion of alternatives should be updated to make
reference to the San Juan Deepening studies.
3-7 6. Page xi, Figure S-l. Suggest shoeing alternative ocean disposal sites.
3_8 7. Page xiv, 3rd para. Change CB to CE. Also, the CE has in the past and will in
the future perform hopper dredging by contract and Corps owned hopper dredge.
3-9 8. Page xiv, 4th para. Note comment 3. above.
3_1o 9. Page xiv, 5th para. Suggest noting that monitoring would be more costly due
to deep waters (600*).
D-6
-------
SACPD-R/SADCO-O
19 March 1982
3-11 10. Page 1-3, 2nd para. While we do lot totally agree with the EPA approach as
indicated by comment 1. above, we believe the Survey Report with EIS for San Ouan
Deepening satisfies the requirements stated and that the final site designation should
be for all dredged material fron San Ouan Harbor which meets the ocean
dumping criteria (40 CFR 227). We do not know what other EPA regulations would be
directly applicable. Is EPA suggesting that the Corps project EIS be the basis
of site designation at a later date? Would EPA action be necessary on a project
specifically authorized by Congress?
!-l2 11. Page 1-5, 1st para., 2nd sentence. Note comment 3. above.
3-13 12. Page 1-12, 2nd para., last sentence. Reference to Figure 1-3 should be Figure 1-2
3-14 13. Page 2-4, 4th para. Suggest that the adverse impact on commerce and the
economy of Puerto Rico be noted as a reason for eliminating the no action alternative
14. Page 2-11, last para. Note comment 7. above.
3_l6 15. Page 3-2, Figure 3-1. Suggest duplication with Figure 2-10 be eliminated.
3_17 16. Page 3-25, first para. A statement should be added that notes that the bioassay
tests for dredged materia"! previously disposed at the site did not show unacceptable
toxicity or bioaccumulation of PCB's. A similar statement may also be desirable for
the oil and grease (petroleum hydrocarbons). Also, tissue analysis results from
the IEC Survey (page A-28) should be included in the discussion.
j_l8 17. Pages 3-44 & 3-45. Statistical deta should be updated, if available.
ui9 I®. Page 3-46, 3rd para. Note comment. 7. above. Also, "dredged" in second sentence
should be "dredges".
J-20 19* Pa9e 4-2, 3rd para, 4th sentence. Suggest the use of the term "mobile" in lieu
of "motile".Motile has more of a physiological connotation then a spatial movement.
}_2i Page 4-3, last para. Substitute "dredge vessels" for "dredged vessels".
3-22 21. Page 4-14, 2nd para., 2nd sentence. The calculations appear to be incorrect,
"35,T6Cr should be '36,179,000", "0.156 inches" should be "4.16 inches". This
comparison is not a true description of the actual conditions that will occur during
disposal. The material will not and cannot be distributed in an even layer as implied.
Therefore this paragraph should be deleted or modified to recognize the theoretical
shortcomings.
VZ3 22. Page 4-16, 2nd para. "Loss of energy in the form of fuel required to transport
barges to and from site", should have "hopper dredges and/or" inserted between
"transport" and "barges".
3-24 23. Page 5-1, 2nd para. The experience and expertise of individuals preparing the EIS
should be noted.
3-2i 24. Page B-10, 3rd para, from top. Same as comment 3. above.
-------
DEPORTMENT
OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
4 October 19 82
Mr. Michael S. Moyer
Criteria and Standards Division (WH 585)
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Moyer:
I have reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for the San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico Dredged Material Disposal
Site Selection, dated 13 August 1982. Review copies were
provided to me at the end of September when EPA's regional
office in San Juan determined that they had not been delivered
from Washington.
Two issues should be addressed before final publication:
4_l 1. On page 3-27, the statement is made that the West Indian
manatee has not been seen in coastal waters off San Juan
in recent history. That statement should be modified to
reflect the fact that manatees have been sighted both east
and west of the entrance to San Juan Bay during a special
manatee survey conducted by the Department during FY 1979,
The statement concerning Rare and Endangered Species on
page 3-37 should also be modified to include the manatee.
2. Serious doubts have been raised concerning the bioassay
which provided much of the basis for the final recommen-
dation of the disposal site. I believe that they should
be resolved speedily, and the report should be corrected.
The final outcome may not be affected materially, but what
appear to be obvious contraditions should be eliminated.
