EPA 910/9-88-226 F Alaska
United States Region 10 Idaho
Environmental Protection 1200 Sixth Avenue Oregon
Agency Seattle WA 98101 Washington
Water Division Water Resources Assessment March 1990
Coquille, Oregon
Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Coquille
PL
LEGEND
iW/l Interim Site
i l Adjusted Site
NORTH
JETTY
rocks —
--
rocks
™ros
0 1000
..-y.'.'A.
V.v'Mn
sand
dunes
rocks
JETTY
Bandon
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FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
COQUILLE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)
DESIGNATION
Prepared by
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (Region 10)
With Technical Assistance From
U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers
Portland District
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COVER SHEET
Final
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
COQUILLE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)
DESIGNATION
Lead Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
Responsible Official: Thomas P. Dunne
Acting Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Abstract:
This final EIS provides information to support designation of an ocean dredged
material disposal site (ODMDS) in the Pacific Ocean off the mouth of the
Coquille River in the State of Oregon. The proposed ODMDS is an adjusted
location lying north-northeast of an existing, interim-designated site. Site
designation studies were conducted by the Portland District, Corps of
Engineers, in consultation with Region 10, EPA. The adjusted ODMDS was judged
to be a safer location with less potential for adverse environ-mental effects.
No significant or long-term adverse environmental effects are predicted to
result from the designation. The designated ODMDS would continue to receive
sediments dredged by the Corps of Engineers to maintain the federally-
authorized navigation project at Coquille River, Oregon, and other dredged
materials authorized in accordance with Section 103 of the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA). Designation of an ODMDS does
not constitute or imply approval of an actual disposal of material. Before
any disposal may occur, a specific evaluation by the Corps must be made using
EPA's ocean dumping criteria. EPA makes an independent evaluation of the
proposal and has the right to disapprove the actual disposal.
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Public Review and Comment Process:
The draft EIS was offered for review and comment to members of the public,
special interest groups, and government agencies. No public hearings/meetings
were scheduled. Comments received on this draft EIS have been addressed in
this final document. Comments or questions may be directed to:
John Malek
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-138
Seattle, Washington 98101
Telephone: (206) 442-1286
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Site Designation. Section 102(c) of the Marine Protection, Research,
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. (MPRSA), gives
the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the
authority to designate sites where ocean dumping may be permitted. On October
1, 1986, the Administer delegated the authority to designate ocean dumping
sites to the Regional Administrator of the Region in which the site is
located. EPA has voluntarily committed to prepare EISs in connection with
ocean dumping site designations (39 FR 16186, May 7, 1974).
The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared by Region 10, EPA,
with the cooperation of the Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and was circulated to the public for comment. Concurrently, a draft rule was
prepared. The draft rule and notice of availability for the draft EIS were
published in the Federal Register on November 10, 1988. The draft and this
final EIS provide documentation to support final designation of an ocean
dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) for continuing use to be located off
the mouth of the Coquille River, Oregon. This final document evaluates the
proposed Coquille ODMDS site based on criteria and factors set forth in 40 CFR
228.5 and 228.6 and after consideration of public comments provided on the
draft EIS and rule. This EIS makes full use of existing information to
discuss various criteria, supplemented by field data to describe environmental
conditions within and adjacent to the site.
As a separate but concurrent action, EPA will publish the final rule in the
Federal Register for formal designation of the adjusted Coquille ODMDS.
Major Conclusions and Findings. The preferred ODMDS for final
designation is an adjusted location 1,500 feet north-northeast of the
existing, interim site. The adjusted site, when designated, will be used for
disposal of sediments dredged by the Corps to maintain the federally
authorized navigation project at Coquille River, Oregon, and for disposal of
materials dredged during other actions authorized in accordance with Section
103 of the MPRSA. The adjusted ODMDS site proposed for designation is located
in an area more suitable than the interim site in terms of environmental and
navigational safety factors.
Disposal of the dredged sediments is a necessary component of maintaining the
navigation project. An evaluation of disposal alternatives was conducted. No
less environmentally damaging, economically feasible alternative to ocean
disposal for material, dredged from the entrance to the Coquille River project
was identified. In addition, use of ocean disposal for other channel reaches
and by other dredgers may be expected to increase as other disposal options
are exhausted. Designation of an ODMDS is necessary to accommodate this need.
Three alternatives for ocean disposal were considered for the Coquille ODMDS.
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1) Termination of ocean disposal at Coquille.
2) Designation of the existing interim ODMOS.
3) Designation of an adjusted ODMDS.
Based on the evaluation of need and an assessment of environmental impacts
from historic dredged material disposal, termination of ocean disposal at
Coquille was not considered prudent or reasonable. Evaluation focussed on the
existing interim ODMDS, the adjusted ODMDS proposed for designation, and
consideration of an ODMDS beyond the continental shelf. The procedures used
to evaluate these options consisted of evaluating each of the five general and
eleven specific criteria as required in 40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6. Use of an
ODMDS beyond the continental shelf provided no environmental advantages and
incurred significant economic costs.
The interim site, or areas in the same vicinity, have been used since 1897.
Since then a total of about 2.4 million cy have been disposed in the general
area of the ODMDS, of which 509,000 cy have been disposed since the existing
site received its interim designation in 1977. This interim designation was
published in 40 CFR 228.12 and identified the following corner coordinates for
the site:
43 deg. 07' 54" N.
43 deg. 07* 30" N.
43 deg. 07' 20" N.
and 43 deg. 07' 44" N.
124 deg. 27' 04" W.
124 deg. 26' 27" W.
124 deg. 26' 40" W.
124 deg. 27' 17" W.
The interim site is located approximately 1 mile from the entrance, with
dimensions of 3,600 feet by 1,400 feet, average depth of 60 feet, and
southeast-northwest orientation along its long axis. The site occupies
approximately 116 acres (.13 sq nautical miles).
Field data collected to support designation of the interim site and interviews
with vessel operators revealed safety and environmental concerns with its
location. This is due to its proximity to rocky substrate and pinnacles
associated with Coquille Point and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
to the south. As a result, an adjusted location was defined and is proposed
for final site designation. The adjusted site has the following corner and
centroid coordinates:
43 deg.
08'
26"
N.
124 deg. 26' 44"
W.
43 deg.
08'
03"
N.
124 deg. 26' 08"
w.
43 deg.
08'
13"
N.
124 deg. 27' 00"
w.
and 43 deg.
07'
50"
N.
124 deg. 26' 23"
w.
43 deg.
08'
08"
N.
124 deg. 26' 34"
W. (centroid)
The adjusted site is located approximately 1,500 feet north-northeast of the
interim site, also approximately 1 mile from the entrance. Its dimensions are
slightly larger than the interim site, 3,500 feet by 1,750 feet, and occupies
approximately 150 acres (.17 sq nautical miles). Average depth and
southeast-northwest orientation are similar to the interim site.
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After applying the five general and eleven specific criteria to the available
options, designation of the adjusted ODMDS was selected as the preferred
alternative. Continued use of the interim ODMDS would not be expected to
cause unacceptable adverse environmental effects. The interim disposal site
encompasses large areas of exposed rock and scattered rock outcrops as well as
areas covered by fine sand. The extent of rock exposures and proximity to
reef shoals presents both a hazard to the hopper dredges and potential for
some adverse environmental impacts. The adjusted site does not have these
concerns and is therefore considered the better site.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Cover Sheet i
Summary iii
Table of Contents vii
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. PURPOSE AND NEED 3
General 3
Location 3
Need 3
Project History 5
Historical ODMDS Use 5
III. ALTERNATIVES 7
General 7
Constraints 7
Resource Considerations 7
Equipment Considerations 7
Consideration of Upland Disposal Options 8
Ocean Disposal Options 8
Application of General Criteria 8
Minimal Interference With Other Activities 8
Minimizes Changes in Water Quality 9
Interim Sites Which Do Not Meet Criteria 9
Size of Sites 11
Sites Off The Continental Shelf 11
Application of Specific Criteria 11
Geographic Location 11
Distance From Important Living Resources .... 12
Distance From Beaches and Other Amenities . . . 13
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited 13
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring 14
Dispersal, Horizontal Transport, and Vertical Mixing
Characteristics 14
Effects of Previous Disposal 14
Interference With Other Uses of the Ocean 15
Existing Water Quality and Ecology 16
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Species 16
Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features 17
Selection of Preferred Alternative 17
IT. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 19
General 19
Physical Environment 19
General 19
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Geology 20
Circulation and Currents 20
Water and Sediment Quality 20
Biological Environment 20
General 20
Benthic 21
Fishes 21
Wildlife 21
Endangered Species 21
Socio-Economic Environment 22
General 22
Natural Resource Harvesting (Commercial) 22
Recreation 22
Cultural Resources 23
V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 25
General 25
Physical Effects 25
Biological Effects 25
Socio-Economic Effects 26
Coastal Zone Management 27
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts 27
Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and
Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity ... 27
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources 27
VI. COORDINATION 29
Coordination By the Corps of Engineers 29
Coordination By EPA 29
Comments on Draft EIS 30
VII. LIST OF PREPARERS 31
VIII. GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY 33
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Living Resources
Appendix B: Geological Resources, Oceanographic Processes, and Sediment
Transport of the Coquille ZSF
Appendix C: Sediment and Water Quality
Appendix D: Recreational Use
Appendix E: Cultural Resources
Appendix F: Comments and Coordination
Appendix G: Comments and Responses to Draft EIS
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I. INTRODUCTION
This final environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared by Region 10,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the cooperation of the
Portland District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Section 102(c) of
the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, 33
U.S.C. 1401 et sea. (MPRSA), gives the Administrator of the EPA the authority
to designate sites where ocean dumping may be permitted. On October 1, 1986,
the Administer delegated the authority to designate ocean dumping sites to the
Regional Administrator of the Region in which the site is located. EPA has
voluntarily committed to prepare EISs in connection with ocean dumping site
designations (39 FR 16186, May 7, 1974).
Disposal site studies were designed and conducted by the Corps, in
consultation with EPA, and a Site Evaluation Report was prepared and
coordinated by the Corps. That Site Evaluation Report described conditions in
the vicinity of the existing interim ocean dredged material disposal site
(ODMDS) at Coquille River, Oregon. The Coquille ODMDS received its interim
designation from EPA in 1977 (40 CFR 228.12). The MPRSA requires that, for a
site to receive a final ODMDS designation, the site must satisfy the specific
and general disposal site criteria set forth in 40 CFR 228.6 and 228.5,
respectively. The Corps report proposed that an ODMDS in an adjusted location
1,500 feet north-northeast from the existing ODMDS be designated by EPA. The
report also documented compliance of the proposed ODMDS with requirements of
the following laws:
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, all as amended.
That document was submitted to EPA for review and processing for formal
designation by the Regional Administrator, Region 10. The Corps' Site
Evaluation Report was used as the basis of the draft EIS. Comments received
during public review of the draft EIS have been responded to in this final
document. Technical appendices from the Corps' report are included as
appendices to this EIS.
E IS—1
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EIS-2
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II. PURPOSE AND NEED
General. This final EIS provides documentation to support final designation
of an ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS) for continuing use to be
located off the mouth of the Coquille River, Oregon. This document evaluates
the proposed Coquille ODMDS site based on criteria and factors set forth in 40
CFR 228.5 and 228.6 as required by the Ocean Dumping Regulations (ODR)
promulgated in the Federal Register on January 11, 1977, in accordance with
provisions set forth in Sections 102 and 103 of the MPRSA. This EIS makes
full use of existing information to discuss various criteria, supplemented by
field data to describe environmental conditions within and adjacent to the
site. Comments received during public review of the draft EIS have been
responded to and are included in section VI of this document.
The preferred ODMDS for final designation is an adjusted location 1,500 feet
north-northeast of the existing, interim site. The adjusted site, when
designated, will be used for disposal of sediments dredged by the Corps to
maintain the federally authorized navigation project at Coquille River,
Oregon, and for disposal of materials dredged during other actions authorized
in accordance with Section 103 of the MPRSA. The adjusted ODMDS site proposed
for designation is located in an area more suitable than the interim site in
terms of environmental and navigational safety factors.
Location. The Coquille River enters the Pacific Ocean north of the town of
Bandon, Oregon, and 226 miles south of the mouth of the Columbia River (figure
1). The estuary is fed mainly by the Coquille River, which drains 1,058
square miles and is 99.1 miles from its mouth to headwaters.
Need. The Corps is responsible for maintaining the Coquille River navigation
channel, which was federally authorized for the following purposes:
Provide entrance depths sufficient to accommodate vessels of
economical size.
Provide a navigable channel up to Coquille River Mile 24, to the
town of Coquille.
Increase safety by removing shallow rock pinnacles near the river
entrance.
The project further serves to decrease waiting times and increase safety for
vessels crossing the bar, and is one of the harbors of refuge along the Oregon
coast. Maintenance of the navigation channel to authorized depths is critical
to keeping the river and harbor open and sustaining vital components of the
local and state economy.
Disposal of the dredged sediments is a necessary component of maintaining the
navigation project. An evaluation of disposal alternatives was conducted and
is contained in Section III. Alternatives. No less environmentally damaging,
E IS—3
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124*27
SAND
DUNES .
07
BANOO^
SCALE IN YARDS
1000
«•
ADJUSTED LOCATION FOR FINAL SITE DESIGNATION
FIGURE 1
EIS - 4
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economically feasible alternative to ocean disposal for material dredged from
the entrance to the Coquille River was identified. In addition, use of ocean
disposal for other channel reaches and by other dredgers may be expected to
increase as other disposal options are exhausted. Designation of an ODMDS is
necessary to accommodate this need.
Project History. The existing dredging project was initially authorized by
Congress in 1910, although dredging had begun at the entrance in 1897. The
portion of the authorized project that will most potentially generate dredged
sediments for ocean disposal is the channel presently authorized to 13 feet
deep and of suitable width from deep water to River Mile (RM) 1.3. Because of
navigation needs at Coquille, two rubble mound jetties were constructed. The
3,450-foot-long north jetty was begun in 1883, completed in 1908, and was
extended in both 1940 and 1951. The 2,700-foot-long south jetty was built in
1899 and extended in 1940. Snagging operations are authorized to clear the
channel up to RM 24.
The frequency of maintenance dredging depends on the volume of sediments
transported from upriver into the estuary and frequency and severity of storms
that move offshore sediments into the channel, creating a bar. Typically, a
shoal forms between the jetty ends, building from the north jetty to mid- and,
in some years, ful 1 -channel. A second shoal forms completely across the
channel between RM 0.2 and 0.5. Sediments are fine to medium sands. Average
annual volume of dredged material deposited offshore at Coquille from 1976 to
1985 has been 59,123 cubic yards (cy), with a range of 2,500 to 115,910 cy
placed in the ODMDS each year. Annual volumes are given in appendix B, table
B-l.
The Corps is studying the need to deepen the Coquille River entrance channel
and has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed project.
The DPR recommended deepening the entrance bar to -18 feet NGVD for a length
of 1,200 feet. An estimated 74,000 cy would be dredged during initial
construction and average maintenance dredging requirements would increase an
estimated 20,000 cy per year. The draft DPR was distributed for public review
on March 5, 1987; a final DPR was completed in May, 1987.
Historical ODMDS Use. The interim site, or areas in the same vicinity, have
been used since 1897. Dredging began in that year when the Corps had a
contractor remove shoals in the main channel. Dredging of the entrance bar
began at Coquille in 1920. Since then a total of about 2.4 million cy have
been disposed in the general area of the ODMDS, of which 509,000 cy have been
disposed since the existing site received its interim designation in 1977.
This interim designation was published in 40 CFR 228.12 and identified the
following corner coordinates for the site:
43 deg. 07' 54" N.
43 deg. 07' 30" N.
43 deg. 07' 20" N.
and 43 deg. 07' 44" N.
124 deg. 27' 04" W.
124 deg. 26' 27" W.
124 deg. 26' 40" W.
124 deg. 27' 17" W.
EIS-5
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The interim site is located approximately 1 mile from the entrance, with
dimensions of 3,600 feet by 1,400 feet, average depth of 60 feet, and
southeast-northwest orientation along its long axis. The site occupies
approximately 116 acres (.13 sq nautical miles).
Field data collected to support designation of the interim site and interviews
with vessel operators revealed safety and environmental concerns with its
location. This is due to its proximity to rocky substrate and pinnacles
associated with Coquille Point and the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
to the south. As a result, an adjusted location was defined and is proposed
for final site designation (figure 1). The adjusted site has the following
corner and centroid coordinates:
43 deg. 08' 26" N.
43 deg. 08' 03" N.
43 deg. 08* 13" N.
and 43 deg. 07' 50" N.
43 deg. 08' 08" N.
124 deg. 26' 44" W.
124 deg. 26' 08" W.
124 deg. 27' 00" W.
124 deg. 26' 23" W.
124 deg. 26* 34" W. (centroid)
The adjusted site is located approximately 1,500 feet north-northeast of the
interim site, also approximately 1 mile from the entrance. Its dimensions are
slightly larger than the interim site, 3,500 feet by 1,750 feet, and occupies
approximately 150 acres (.17 sq nautical miles). Average depth and
southeast-northwest orientation are similar to the interim site.
EIS-6
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III. ALTERNATIVES
General. Under the MPRSA, designation of ocean dumping sites follow specific
requirements. In conjunction with the MPRSA, the Ocean Dumping Regulations,
as well as related EPA and Corps policies, must be followed. Guidance for the
evaluation process has been provided by the joint EPA/Corps workbook (1984).
This process generally involved three major phases. Phase I includes
delineation of the general area or Zone of Siting Feasibility (ZSF), i.e.,
disposal is economically and technically feasible. The ZSF is determined by
establishing the reasonable haul distance, considering factors such as
available dredging equipment, energy use constraints, costs, and safety
concerns. Existing information on resources, uses, and environmental concerns
are reviewed and critical resources and areas of incompatibility identified.
Phase II involves identification of candidate sites within the ZSF based on
information evaluated in Phase I. Additional studies can be conducted to
further evaluate environmental and other factors, such as disposal site
management considerations. Phase III consists of evaluation of candidate
sites and selection of preferred site(s) for formal designation by EPA.
Preparation of this EIS and the designation rule is part of Phase III.
Constraints. Dredging of the coastal ports is limited to a season from May
through September. That limit is imposed by the weather and sea states that
predominate in the Northwest. The size of the ZSF is controlled by the
capability and availability of dredging equipment as allocated among nine
Oregon coastal projects, and the haul distance. The limited operating time
available for completing the maintenance dredging along the Oregon coast,
therefore, requires a combination of government and private dredges. In a
typical year, the Coquille project requires equipment which will permit
production of 6,000 cy per day or approximately 14 days of work. Longer
hauling distances increase vessel operating costs and increase the time
required for completion of the work. Based on these factors, the limit of the
Coquille ZSF from a practical economic viewpoint is 1.5 nautical miles.
Resource Considerations. The natural and cultural resources of the area
within the ZSF were identified from information obtained through review of
literature, interviews with resource agencies, local users and through site-
specific studies (appendix A). Critical information was evaluated and mapped
to identify areas of resource conflict. The selection of resources to use for
this determination was dependent on whether the resource was considered
limited. A coast-wide resource, i.e., flat fish spawning area, was not
considered a limited resource and was not included in the overlay evaluation
technique.
Equipment Considerations. A hopper dredge must be used for maintenance work
near the river entrance because the rough seas encountered at the entrance are
not suitable for safe operation of a pipeline dredge. With a hopper dredge,
dredged material disposal would normally occur at an in-water site. There are
no suitable sites in the estuary because of its narrowness and shallowness.
Disposal of entrance material inside the estuary would have greater adverse
EIS-7
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environmental impacts than ocean disposal because estuarine habitats are
generally more productive and far less extensive than are nearshore oceanic
habitats. Disposal of the material inside the estuary would also increase the
risk of the material eroding and reshoaling in the channel, potentially
increasing dredging requirements.
Consideration of Upland Disposal Options. Upland disposal of entrance channel
material typically is not feasible for economic and environmental reasons.