, , a. Bioassay manuals note that the dilution water should
be uncontaminated, or should at least come from the
site proposed for disposal. The report notes that
control samples of seawater were obtained from the
east coast of Florida, rather than fromscoastal waters
D-8
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Department of Natural Resources
office Mufloz Rivera Avenue, Stop 3, San Juan, Puerto Rico
mailing aoohess Bo* 5887, Puerta de Tierra, Puerto Rico 00906
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Mr. Michael S. Moyer, EPA
4 Oct 82 2
of Puerto Rico in the vicinity of the disposal site.
As a result, some of the control seawater actually
contaminated the test samples for some parameters.
4-3 b. The conclusion is reached (on page C-l) that "No
limiting permissible concentration (LPC) based on
suspended particulate phase (SPP) or liquid phase (LP)
bioassays would be approached during ocean disposal of
any of the five sediments."
We cannot understand this conclusion when it is obvious
that some parameters are greatly exceeded even without
the application of the test sediments. The statements
in Paragraph 35 (page C-10) indicate such conditions:
"Sediments SJ3 and SJ5 had arsenic concentrations
28.5 and 8.5 times (respectively) the control
seawater concentration (0.002 ppm),"
"The concentrations of mercury in the liquid phase
of SJ1 and SJ2 were 11 and 6 times (respectively)
the control seawater concentration and the LPC."
"Although the concentrations of cadmium in all of
the 5 liquid phase samples were considerable higher
than the suggested LPC (5 ppb), they were not
different from the control seawater (66 ppb). The
cadmium concentration of seawater from the east
coast of Florida was 13.2 times the LPC."
The 100-meter depths off the north coast of Puerto Rico
represent optimum locations for fishing for important
resources, such as silk snapper (lutjanus vivanus),
queen snapper (rhomboplytes aurorubens), and grouper
(epinephelus sp,). whicn are exploited continuously by
commercial fishermen. Therefore, we consider that such
sediments would bring toxic wastes into the area, which
would jeopardize marine life and humans who utilize
those resources,
4-4 i note further that on page 3-13 and in Figure 3->-3, you
refer to the NOAA storm tide analysis prepared about 1973. On
the basis of experience with Hurricane David in 1979, it is
our belief that higher surge levels may be expected to affect
the coasts of Puerto Rico than were estimated in the NOAA report.
FEMA is funding a proposal to upgrade that report with more
recent data. The project will be undertaken during FY 1983, and
results should be available within one year.
D-9
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Mr. Michael S. Moyer, EPA
4 Oct 82
3
While it is true that Puerto Rico has not been affected
by a land-falling hurricane for some fifty years, they have
occurred in the past, and are likely to occur again. The
possibility should not be discounted. However, for the purposes
of this project, I will assume that there will be ample warning
of such an event, and the dredging and ocean dumping activity
will be temporarily suspended.
I earnestly request that you review and modify the draft
EIS in accordance with the comments submitted herewith. I and
my staff stand ready to respond to any inquiries you may have
on the matter. Please call me at (Area 809) 724 8774.
Sincerely yours,
Secretary of Natural Resources
cc: District Engineer, Jacksonville
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mr. Weems Clevenger
EPA, San Juan Area Office
D-10
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f,t .COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO / OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
°ADA #435/82
Environmerital
^Quality Board
November 1, 1982
Mr. Michael S. Moyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
RE: Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for the San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico
Dredged Material Disposal Site
Designation
Dear Mr. Moyer:
The Environmental Quality Board has reviewed the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (E.I.S.) referred to above and has the following comments
to offer:
5-1 1. According to the Draft EIS (appendix C-4) all seawater used
in bioassay controls was obtained from Florida. The water
used for these bioassays should be obtained from the interim
site, not from Florida.
5-2 2. The Draft EIS states that West Indian manatees (T/t^&cAoa
mancUiu) have not been sighted in coastal waters off San Juan
in recent history. According to the Manatee Survey Annual
Performance Report (DNR, Belitsky 1979) manatees were sighted
during aerial surveys along the northeastern and eastern coast
of Puerto Rico from Dorado to Lima Point at Naguabo, (period
covered July 1, 1978 - April 15, 1979). Belitsky reports that
a small calf was washed ashore in weakened condition west of
San Juan in 1975 and died on the beach. Furthermore, he men-
tions that infrequent sightings with numbers comprising small
percentages of the total counts suggest that the northern coast
may be a marginal habitat.
More recently on April 12, 1982, an adult female di4d on the
beach near La Perl a sector in San Juan just southeast of the
interim site.
D-ll
OFFICE OF THE BOARD; 204 DEL PARQUE ST. CORNER OF PUMARADA / MAtUNO ADDRESS: P.O. BOX U4M.
SAMTORCF.. POFRTO RICO OTtPIO / TFI FPHONF- TMAHfl
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November 1, 1982
Page #2
RE: Draft EIS for the San Juan Harbor
5-3
5-4
3. A monitoring program should be established in order to
detect any significant changes on the impact of the
dredged material disposal activities.
4. We concur with the information on the Draft EIS that
toxic substances bioaccumulation should be more exactly
determined by carrying out bioassays on three (3) differ-
ent organisms.
Pedro A.lGelabert
Chairman
D-12
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United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT REVIEW
75 Spring Street, S.W. / Atlanta, Ga. 30303
September 24, 1982
Southeast Region / Suite 1384
Richard B. Russell Federal Building
ER 82/1342
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, SW.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Sir:
We have reviewed the draft environmental statement for Dredged Material
Disposal Site Designation, San Juan Harbor, Puerto R1co, and have the
following comments.
The proposed designation of the interim site currently being used as an
ocean disposal area for dredged material as a final site should not have
discernible impact on fish and wildlife resources. The interim site, .
centered 2.2 nautical miles off I si a de Cabras, has been used since
1974 with no 111 effects. We agree with the conclusions of the Environmental
Protection Agency that disposal farther inshore would pose environmental
risks to coastal reef habitats and that the additional expense of
disposal farther offshore is not justified by measurable environmental
benefits.
Surveillance by the U.S. Coast Guard 1s extremely important to insure
that only dredged material is disposed of at the site and that no
disposal occurs outside the area's boundaries.
The lack of potential upland disposal sites 1n the San Juan Metropolitan
Area makes ocean disposal essential for the protection of the few remaining
wetland areas now serving as wildlife habitat.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this draft environmental
statement.
Sincerely yours
James H. Lee
Regional Environmental Officer
D-13
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
WASHINGTON. DC. 20550
August 17, 1982
OFFICE OF THE
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
FOR ASTRONOMICAL.
ATMOSPHERIC. EARTH.
AND OCEAN SCIENCES
Mr. Michael S. Meyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Meyer:
The National Science Foundation has no comment on the Environmental
Impact Statement for the San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico Dredged Material
Disposal Site Designation.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Chairman
Committee on Environmental
Matters
D-14
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control
Atlanta GA 30333
(404) 262-6649
September 22, 1982
Public Health Service
Mr. Michael S. Moyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Moyer:
8-1 We have reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the
San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation.
We are responding on behalf of the U.S. Public Health Service and are offering
the following comments for your consideration in preparing the final document.
The continued acceptability of the proposed site and the disposal material
should be periodically monitored in the future. Any organisms which could
be harvested from the site for consumptive purposes or which could adversely
affect other organisms used for consumptive purposes should be periodically
checked for any potential bioaccumulation of toxic and hazardous materials.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Draft EIS. Please send us one
copy of the final document when it becomes available. Should you have any
questions about our comments, please contact Mr. Robert Kay of my staff at
FTS 236-6649.
Frank S. Lisella, Ph.D.
Chief, Environmental Affairs Group
Environmental Health Services Division
Center for Environmental Health
D-15
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Washington f) C
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
.September 24, 19R2
Mr. Michael S. Moyer
Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria and Standards Division (WH-585)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Hear Mr. Moyer:
9_l This is in reference to your draft environmental impact statement
entitled "San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation." The enclosed comments from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration are forwarded for your consideration.
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to provide these comments,
which we hope will be of assistance to you. We would appreciate receiving
four copies of the final environmental impact statement.
Sincerely
01 rector
Office of Ecology and Conservation
Enclosure: Memo from: Andrew Robertson
Office of Marine Pollution Assessment
D-16
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
OFFICE OF MARINE POLLUTION ASSESSMENT
Rockville, Maryland 20852
September 21, 1982
"Ttec'd. jo
£C
TO: PP/EC - Joyce Wood
( V/
FROM: RD/MP - Andrew Robertson-^?
SUBJECT: DEIS 8208.13 - San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, Ocean Oredged
Material Disposal Site Designation
This DEIS adequately justifies the continuation of the dredged
material disposal site north of Puerto Rico. Although the site is
rather close (about 4 km) to shore it is sufficiently deep (100 m on the
average) so that no impact on the coast should occur. The site has been
used since 1974 without any substantial adverse impact. We suggest,
however, that at least two seasonal experiments should be carried out to
quantify the rate of descent and initial deposition region of the material.