Upland sites with large capacity seldom exist at such locations. More distant
upland sites incur substantially greater costs for rehandling and
transportation of the material and alteration of the sites normally involves
some environmental impact. Creation of a rehandling area also may involve
substantial environmental effects through alteration of marine or estuarine
habitats. Another potential adverse impact of upland disposal is that the
sediments would be removed from the littoral system and could result in
erosion of nearby shorelines over the long term.
Upland disposal was evaluated as an alternative to designation of an ODMDS. A
potential upland site was located on the north side of the Coquille estuary.
However, because a hopper dredge will be used to dredge the entrance channel,
direct discharge to the site is not possible. An in-water sump would need to
be dredged and the material bottom dumped into it, then pumped ashore with a
pipeline suction dredge. This would increase costs and also would incur
additional adverse environmental impacts by dredging the rehandling site in
the estuary. Therefore, ocean disposal would appear to be the most
practicable disposal alternative at Coquille if the authorized channel is to
be maintained. Upland disposal will also continue to be evaluated as a
potential alternative for specific disposal actions.
Ocean Disposal Options. Three alternatives for ocean disposal were considered
for the Coquille ODMDS.
1) Termination of ocean disposal at Coquille.
2) Designation of the existing interim ODMDS.
3) Designation of an adjusted ODMDS.
Based on the evaluation of need and an assessment of environmental impacts
from historic dredged material disposal, termination of ocean disposal at
Coquille is not considered prudent or reasonable. Accordingly, evaluation
focussed on the existing interim ODMDS, the candidate adjusted ODMDS proposed
for designation, and consideration of an adjusted ODMDS beyond the continental
shelf. The procedures used to evaluate these options consisted of evaluating
each of the five general and eleven specific criteria as required in 40 CFR
228.5 and 228.6.
Application of General Criteria. Potential ODMDS sites were evaluated in
terms of the following general criteria.
Minimal Interference With Other Activities. The first of the five
criteria requires that a determination be made as to whether the site will
minimize interference of the proposed disposal operations with other uses of
the marine environment. This determination was made by overlaying several
EIS-8
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individual maps presented in the technical appendices onto a base map showing
bathymetry and location of the interim disposal site and the ZSF. The
following were evaluated as potential incompatibilities or resources of
limited distribution.
Navigation Hazards Area/Other Recreation Areas
Shellfish Areas
Critical Aquatic Resource
Commercial and Sport Fishing Areas
Geological Features
Cultural and Historical Areas
Figure 2 shows the results of overlaying of each of the individual resources
to identify areas of highest cumulative resource interaction. The darker the
area the more interactions between various limited resources are taking place.
The existing interim site at Coquille lies in a region of extreme navigation
hazard due to exposed and partially exposed reefs. In addition to presenting
hazards to navigation, these are unusual features along the coast and support
a variety of aquatic organisms, including bull kelp (Nerocvstis lutkeana) and
its associated fish and invertebrate community. The alternate site may lie at
the southern end of a squid spawning area.
Most of the ZSF is within the area utilized by commercial and sport salmon
fishing. This area is commercially fished summer and fall of each year
(actual length of the fishing season is set annually by the Pacific Fisheries
Management Council). Disposal operations can take place from May through
October of each year. There is an overlap of times, but communications with
ODFW personnel indicate no observable conflicts between the two uses of the
area. The recreation salmonid fishery is not concentrated in one location or
time of year, and there have been no observable conflicts between sports
fishermen and disposal operations. Appendix A provides a discussion of all
potential conflicts within the ZSF with living resources.
Minimizes Changes in Water Quality. The second of the five general
criteria requires that changes to ambient seawater quality levels occurring
outside the disposal site be within water quality standards and that no
detectable contaminants reach beaches, shorelines, sanctuaries, or
geographically limited fisheries or shel 1 fisheries. The material from the
entrance channel is characterized as clean sand; because of this no
contaminants or suspended solids are expected to be released. No significant
water quality perturbations are expected. Bottom movement of deposited
material is discussed in Appendix B and, in general, shows a net offshore
movement rather than moving toward a limited resource.
Interim Sites Which Do Not Meet Criteria. The evaluation indicates that
the interim disposal site may not meet the criteria and factors established in
40 CFR 228.5 due to navigation hazards in a portion of the site. Concern for
safety of the hopper dredge when the hopper doors are open suggests that it
EIS-9
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^^¦Ai
OVERLAY EVALUATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESOURCES
FOR HIGHEST CUMULATIVE RESOURCE VALUE
FIGURE 2
E1S -10
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would be prudent to adjust the site slightly to the north away from the
subsurface rocks. In addition, discharge at theinterim site may be impacting
aquatic resources associated with those rocky habitats. While the site may be
environmentally acceptable for the present types and quantities of dredged
material it receives on an annual basis, a less potentially damaging
alternative location exists and is considered preferable to the interim site.
Size of Sites. The size, configuration, and location of the site was
evaluated as part of the study. The adjusted Coquille site proposed for
designation is 3,500 feet long and 1,750 feet wide and encompasses
approximately 150 acres. It is similar in size, shape, and location to the
other interim ODMDS located along the Oregon coast. Both the interim and
adjusted ODMDS are dispersive. The interim site has handled the volumes of
material received annually in the past. Although volumes of material going to
the ODMDS are expected to increase slightly in the future as alternative
disposal options are exhausted, this increase is not expected to seriously
impact site capacity or resources outside the ODMDS. Public notices issued by
the Corps for ocean disposal operations at various federally-authorized
projects, as required by MPRSA, have not generated concerns about undue
impacts from their use. Both Coquille ODMDS are located close enough to shore
and harbor facilities that monitoring and surveillance programs, if required,
could easily be accomplished. Disposal practices could be altered or site
boundaries adjusted if warranted.
Sites Off The Continental Shelf. Any possible disposal sites off the
continental shelf near Oregon are at least 20 nautical miles offshore. The
ZSF for Coquille was defined after determining the economical haul distance
(1.5 nautical miles) from shore. While there may be some flexibility in
operations that could increase the haul distance somewhat, the minimum 20
nautical mile haul to utilize a continental slope disposal site is
economically prohibitive. The cost involved would make the federally-
authorized Coquille River project infeasible. The purpose of such a site
preference is to minimize environmental impacts from ocean dumping. In this
instance, evaluation of historic ocean dumping of dredged material did not
reveal actual or potential resource conflicts or unacceptable adverse
environmental effects due to ocean dumping of Coquille material at the
proposed adjusted ODMDS. Site sampling and evaluation and post-disposal
monitoring would be difficult and would be substantially more expensive due to
distance from shore and depth of water. In summary, use of an ODMDS off the
continental shelf did not offer any environmental advantages over a site
located closer to the shore but did involve substantially greater economic
disadvantages.
Application of Specific Criteria. Both ODMDS have been evaluated in terms of
the following specific criteria.
Geographic Location. Figure 1 indicates the location of the Coquille
interim ODMDS and the adjusted ODMDS. Appendix B contains a detailed
discussion of the bottom conditions at the ZSF. The interim site lies in 40
to 80 feet of water, 1,250 yards offshore from the entrance to the Coquille
River. Corner coordinates are:
EIS-11
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43 deg. 07' 54" N.
43 deg. 07' 30" N.
43 deg. 07' 20" N.
and 43 deg. 07' 44" N.
124 deg. 27' 04" W.
124 deg. 26' 27" W.
124 deg. 26' 40" W.
124 deg. 27' 17" W.
The disposal site's center is on a 280 degree azimuth from the river mouth.
In general, the interim site lies just north of the submerged extension of
Coquille Point on bottom contours sloping at about 60 feet per mile.
The adjusted ODMDS lies 1,500 feet north-northeast of the interim 0DMDS.
Bottom contours and depths at the adjusted site are similar to those at the
interim ODMDS. The adjusted site has the following corner and centroid
coordinates:
43 deg.
08'
26"
N.
124 deg. 26'
44"
W.
43 deg.
08'
03"
N.
124 deg. 26'
08"
W.
43 deg.
08'
13"
N.
124 deg. 27'
00"
w.
and 43 deg.
07'
50"
N.
124 deg. 26'
23"
w.
43 deg.
08'
08"
N.
124 deg. 26'
34"
W. (centroid)
Distance From Important Living Resources. Aquatic resources of the ZSF
are described in detail in appendix A. The interim and adjusted sites are
located in the nearshore area, and contain an abundance of aquatic life
characteristic of nearshore, sandy, wave-influenced regions common along the
coasts of the Pacific Northwest. The dominant commercially and recreationally
important macroinvertebrate species in the area are shellfish, Dungeness crab,
and squid. Recently, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has
identified a squid spawning area that overlays the adjusted site. Numerous
species of birds and marine mammals occur in the pelagic nearshore and
shoreline habitats in the ZSF.
The nearshore area off the Coquille River supports a variety of pelagic and
demersal fish species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon, steelhead,
cutthroat trout, striped bass, and shad which migrate through the estuary to
upriver spawning areas. Although migratory species are present throughout the
year, individual species are present only during certain times of the year.
Demersal species present include English sole, sanddab, and starry flounder
which spawn in the inshore coastal area in the summer. Benthic sampling and
composition are discussed in detail in appendix A. The species of
invertebrates inhabiting the sandy portions of the ZSF are the more motile
psamnitic (sand-dwelling) forms which tolerate or require high sediment flux.
Past and anticipated future disposal activities are not expected to
significantly effect this community beyond the initial physical impacts of
disposal. Abundances of some benthic organisms were higher at the adjusted
site than at the interim site.
The interim site contains submerged rocky habitats and is immediately adjacent
to the neritic reefs described in detail in appendix A. These are unusual
features along the coast and support a variety of aquatic organisms, including
bull kelp (Nerocvstis lutkeana) and its associated fish and invertebrate
community. Pelagic species associated with the neritic reefs to the east and
EIS—12
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south of the estuary and jetties include both resident and non-resident
species. The shallower reefs are dominated by black rockfish while the deeper
reefs are dominated by lingcod, yellow rockfish and black rockfish. These
rocky areas also have a very different benthic composition from the
surrounding, sandy environments. Past disposal activity does not appear to
have significantly impacted this community.
The ocean waters contain many nearshore pelagic organisms which include
zooplankton and meroplankton (fish, crab and other invertebrate larvae).
These organisms generally display seasonal changes in abundance and, since
they are present over most of the coast, are not critical to overall coastal
populations. Based on evidence from previous zooplankton and larval fish
studies, no impacts to organisms in the water column are predicted (Sullivan &
Hancock, 1978).
Portland District requested an endangered species listing for the ZSF from
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS). The brown pelican and the gray whale represent the only species which
were listed. Based on previous biological assessments conducted along the
Oregon coast regarding impacts to the brown pelican and the gray whale, no
impact to either species is anticipated from the project. Letters of
concurrence are included in appendix F, Comments and Coordination.
In summary, both the interim and adjusted ODMDS contain living resources that
could be affected by disposal activities. Evaluation of past disposal
activities do not indicate that unacceptable adverse effects to these
resources have occurred. The interim site contains and is in close proximity
to submerged rocks and reefs with rich and varied aquatic communities. There
is no evidence that past disposal has seriously impacted these communities,
and in the absence of any other disposal location the interim site should be
considered an acceptable site. However, the adjusted site represents a
potentially less impacting location and its use is considered environmentally
preferable.
Distance From Beaches and Other Amenities. The southeast corner of the
proposed site is approximately 1,250 yards from the end of the north jetty.
Both the interim and adjusted ODMDS are far enough removed that use of either
site would not affect these amenities.
Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited at the Site. The final
designated ODMDS will receive dredged materials transported by either
government or private contractor hopper dredges. The current dredges
available for use at Coquille have hopper capacities from 800 to 4,000 cy.
This would be the range in volumes of dredged material disposed of in any one
dredging/disposal cycle. Upwards of 100,000 cy of material can be placed at
the site in one dredging season by any combination of private and government
dredgers. The dredges would be under power and moving while disposing. This
allows the ship to maintain steerage.
The material dredged from the entrance channel consists of medium to fine
grain marine sands. The dredged material shows a wider variation in median
grain size and tends to be slightly coarser than the ambient sediments at the
EIS-13
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proposed disposal site. The differences are small enough that the sediments
are considered compatible. The occasional gravel sized sediments occur in
such small quantities and so infrequently as to cause no problems. Appendices
B and C provide grain size information for the disposal area and the dredged
area. All sediments destined for ocean disposal is subject to specific
evaluation, including independent review by EPA. Past sediments discharged at
the interim ODMDS have been clean sands that met the exclusion criteria (40
CFR 227.13(b)).
Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring. The proximity of the
interim disposal site to shore facilities creates an ideal situation for
shore-based monitoring of disposal activities to ensure that material is
actually discharged at the disposal site. There is routinely a Coast Guard
vessel patrolling the entrance and nearshore areas so surveillance can also be
accomplished by surface vessel.
Following formal designation of an ODMDS for Coquille, EPA and the Corps will
develop a site management plan which will address the need for post-disposal
monitoring. Several research groups are available in the area to perform any
required field monitoring. The work could be performed from small surface
research vessels at a reasonable cost.
Dispersal. Horizontal Transport, and Vertical Mixing Characteristics of
the Area. The nearshore circulation at Coquille is influenced by the complex
bathymetry and geology. Bottom currents have been observed by video camera
and were recorded in April-May 1985. Currents were toward the north and
offshore with velocity under .5 feet/second. The area at Coquille is exposed
to normal wave action as described in appendix B. The material dredged from
the entrance channel at Coquille River is fine to medium sand. For the range
of depths and grain sizes found at either of the Coquille ODMDS sites there is
essentially constant mobility of bottom sediment due to wave action. This
wave-induced motion is not responsible for net transport, but, once in motion,
bottom sediments can be affected by other forces such as gravity or
directional currents. Sediments discharged at either of the ODMDS would be
expected to join the littoral movement and disperse gradually out of the site.
Effects of Previous Disposal. Appendix B, table B-l, gives volumes of
material disposed of over the last 10 years. The 10 year range of disposal
has varied from 25,000 to 116,000 cy; on average, about 59,000 cy are annually
discharged to the ocean. Future volumes are expected to be similar, although
probably showing some increase as other disposal options are exhausted.
No biological information has been found to exist regarding the interim site
prior to any disposal having occurred. It is expected that no significant
impacts to the interim site have occurred beyond the yearly, site-specific
effects of disposal. Beyond the observation that abundances of some benthic
organisms are lower inside the interim ODMDS than other locations outside
(which may be related to past disposal), there appear to be no apparent
disposal effects.
No pre- or post-disposal studies on water or sediment quality have been
performed. Sediments disposed in the past are identical to sediments
EIS—14
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collected in close proximity to the interim site (appendix B) and have met the
exclusion criteria for testing.
Interference With Other Uses of the Ocean.
Commercial Fishing: Two commercial fisheries occur in the inshore area:
salmon trawling and Dungeness crab fishing (appendix A). The length of the
salmon fishing season varies each year depending upon the established quota;
however, it normally extends from July to September. During this period, the
potential exists for conflicts between the dredge and fishing boats. The
Coast Guard and ODFW indicated that this had never been a problem to their
knowledge. The Dungeness crab season extends from December 1 to August 15
each year; however, most of the crabbing occurs prior to June and usually ends
early because of the increase in soft shell crabs in the catch which are not
marketable. As a result, most crab fishing is done outside of the normal
dredging season and it is unlikely that a conflict would result. ODFW has
identified a potential squid fishery in the area. No fishery exists at
present, but stocks may be sufficient to support a fishery if a market
develops. There are no commercial fish or shellfish aquaculture operations
that would currently be impacted by use of the existing disposal site.
Recreational Fishing: Both private party and charterboat recreational
fishing for salmon and rock and reef fish occurs in the inshore area off
Coquille River. The sports salmon fishing season coincides with the
commercial season and extends from summer until the quota for the area is
reached. Most of the sports fishery occurs along the south reef because of
navigational hazards on the north reef. Potential exists for recreational
fishing boats to conflict with dredging and disposal operations; however, none
has been reported to date. It is unlikely that any significant conflict will
develop in the near future (U.S. Coast Guard, personal communication).
Offshore Mining Operations: No offshore mining presently occurs;
although, considerations for offshore mining and oil/gas leases are in the
development stages. The disposal site is not expected to interfere with such
proposed operations, as most exploration programs are scheduled for the outer
continental shelf.
Navigation: No conflicts with commercial navigation traffic have been
recorded in the more than 60-year history of hopper dredging activity. The
probable reason for this is the light commercial traffic through the Coquille
navigation channel. Interviews with Coast Guard personnel also did not
produce any instances of conflicts with either commercial or recreational
traffic. Navigation hazards exist within the ZSF (e.g., rock
outcroppings/reefs) which have been considered in positioning the adjusted
ODMDS. Ships cannot navigate within the area south of the interim disposal
site.
Scientific: There are no identified scientific study locations within
the ZSF. However, there is a permanent wave buoy several miles offshore in 70
meter water depth. This buoy is part of a Pacific Coast wave data network
operated by Scripps for the Corps of Engineers.
EIS-15
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Coastal Zone Management: In reviewing proposed ODMDS for consistency
with the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) plan, they are evaluated against
Oregon's Statewide Goal 19 (Ocean Resources). Local jurisdiction does not
extend beyond the baseline for territorial seas and, therefore, local plans do
not address offshore sites. Goal 19 requires that agencies determine the
impact of proposed projects or actions. Paragraph 2.g of Goal 19 specifically
addresses dredged material disposal. It states that agencies shall "provide
for suitable sites and practices for the open sea discharge of dredged
material which do not substantially interfere with or detract from the use of
the continental shelf for fishing, navigation, or recreation, or from the
long-term protection of renewable resources." Decisions to take an action,
such as designating an ocean disposal site, are to be preceded by an inventory
and based on sound information and on an understanding of the resources and
potential impacts. In addition, there should be a contingency plan and
emergency procedures to be followed in the event that the operation results in
conditions which threaten to damage the environment.
Ocean disposal sites for dredged material are designated following guidelines
prepared by the EPA (Ocean Dumping Regulations). Site selection is to be
based on studies and an evaluation of the potential impacts (40 CFR Part
228.4(e)). This meets the requirements of State Goal 19 for decisions to be
based on inventory and a sound understanding of impacts. The five general and
eleven specific criteria for the designation of a site presented in 40 CFR
Parts 228.5 and 228.6 outline the type of studies to be conducted and the
resources to be considered. According to 40 CFR Part 228.5(a), ocean disposal
will only be allowed at sites "selected to minimize the interference of
disposal activities with other activities in the marine environment,
particularly avoiding areas of existing fisheries or shel1 fisheries, and
regions of heavy commercial or recreational navigation." Monitoring is to be
conducted at ocean disposal sites; and if adverse effects are observed, use of
the site may be modified or terminated. The requirements of the ocean dumping
regulations are broad enough to meet the needs of Goal 19. Therefore, the
designation of this site for ocean disposal of dredged material following the
ocean dumping regulations would be consistent with Goal 19 and the State of
Oregon's Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Existing Water Quality and Ecology. Water quality off the mouth of the
Coquille River is considered excellent, typical of unpolluted seawater along
the Pacific Northwest coast. No short or long term impacts on water quality
are expected to be associated with disposal operations. The ecology of the
area is presented in appendix A. The offshore area is a northwest Pacific
mobile sand community bordered by a neritic reef system. Evaluation of the
interim ODMDS in light of past disposal did not indicate any significant
adverse effects to those communities. Designation and use of the adjusted
ODMDS is not expected to have significant ecological consequences and provides
additional distance from the reef community.
Potential for Recruitment of Nuisance Species. It is highly unlikely
that any nuisance species could be transported or attracted to the disposal
site as result of dredging and disposal activities.
EIS-16
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Existence of Significant Natural or Cultural Features. The neritic
reefs off the Oregon coast comprise a unique ecological feature. They support
a wide variety of invertebrates and fish species as well as bull kelp
communities. These areas are partially sheltered from wave action and receive
nutrients from both the ocean and the estuaries are usually highly productive.