This would presumably document the rapid descent of material from the
surface layer and would provide a basis for projecting long term impact
of disposal at the site.
D-17
•«£££?<
h
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RESPONSES TO WRITTEN COMMENTS
1-1 The language in the DEIS has been changed to allow disposing of all materials dredged
from San Juan Harbor, not just maintenance dredged materials (see page 1-1). Such
rewording eliminates the need to make the recommended change on page 1-4.
1-2 Recommended change made in the Final EIS.
2-1 See comment 1-1.
3-1 See comment 1—1.
o 3-2 See comment 1-1.
i
oo
3-3 Recommended change made in the Final EIS.
3-4 Paragraph rewritten in Final EIS.
3-5 The language covered in Mr. Joseph Krivak's letter of May 1, 1982, is enclosed in the
EIS. See page 1-8, paragraph 3.
3-6 The alternatives, as presented, do not preclude the disposing of deepening sediment at
the ODMDS.
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0
1
VO
3-7 Alternative areas added to Final EIS.
3-8 Recommended changes made in Final EIS.
3-9 Biannual changed to biennial in Final EIS.
3-10 Recommended change made in Final EIS.
3-11 See comment 1-1.
3-12 Recommended change made in Final EIS.
3-13 Recommended change made in Final EIS.
3-14 The importance of San Juan Harbor to the economy of Puerto Rico is noted elsewhere in
the EIS (see page ix).
3-15 Recommended change made in Final EIS.
3-16 Duplication noted; figures left as is.
3—17 Changes made in Final EIS.
3-18 Additional statistical data is not necessary for the designation process.
3-19 Recommended changes made in Final EIS.
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3-20
Recommended change made in Final EIS.
3-21
3-22
3-23
3-24
3-25
0
1
ro
o
4-1
Recommended change made in Final EIS.
Analogy deemed unnecessary and deleted in Final EIS.
Recommended change made in Final EIS.
This information is available upon request.
See comment 3-8.
Recommended change made in Final EIS.
As stated in the EPA/CE publication "Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Discharge of
Dredged Material Into Ocean Waters" (July 1977), "Water collected from the disposal site
should be used if at all possible. Otherwise uncontaminated seawater or an artificial
sea salts mixture of the proper salinity may be used." Due to the expense of
transporting water from the San Juan Harbor area, sand filtered water used in the
bioassays was obtained from Marineland, Florida. The chemical make-up of this water is
show below:
RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MARINELAND SEAWATER
Parameter
Concentration
TOC
Ammonia - N
Nitrate - N
5.0
0.04
0.01
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RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MARINELAND SEAWATER (Con't)
Parameter Concentration
a
r\>
Nitrite - N
<0.01
Organic Nitrogen
0.10
Oil and Grease
<0.2
Ortho Phosphorus
0.03
Total Phosphorus
0.15
Arsenic
<0.001
Beryllium
0.02
Cadmium
<0.001
Copper
<0.01
Chromium
<0.01
Iron
0.05
Lead
0.01
Mercury
<0.0001
Nickel
0.05
Selenium
0.002
Silver
<0.001
Zinc
<0.01
Vanadium
<0.01
4-3 The report has been reproduced as information. EPA cannot change the conclusions in the
published report.
4-4 EPA thanks the Department of Natural Resources of Puerto Rico for the additional
information.
5-1 See response to comment 4-2.
5-2 See response to comment 4-1.
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5-3 Section 228.9 of the Ocean Dumping Regulations establishes that the impact of dumping in
a disposal site and sourrounding marine environment will be evaluated periodically for
certain types of effects. The information used to make the disposal impact evaluation
may include data from monitoring surveys. Thus, "if deemed necessary," the CE District
Engineer (DE) and EPA Regional Administrator (RA) may establish a monitoring program to
supplement the historical site data (40 CFR °228.9). The CE and RA develop the
monitoring plan by determining appropriate monitoring parameters, frequency of sampling,
and the areal extent of the survey.
5-4 EPA appreciates the reference to the bioassay procedure.
6-1 EPA appreciates the review and comments provided by the Department of Interior's, Office
o
^ of Environmental Project Review, Southeast Region.
i\i
7-1 EPA appreciates the response provided by the National Science Foundation
8-1 See response to comment 5-3. EPA appreciates the review and comments provided by the
Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services.
9-1 EPA appreciates the review and comments provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Department of Commerce.
9-2 See response to comments 5-3 and 9-1.
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