Potential areas of shipwrecks are shown in appendix D. Given the
characteristics of the Coquille Bar, onshore current patterns, and hard sand
bottom, and the fact that the ship channel over the bar has been actively
maintained by dredging and removal of wrecks from the 1860's to present, it is
unlikely that any wrecks have survived in the vicinity of the disposal site.
Based on this information it is unlikely that any significant cultural
resources will be affected by the continued use of the disposal site.
Appendix E with supplementary side scan sonar data was reviewed by the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SHPO concurred with the Corps' findings
of no cultural resources concerns. The SHPO letter of concurrence is included
in appendix F.
Selection of Preferred Alternative. Based upon the information contained in
this EIS, designation of an ODMDS off the Coquille River, Oregon, is
considered necessary. After applying the five general and eleven specific
criteria to the available options, designation of the adjusted ODMDS was
selected as the preferred alternative. Continued use of the interim ODMDS
would not be expected to cause unacceptably adverse environmental effects.
The interim disposal site encompasses large areas of exposed rock and
scattered rock outcrops as well as areas covered by fine sand. The extent of
rock exposures and proximity to reef shoals presents both a hazard to the
hopper dredges and potential for some adverse environmental impacts. The
adjusted site does not have these concerns and is therefore considered the
better site.
EIS-17
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Left Blank
EIS—18
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IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
General. A brief summary of existing conditions within the ZSF or
specifically at the interim or ODMDS is presented below and is the basis for
evaluating the suitability of the sites for ocean disposal. More detailed
information on the affected environment is presented in the appendices which
were reproduced from the Corps' Site Evaluation Report. Information regarding
the nature and frequency of the sediments dredged from the Coquille navigation
channel entrance is also provided.
Physical Environment.
General. The topography of the seafloor offshore in the ZSF is varied
and complex. To the north of the Coquilie's mouth the bed slopes evenly at
1.1/1000 from a depth of 24 to 84 feet. South of the mouth a line of islets,
skerries and submerged rock pinnacles runs in a southeast-northwest direction.
Below 84 feet, there is a rocky reef with an irregular surface featuring both
hollows and high points. No evidence of mounding from previously disposed
dredged material was found in a July, 1985 survey (appendix B).
The interim ODMDS encompasses large areas of exposed rock and scattered rock
outcrops, as well as areas covered by fine sand. Depths vary between 42 and
84 feet. Because of the extent of rock exposures which constitute a
navigation hazard for the hopper dredges, it was concluded that a different
location for the disposal site should be found. A potential site (the
adjusted ODMDS) was identified and defined that lies 1,500 feet north-
northwest of the interim site. The sediment at the adjusted ODMDS is
primarily fine sand with small amounts of medium and coarse sand, and includes
minor quantities of fines. Depths at the proposed site also range between 42
and 84 feet.
The sediments dredged from the entrance of Coquille are fine marine sands
identical to existing nearshore sediments. Under winter wave conditions
common to this part of the Pacific Coast, these fine sands are highly mobile
to a depth of 90-120 feet. Summer wave conditions commonly mobilize sands to
a depth of 40-60 feet. While waves are responsible for resuspending bottom
sediment, including dredged material, it is the long-term mean current that
determines the extent and direction of dispersal. The dredged material from
the Coquille entrance channel shows a wider variation in median grain size and
tends to be slightly coarser than the ambient sediments at either the interim
or adjusted ODMDS. The differences are small enough that the sediments are
considered compatible. Occasional gravel-sized sediments occur in small
quantities and so infrequently as to cause no problems at the disposal sites.
Despite the slight difference in size between offshore sediments and dredged
material, samples taken inside the interim disposal site are indistinguishable
from those taken outside the site. The most recent bathymetric surveys by the
Corps have shown no mounding in the interim ODMDS. Disposal activities have
had no noticeable impact on either the bottom sediment or bathymetry.
EIS-19
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Littoral transport mechanisms have competence and capacity to move all of the
material.
Geology. There are zones of heavy mineral concentrations in black sand
deposits offshore of the mouth of the Coquille River, but they are located
several miles to the northwest of the disposal area. A deposit of gravel that
also contains concentrations of gold lies several miles southwest of the
disposal area. While these deposits have commercial potential, they all lie
outside the ZSF. Oil and gas exploration is concentrated on the outer shelf.
Thus far, only traces of oil and gas have been found in wells drilled off the
Oregon coast.
Circulation and Currents. The nearshore mean circulation is alongshore,
closely paralleling the bathymetric contours, with a lesser onshore-offshore
component. Circulation patterns are variable with season and weather
conditions. In winter the general shelf circulation is to the north although
short periods of southerly flow occur. Coos Bay studies suggest that offshore
flow along the Oregon Coast is more common in the winter. This would indicate
a tendency for sediment in the ZSF to move north and west under winter
circulation conditions. During the remainder of the year, flow is southerly
with lower current velocities than in winter. Periodic changes in summer wind
direction cause episodes of upwelling in which offshore near-shore water
transport causes a compensating near-bottom onshore flow. These upwelling
events continue for several days at a time, and occur between April and July.
Near-bottom flow during summer should be generally southerly with
onshore/offshore flow varying due to local wind conditions. Sediment movement
would vary with these circulation patterns.
Water and Sediment Quality. Water and sediment quality throughout the
ZSF is expected to be typical for seawater of the Pacific Northwest. There is
no reason to expect significant chemical contamination as few heavy industries
are located along the estuary. There is commercial fishing, fish processing,
and three lumber mills—including the Moore Mill at RM 1.3. These mills have
been operating intermittently during the last several years and they do not
seem to have increased the organic load, as measured by the volatile solids
(appendix C). No specific sediment or water quality analyses at Coquille have
been done. Limited analyses have been performed at other estuarine locations
in Oregon which show very low levels of contaminants of concern (USGS 1983 and
Felstul 1988).
Biological Environment.
General. Aquatic resources of the ZSF are described in detail in
appendix A. Both ODMDS sites are located in the nearshore area and the
overlying waters contain many nearshore pelagic organisms. The interim site
is also adjacent to the neritic reefs which are described in detail in
appendix A. These reefs are unusual features along the coast and support a
variety of aquatic organisms. Bull kelp and its associated fish and
invertebrate community are also associated with the neritic reefs.
Benthic. Based on the analysis of benthic samples collected at and to
the north and south of the Coquille interim ODMDS, the benthic faunal
EIS—20
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communities throughout most of the ZSF are characteristic of nearshore, sandy,
wave-influenced regions common along the Pacific Northwest coast. The
adjusted ODMDS, between 40 and 70 feet deep, had a high abundance of
polychaete worms and gammarid amphipods. Lower abundances of these groups
were present at the interim site. The invertebrates inhabiting the sandy
portions of the ZSF are the more motile, sand-dwelling forms which tolerate or
require high sediment flux. They are typical of other shallow water disposal
sites such as Coos Bay sites E and F (Hancock et al. 1981). The rocky areas
(skerries, islets, pinnacles, etc.) within the ZSF have a very different
species composition and greater diversity. The infaunal community consists of
over 131 species, many of which are encrusting forms or those generally
associated with coarse shell, rocks and larger grained sediments.
The dominant commercially and recreationally important macroinvertebrate
species in the inshore coastal area are shellfish, Dungeness crabs and squid.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has begun studying squid
resources, and a spawning area offshore from the disposal site has recently
been identified.
Fishes. The nearshore area off the Coquille River supports a variety of
pelagic and demersal fish species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon,
steel head, cutthroat trout, striped bass and shad that migrate through the
spawning areas. Other pelagic species include the Pacific herring, anchovy,
surf smelt, and sea perch. Surf smelt in particular occur in nearshore areas
in the estuary in large numbers during the summer.
77. Although migratory species are present throughout the year, individual
species are only present during certain times of the year.
Demersal species present in the inshore area include a number of flatfish,
which occur primarily over the sandflats. English sole, sanddab, and starry
flounder spawn in the inshore coastal area in the summer and juveniles of
these as well as other marine species rear in the estuary.
Pelagic species that are associated with the neritic reefs to the west and
south of the estuary and jetties include both resident and non-resident
species. The shallower reefs are dominated by black rockfish while the deeper
reefs are dominated by lingcod, yellow rockfish and black rockfish.
Wildlife. Numerous species of birds and marine mammals occur in the
pelagic, nearshore, and shoreline habitats throughout the ZSF. Principle
species found offshore are Leach's storm petrel, Brandt's cormorant, pelagic
cormorant, western gull, glaucous-winged gull, common murre, and harbor seal.
Either disposal site would comprise a portion of the foraging area for these
species. Nesting by pelagic and Brandt's cormorants, common murres, and
glaucous-winged and western gulls occurs on nearby offshore rocks. The
presence of nearby foraging sites is an important parameter in the nesting
success of these species. Harbor seals also haul out and pup on these
offshore rocks.
Endangered Species. Portland District requested an endangered species
listing for the site from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The brown pelican and the gray whale were
EIS-Z1
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the only species listed. Based on previous biological assessments conducted
along the Oregon coast regarding impacts to the brown pelican and the gray
whale, no impact to the species was anticipated from continued dredging and
ocean disposal operations. Letters of concurrence are included in appendix F,
Comments and Coordination.
Socio-Economic Environment.
General. The Coquille River enters the Pacific Ocean at the city of
Bandon in Coos County, Oregon and navigation on the river is critical to the
local economy. The city of Bandon has a population of 2,270 with an additional
2,000 people within the city's market area. Coos County has a population of
61,000 (USCE, March, 1987). The area has been suffering from a chronically
depressed economy in recent years.
Natural Resource Harvesting (Commercial 1. Forest products in the form
of standard and specialty cuts of lumber have traditionally been the largest
component of the local economy. Commercial fishing is the second largest
industry in Coos County. Both of these sectors rely to some extent on the
Coquille River navigation channel.
Large offshore deposits of black sands have been identified a few miles to the
northwest of the Coquille River mouth, but none within the ZSF. This deposit
was found to have a black sand concentration of between 10 to 30 percent.
Minerals of primary interest in black sands are gold, platinum, and chromite,
but the sands also contain numerous other heavy minerals. The offshore
deposits found near the Coquille River are not currently being mined, but
sites are being considered for exploration.
A large gravel deposit is located to the southwest of the ZSF. Included
within the deposit is a gold anomaly zone with a concentration of over 0.005
parts per million (ppm) gold. The gravels are being considered as a potential
future source of aggregate for urban areas in California. The gold could
conceivably add to the attractiveness of the deposits by compensating for some
of the dredging costs. While there have been several attempt to find oil and
gas along the Oregon coast, no test well has produced more than traces of oil
and gas. The offshore well nearest to the mouth of the Coquille River was
about 12 miles to the northwest, at which nothing more than traces of gas was
found. Wells just a few miles inland from the mouth were no more productive.
Recreation. Sport fishing and recreational boating occur and the Bandon
community has made a concerted effort to develop a stronger tourist trade in
an attempt to diversify the local economy (USCE, March, 1987). The area
around the mouth of the Coquille River receives recreational use year-round
with the most popular months being from May through September. Primary
activities include fishing, camping, beachcombing, sightseeing and picnicking.
Bui lards Beach State Park extends north along the coast for several miles from
the north jetty. Another state park, the Bandon Ocean Wayside, is located
along the coast approximately one mile south of the Bandon city center.
The Coquille River jetties are popular for fishing. Fishing pressure is
heaviest from June through August when surf conditions are less threatening
EIS—22
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and unpredictable than in winter. The offshore fishery is primarily rockfish
and salmon. The most popular and productive area is offshore of Coquille
Point to the south of the river. Also see appendix D.
Cultural Resources. Research and analyses of the relevant historical
records and the preservation context (suitability of the existing
environmental conditions for preserving cultural resources) indicate that the
most likely cultural resources within the project area are shipwrecks. Wrecks
in the study area tend to occur in surf zones or on beaches. They are not
likely to be found in the proposed disposal site. It is also highly unlikely
that any evidence of prehistoric sites would be present in the offshore sites,
based upon the environmental conditions found in the area. Additional
information is provided in appendix E.
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Left Blank
EIS—24
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
General. The proposed action is the designation of a site to be available for
ocean disposal of dredged material. Designation of the site itself is an
administrative action that would not have any direct environmental effects;
however, it would subject the site to use as an ocean disposal area. Although
no significant impacts are predicted by this designation action, EPA has
voluntarily committed to preparing and circulating EISs as part of the
designation process. This EIS addresses the likely effects of disposal at
either the interim or the adjusted ODMDS based upon the Corps' current O&M
dredging program for the Coquille River navigation project. A separate
evaluation of the suitability of dredged material and disposal impacts will be
conducted for each proposed disposal action by the Corps as required under
Section 103 of the MPRSA. EPA independently reviews all proposed ocean
disposal of dredged material.
Physical Effects. Disposal of dredged material from the Coquille River
entrance channel at either the interim or adjusted ODMDS would not have a
significant effect on the physical environment. The material consists of
clean sand which is slightly coarser than that present at the disposal sites
but is still compatible for disposal on the sandy bottom. At the interim
ODMDS, some rocky bottom habitat might be buried by disposal of sand on it.
The dredged material would disperse from the site in the littoral drift system
with movement expected to be to the north and offshore during the winter and
lesser movement to the south in summer. No mounding is expected to occur.
The physical placement of dredged material would be expected to have short-
term effects on the rocky habitats. These effects would be more severe than
those that would occur if the material was placed on sandy areas; however,
they are not judged to be significant.
The material dredged from the river entrance channel consists of clean sand.
It is not expected to contain significant levels of contaminants of concern
and would meet the exclusion criteria in 40 CFR 227.13(b). Disposal of this
material would not introduce contaminants to the sediments at the disposal
site or degrade water quality. Short term turbidity effects are anticipated.
A separate evaluation of the suitability of dredged material and disposal
impacts will be conducted for each proposed disposal action by the Corps as
required under Section 103 of the MPRSA. EPA will independently review all
proposed ocean disposal of dredged material.
No mineral resources are expected to be affected by disposal at either ODMDS.
Biological Effects. The interim and adjusted ODMDS are located in the
nearshore area, and contain an abundance of aquatic life characteristic of
nearshore, sandy, wave-influenced regions common along the coasts of the
Pacific Northwest. These include zooplankton such as copepods, euphausiids,
and meroplankton (fish, crab and other invertebrate larvae). These organisms
generally display seasonal changes in abundance and are present over most of
the coast. Based on evidence from various zooplankton and larval fish
EIS—25
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studies, it appears that there will not be any impacts to organisms in the
water column (Sullivan and Hancock, 1977). Impacts to the biological
environment would be primarily to the benthic community. Some mortality would
occur as a result of smothering. Most of the benthic species present are
motile and adapted to a high energy environment with shifting sands.
Therefore, many would likely survive the effects of disposal. In addition,
some recolonization would occur from surrounding areas since the sediments
would be compatible. The rate of recolonization would be affected by disposal
frequency. Impacts could be greater in the rocky portion of the interim site
where more species are found and many of them are sessile or encrusting forms
which are more susceptible to smothering. Although significant adverse
impacts are not predicted for use of either the interim or adjusted ODMDS, use
of the adjusted ODMDS would result in less environmental impact.
Larger, more motile organisms such as fish, birds and marine mammal species
would likely avoid the disposal activity or move out once it is begun. They
would likely be exposed to short term turbidity at most. Therefore, impacts
are expected to be limited to disturbance rather than injury or mortality.
The brown pelican and the gray whale are the only endangered species indicated
by the USFWS and NMFS as likely to occur in the project area. Based on
previous biological assessments regarding impacts to these species along the
Oregon coast, no impact to either species is anticipated from the designation
or use of the ocean disposal sites.
Socio-Economic Effects. The designation of an ocean disposal site for dredged
material off the mouth of the Coquille River would allow the continued
maintenance and possible improvement of the navigation channel. This would
result in waterborne commerce remaining an important component of the local
economy. If a site is not designated, maintenance dredging may ultimately
cease for lack of adequate disposal sites or other, potentially more
environmentally sensitive habitats (e.g., wetlands), would be used. If
maintenance dredging of the channel ceases, the channel would shoal in and
become unsafe or unusable. Shipping and fishing traffic would have to be
directed through other ports and the local economy would suffer.
No known mineral or economic resources would be impacted by disposal at the
interim or adjusted ODMDS.
The interim and adjusted ODMDS are located outside of any major recreational
use areas. As a result, few impacts to recreation are expected to occur.
Time delays for recreational boaters caused by the passing of the dredge or an
increase in navigation hazards during congested periods could occur.
Conflicts such as these can be considered an inconvenience rather than a
threat to recreational activity. Collisions between recreational boaters and
dredge traffic are unlikely due to the slow speed at which the dredge moves.
There would be a short-term reduction in aesthetics at either disposal site as
a result of turbidity following disposal. The material would settle rapidly
and not affect any areas outside of the disposal area. No impacts would occur
EIS—26
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on the beach or adjacent recreation areas. Recreational considerations are
fully discussed in appendix D.
It is unlikely that any cultural resources are present in either ODMDS.
Designation or use is not expected to have any impact on cultural resources.
Coastal Zone Management. The Coquille Estuary Management Plan and Coos County
Comprehensive Plan have been approved and acknowledged by the State of Oregon.
Both of these plans contain discussions of ocean disposal and recognize the
need to provide for suitable offshore sites for disposal of dredged materials.
No significant effects on ocean, estuarine, or shoreland resources are
anticipated, as goal 19 of Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines
requi re.
The proposed action was determined by the Corps to be consistent with the
acknowledged local comprehensive plans and the State of Oregon Coastal
Management Program. The State of Oregon reviewed the Corps' consistency
determination in the Site Evaluation Report. Their letter is located in
appendix F, Comments and Coordination.
Unavoidable Adverse Impacts. Designation of an ODMDS would allow continued
dredging and disposal of dredged material from the Coquille River entrance
channel with attendant effects.
Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and Maintenance and
Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity. Disposal of dredged material at the
adjusted ODMDS would have a unquantifiable, but apparently minor short- and
long-term effect of the productivity of the ocean environment. Use of the
ODMDS would have a long-term beneficial effect on the economy of the city of
Bandon and Coos County.
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources. Permanent
designation of the adjusted ODMDS for disposal would commit the site and its
resources primarily to that use. Other uses such as oil and gas explorations,
and to varying degrees, mining, fishing, and use by certain aquatic species,
would be constrained or precluded.
E1S-27
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VI. COORDINATION
Coordination By the Corps of Engineers. Procedures used in the evaluation and
the proposed adjustment of the ODMDS site were discussed with the following
State and Federal agencies by the Portland District, Corps of Engineers, to
support their site designation studies and preparation of their Site
Evaluation Report:
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
- Oregon Division of State Lands
These agencies were briefed on the proposed technique from the task force
workbook and existing information was requested of them. Copies of the draft
Site Evaluation Report were provided to them by the Corps and their comments
on the draft were formally requested. Letters received are included in
appendix F.
Agency statements of concurrence or consistency are required for three Federal
laws. The statutes and responsible agencies are:
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended — U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, National Marine Fisheries Service
National Historical Preservation Act of 1966, as amended — Oregon
State Historic Preservation Officer
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended — Oregon
Department of Land Conservation and Development
Consistency or preliminary concurrence letters from the above agencies
received as result of the Corps' report coordination are included in appendix
F. State water quality certifications, as required by Section 401 of the
Clean Water Act, will be obtained for individual dredging actions as part of
the normal permitting or Federal project approval process.
Coordination By EPA. Coordination with the Portland District was maintained
throughout the site designation studies and during preparation of their Site
Evaluation Report. A copy of that report was reviewed by EPA. EPA has
voluntarily committed to prepare and circulate EISs for site designation
actions. A Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on
the final designation of an adjusted ODMDS site off Coquille River, Oregon,
was published in the Federal Register on Friday, January 8, 1988. The Site
Evaluation Report submitted to Region 10, EPA, by the Corps was used as the
basis for preparation of this draft EIS. A formal 45-day public review period
EIS—28
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will allow comments to be received from all State and local agencies, and
private groups and individuals on this proposed designation by EPA. A list of
those who received the draft EIS for comment may be requested. Many of the
same agencies that reviewed the Corps' Site Evaluation Report received the
draft EIS.
As a separate but concurrent action, EPA published a proposed rule in the
Federal Register for formal designation of the adjusted Coquille ODMDS. Both
the notice of availability of the draft EIS and the proposed rule appeared
November 10, 1988 so that the 45-day public review period for the draft rule
overlapped with the public review period for the draft EIS.
Comments on the Draft EIS. Six letters were received on the draft EIS and
proposed rule. The letters of comment and response by EPA are contained in
Appendix G of this EIS.
EIS-29
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EIS—30
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VII. LIST OF PREPARERS
Disposal site studies were designed and conducted by the Corps, in
consultation with EPA, and a Site Evaluation Report was prepared by the
Portland District, Corps of Engineers. That document was submitted to EPA for
review and processing for formal designation by the Regional Administrator,
Region 10. The Corps' Site Evaluation Report was used by EPA as the basis of
the draft and final EIS. The technical appendices from the Site Evaluation
Report are reproduced as appendices to the EIS.
Preparation of draft and final EIS:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
John Malek
Linda Storm
Ocean Dumping
Environmental
Coordinator and Project Officer
Protection Specialist
Preparation of Site Evaluation Report and Technical Appendices:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District:
Michael F. Kidby
A. Rudder Turner,
David R. Felstul
Danil R. Hancock
Stephan A. Chesser
Kim Larson
Geoff Dorsey
William B. Fletcher
Ted 0. Fischer
P.E. Civil Engineer
Jr. Oceanographer
Environmental Specialist
Oceanographer (IPA: Oregon State U.)
Geological Oceanographer
Fishery Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Hydrologist
Civil Engineering Tech
The following contractors prepared reports or provided input to the Site
Evaluation Report:
1. Earth Sciences Associates (sidescan sonar / subbottom profiling)
2. Geo Recon International (sidescan sonar / subbottom profiling)
3. Howard R. Jones, Marine Taxonomic Consultants
(benthic macrofauna analysis)
4. Dr. Charles Sollitt, Dept of Civil Engineering, Oregon State U.
(physical oceanography—current meter work)
5. North Pacific Division Materials Lab [A.C.E.] (sediment analysis)
EIS—31
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EIS-32
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VIII. GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
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APPENDIX A
LIVING RESOURCES
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APPENDIX A
LIVING RESOURCES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph No. Page No.
1.01 Introduction A-l
1.02 Plankton and Fish Larvae A-l
1.11 Benthic Invertebrates A-3
1.26 Macroinvertebrates A-8
1.30 Fisheries A-8
1.35 Commercial and Recreational Fisheries A-10
1.39 Wildlife A-14
LIST OF TABLES
A-l Dominant Copepod Species by season in
Decreasing Order of Abundance A-2
A-2 Dominant Fish Larval Species During the
Two Peaks of Abundance A-3
LIST OF FIGURES
A-l Sampling ^Sites A-4
A-2 Density of Benthic Infauna A-6
A-3 Diversity, Species Richness and Equitability
of Benthic Infauna A-7
A-4 Distribution of Macroinvertebrates A-9
A-5 Distribution of Demersal Fish Species A-ll
A-6 Commercial Fishing Areas .A-12
A-7 Recreational Fishing Areas A-13
A-8 Wildlife Areas A-15
-------
APPENDIX A
LIVING RESOURCES
Introduction
1.01 Information on marine benthic resources was obtained from a field
sampling program conducted in June 1985. There was also a thorough
utilization of a variety of published and unpublished reports, theses, and
personal communications with the ODFW Marine Resources Division biologists.
Critical resources were determined primarily by whether the resource was
unique to the area or was in limited abundance along the Oregon coast.
Plankton and Fish Larvae
1.02 Distribution and abundance of inshore plankton species vary depending
upon nearshore oceanographic conditions. In the summer when the wind is
predominantly from the northwest, surface water is moving south and away from
the shore. Colder, more saline, nutrient-rich water then moves up from the
depths onto the shore. This upwelling phenomenon can extend up to 10 km
offshore and last from days to weeks depending upon the strength and duration
of the wind. Zooplankton taxa during this time are predominantly those from
subarctic water masses.
1.03 In the winter the wind is primarily out of the west and southwest, and
surface waters are transported inshore. The zooplankton community during this
time of the year consists of species from the transitional or Central Pacific
water masses.
1.04 No specific data is available for the area offshore from the Coquille
River. However, Peterson and Miller (1976), and Peterson et al. (1979), have
sampled the zooplankton community off Yaquina River and found copepods to be
the dominant taxa. The species present varied with season. Of the 58 total
species collected, 38 were collected in the summer and 51 in the winter.
Eight occurred commonly in both summer and winter while seven occurred only or
predominantly in the summer and six in the winter. A list of dominant summer
and winter species is given below (table A-l). In general, winter species are
less abundant than summer species.
1.05 Other taxa collected were of minor importance as compared with the
copepod abundance except for a few organisms during parts of the year. (A
list of the other taxa collected is given in tables A-2 and A-3).
1.06 The other plankton species of importance is the megalops larval stage of
the Dungeness crab (Cancer magister). Lough (1976) has reported that megalops
occur inshore from January to May and are apparently retained there by the
strong longshore and onshore components of the surface currents in the winter.
After May, the megalops metamorphose into juvenile crabs and settle out of the
plankton, moving into rearing areas in the estuary.
A - 1
-------
Table A-l
Dominant Copepod Species by Season
in Decreasing Order of Abundance
Winter Species
Summer Species
Pseudocalanus sp.
Ofthona similis
Pseudocalanus sp.
Acartia clausii
Paracalanus parvus
Acartia longiremis
Acartia longiremis
Calanus marshallae
Centrophages abdominal is
Oithona similis
1.07 Fish larvae are a transient member of the inshore coastal plankton
community. Their abundance and distribution have been described by Richardson
(1973), Richardson and Pearcy (1977), and Richardson et al. (1980).
1.08 Three species assemblages have been described off the Oregon coast:
coastal, transitional, and offshore. In general, the species in the coastal
and offshore assemblages never overlap while the transitional species
overlapped both groups. The break between the coastal and transitional groups
occurs at the continental slope.
1.09 The coastal group is dominated by smelt (Osmeridae) which made up over
50 percent of the larvae collected. Other dominant species include the
English sole (Parophrys vetulus), sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), starry
flounder (Platichthys stellatus), and torn cod (Microgadus proximus). Maximum
abundance occurs from February to July when greater than 90 percent of the
larvae were collected. Two peaks of abundance are present during this period;
one in February and March (24 percent of larvae) and one in May to July (68
percent of larvae) following upwelling. Dominant species during each peak are
shown below (table A-2).
1.10 The results of the studies off Yaquina Bay indicate that the larval
species present in the inshore coastal areas were similar and had the same
peaks of abundance as those collected in Yaquina River; however, the dominant
species differed. In Yaquina Bay, two species accounted for 90 percent of the
species collected, the bay goby (Lepidogobius lepidus) and the Pacific herring
(Clupea harengus pallasi). Neither were present in the inshore coastal area.
Starry flounder spawn in the area to the north of the estuary and the
juveniles use the estuary as juvenile rearing areas. English sole probably
use the estuary as a rearing area. Because oceanographic conditions are
similiar over much of the Central Oregon coast, it is likely that zooplankton
and larval population dynamics are similar between Coquille and Yaquina ocean
disposal areas.
A-2
-------
Table A-2
Dominant Fish Larval Species During the Two Peaks of Abundance
Species
February to
March
May to
July
Smelt (Osmeridae)
1.51*
4.09
1.76
1.73
4.12
English sole (Parophrys vetulus)
Sandlance (Ammodytes hexapterus)
Sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus)
Tom cod (Microgadus proximus)
2.21
2.03
1.07
Slender sole (Lyopsetta exilis)
* Biological index—Ranking method that averages abundance and frequency of
occurrence in samples. 5 to 1 in decreasing order.
Benthic Invertebrates
1.11 Benthic invertebrates play an important role in secondary productivity
in nearshore marine systems. They are not only a direct source of food for
many demersal fishes but play an active part in the shredding and breakdown of
organic material and in sediment reworking.
1.12 Knowledge of the nearshore benthic communities off the central Oregon
coast is scant. A literature review conducted by Portland District indicated
that only six quantitative benthic studies have been conducted in nearshore
coastal waters off Oregon.
1.13 Investigations include evaluating offshore disposal sites near the mouth
of the Columbia River by Richardson et al. (1977), a quantitative study of the
roeiobenthos north of Yaquina River (Hogue 1981) and an outfall study for the
International Paper Company's outfall near Gardiner, Oregon (Unpublished,
n.d.). In addition, site specific studies of ocean disposal for the selection
of the Coos Bay (Hancock et al. 1981, Nelson et al. 1983 and Sollitt et al.,
1984) and Yaquina Bay ODMDS have been completed (USACE 1985 and 1986). These
studies comprise the total benthic infaunal data base available for the Oregon
coast. All but one of these benthic studies were sponsored by Portland
District.
1.14 To provide site-specific benthic information to supplement these data
and characterize the Coquille interim disposal site, Portland District
collected and analyzed benthic samples as described below.
1.15 Stations were located on the 40-, 50-, 60-, 70- and 80-foot depth
contours along the centerline of the interim disposal site and also along
transects north and south of the disposal site as shown in figure A-l. Six
replicate bottom samples were taken from 12 of the 15 stations using a
modified Gray-0'Hara box corer which sampled a .096m area of the bottom.
Submerged rock outcrops prevented sampling at stations Q-3-4 and Q-3-5.
A - 3
-------
Ocean Dredged Material
Disposal Site and ZSF.
&
North Transect
Disposal Site If sand
Transect /dunes
"•m*
NORTH
JETTY
South Transect
SOUTH
JETTY
Bandon
rocksj|ii
Coquille
Pt.
rocks
+> rocks
YARDS
LEGEND
10-161 MEAN grain SIZE IN mm.(JULY 85)
DISPOSAL SITE
rasi M Lw
INFAUNA a SEDIMENT SAMPLING STATIONS.
Figure A-l.
Sampling Sites
A - 4
-------
One sample from each station was sent to the CoE North Pacific Division
Materials Testing Laboratory for determination of sediment grain size and
organic content. The remaining five box-core samples were sieved through a
0.5mm mesh screen. Organisms retained on the screen were preserved in 10
percent buffered formalin. Infaunal organisms were then picked from the
sediment, counted, and identified to the lowest practical taxon.
1.16 Results. Sediments from the stations in the region of the Coquille
River Interim ODMDS consist of a mixture of shells and typical coastal sands
(table B-2). All stations on the north transect consisted of fine sand with a
slightly coarser sand found at stations Q—1-4 and Q-l-5. The two shallowest
stations on the north transect contained bay clamshell fragments, indicating
they had received dredged material from previous disposal activities.
1.17 Stations in the shallower portion of the interim disposal site contained
fine sand while the deeper stations (70 and 80 foot depths) contained much
coarser material. Submerged rocks were encountered at the 70 and 80-foot
contours of the south transect.
1.18 The benthos of the Coquille offshore disposal site was typical of
nearshore high energy environments. The infaunal community of the north
transsect between 40 and 70-foot depths was dominated by polychaete worms and
gammarid amphipods. Extremely high abundances of Spiophanes bombyx occurred
at stations Q-l-1 to Q-l-4 along with gammarid amphipods primarily belonging
to the genera Eohaustorius, Mandibulophoxus and Rhephoxynius. Lower
abundances of these species were present at stations in the interim disposal
site. The species of invertebrates inhabiting the sandy portions of the study
area are the more motile psammnitic (sand-dwelling) forms which tolerate or
require high sediment flux. They are typical of other shallow water disposal
sites such as Coos bay sites E and F (Hancock et al.).
1.19 The deeper stations Q-l-5 and Q-2-5 have a very different species
composition and much less dominance by a single species due to the coarser
material and patchy rocks. The infaunal composition was a rich fauna with
over 131 species represented. Many of the species (eg. Polynoidae,
Sabellidae) represented forms generally associated with coarse shell, rocks,
and larger grained sediments.
1.20 Mean densities (#/m ) along the northern transect increase with
increasing water depth ranging from 1368 to 4175 organisms/m between the
40-foot depth contour to 4175 at the 60-foot depth contour with the 70 and 80-
foot contour having intermediate values (1950 and 2277 respectively) as shown
in figure A-2.
1.21 Diversity (H'), Species Richness and Equitability (J') of benthic
infauna for the Coquille Interim site are shown in figure A-3.
1.22 Mean density of benthic infauna in the disposal area shows an inverse
relationship with water depth. Density values range from a maximum of 99/m
at 40-feet declining to 20 at 60-feet and increase slightly thereafter.
A - 5
-------
DENSITY OF BENTHIC INFAUNA
COQUILLE OFFSHORE DISPOSAL SITE
5000-n
4000
3000
2000
a.
TRANSECT
KS NORTH TRANSECT
¦ DISPOSAL SITE
~ SOUTH TRANSECT
60' 70' 80'
STATIONS BY DEPTH (FT.)
Figure A-2
Density of Benthic Infauna
A - 6
-------
DIVERSITY,SPECIES RICHNESS AND EQUITABILITY
OF BENTHIC INFAUNA AT THE COQUILLE
OFFSHORE DISPOSAL SITE
,5H DIVERSITY h'
SPECIES RICHNESS
EQUITABILITY
co 10-
~
-------
1.23 Only three stations of the southern transect could be sampled because
hard substrate prevented adequate penetration of the box corer. The stations
in 60- and 80-foot water depth along the southern transect had mean densities
of 796, 486 and 201/m , respectively.
1.24 The Coquille offshore disposal site received 21,387 cy of dredged
sediments in 1984 and 14,020 cy in 1985 from hopper dredges. The data on the
abundances and diversity of benthic infauna, however, indicate no diminished
values at the disposal site for the reason suggested in paragraph 1.16.
1.25 Although the interim disposal site off Coquille River has frequently
received dredged sediments, the adjacent fauna show little evidence of
impacts.
Macroinvertebrates
1.26 The dominant commercially and recreationally important macroinvertebrate
species in the inshore coastal area are shellfish, Dungeness crab and squid.
Shellfish distribution is shown in figure A-4.
1.27 Razor clam beds are located north and south of the jetty along the
beach. It is generally thought that recruitment of razor clams to the inshore
beaches comes from the subtidal spawning areas. Limited stocks of abalone
occur in the rocky areas associated with kelp beds north and south of the
estuary (figure A-4). Existing stocks are thought to be remnants of an ODFW
program to introduce abalone to central Oregon. The stocks are no longer
considered viable due to inhibited natural spawning resulting from the colder
water temperatures.
1.28 Gaper clams, cockles, and Pittock clams likely occur near the mouth and
upriver in the estuary proper. Dungeness crab adults occur on sandflat
habitat along the entire Oregon coast. They spawn in offshore areas and the
juveniles rear in the estuary.
1.29 The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has recently
identified a major squid spawning area off the Coquille estuary (figure A- 4).
Squid spawning areas change yearly depending upon nearshore oceanic
conditiions and therefore the site many not be used each year.
Fisheries
1.30 The nearshore area off Coquille River supports a variety of pelagic and
demersal fish species. Pelagic species include anadromous salmon, steelhead,
cutthroat trout, striped bass and shad that migrate through the estuaries to
upriver spawning areas (ODFW, 1979). Other pelagic species include the
Pacific herring, anchovy, surf smelt, and sea perch. Surf smelt in particular
in nearshore areas and in the estuary in large numbers during the summer
(ODFW, 1979).
A - 8
-------
24w£7
SQUID
d \ ALt
£
SAND
DUNES .
"" ~ - V:
CEAMS
SOFT SHELL
CLAMS I I
BANDON
CoqultePt
ABALONE
scale in yards
SHELLFISH
RESOURCES
Figure A-4
Distribution of Macroinvertebrates
-------
1.31 Though migratory species are present year-round, individual species are
only present during certain times of the year. Table A-2 lists the species of
fish and their periods of occurrence off the Coquille River.
1.32 Demersal species present in the inshore area are mostly residents and
include a number of flatfish, sculpins, sea perch and rocky reef fish that are
associated with the neritic reefs to the east and south of the estuary and the
jetties. The flatfish species occur predominantly over open sandflats.
Species present include English sole, sanddab, and starry flounder. English
sole, sandsole and starry flounder spawn in the inshore coastal area in the
summer (figure A-5) and juveniles of these as well as other marine species
rear in the estuary.
1.33 The rocky reef areas off Coquille are a common feature of the southern
Oregon coast. Off Coquille, they are associated with bull kelp (Macrocystis
pyrifera) beds. These beds provide important invertebrate and fish habitat nd
increase the overall productivity of the reef. A 1954 survey indicated
approximately 54 acres of kelp beds off Coquille River.
1.34 The rocky reef fish community differs depending on the depth the reef
lies below the water surface. The shallower reefs (<20-meter depth) are
dominated by the black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) while the deeper reefs
(20-50 meters) are dominated by lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), yellow rockfish
(Sebastes ruberrimos) and black rockfish. Fish are generally larger on the
deeper reefs than the shallower reefs presumably due to a generalized movement
offshore of individuals as they mature. Species composition also changes due
possibly to an increase in number of lingcod on the reefs during their winter
spawning period.
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
1.35 Major commercial and recreational fishing areas are shown in figures A-6
and A-7. The predominant commercial fishery is for salmon, Dungeness crab and
bottom fish. Salmon trolling and crab fishing are done over much of the area
offshore of the reefs. The actual location varies from year to year depending
on the abundance of fish or crabs.
1.36 ODFW has identified a squid spawning area (figure A-4) and it is
possible that a commercial fishery will develop on squid if sufficient stocks
exist and a market develops.
1.37 Commercial landing for the Port of Bandon for 1984 as compiled by ODFW
(1985) were:
Bottomfish 10,471
Salmon (Chinook) 204
Dungeness crab 866
Total 11,541
1.38 The principal recreational fishing that occurs off Coquille River is
for salmon and bottom fish. Salmon fishing is done by charter boat and
private boat and occurs in the same areas as the commercial fishing but
A - 10
-------
Figure A-5
Distribution of Demersal Fish Species
A - 11
-------
-4-L
SCALE IN YARDS
0 1000
i i t i i i i i I
COMMERCIAL
FISHING
Figure A-6
Commercial Fishing Areas
A - 12
-------
8:
*4
L°n$x
4 ..
**•?
13
shi
*9
&?,
®«s
-------
generally closer to shore. Bottom fishing, primarily for black rockfish and
lingcod, is done along reef areas to the south by private charter boat. Other
recreational activities include clamming in the bay and along the beach, and
spearfishing along the jetties.
Wildlife
1.39 Numerous species of birds and marine mammals occur in the pelagic
nearshore and shoreline habitats in and surrounding the proposed disposal
site. Information on distribution and abundance of bird species is from the
Seabird Colony Catalog (Varoujean 1979) and Pacific Coast Ecological Inventory
(USFWS 1981), except as indicated. Information on most species of shorebirds
is lacking so therefore their abundance and distribution can only be addressed
in general terms; they occur along much of the coast primarily as migrants
and/or winter residents. A few species of shorebirds including western snowy
plover, black oystercatcher, killdeer, and spotted sandpiper nest along the
coast. Several species of special concern: the bald eagle, peregrine falcon,
and brown pelican occasionally occur along the coast and may use the ZSF or
the surrounding areas. Pelicans and peregrine falcons are often associated
with spits and offshore rocks. Pelagic birds (e.g. scoters, petrels) probably
use the ZSF and adjacent waters for foraging.
1.40 Data on marine animals is from the Natural History of Oregon Coast
Mammals by Maser et al. (1981), Pearson amd Verts (1970), and the Pacific
Coast Ecological Inventory (USFWS 1981), except as indicated. Except for
seals and sea lions, information on marine mammals is extremely limited.
Whales are known to occur throughout coastal waters primarily during
migrations, but population estimates and information on areas of special use
generally are not available.
1.41 Species and habitats within the ZSF (figure A-8) may be affected, and
include the area north of the Coquille River which is used as a nesting and
wintering area by western snowy plovers. Western snowy plovers are listed by
the State of Oregon as threatened. Brown pelicans, a federally listed
endangered species, use the North Spit area at the mouth of the Coquille
River. Snowy plovers nest and overwinter in the shoreline habitats from
Bandon south; One fourth (13 of 49) of Oregon's breeding populatiion was
located here in 1984 (OR Dept. Fish Wildl., unpubl. data). Gulls and pigeon
guillemots nest on Table Rock. Coquille Point rocks are a nesting site for
Leach's storm-petrels, Brandt's cormorants, pelagic cormorants, western gulls,
and common murres. Cormorants amd common murres also nest on Face Rock.
Approximately 100 harbor seals inhabit waters near Bandon.
1.42 Several important wildlife areas outside the ZSF potentially could be
affected by disposal of dredged material. Western snowy plovers nest and
winter from the Coquille River mouth north to Seven Devils, and south from
Bandon to Floras Lake.
A - 14
-------
43°
08'
DUNES
07
BAWDO^
scale in yards
1000
WILDLIFE AREA
Figure A - 8
Wildlife Areas
A - 15
-------
LITERATURE CITED
Bayer, R., 1983. Ore Aqua Company Biologist, Newport, OR. Personal
communication.
Bertrand, G.A. and J.M. Scott, 1973. Check-list of the Birds of Oregon Museum
of Nat. Hist. Oregon State Univ. Corvallis, OR. 17 pp.
Gabriel son, J.N. and S.G. Jewett, 1970. Birds of the Pacific Northwest. Dover
Publications, Inc. New York, N.Y. 650 pp.
Hancock, D.R., P.O. Nelson, C.K. Sollitt, K.J. Williamson, 1981. Coos Bay
Offshore Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report Phase I, February
1979-March 1980. Report to U.S. Corps of Engineers, Portland, District,
Oregon, for Constract No. DACW57-79-C-0040. Oregon State University,
Corvallis, Oregon.
Hogue, Wayne E, 1982. Seasonal Changes in the Abundance and Spatial
Distribution of a Meiobenthic Assemblage on the Open Oregon Coast and its
Relationship to the Diet of 0-age Flatfishes. Ph.D. thesis, OSU, Corvallis,
OR 125 pp.
Lough, R.G., 1976. Larval Dynamics of the Dungeness Crab, Cancer magister,
off the Central Oregon Coast, 1970-71. Fish. Bull. 74(2):353—376.
Maser, C., B.R. Mate, J.F. Franklin and C.T. Dyrness, 1981. Natural History
of Oregon Coast Mammals. USDA For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-133, 496 p.
Pac. Northwest For. and Range Exp. Stn., Portland, OR.
Montagne-Bierly Associates, Inc., 1977. Yaquina Bay Hopper Dredge Scheduling
Analysis. Prepared for: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District,
Navigation Division, P.O. Box 2946, Portland, OR 97208.
Nelson, P.O., C.K. Sollitt, K.J. Williamson, D.R. Hancock, 1983. Coos Bay
Offshore Disposal Site Investigation Interim Report Phase II, III, April
1980-June 1981. Report submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Portland District for Contract No. DACW57-79-0040. Oregon State University,
Corvallis, Oregon.
Oceanographic Institute of Oregon, 1983. An examination of the Feasibility of
Extrapolating Infaunal Data from Coos Bay Oregon to Yaquina Bay Oregon. Final
report USAC0E, Portland District contract #DACW57-84-M-1186.
Pearcy, W.G. and S.S. Myers, 1974. Larval Fishes of Yaquina Bay, Oregon: A
Nursery Ground for Marine Fishes? Fish. Bull. 72(1):201-213.
Pearson, J.P. and B.J. Verts, 1970. Abundance and distribution of harbor
seals and northern sea lions in Oregon. Murrelet. 51:1-5.
A - 16
-------
Peterson, W.T., C.B. Miller and A. Hutchinson, 1979. Zonation and Maintenance
of Copepod Populations in the Oregon Upwelling Zone. Deep-Sea Research
26A:467-494.
Peterson, W.T. and C.B. Miller, 1976. Zooplankton Along the Continental Shelf
off Newport, Oregon, 1969-1972: distribution, abundance, seasonal cycle, and
year-to-year variations. Oregon State University, Sea Grant College Program
Pub. No. ORESU-T-76-002. Ill pg.
Richardson, S.L., J.L. Laroche and M.O. Richardson, 1980. Larval Fish
Assemblages and Associations in the Northeast Pacific Ocean Along the Oregon
Coast, Winter-Spring 1972-1975. Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science (1980)
II, 671-698.
Richardson, S.L. and W.G. Pearcy, 1977. Coastal and Oceanic Fish Larvae in an
Area of Upwelling off Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Fish. Bull. 75(1):125-145.
Richardson, S.L., 1973. Abundance and Distribution of Larval Fishes in Waters
off Oregon, May-October, 1969, with Special Emphasis on the Northern Anchovy,
Engraulis mordax. Fish. Bull. 71(3):697—711 -
Richardson, M.D., A.G. Carey, and W.A. Colgate. 1977. An Investigation of
the Effects of Dredged Material Disposal on Neritic Benthic Assemblages off
the Mouth of the Columbia River. Phase II. DACW57-76-R-0025.
Sollitt, C.K., D.R. Hancock, P.O. Nelson, 1984. Coos Bay Offshore Disposal
Site Investigation Final Report Phases IV, V, July 1981-September 1983. U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon, for Contract No.
DACW57-79-C-0040, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
Steiner, R.G., 1978. Food Habits and Species Composition of Neritic Reef
Fishes off Depoe Bay, Oregon. Masters Thesis, Oregon State University.
U.S. Dep. of Interior Fish and Wildlife Serv., 1981. Pacific coast ecological
inventory.
Varoujean, D.H., 1979. Seabird colony catalog: Washington, Oregon, and
California. U.S. Dep. Interior Fish and Wildl. Serv., Regioin I., Portland,
OR. 456 pp.
Waldron, K.D., 1954. A Survey of the Bull Kelp Resources of the Oregon Coast
in 1954. Res. Briefs, Fish. Comm. of Oregon. 6:2:15-20.
-------
APPENDIX B
GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES, OCEANOGRAFHIC PROCESSES
AND SEDIMENT TRANSPORT OF THE OOQUUXE ZSF
-------
APPENDIX B
GEOLOGIC RESOURCES, OCEHNOGRAEHIC ACCESSES AND SEDIMENT
TRANSPORT OF THE COQUILLE ZSF
1ABLE OF CCNTENTS
Paragraph No. P^gg Efo,
1.0 Geological Resources
1.01 Regional Setting B-l
1.02 Regional Geology B-l
1.06 Economic Geology B-5
1.08 Sediments B-5
1.13 Conditions in the ZSF B-10
2.0 Oceanogra£tiic Processes
2.01 Coastal Circulation B-16
2.03 Ocean Waves and Tide B-16
2.08 Local Circulation B-19
2.12 Site Monitoring at Coquille B-23
3.0 Sediment Transport
3.01 Die N.W. Littoral Systen B-26
3.05 Die Coquille Littoral Cell B-28
3.09 Coquille Sediment Transport B-31
3.10 Ocean Disposal Site B-31
LIST OF TABLES
B-l Dredging Volumes at Coquille B-7
B-2 Coquille Offshore sediment Samples B-9
B-3 Coquille River Entrance Samples B-9
B-4 Coquille River Hydrographic Ratio B-22
B-5 Littoral/Offshore Zones for the Oregon coast. . .B-28
B-6 Coquille Littoral Cell: Possible Sources and
Losses B-30
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
B-l Coastal T .andforms of the Cape Arago
Littoral Cell B-2
B-2 Geology of the Coquille Watershed and
Distribution of Offshore Sediment • . .B-3
B-3 Bedrock Geology in the Vicinity of the
Mouth of Coquille River B-4
B-4 Shoaling Locations and Sampling Sites
at the Mouth of the Coquille River B-8
B-5 Surface Geology and Bathymetry of the
Coquille ZSF B-ll
B-6a Seismic Profile Number 1 of the Coquille ZSF. . .B-12
B-6b Seismic Profile Number 2 of the Coquille ZSF. . .B-13
B-6c Seismic Profile Number 3 of the Coquille ZSF. . .B-14
B-7 Sediment Samples fran the Coquille ZSF B-16
B-8 Oregon Coastal Circulation B-18
B-9 Seasonal Wave Climate B-20
B-10 Coquille Wave Climate B-21
B-ll Bottom current Data at Coquille B^-24
B-12 Littoral System B-27
B-13 Depth of Sediment Movement B-29
B-14 Coquille Sediment Transport B-32
-------
APPENDIX B
GEOLOGIC RESOURCES, OCEANOGKAFtHC PROCESSES AND SEDIMENT
TRANSPORT OF THE COQUILLE ZSF
1.0 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Regional Setting
1.01 The Coquille River empties into the Pacific Ocean 226 miles south of
the mouth of the Columbia River. It lies within the Cape Arago littoral
cell, which extends for approximately 50 km fron Cape Arago in the north to
Cape Blanco in the south (figure B-l). Hie Coquille is one of the smaller
Oregon estuaries (Percy et al. 1974). Hie watershed drains both the Oregon
Coast Range and the Klamath Mountains. Along the coast to the north of the
Coquille River, extensive low lying sand dunes extend inland about a quarter
of a mile. These dunes are generally stabilized and subject to only minor
wind erosion. Southward, rocky islands lie offshore and short beaches lie
at the base of bluffs and cliffs. These cliffs are resistant remnants of
eroded marine terraces. Inland, east of the river and north of Bandon,
extensive mudflats and marshes predominate. The Continental Shelf extends
about 20 km (12.4 miles) out from the mouth of the Coquille. There is a
bank on the inner to middle shelf between Coos Bay and Coquille. Sand
covers the bottom for a distance of about 5 miles out from the shore. This
is replaced by a thin layer of mud or sand mixed with mud. Coinciding with
the bank, the bed beyond the sand is exposed rock (Kulm 1977).
Regional Geology
1.02 The mouth of the Coquille river lies close to the boundary between the
Coast Range province and the Klamath mountains. The Coquilie's middle fork
is generally designated as the dividing line between the two ranges, with
the North Fork draining a portion of the southern Coast Range and the south
fork flowing through the Siskiyous (figure B-2). The Siskiyous are the
northern portion of the Klamath mountains. The predominant rocks from this
range within the Coquille's drainage basin are late Jurassic marine
sediments of the Otter Point Formation. These are thin bedded sandstones,
siltstanes, and volcanics associated with deep sea deposition. The tectonic
history of the Klamath mountains is cctrplex, with several episodes of
folding and faulting which continue up to the present (Dott, 1971). The
region is currently undergoing tectonic uplift, but that has been surpassed
by the post Pleistocene rise in sea level.
1.03 The southern part of the Coast Range is primarily made up of marine
sediments with interspersed volcanics and intrusive igneous rocks. The most
widespread formation is the rhythmically bedded sandstone of the Tyee
formation of Eocene age. Other sedimentary formations of importance in the
Coquilie's drainage basin are the Coaledo Formation, the Flournoy Formation
and the Roseburg formation (figure B-3). The igneous rocks include pillow
basalts of early Eocene age and Oligocene gabro intrusions. Uplift of the
B-l
-------
- ~
* E
9 ( lr .tr
$58 '
PL
v
UNOON
fWUTI MUS
.KILOMTKM
0
IPlAJtOS
ua a/'
STHI4M TCMACCS AMD
MMwtc rc**ACCi
UACMtS MO OUNf IMO
Figure B-l
Coastal Landforms of the Cape Arago Littoral Cell
B - 2
-------
Coos-Coquille, Watershed Unit 7
APPROX. SCALI
I • *29.000
A
$
COOUILU
OFFSHORE
BOTTOM SEDIMENTS
Sam
BEDROCK GEOLOGY
Ouartgrnory Bgoch B Dung Sand9,
Alluvium 3 Tgrrocgd Depot*!*
Tgrtiar/ Basaltic tntrusivgs
X/Th Tiftiar/ Ato ring 8 Est voting
Sedimentary Rocks
Crg toe govt 3 Jurassic Maring
Sgdimentory Formations
Lower Crgtaceout Jurassic
Fgtsic intrvsirei
Jorotsic Aigtamorphosed tntrusives (geneiss)
Figure B-2
Geology of the Coquille Watershed
and Distribution of Offshore Sediments
B - 3
-------
QUATERNARY
QAL — Alluvium
QL -Londtli*
OT -Morin* Tirroct
TERTIARY-EOCENE
TEC - Coal ado Fm.
TEE - Elkton Fm.
TEF - Flournoy Fm.
TELS-Lookingglon Fm.
TER - Rostburg Fm.
MESOZOie JURASSIC
J S - Olter Pt Blinsehlit
JOV - Ollir PI. Volcanic
JOP - Oiler Pt. Fm.
From Baldwin B Btaulitu 1973
mmi
r
i
Figure B-3
Bedrock Geology
in the Vicinity of the Mouth of the Coquille River
B - 4
-------
Coast Range began in the Miocene (Baldwin, 1981, Baldwin and Beauligu,
1974).
1.04 During the Pliocene and Pleistocene the southern Oregon coast
underwent several episodes of relative sutmergence and emergence. This,
plus the continued uplift led to the formation of several raised marine
terraces as well as the incision of valleys to below the present sea level.
At Coquille at least two stages of downcutting through pre-Tertiary
formations were followed by periods of infilling. The early Pleistocene
Coquille River cut unto a lowered sea level. Die resulting valley was
filled by the Coquille Formation as the sea level rose again. Subsequently,
a second period of downcutting was followed by late Pleistocene and
Holocene infilling. Die modern river is deflected southward by a sand spit
to the southern edge of the last fill (Baldwin, 1981).
1.05 Die coastal plain on both sides of the estuary's mouth iscovered by
sand dunes that overlie marine terraces. Diese dunes are at least 80,000
years old. Diey had their origin at the end of past high stands of the
ocean when they advanced landward by eolian transport. Die sand conprising
the dunes was primarily derived from eroding rocks in the Coast Range and
unconsolidated marine terraces. Diese sediments were carried to the ocean
by streams and then returned to the land by onshore winds. Die rise in sea
level "drowned" the river and stream valleys that had been incised in the
Coast Range and coastal plain. Diis produced the estuary and allowed the
development of the alluvial plains bordering the lower reaches of the
Coquille River.
Economic Geology
1.06 Large offshore deposits of black sands have been identified a few
miles to the northwest of the Coquille River mouth, but none within the ZSF.
Diis deposit was found to have a black sand concentration of between 10% to
30%. Minerals of primary interest in black sands are gold, platinum, and
chrcmite, but the sands also contain numerous other heavy minerals (Baldwin
& Beauligh 1973). Die offshore deposits found near the Coquille are not
currently being mined, but sites are being considered for exploration in
1988 (Peterson, per. com.).
1.07 A large gravel deposit is located to the southwest of the ZSF.
Included within the deposit is a gold ananaly zone with a concentration of
over 0.005 ppn gold. Die gravels are being considered as a potential future
source of aggregate for urban areas in California. Die gold could
conceivably add to the attractiveness of the deposits by compensating for
seme of the dredging costs (Gray and Rulm 1985). While there have been
several attempts to find oil and gas along the Oregon coast, no test well
has turned up more than traces of oil and gas. Die offshore well nearest
the mouth of the Coquille was about 12 miles to the northwest, and nothing
more was found than traces of gas. Wells just a few miles inland of the
mouth were no luckier.
Sediments
1.08 Die Coquilie's estuary covers about 760 acres (Percy and others 1974).
Die mean diurnal tidal prism is 1.77 * 108 cu ft. Die Coquille River drains
B - 5
-------
an area of 1,058 sq. mi. Mean annual discharge is 3,288 cfs (cubic
feet/second) with the greatest flow in January, averaging 7600 cfs and low
flow in September of about 200 cfs. The mean annual discharge * 6 hours is
0.7 * 10#8 cu ft. Biis gives a hydrografhic ratio of about 2.5, indicating
that the estuary is fluvially dominated and that bedload sediment will be
transported into the ocean. (Petersen, pers. can. 1986). Fran estimates by
Karlin (1980) the amount of sand and gravel that could be added to the ZSF
by the Coquille River each year ranges fran 20-50,000 cubic yards.
1.09 A second source of sediment is coastal erosion. Studies providing
information on specific rates of erosion and material contribution are sadly
lacking. Hie National Shoreline Study (CQE 1971) identified areas of
"non-critical erosion" within the Cape Arago Littoral Cell at Cape Arago,
Cape Blanco and in the vicinity of Floras Lake. In another stud/ "ocean
undercutting" was recorded along numerous other segments of the coast (USEA
1974). In neither study was any data given on erosion rates.
1.10 Hie coastline bordering the Cape Arago littoral cell consists
primarily of beaches, most fronting sand dunes or Quaternary coastal
terrace deposits (figure B-3). Die beaches make up about 24.5 miles of the
total 35 miles of coast. A little less than 9 miles of the coast are sea
cliffs and 2 miles at the mouth of the Sixes River are fluvial deposits
(Beaulieu et al. 1974). Hie sea cliffs are the only places where the sea
can regularly attack bedrock and marine terraces. At Cape Arago, the rock
is Tertiary sediments of the Coaledo formation. Five Mile Point, Coquille
Point, Blacklock Point and Cape Blanco all provide exposures of Jurassic
Otter Point formation, with additional exposures of Jurassic serpentines and
Cretaceous sediments at Blacklock Point. Hie very fact that the bedrock is
exposed at capes and points shows that they are relatively erosion
resistant. Because the exposed bedrock also has a limited linear extent the
potential and actual contribution of sediment from this source is very
small. Landslides are a potentially significant source of sediment, but
the only one mapped within the Cape Arago littoral is on the north side of
Cape Blanco.
1.11 Dredging provides another quantifiable source of sediment for the
littoral zone. Within the Cape Arago littoral cell 59,000 cubic yards of
offshore disposal of dredged material has occured annually off the mouth of
the Coquille River. The type of material contributed by dredging depends on
both the location and hydrologic conditions. Dredging during or just after
high flows is more likely to pick up fluvial sediments than dredging done
during periods of low flow when marine sediments have intruded into the
mouth. By the same token, the further upstream dredging is done the more
likely it is that fluvial sediments will be encountered.
1.12 Dredging of the Coquille River began in 1897 with the first dredging
of the entrance bar and subsequent ocean disposal occurring in 1920. Since
then, over 2.4 million cy have been disposed of at sea. Hie yearly annual
dredging volume fran 1976 to 1985 has averaged 59,102 cy. Variation has
been great, with a maximum of 101,373 cy in 1982 and a minimum of 2,500 in
1980 (table B-l). Dumping at the interim offshore site began in 1977.
Dredging is done to maintain a channel 13 feet deep fran the mouth upstream
B - 6
-------
[
to one mile above the old Coquille River lighthouse. Shoaling occurs
between the jetty ends at the channel entrance. Die shoal builds out frcm
the north jetty to mid channel, and in sane years across the entire channel.
A second shoal forms across the whole channel between EM 0.2 and 0.5.
Table B-l
Dredging Volumes* at Coquille
Year Cubic Yards (C.Y.)
1976 95,250
1977 37,000
1978 90,750
1979 82,800
1980 2,500
1981 115,910
1982 101,373
1983 30,025
1984 21,387
1985 14,020
10-Year Average 59,102
* Includes both corps and contract hopper dredging.
Sediments taken frcm areas where the Coquille River is dredged for disposal
at sea have a median grain size that is, for the most part, slightly coarser
than the native offshore sediments. Fines are almost nonexistent in this
material, but several samples contain seme coarse sand and fine gravel
(tables B-2 and B-3). A series of sanples were taken in 1981 from the
entrance to the Coquille upstream to EM 1.2 (figure B-4). The material
close to the entrance had a finer mean grain size than around KM 1 and 1.2.
All but one sample contained more than 10% larger than 0.5 urn and 5% larger
than 1.0 inn. Die quantity of the coarse material decreased downstream until
EM 00+00 (at the entrance) where the sample contained more material larger
than 1.0 itin than any of the other samples. In contrast, samples taken in
1970 and 1971 contained very little material larger than 0.5 nm. This
variation in the size of the coarsest fraction over time is probably a
result of the alternating dominance of fluvial and littoral sources. Long
periods of high discharge (giving a short term low hydrographic ratio) would
carry coarse material through the system, while low discharge (giving a
short term high hydrographic ratio) would allow finer marine sands to
migrate upstream. Die quantities of the coarse material do not appear to be
sufficient to create any problems for sediment compatibility at the offshore
disposal site. Die samples taken frcm within the current disposal site do
not show any effect of dumping on the grain size analysis.
B - 7
-------
4 m
Figure B-4
shoaling nations and Em***£«•
at the Mouth of the Coquille River
B - 8
-------
TOHLE B-2
Coquille Offshore Sediment Samples
Site
Sample
Mz (nm)
D50
D90
%fines
Depth
ql-1
q-7
0.16
0.16
0.26
1
40
ql-2
q-18
0.16
0.15
0.26
1
50
ql-3
q-20
0.16
0.16
0.26
1
60
ql-4
q-6
0.16
0.14
0.43
1
70
ql-5
q-28
0.09
0.09
0.15
27
80
q2-l
q-55
6.90
0.18
0.28
1
40
q2-2
q-53
1.05
0.16
0.30
1
50
q2-3
q-43
0.19
0.16
0.30
1
60
q2-4
q-41
0.16
0.19
0.42
1
70
q2-5
q-31
0.16
36.8
72.0
0
80
q2-5
q-34
0.17
0.90
5.0
0
80
q3-l
q-64
0.20
0.20
0.29
2
35
q3-2
q-68
0.17
0.18
0.29
1
40
q3-3
q-72
0.17
0.18
0.46
9
55
Note: Mean grain size (Mz) calculated using Folk and
Ward's (1954) parameters. Grain size given in
millimeters.
TABLE B-3
Coquille River Entrance Samples
Location
Date
D50
D90
%fines
(1)
Ent. Sta.0+00
8/25/70
0.23
0.30
0
(2)
Bandon Bar
11/10/71
0.23
0.30
0
(3)
Bar Bit. StOO
to St09
9/02/72
0.23
0.40
0
(4)
Mile 0 - 10+00
8/26/75
0.21
0.70
0
(5)
Near USCG dock
7/13/77
0.25
0.42
0
(6)
EM 00+00
2/18/81
0.28
2.4
0
(7)
1000' west of
lighthouse
2/18/81
0.24
0.30
0
(8)
1000' east of
licflrthouse
2/18/81
0.20
0.60
0
(9)
EM 1.0
2/18/81
0.47
0.96
0
(10)
EM 1.2
2/18/81
0.46
2.0
0
Note: Grain size given in millimeters.
B - 9
-------
Conditions in the ZSF
1.13 The bed topography offshore in the vicinity of the designated
disposal area is varied and complex (figure B-5). To the north of the
Coquille River mouth the bed slopes evenly at about 1 1/1000 from 24 to 84
feet depth. South of the mouth, a line of islets, skerries and submerged
rock pinnacles runs to the northwest. Below 84 feet in depth, there is a
rocky reef with an irregular surface featuring both hollows and high points.
No evidence of a mound of disposed dredged material was found in the July
1985 survey. The headlands, stacks, and, presumably, the rocky submarine
outcrops south of the mouth of the Coquille River are composed of the Otter
Point Formation of Late Jurassic age (Lund 1973; Beaulieu and Hughes, 1975).
The more durable units within the Otter Point Formation form the stacks and
islands off Coquille Point. No faults have been recognized that can be
projected into the stud/ area frcm the onshore geologic mapping. Offshore
geologic mapping has been extended to within 4 to 5 km of the shore off the
mouth of the Coquille River (Clarke and others 1981).
1.14 Because of the substantial distances involved (4 to 5 km), it is not
possible to extrapolate offshore geologic mapping. An anticline was mapped
as having an axial trend of N 30 W which, if projected 4 km to the
southeast, extends into the area around the mouth of the Coquille River.
Mapping also shows a fault with a trend of N 30 W which, if projected 5 km
to the southeast, would also pass through the Coquille study area. This
fault is downthrown on the northeast and cuts Acoustic Unit 2 inferred to be
of late Miocene to Pleiocene age.
1.15 Figure B-5 shows the results of the July 1985 sidescan sonar survey of
the Coquille ZSF. Within the surveyed area fine sand covers the bottom in
the north and central portions and along the southwest edge. There are
scattered rock exposures in the northeast corner and eastern section. The
easternmost lobe of the survey showed a pocket of coarse sand or gravel
bordered an one side by some fine sand and scattered rock exposures on the
other. A wide band of exposed rock runs frcm the northwest side over to
the southeast. The interim disposal site crosses all three major bottom
types. The near shore end has scattered rock exposures, fine sand crosses
the middle, and bare rock is exposed at the offshore end and the near shore
half of the southwest side. The proposed designated disposal site, on the
other hand, comprises almost exclusively fine sand sea bed. There are only
a few small rock outcrops exposed within the sites boundaries.
1.16 Seismic profiles (figures B-6a, b, and c) show unconsolidated
sediment of greatly varying thickness overlying a very irregular bedrock
surface. Profile 1 has a sediment layer ranging from 0 to 30 feet. The
second profile has an abrupt transition frcm exposed rock to 150 feet of
unconsolidated sediment and back again. That profile may have transversed
the channel cut by the Coquille at a lower sea level. Profile 3, which
crosses the proposed new disposal site, has a continuous layer of sediment
that varies between 20 to 60 feet thick.
B - 10
-------
LE6EN0
COQUILLE RIVER. OREGON
Figure B-5
Surface Geology and Bathymetry of the Coguille ZSF
B - 11
-------
LEGEND
COQUILLE RIVER PROFILE NUMBER 1
ELEVATION DATUM IS MLLW
FROM FATHOMETER RECORDINGS
LOCATION BY PORTLAND DISTRICT,
COE
NOTES ON BEDROCK GEOLOGY'.
Bodroek consists ol tn« Otttr Pomt Formation -
• eomptts mixtura of graywacteasandstonr grwn-
stona and cftart with scattartd bodies of Wuasemst
(laia jurasste^
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
PORTLAND DISTRICT
COQUILLE RIVER.
OREGON OFFSHORE SURVEY
SUBBOTTOM PROFILES
PROFILE NUMBER t
NORTHWEST-SOUTHEAST
OCTOBER 1M4
GEO-RECON INTL. SEATTLE. WA
Earth Sciences Associates
Palo Alto. California
SSOWfiNT
oistamcs iNnrr
Figure B-6a
Seismic Profile Number 1 of the Coquille ZSF
B - 12
-------
LEGEND
COOUILLE RIVER PROFILE NUMBER 2
ELEVATION DATUM IS MLLW
FROM FATHOMETER RECORDINGS
LOCATION BY PORTLAND DISTRICT,
COE
NOTES ON 6EOROCK GEOLOGY:
Bearocx consisti of tn« Otter Point Formation -
a complex mixture of graywaefce sandstone. green-
stone and cften witn scactard eooias of Blues crtist
(lata Jurassic).
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
PORTLAND DISTRICT
COOUILLE RIVER.
OREGON OFFSHORE SURVEY
SUBBOTTOM MOFU3
monus NUMBER 2
NORTHWEST—SOUTHEAST
OCTOBER ma
GeO-AECON INTL.. SEATTLE. WA
Earth Sciences Associates
Palo Alto. California
OtSTAMCC «• HIT
Figure B-6b
Seismic Profile Number 2 of the Coquille ZSF
B - 13
-------
LEGEND
COQUILLE RIVER PROFILE NUMBER 3
ELEVATION DATUM IS MLLW
FROM FATHOMETER RECORDINGS
LOCATION BY PORTLAND OISTRICT,
COE
NOTES ON BE3ROCK GEOLOGY:
Batfroex cantists of tna Oner Point Formation -
a comofai mixture ot gravwacKa sanation#. groan*
won# and ena« w*m scanard bodiat ol btuaachut
(lata Juraiaic).
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
PORTLAND OISTRICT
COQUILLE RIVER.
OaSGQN OFFSHORE SURVEY
SU880TTOM PROFILES
PftOFILM NUMBCfia
NORTtAlT- SOUTH tAST
OCT08IR1M4 JS4-293
GEO—RECON INTU SEATTLE. WA
Earth Sciences Associates
Palo Alto. California
aocx
am m
OOTAMCClMW?
Figure B-6c
Seismic Profile Number 3 of the Coquille ZSF
B - 14
-------
1.17 Hie surface sediment in the area near the disposal site is almost all
fine sand (figure B-7). Samples taken in 1984 range between 0.20 and 0.16
mn mean grain size (table B-2). Within the disposal site the sediment is
the same size, except for two at the outside aid. These samples, which were
taken fran an area interpreted as bare rock fran the sidescan sonar survey,
had mean grain sizes of 1.05 and 6.77 irni. The relative coarseness of these
samples indicate that they may contain material derived fran the nearby
exposed rock. Two samples had anomalously high percentages of fines. In all
probability those samples contained clasts of silt that became disaggregated
during grain size analysis.
B - 15
-------
Ocean Dredged Materia!
Disposal Site and ZSF
p
Trans
"S?n,
m
Coqmlle
River
rO<>S ffv:v
wm Co
-------
2.0 OCEHNOGRAFHIC PROCESSES
Coastal Circulation
2.01 The factors influencing near shore circulation and related sediment
transport include large-scale regional currents, deep water ocean waves,
local winds and waves, river discharge and tides. Hie circulation patterns
are highly variable both in space and over time, and generalizations for a
specific site or for long term predictions from short-term data is risky.
Hie following discussion includes-a general description of regional
processes, more specific information an local processes, site-specific
monitoring and the resulting circulation at Coquille.
2.02 Regional currents off Oregon are driven by large-scale currents and
weather patterns in the northwestern Pacific Ocean (Parmerrter and Bailey,
1985). Die North Pacific Current is a relatively constant current that
moves eastward across the northern Pacific Ocean approaching land near
Vancouver Island. Die deflection of the North Pacific Current to the south
becomes the California Current which maintains a slow year-round surface
flow to the south off Oregon. Superimposed upon this constant southerly
current are seasonal currents due to regional weather patterns. During
winter, strong low pressure systems and predominant winds and waves from the
southwest contribute to a strong northward current called the Davidson
Current. During these storm periods, the Davidson Current can displace the
California Current away from the coast. During the sunnier, high pressure
systems dominate and waves and winds are carmonly from the north. Diis
constant north wind creates a mass transport of water offshore which results
in upwelling of bottom water near shore. In addition, a southerly near shore
surface current, or coastal jet, develops (figure B-8). Winter currents are
highly variable with occasional southward flow while sunner currents are
more uniformly southward. In both seasons there are fluctuations related to
local wind, tidal and bathymetric effects.
Ocean Waves and Tides
2.03 Ocean waves are generated by winds. Distant storms produce waves that
arrive at the coast as swells which are fairly uniform in height, period and
direction. Local winds produce seas which contain a mixture of wave
heights, periods and directions. Generally, local seas have higher waves
and shorter periods than incoming swell. Waves generated by local winds,
i.e., seas, generally approach the coastline from the SW-S sectors during
autumn and winter but from the N-NW sectors in spring and sunmer. Die
longer period swells generated by more distant storms approach generally
from the NW-W or W- SW sectors. Local storms are considered to generate
higher waves than swells with the highest waves always occurring during the
winter and approaching from the SW-S sectors. Shortest period sea and swell
occurs during the sunmer. Longest period swell generally occurs during
autumn while longest period seas occur during winter.
B - 17
-------
SUMMER CIRCULATION
NORTH
WINTER CIRCULATION
NORTH
Figure B-8
Oregon Coastal Circulation
B - 18
-------
2.04 Figure B-9 compares the long-term variation of significant wave height
at Newport with Coquille. Winter mean wave height is estimated at 7.6 feet
while sunmer mean height is 4.1 feet. These figures agree with other
estimates and are associated with mean wave periods of 10.3 and 8.4 seconds,
respectively. Figure B^9 also illustrates the percentage of time that a
given significant wave height can be expected to be exceeded as well as the
general recurrence interval. For example, a significant wave height of 10
feet can be expected to occur about 2 percent of the time during the sumner
but over 20 percent of the time in winter. The maximum significant height
that might be expected in any suntner is only 14 feet while the maximum
expected in any winter is over 20 feet. Figure B-9 shows the variability in
annual wave height statistics. The probability of occurrence of significant
wave heights for the period 1971-1981 is compared to the probability for the
years since 1981. The probability of higher significant waves was greatest
in 1982-83 and has decreased back to the ten year probability by 1985. The
exceptional wave conditions in 1982-83 were associated with the El Nino
event which was also responsible for a sustained rise in sea level and
severe beach, erosion as discussed by Kanar (1986).
2.06 Data recorded offshore of Bandon, Oregon are compared with wave
records from offshore at Newport and the waveneter data in figure B-10.
Figure B-10 also ccnpares the 10-year average monthly sea level at Newport
with the 1982-83 period and illustrates the daily variability in wave height
that can be expected. Also shown are the two periods during which bottom
current records were obtained.
2.07 Superimposed upon the slowing-varying regional or seasonal
circulation are periodic currents due to the tides, inertial currents,
internal waves, etc. Tidal currents are rotary currents that change
direction following the period of the tide. Buis, the tidal currents
generally flood and ebb twice daily with the flood direction generally east
of North and the ebb west of South. Tidal current speeds measured at
lightships along the Pacific coast and reported by NCftA (1986) for Coquille
were 72 cm/sec at 091 degrees at maximum flood and 61 an/sec at 290 degrees
at maximum ebb.
Local Circulation
2.08 Hie Coquille ocean disposal site is within 1 to 2 miles of the estuary
entrance (figure B^5). Near shore circulation is highly variable with local
bathymetry modifying general ocean circulation patterns and local winds,
river discharge and tidal currents all-important. Reports by Hancock et al.
(1984), Nelson et al. (1984) and Sollitt et al. (1984) summarize current
meter data offshore of Coos Bay between May 1979 and March 1983. These
reports substantiate the influence of tides on near shore bottom currents and
winds on surface currents. Bottom current records were found to be
dominated by tidal influence with the maximum velocities associated with
tides, including spring tide effects. These tidal influences were additive
to currents produced by surface waves and winds. Cns station closest to the
estuary was noticeably affected by the ebb current. Figure B-8 illustrates
the relative influence of winds and tides on near-surface and bottom
currents.
B - 19
-------
CUMULATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT
100.0 |P 0
a
U1
o
z
Ui
oc
az
3
O
o
o
o
>•
10.0 ¦:
1.0-:
0.1-:
I YR
g -o
** * * °
» a
- » a
P °
\ '
OQ 0.01-
<
m
o
a:
o.
0.001- :
10 YR
50 YR
100 YR
0.0001 +—i—i—i—i—(—i—i—i—i—I—r—-i—i—i—I—r—i—i—i—I i i—i—r—!—i—i—i i I
3 10 IS 20 25 30
hs,feet
YAQUINA (1971-1981)
a C0QUILLE OUTER BUOY (JAN-DEC 1982)
C00UILLE (AUG-DEC 1983)
.COQUILLE (JAN-DEC 1984)
a COQUILLE (JAN-DEC 1985)
Figure B-9
Seasonal Wave Climate
B - 20
-------
MONTHLY WAVE HEIGHT
AT COQUILLE 1985
MONTHLY WAVE HEIGHT
AT YAQUINA 1971-1981
DAILY WAVE HEIGHT
AT COQUILLE 1985
-12
- 11
-10
*- 9
8
H-
- 7
U-
- 6
Ss
ZUI
- 5
ix
LU
>
- 4
£
3
2
1
0
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
MONTHS OF THE YEAR
Figure B-10
Coquille Wave Climate
B - 21
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2.09 Hie seasonal wind regime on the Oregon coast was described by Copper
(1958) and summarized by Bourke (1971) and USNWSC (1970). Sumner winds are
predominantly onshore frcm the N-NW. Winter winds are of two types with
lower speed offshore winds ccnman, hut with frequent strong onshore winds
frcm the S-SW. Die sunnier N-NW winds and winter S-SW winds can be highly
variable and influenced by the coastal morphology. Coastal winds can
produce both short period waves and direct wind currents. Both of these
affect disposal sites. Coastal winds produce surface and subsurface currents
directly when relatively constant for several days. Fox and Davis (1974)
studied beach and near shore processes on the Oregon coast in sunnier 1973.
Hiey confirmed that longshore current reversals occurred 2-3 days after
reversal of the longshore wind. They also found that near shore waves
correlate with local winds and that the higher the angle of wave approach
the stranger the longshore current. Kanar (1976) states that direct wind
stress from the strong longshore winds on the Oregon coast can have a
profound effect an longshore currents. Nelson et al. (1984) compared
observed near-surface currents with a wind-driven model for the area
offshore of Coos Bay with a good correlation. Hubertz (1986) discusses wind
effects on near shore currents at Duck, N.C. and the tendency to minimize
these effects in studying near shore currents.
2.10 Hie Coquille River is highly responsive to storm runoff in winter
months, resulting in high outflows during coastal storms for periods of
several days. Less outflow occurs in sunnier with minimum flows usually in
August and September. This constant but seasonally varying river outflow
combines with tidal flows to produce a highly variable influence on the
near shore circulation. In the estuarine part of the river, the ebbing tide
adds to the normal river discharge to produce a net ebb dominance. Peterson
et al. (1984) use the Hydrograpiiic Ratio (HR) to compare the tidal prism
with the river discharge for the same six hour period. The tidal prism is
estimated as the volume of water brou^it into the estuary by each flood
tide. Hie six-hour river discharge is estimated from the annual average
discharge. Hie higher the HR the more tidally-dominated the estuary. Very
high HR ratios presumably indicate no river sediment escaping while very low
HR ratios would indicate most river sediment is discharged to the ocean.
Table B-4 lists important characteristics of the Coquille study area:
Table B-4
Coquille River Hydrographic Ratio
DRAINAGE ESTUARINE AVE. RIVER HR
BASIN AREA TIEftL PRISM DISCHARGE HYDRO MUOMJM
SQ. MILES CU. FT. 10*6 CU. FT./SEC RATIO DISCHARGE
(A) (P) (D)
COQUILLE 1058 132(421) 3,300 2(6) 49000
* Note: HR = P / volume of discharge for a 6 hour period; the numbers in ()
are from Kreag (1979). The remainder are frcm Percy et al. (1974) and
Johnson (1972).
B - 22
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2.11 More recent work by Peterson et al. (1982) and Peterson (1983) have
shown offshore influences of estuaries. Where the river discharge is high
compared to the tidal prism (estuary area x tide range) river sediments are
discharged to the ocean. As shown by the values in table B-4, the coquille
River probably discharges sediment to the ocean on an annual basis. Hiese
effects are probably most evident during winter storm runoff which are
coincident with high wave energy offshore. Boggs and Jones (1976) work on
the Sixes esturary illustrates the varying influence of tidal and river
forces.
Site Monitoring at Coquille
2.12 Detailed current measurements have been obtained fron Oregon
near shore dredge material disposal sites. The most thorough stud/ has been
conducted at Coos Bay, Oregon. Seasonal measurements made over two-week
periods showed currents at the 25-m-deep disposal site averaged between 20
and 30 cm/s at one-third the water depth during the summer and between 30
and 60 cm/s during the winter and spring. Near-bottom currents were
generally between 10 and 20 cm/s with downs lope flow components
predominating over upslope components. Near-bottom waters exhibited
downs lope movement to depths in excess of 40 m during the sunmer and deeper
than 70 m during the winter, similar conditions are expected to exist at
the interim Coquille disposal site since both sites are in similar depth
regimes.
2.13 Current meters were deployed near the Coquille ocean disposal site in
1985. Hie meters were attached to moorings at depths from 76 to 90 feet.
Bottom current records were obtained from March 17 to March 31 and from July
12 to July 26 in 1985. These periods were picked to represent typical
winter and sunnier conditions. Figure B^ll illustrates the daily average
bottom current speed and direction for the winter record. In this current
rose, each bar represents the direction the current is moving. The length
of the bar represents the percent of occurrence of the current in that
direction and the width of the bar represents the range of velocity.
2.14 Wave conditions from onsite monitoring in 1985 were compared with long
term wave data for other locations. Figure B-9 illustrates the variability
in annual significant wave height. The vertical bars are daily wave heights
from a meter offshore of Coquille in 1985 referred to the scale on the left.
The Yaquina ten-year monthly average and Coquille monthly average are
plotted using the scale on the right. Onsite monitoring data are plotted as
points referenced to the scale on the right.
2.15 Wave records near the ocean disposal site were obtained continuously
during 1985 by one meter and from March 18-30, April 12-26 and July 12 to
August 12 by another meter in 1985. Significant wave heights and periods
were computed for the six month period as shown in Figure B-9. Also shown
on the figure are the monthly average wave heights conputed from records at
the port wavemeter between 1971 and 1981. The short period records were
analyzed for directional wave spectra as well as the period and significant
height. The wave and current data with grain size and depth were used to
compute a predicted sediment transport rate and direction for the period.
B - 23
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270".
• 90°
3
8
o
o
#
180*
4.0 (ft/sec)
2.0
1.0
50 VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION
.25 COQUILLE (March 17 - May 4,1985)
*»•
I80*
MAGNETIC
NORTH
VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION
COQUILLE [JULY 12- AUGUST 18.1983)
Figure B-ll
Bottom Current Data at Coquille
B -24
-------
2.16 Hie picture of near shore circulation is complicated. Short term
records of currents at one location such as obtained in 1985-86 should be
used with care. Mjch additional work is required before such data can be
used to predict currents at the same site for other conditions or at
different sites. Hie information presented for each ocean disposal site is
intended to represent conditions for a two week period and to show the
possibilities for such data to be used to predict sediment transport.
B - 25
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3.0 SEDIMENT TRANSPORT
The Northwest Littoral System
3.01 Introduction. Selection of offshore disposed, sites on the Oregon
coast must consider the sediment transport regime and disposed effects an
the existing local sediment budget. At each dredging project, there is a
need to locate offshore disposal sites to balance the need to keep dredged
material in the active littoral zone for clowndrift beach nourishment with
the need to prevent the dredged material from returning to the entrance
channel. Uiis requires knowledge about the direction and rate of longshore
transport as well as offshore transport. Previous sections have discussed
geologic factors and the oceanographic environment which affect sediment
transport. This section will discuss this information as it applies to the
littoral system and sediment movement at the Coquille disposal site.
3.02 Figure B-12 illustrates the littoral system an the Oregon coast, which
consists of interconnected sediment reservoirs such as estuaries, dune
fields, beaches and the near shore bottom. Rivers, sea cliffs, and relict
near shore sand deposits are the primary sources of sediments filling these
reservoirs. (Kulm and Byrne, 1966; Scheidegger et al. 1971). Sediment is
actively transported between these reservoirs by natural processes including
river currents, tidal currents, ocean waves and currents, and winds. Any
effort to establish potential effects of estuarine dredging and offshore
disposal on nearby beaches and the littoral system must consider the
existing sediment budget.
3.03 A seasonal model for sediment transport has been described by Kanar et
al. (1976) for the Oregon coast where winter storms erode and transport sand
offshore and sumner swell moves sand onshore. According to this model, the
direction of transport reverses seasonally as a result of the change in
direction of winds and waves. In winter, the larger, steeper waves erode
the beach and carry sediment offshore while the smaller sumner waves move
sediment back toward the beach. At seme distance offshore, net transport is
northward year-round (Scheidegger et al. 1985). Hallermeier (1981) defined
two zones of sand transport based on wave conditions. The inner littoral
zone is the area of significant year-round alongshore and onshore-offshore
transport by breaking waves. Hie outer shoal zone is affected by wave
conditions regularly enough to cause significant onshore-offshore
transport. Using Hallermeier (1981) and longterm wave data fran Newport
(Creech, 1981) table B-5 was derived for offshore Oregon.
B - 26
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^CTTSHORE^S V^EADL^igC)
OCEAN
DISPOSAL
If^C OAINU
A R7 REMOVAL
NX BEACH p*
WA^S ^ I- ^
STREAMBANK
EROSIO
ft
DREDG
EROSION
SHOALS
ft
BEACH
ESTUARY
V..;./SEDIMENTATION
„ RIVER
DISCHARGE
RIP
CURRENTS'"
WAVES
r * ^
dunes "
cl», KmkN/THj&SfwT
'LANDSLIDE
HEADLAND
Figure B-12
Littoral System
B - 27
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Table B-5
Littoral/Offshore Zones for the Oregon Coast
LiTlUKAL(SURF ZONE) OFFSHORE(SHORL ZONE)
SUMER
WINTER
ANNUAL
0-28 feet
0-51 feet
0-44 feet
28-83 feet
51-268 feet
44-142 feet
3.04 Hancock et al. (1984) calculated the probability for wave-induced
current velocities at various depths off Coos Bay. From other studies, a
critical velocity of 20 cm/sec has been shown necessary to erode sediment in
the 0.2 nm sand size, camion off Coquille and Coos Bay. Figure B-13 is a
plot of the Coos Bay data showing the decreasing probability of sediment
movement with depth. There is considerable seasonal scatter but, in
general, the probability of wave-induced sand movement is very small beyond
a depth of about 150 feet. Another line of evidence comes from sediment
studies, including use of heavy mineral analysis. This gives a long term
average (hundreds of years) and a less precise definition of the depth
limit. Various studies have suggested an offshore limit of modern sand
movement at the 60 foot depth, while others push this limit out to over 100
feet. Recent work suggests that this offshore limit can be better defined
for specific areas. Work on this is in progress (Peterson, pers. conn).
The Coquille Littoral Cell
3.05 Figure B-l shows the Cape Arago Littoral Cell which extends north
approximately 55 km north from Cape Blanco to Cape Arago and contains the
Coquille and Sixes Rivers. Sediments found near shore are predominantly
relict or left over frcm lower sea levels (Scheidegger et al. 1971). During
the past one million years large quantities of sediment originated frcm as
far south as the Klamath Mountains of southern Oregon-northern California
and was carried north by the prevailing littoral currents (Scheidegger et
al. 1971). The mineralogies of these sediments and modern beach sands are
similar, indicating the importance of relict littoral sands to the near shore
and beach (Peterson, pers. conm. Based on comparison of tidal and river
discharge it appears that both the coquille and Sixes Rivers are
contributing sediments to the littoral cell.
3.06 Within the overall Cape Arago Littoral Cell is a subcell marked by the
seaward submerged extension of Coquille Point. Within this subcell, the
possible sources of sediment are the coquille River and parts of the coastal
terraces. There are indications that there is no longshore transport into
the cell from south of Coquille Point and the probable limit for onshore
transport is about -80 feet. Based on estimates by Karlin (1980) of
sediment yields for the Coquille River, approximately 17-51,000 cubic yards
of bedload material could be annually contributed to this littoral subcell
by the Coquille River. Rocky seacliffs are present only at Coquille Point
B - 28
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90-
¦ MAY 1979
A SEP 1979
© NOV 1979
• FEB 1980
80-
70-
o
CVI 60 -
U- 40 -
20--
ia--
100
200
300
DEPTH IN FEET
Figure B-13
Depth of Sediment Movement
B - 29
-------
and probably provide minimal sediment. There are indications that little or
no sediment is bypassed at either headland (Peterson, pers. ccmn.) which
could indicate that any sand moved around the headlands is lost to the
offshore beyond about -80 feet. Other possible losses of sediment within
the littoral cell are to the estuaries and dunes. Neither the sixes or
Coquille Rivers are considered to be accumulating sediments, however, there
is intrusion of marine sands during lew river flow. There are active dune
fields north of the Coquille River mouth, which may indicate seme loss of
littoral sand. There is no systematic mining of littoral or dune sands at
present but seme or all of the 60,000 cubic yards annually dredged frcm the
entrance channel is probably carried offshore.
3.07 Mare recent work by Peterson et al. (1982) and Peterson (1983) have
shown offshore influences of estuaries. Where the river discharge is high
compared to the tidal prism (estuary area x tide range) river sediments are
discharged to the ocean. Hie Coquille River probably discharges sediment to
the ocean on an annual basis. These effects are probably most evident
during winter storm runoff which are coincident with high wave energy
offshore. Boggs and Jones (1976) work on the Sixes estuary illustrates the
varying influence of tidal and river forces. The Coquille has a similar HR
to the Sixes and both are strongly influenced by river discharge, especially
in winter months when net transport is seaward under high riverflow. By
contrast, during sunnier low riverflow net transport is into the estuary.
However, the Sixes shows and net bypassing of sand-size sediments into the
ocean little or no long term accumulation of fine sediments in the estuary
and net. This should also be true of the Coquille.
3.08 Figure B-6 shows how the sediment covers changes in thickness and
continuity in the 25F possibly reflecting Coquille River input. By
comparing subsurface profiles and the geologic map we can infer that the
thin and discontinuous sediment cover of Profile 1 represents an area with
little sediment being supplied. Profile 2, while still rocky, shows thick
levees of sediment possibly indicating seme sediment supplied, while further
north on Profile 3, there is a more continuous sediment layer over 25 feet
thick. Table B-6 identifies the possible sources and losses of littoral
sediments in the Coquille littoral cell:
Table B-6
Coquille Littoral Cell: Possible Sources and Losses
SOURCES
LOSSES
1. Rivers
Coquille
Sixes
2. Erosion
Dunes
Terraces
3. Headland Bypassing
4. Onshore Transport
1. Estuaries
2. Dune Growth
3. Headland Bypassing
4. Offshore Transport
5. Ocean Disposal
Seacliffs
B - 30
-------
Coquille Sediment Transport
3.09 Figure B-14 is a generalized description of seasonal sediment
transport in the Coquille ZSF using available information. Hie bathymetry
and sediments are complex offshore which influences any general predictions.
From both Hallenneier (1981) and observed currents and sediment mineralogy,
the zone of active bottom sediment Movement probably extends to almost -80
feet. Hie area where longshore currents predominate is shoreward of about
-50 feet. Hie sunnier current records indicate southerly transport
withboth onshore and offshore ccnponents. During the summer the Coquille
River discharge is at a mininum indicating intrusion of marine sand into the
estuary. There may be some accumulation of sand in the near shore next to
the north jetty and between the south jetty and Coquille Point. There is no
long term sediment accumulation as indicated by the thinness of the sediment
layer. During the winter there is a discharge of river sediment. The
coarser sediments just south of the jetties may be an accumulation of river
material. The majority of the more mobile sand moves offshore and to the
north. The sutmerged extension of Coquille Point seems to effectively
block any sediment movement from further south in the littoral cell.
Ocean Disposal Site
3.10 The majority of the existing disposal site is rocky with a very thin
layer of sand. An area of sand inshore of the site may actually be where
previous dredged material was disposed or an accumulation of winter river
sediment discharge. The bottomfeatures and bathymetry of the proposed site
are more compatible with the type of historic disposal operation. The
average 60,000 cubic yards of dredged sand compares to from 17-51,000 cubic
yards of river bedload annually contributed to the area. Use of the
proposed site would probably not affect the overall littoral sediment
budget. By moving the site northward, however, the use of the shallow end
of the site in early summer might allow material to be transported back
toward the entrance channel. For this reason, it is reconmended that use of
the proposed site be contingent upon preparation of a disposal monitoring
plan.
B - 31
-------
CD
CO
ro
O
O
•a
M*
M
a>
w
d>
a
s
-------
UTEKAOTRE ri'iwi
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USACQE, 1986. Geologic and Seismic Investigation of Oregon Offshore
Disposal Sites. Final contract Report by Earth sciences Associates
Georecon, to Portland District, CQE.
Zirges, M., 1983. Bottom Current Patterns over Pink Shriirp Betas off Oregon
Determined from Sea-bed Drifter Studies. Unpublished Progress Report by
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
Zopf, D., Creech and Quiim, 1976. Die wave meters a land-based system for
measuring near shore ocean waves. OSU/Sea Grant CKESU-R-76-013.
B - 37
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APPENDIX C
SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY
AND WATER QUALITY
-------
APPENDIX C
SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY AND WATER QUALITY'
TABLE OF GCNEENTS
aorarh No. Paae No.
1.01 General C-l
1.02 Grain size C-l
1.03 Physical Analysis C-l
1.04 Chemical Analysis C-6
1.05 Summary C-6
LIST OF TABLES
C-l Sediment Characteristics C-l
LIST OF FIGURES
C-l Sampling Locations for Sediment Analyses C-2
C-2 Grain Size Carves for Coquille Estuary C-3
C-3 Grain size Curves for Disposal site,
Middle Transect C-4
C-4 Grain Size Curves for Disposal Site,
South Transect C-5
-------
APPENDIX C
SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY AND WATER QUALITY
General
1.01 General criterion (b) and specific factors 4, 9, and 10 of 40 CFR
228.5 and 228.6 require sediment and water quality analysis of both the
disposal and dredging areas. Sediment sanples from the channel of the
Coquille federal navigation project were collected by the Portland District,
Corps of Engineers in February, 1981. Hie Coquille offshore disposal site
was sampled in July, 1985. Locations of the sampling stations are shown in
figure C-l.
Grain Size
1.02 Hie grain size distribution curves for Coquille channel sediments show
poorly-sorted sand with increasing gravel downstream towards the bar at
about KM 0.0 (figure C-2). Disposal site sediments ranged from
poorly-sorted gravelly sand to well-sorted fine sand (figures C-3 & c-4).
Thus, the grain size of the dredged sediment closely approximates that at
the disposal site.
Physical Analysis
1.03 The percentages of volatile solids in channel sediments were all less
than 1.5% (table C-l).
Table c-l
Sediment Characteristics
Median Grain % Volatile
Sample # Location size (mm) Solids
1
EM 00 + 00
0.28
0.54
2
1000' W. of Lighthouse
0.24
0.84
3
1000' E. of Lighthouse
0.20
1.48
4
EM 1.0 (Moore Lumber Dock)
0.45
0.63
5
EM 1.2
0.45
0.70
This was less than values at the disposal site, where volatile solids ranged
between 0.8 to 2.9% with one exception. Sample site Q-53 at the 50-foot
depth level had a reading of 12.3% volatile solids. This seems unusually
high for well-sorted fine sand away from the disposal site, especially since
surrounding sites show values under 1.5%. Thus, the 12.3% anomaly seems to
be a spurious value and probably does not indicate a pollution problen.
-------
0-34 Q-41
.0-43 Q-53 Q-55
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LIGHTHOUSE
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0-64
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BANOON
coquille pt.
COQUILLE RIVER
YARDS
1000
Figure C-l
Sampling Locations for Sediment Analyses
C-2
-------
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Figure C-2
Grain Size Curves for Coquille Estuary
C-3
-------
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C-4
-------
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C-5
-------
Chemical Analysis
1.04 No chemical analysis of Coquille sediments lias been done. Limited
chemical analyses have been performed on other estuarine sediments in Oregon
(USGS). However, there is no reason to expect significant chemical
contamination as few heavy industries are located along the estuary. There
is ccmnercial fishing, fish processing, and three lumbermills—including the
Moore Mill at River Mile 1.3. These mills have been operating
intermittently during the last severed, years and they do not seen to have
increased the organic load, as measured by the volatile solids (table C-l).
Summary
1.05 Die material to be disposed of in the CEMDS at Coquille closely
matches the sediments at the disposal site, does not have a significant
amount of silt, and is low in volatile solids. There should not be any
problem with continued disposal of Coquille entrance channel sediment at the
CEMDS.
LITERAOTRE CITED
Findings of Compliance and Nan-compliance, Operations and Maintenance,
Dredged Material Disposal Activities at Coastal Projects. U.S Army Corps of
Engineers, Portland District, 1980.
Analysis of Elutriates, Native Water, and Bottom Material in Selected Rivers
and Estuaries in Western Oregon and Washington. U.S. Geological Survey Open
File Report 82-922.
C - 6
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APPENDIX D
RECREATIONAL USE
-------
APPENDIX D
RBCREKEICNAL USE
TOHLE QF CCNTENTS
Paragraph W>, Paae no.
1.01 Recreational Use Areas I>-1
1.06 Impacts of Disposal Operations D-l
1.09 Conclusions D-3
LIST OF FIGURES
D-l Recreation Resources D-2
-------
APPENDIX D
REEREMTCICVL USE
Recreational Use Areas
1.01 Figure D-l identifies the major recreational use areas within the ZSF.
Die area receives recreational use year-round with the most popular months
being from May through Septeriber. Primary activities include fishing,
camping, beachcombing, sightseeing and picnicking.
1.02 Beginning at the north jetty and extending north along the coast for
several miles is Bullards Beach State Park. Recreational attractions
include a campground, picnic areas, boat launch, horseback riding, hiking,
beachcombing and damning. The Coquille Lighthouse parking lot is the only
development located within the northern half of the ZSF. This area has been
subject to damage from ocean hydrology and storm activity. State Park
personnel are considering moving the lighthouse parking lot behind the
foredune where conditions are more stable.
1.03 Another state park located within the ZSF is the Bandon Ocean
Wayside. This is a 15-acre park located along the coast approximately 1 mile
south of the Bandon city center. Bandon Wayside offers park visitors
sightseeing and photographic opportunities of the offshore rock outcroppings
and Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge. The wayside provides access to
the beach where beachcombing is a popular, activity at low tides. The
viewpoint area is heavily used by visitors during the summer months.
Existing facilities include a parking lot and viewing area.
1.04 The Coquille River jetties are small, which restricts their use during
periods of rough weather. Despite this limitation, the area is popular for
its bottom fishing opportunities. Fishing pressure is heaviest from June
through August when surf conditions are less threatening and more
predictable.
1.05 The offshore fishery is for both rockfish and salmon. The most
popular and productive area is offshore of Coquille Point. This is also a
very scenic area because of the rocky headlands and offshore sea stacks.
Impacts of Disposal Operations
1.06 The proposed disposal site identified in figure D-l is located outside
of any major recreational use areas. As a result, few conflicts are
expected to ccur between recreatianists and disposal operations. Any
conflicts that may arise would occur as the vessel was in route to the
disposal site. These conflicts could include time delays for recreational
boaters caused by the passing of the dredge or an increase in navigation
hazards during congested periods, conflicts such as these can be considered
an inconvenience rather than a threat to recreational activity. The only
serious threat is the potential for collision between recreational boaters
and dredge traffic. Confrontations of this nature are rare due to the slow
Speed at which the dredge moves. Unless there is a significant change in
D-l
-------
BEACHCOMBING
BULLARDS BEACH
STATE PARK
JETTY
FISHING
\ INTERIM ^
SITE \
ROCKF1SH
BANDO^
OREGON ISLANDS
NWR
SCALE IN YARDS
0 IOOO
1 ¦ 1 ¦ ' ' * 1 ' ' 1
RECREATION
RESOURCES
; BANDON OCEAN
WAYSIDE
Figure D-l
Recreation Resources
D-2
-------
equipment or operational procedures, the potential for collision will
remain low.
1.07 When dredged material is deposited at the disposal site, the
surrounding water conditions will deteriorate. Uiis condition will result
in a reduced visual quality of the area and possibly disrupt the feeding
patterns of sport fish. Both of these situations would be temporary and
normal conditions would return as soon as the sediment had settled.
1.08 Sediment deposition along the beach is another possible consequence of
disposal operations that could affect recreational activity. The
accunulatian of dredged material on the beaches could potentially interfere
with the free movement of sand, which may affect the vegetative cover or
modify the landscape topography, if the slope of the beach is altered
significantly, it could interfere with the accumulation of driftwood and
other items of interest to beachcombers. A change in slope could also
affect local clam beds. These changes would result in reduced recreational
opportunities for the area. Another potential problem with beach nourishment
is the accumulation of foreign material on the beaches. If the dredged
material has a different color or texture than the existing material, the
results could be a reduction in the visual quality of the area.
Conclusions
1.09 Use of the proposed disposal site should have little impact on
existing recreation. During disposal operations, water conditions would
deteriorate. Any impact this may have on sport angling or visual quality of
the area would only be temporary, some inconveniences would be experienced
by recreational boaters and fishermen; but overall, disposal operations
appear to pose no serious threat to recreation.
1.10 If future studies indicate that disposal operations are either
detrimental to ocean fauna, found to be disrupting sediment deposition along
the coastline, or are responsible for any long term water quality problems,
further information should be collected to determine more specifically what
extent these impacts would have on recreation, until any of these impacts
are observed, future disposal of dredged material at the present site is not
expected to have any substantial effects on recreation.
D - 3
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APPENDIX E
CULTURAL RESOURCES
-------
APPENDIX E
CULTURAL RESOURCES
TM3LE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph No. Paae no.
1.01 Introduction E-l
1.03 Early Prehistoric Sites E-l
l.ll Historical cultural Resources E-2
1.15 Shipwreck Location Model E-4
1.19 Preservation Settings E-6
1.21 Coquille Project Site Evaluation E-6
1.23 Historic Wrecks in the Coquille Study Area. . .E-7
1.27 Side Scan Sonar Results E-10
LIST OF TABLES
E-l Documented Wrecks in the Coquille Vicinity . . .E-ll,12,13
LIST OF FIGURES
E-l Time-Depth Correlations E-3
E-2 Shipwreck Frequencies E-5
E-3 Wireck Site Locations E-8
E-4 Seasonality of Wrecks E-9
-------
APPENDIX E
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Introduction
1.01 Research ancl analysis of the relevant historical records and the
preservation context indicate that the most likely cultural resource within
the project area are shipwrecks. A review of environmental changes since
the first colonization of the North American continent, and the rise in sea
level and subsequent erosion of former ground surfaces, suggests that the
preservation context has been substantially degraded and that early
prehistoric sites would not have survived. There are, however, examples of
archeological sites in areas inundated by the sea, indicating that the
problems of submerged early prehistory cannot be entirely dismissed.
Moreover, recent cultural resources are unlikely because no new land forms
have been exposed or developed since the present sea level was established
6,000 years ago. Other than perhaps the lost or discarded elements of
fishing gear used in an offshore fishery, there is little possibility that
prehistoric sites more recent than 6,000 years ago are present within the
study areas.
1.02 The following portion of this appendix is an overview of the basic
archeological issues and provides background for each of the study areas
discussed more fully below.
Early Prehistoric Sites
1.03 Many important archeological issues have yet to be resolved. Among
these is the major research question concerning the initial colonization of
the North American continent. Although there is little consensus on the
time of arrival, archeological opinion holds that the first colonists (the
forerunners of today's Native Americans) migrated across the Bering Straight
frcxn Asia to North America on a land mass that was exposed in a low sea
cycle during the Wiscansinan ice age in the late Pleistocene. (1) Hie dates
of these migrations vary, ranging from as early as 75,000 to 60,000 years
ago during the Middle Wi scans inan to the more recent late Wisconsinan
glaciatian of 20,000 to 12,000 years ago.(2)
1.04 There are significant archeological issues associated with a lower sea
level. During periods when the sea stood at a lower level, a broader, more
extensive coastal plain was present. Baldwin, for example, notes that the
principal valley mouths along the Oregon coastline have been drowned by
rising sea levels. (3) If prehistoric people migrated down the coast they
would have followed a beach line that is now inundated by current ocean
levels.(4)
1.05 A number of studies have been made which correlate ocean depths with
the time periods when these areas were exposed ground surfaces. These
studies, based on the analysis of submerged beach and strand lines, and in
sane cases supported by radiocarbon dates, have established a generalized
scale correlating decreases in ocean depths (as water was taken and
E - 1
-------
frozen in continental glaciers) with the time these events occurred. (5,6,7)
Figure E-l approximates this information.
1.06 For the purposes of this paper, the graph focuses on potential areas
where early prehistoric sites might be located. It does not prove or
demonstrate the presence of any sites. In fact, though archeological sites
have been found in areas inundated by the ocean, their age range tends to
cluster around more recent times rather than the glacial periods.
1.07 For example, a major archeological deposit has been located along the
California coastline. The artifacts which compose the site indicate a
substantial settled Indian occupation with an en^hasis an seed processing.
Hie artifact styles indicate a site at least 7,000 years old—if not older.
Artifacts have been found to depths of 100 feet. Though the site's
geanorphology has not been totally worked out one interpretation suggests
that, "As sea level rose it built up a series of barrier beaches fronting
the lagoon and the inhabitants settled on or at least lived near these
beaches. The rising sea level forced the progressive abandonment of these
sites and in each case left a sheet of artifact material on the near shore
bottom extending offshore from the present beach to the 30 or 40 foot
curve."(8)
1.08 Another site along the California coastline is thought to be 3,000 to
5,000 years old based on artifact styles. This site is in 15 to 25 feet of
water. Estimating the age of the site with the time-depth graph supports
the typological age of the site. The site may be an example of a lowland
setting that was one of the last surfaces covered by a rising sea. The
significance of this site in contrast to the proceeding example is the fact
that it is a primary uneroded deposit. As an uneroded site it indicates
that an archeological site can survive inundation and near shore currents
if it is located in a buffered or sheltered setting. (9)
1.09 Key components used in analyzing the disposal sites under evaluation
are site depth, topographic features that might lend themselves to buffering
an archeological site from wave energy, and sediment type which may indicate
a stable long term geological setting.
1.10 Prehistoric cultural resources more recent than 6,000 years ago are
unlikely in the project area. Though, implements used to procure marine
resources during subsistence activities may be present, the presence of
archeological sites is very unlikely. Since 6,000 years ago, the project
area, (especially the disposal sites) has been covered by the ocean.
Appropriate environments suitable for human habitation have not been
present.
Historical Cultural Resources
1.11 The most probable cultural resources and the ones most likely to
survive conditions of the project area are shipwrecks. Ocean-going ships
and vessels of the coastal trade played a fundamental role in the
Northwest. (10) Sailing vessels accomplished the first explorations along
the Oregon coast. Sail-powered vessels moved goods and people during the
early fur trade and initial settlement. As settlanent expanded and
E - 2
-------
YEARS AGO (xlOOO)
in
ce
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Figure E-l
Time-Depth Correlations
E - 3
-------
carcnerciai development increased in the Oregon Territory, mechanically-
powered vessels came into use. Though sane vessels of all types were lost,
the economy and reliability of sea transportation outweighed the occassional
loss of a vessel, crew, and cargo.(11)
1.12 Vessels were wrecked with enough frequency that remnants of a
substantial number are still likely to be present along coastal areas. When
taken as a group, the remnants of these vessels probably constitute an
important study collection. Vessels representing the broad range of types
used in exploration,, trade, and ccnmercial ventures may be present.
1.13 For example, the sample should be dominated by schooners engaged in
the historic development of the lumber industry and coastal trade fron the
late 1850's through the 1920's. Vessels transporting lumber to the
California markets constituted a substantial portion of this trade. (12) As
the timber industry developed in the coastal range, Oregon ports also became
the center of a regional shipbuilding industry. In many circumstances, the
major lumber mills had their own shipbuilding facilities or provided the
industrial base that supported local ship construction. (13)
1.14 Exotic vessels may also be present. For instance, numerous derelict
Japanese junks have been reported grounded along the Pacific Northwest coast
since the early 1800's. These vessels, damaged along the Japanese
coastline, drifted on major ocean currents from Japan to the Northwest
coast. They have been reported as far as the west coast of Mexico. (14)
These vessels may be present along the coast, depending upon local
preservation conditions.
Shipwreck Location Model
1.15 In order to evaluate the potential of a particular project area for
shipwrecks, a general model of shipwreck distribution was developed. Using
the location of known shipwrecks the model assumes that similar conditions
in the past will account for the location of unrecorded wreck sites. This
information was then used to project the likely zones for wreck sites. For
the purposes of this study the projections were used to rank the project
area into high, medium, and low probability locations for wreck sites,
mapped on particular project maps, and then used to minimize project
impacts to likely areas (figure E-2).
1.16 In addition to identifying the locations of wreck sites based an a
literature search, the actual disposal sites were investigated using a side
scan sonar survey. Though side scan sonar surveys have been questioned
(15), the results of the survey for the CEMDS projects tend to support its
reliability within the limits of the project areas. For example, the sonar
surveys at the mouth of the Columbia River picked out numerous wreck
signatures and topographic features on the sea floor that indicate buried
wrecks. (16) In addition, wrecks were located in sonar scans in seme of the
coastal surveys undertaken for these projects. (17)
E - 4
-------
sano
DUNES
PANOON
SCALE IN YARDS
0 1000
1 ¦ t »
Figure E-2
Shipwreck Frequencies
E - 5
-------
1.17 Cftie criticism of side scan sonar work is that its reliability is
limited to discernible three-dimensional features. (18) Older wrecks may
become indistinguishable to the side scan sonar as their wooden structures
decay and they beccme a distribution of artifacts on the sea floor. Obese
wrecks, important because they may represent older and rarer shipwreck
sites, may not be discovered by side scan sonar surveys. However, the
problem of identifying submerged wrecks on the Oregon coast may not be as
significant as this criticism suggests.
1.18 Research on the Oregon coast indicates that wreck sites probably will
be be restricted to the last 200 years, the frequency increasing from the
1850's into the early 1910's. Decay or obliteration of some identifying
elements may not be a major prdblan. It is likely that hulls or buried
outlines of hulls or ballast will survive in sufficient detail to define
wreck sites. More significantly, however, the literature search reveals
that the majority of wreck sites are probably located on beaches or in surf
zones and not in deep water areas. Though exceptions are possible, the
location of damaged vessels tends to be within shallow near-shore
environments or in the vicinity of shallowly submerged obstructions. Once
vessels are damaged and steering and power are lost, they become subject to
currents, waves, and winds. In the examples presented in this appendix,
vessels typically are damaged during the fall^winter-spring storm season
with prevailing on-shore winds. During these circumstances, vessels damaged
in near-shore environments are driven into surf zones or onto beaches.
Approximately 80 percent of the known wrecks at the mouth of the Columbia
River fall within this pattern. (19) Beaches and surf zones within the study
areas are the most likely locations for discovering historic era shipwrecks.
Preservation Settings
1.19 Preservation environments, including human factors, will affect the
survival of beached wrecks. Prehistoric Indians and early settlers and
salvors found wrecked vessels a source of exotic goods, hardware, building
materials, and wealth. (20,21) Wrecks exposed in near-shore environments or
on beaches are likely to have been exploited for their various values. In
contrast, wrecks in submerged locations, though exposed to other norihuman
environmental factors, are likely to contain a higher frequency of artifacts
and more information depending on their state of preservation.
1.20 The following section of this appendix contains an evaluation of data
pertinent to the specific project area in terms of the two cultural resource
issues raised in the preceding discussion: 1) What is the potential for the
disposal location to contain early prehistoric sites, and 2) What are the
shipwreck conditions within the study area. Hiis issue includes identifying
wreck sites and evaluating the results of the side scan surveys.
Coquille Project Site Evaluation
1.21 Early Preihistoric Site Review. The most speculative portion of this
appendix involves evaluating the disposal sites as a potential environment
that might contain early prehistoric sites. This evaluation is limited to
the late Wisconsinan glacial period exposures. Die time-depth chart on page
E-2 indicates that the project area would have been an exposed land surface
E - 6
-------
between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. That time frame is within the expected
range of the late Wisconsinan migration fran Asia to the North American
continent and the probable time when these people may have migrated down
coastal areas.
1.22 The topographic setting (appendix B, figure B-5) and the distribution
of sediments suggest, however, that the preservation environment has been
substantially degraded since these surfaces were exposed ground surfaces.
Die topographic setting indicates a relatively flat to minor slope extending
to the west. There are no bedrock exposures, remnants of headlands, or
indications of geological features that would have buffered a site from the
effects of wave energy as sea level rose. Rather, project topography
suggests an area where sediments contained in beaches and dunes would have
been substantially reworked and redeposited over the developing sea floor.
Hie sand/silt sediments present in the disposal site suggest that the
current geological situation is relatively stable. (22) However, the
currently accepted explanation for the presence of silts within the project
area is that they are from the movement of materials dredged from the
Coquille River and bar during recent historic times. Based an this
information, the project area does not seem a likely candidate for the
preservation of early prehistoric sites.
Historic Wrecks In The Coquille Study Area
1.23 Wrecks in the Coquille study area tend to occur in near-shore
environments (table E-l). Frequent sites of wrecks include the bar at the
mouth of the river with 5 wrecks, 25 percent; the north and south beaches
with 10 wrecks, 50 percent; and an area approximately one-half to one mile
outside the mouth of the river with 3 wrecks, 15 percent (figure E-3). The
north and south jetties account for 2 wrecks, or 10 percent. Though the
number of wrecks is relatively small, the percentage distributions support
the basic characteristics of wreck locations along the Oregon coast. The
highest frequency of wreck sites are within near-shore environments.
1.24 This wreck distribution reflects the late fall-winter-early spring
storm period when wrecks are the most frequent (figure E-4). During this
period the potential for navigational error or the consequences of damage to
vessels by wind and storms, and the frequent shifts in channels at the
mouths of rivers is magnified. Small errors have more significance than
they do during more settled weather periods. During this period the
characteristic on-shore winds tend to drive vessels damaged in near-shore
environments into surf zones and onto beaches.
1.25 Late fall, winter, and early spring seasons define the storm period
along the Oregon coast. Approximately 89 percent (16) of the wrecks from
1869 through 1953 occurred during this period. Of the late 18th-century
wrecks, 6 out of 7, or 86 percent, occurred during this period.
E - 7
-------
WRECK SITE LOCATIONS
%
%
%
AREA
Figure E-3
Wreck Site Locations
E - 8
-------
SEASONALITY OF WRECKS
in
*
a
UJ
cr
£
u.
o
tr
UJ
CQ
^ _
F
A
L
L
W
J
N
T
E
R
(1881-1953)
S
P
R
N
G
Figure E-4
Seasonality of Wrecks
E - 9
-------
1.26 Hie above information indicates that documented wreck sites in the
historic period (1850-1917) occur primarily in near shore environments,
mis information is probably representative of the period before wreck
events (pre-1850) are well documented. It is likely that, if there were
wrecks in the Coquille area before 1850, they, too, will be found in the
surf zones and beaches south of the Coquille River.
Side Scan Sonar Results
1.27 No shipwreck signatures were documented by the side scan sonar survey.
Hie wrecks reported offshore were beyond the range of the survey. In
addition, no wrecks were anticipated within the disposal area as it was
located beyond the high probability zones.
E - 10
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Table E-l
Documented Wrecks in the Coquille Vicinity
Wreck Site/*Grounding site if Reported
name Wreck
Date (Type) Cargo Location Reference
Dec 1869
(23)
3Mayl870
(24)
1876
(26)
16Janl877
(27)
Jan 1881
(28)
18N&V1889
28Augl895
6Decl897
ALASKA
schooner
aXTTTFWr
Barkerttine
MARY SCHOWNER
CREGCNIAN
schooner
PRECURSOR
scow-
schooner
PARKERBURG
schooner
Coquille Bar Marshall 1982:42
Coquille Bar Marshall 1982:45
West 1952:417
Wright 1895 (25)
Coquille Bar Marshall 1982:45
*Coquille River Marshall 1982:46
beached 5
miles south
*Coquille R.
Mouth - south
beach, rocks
West 1952:418
Wright 1895:256
Powell 1881:2683
*Coquille River Marshall 1982:46
beached 1/4 mi
below entrance
BRAHM3RE general cargo *Coquille River Marshall 1982:43
steamer 15 miles south West 1984:63
MM) Coquille Bar Marshall 1892:45
schooner, gas
E - 11
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Date
Name
(Type)
Table E-l (cont'd.)
Cargo
Wreck
location
Reference
30NGV1899 EUREKA
schooner
13NOV1904 WESEEENHCME
schooner
1905 DEL NORTE
schooner, steam
25Febl905 ONWARD
schooner
29Janl916 FIFIELD
schooner, steam
15Aprl915
24Aprl915
15Junl917
310Ctl924
23Febl927
lJanl936
RANDOLPH
schooner
ii
sn&LCft
schooner, gas
ACHE
schooner, steam
MARY E. MDQRE
schooner, steam
e. l. sgth
schooner, gas
*Coquille River Marshall 1982:44
north, beach
*Coquille Marshall 1982:44
north beach
Coquille Marshall 1982:44
offshore mouth
*Coquille Spit Marshall 1982:45
south beach West 1984:61
*Coquille Bar Marshall 1982:44
south beach West 1952:417
Coquille Bar Marshall 1982:46
*vicinity of
Cape Blanco
100 tons Coquille Bar
railroad *beached
iron
West 1952:418
Marshall 1982:46
Marshall 1982:42
West 1984:59
Coquille River Marshall 1982:45
offshore in
vicinity of
Acme (1 mile)
*Rocks of
Coquille Bar
Marshall 1982:44
E - 12
-------
Date
Name
(Type)
Table E-l (cont'd.)
Cargo
Wreck
Location
Reference
29Marl936 GOLDEN
motor freighter
21Febl943 YMS *133
mine sweeper
3NOV1953 OLIVER OLSCN
*Coquille
north jetty
1/2 mile
offshore
*South jetty
incorporated
into jetty
Marshall 1982:45
Marshall 1982:46
Marshall 1982:45
E - 13
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LITEKMURE CITED
(1) Butzer, Karl, 1971. Environment and Archaeology. Aldine Publishing
Company, Chicago, IL, p. 255.
(2) Fladmark, Khut, 1983. Times and Places: Environmental Correlates of
inan Human Population Expansion in North America. Early Man in the New
World, (ed) Richard Shutler, Jr. Sage Publication, Beverly Hills, CA..
(3) Baldwin, Swart M. 1959. Geology of Oregon. Edward Brothers, Inc.,
Ann Arbor.
(4) Fladmark, 1983:26.
(5) Cressman, L.S. 1977. Prehistory of the Far West: Hones of Vanished
Peoples. University of Utah Press. Scdt Lake City, UT, p. 47.
(6) Shepard, F.P. 1984. Sea level changes in the 6,000 years: Possible
archaeological significance. Science, nl43, pp 574-576.
(7) Blackwelder, R.W., O.H. Pilkey, and J.D. Howard, 1979. Late
Wi scons inan Sea Levels an the southeast United states, Atlantic shelf based
on in place shoreline indicators. Science v204 FP 618-620.
(8) Cressman, 1977:49, FP 179-180.
(9) Muche, James F., 1978. An Inundated Aboriginal Site, Corral Beach,
California. Beneath the Waters of Time: The Proceedings of the Ninth
Conference an Underwater Archaeology, (ed) J. Barto Arnold III. Texas
Antiquities Coimittee, Austin, IX.
(10) U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, April 1985. Yaquina Bay Interim Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site Evaluation Study. Portland District,
Portland, CR. pp E-3.
(11) Roessler, S.W., Lt. Col., Corps of Engineers, 1903, Coquille River
Oregon. Letter from the Acting Secretary of War, 60th Congress, 1st session,
House of Representatives, Document No. 339, "List of Vessels Crossing the
bar at entrance to Coquille River, Oregon, during the year ending December
31, 1906", p. 3.
(12) Beckham, Stephen Dow, 1986. Land of the Umpqua. A History of Douglas
County, Oregon. Douglas County Carmissioners, Roseburg, CR. pp 198-199.
See also Johansen, Dorothy 0. and Charles M. Gates, 1957. Bnpire of the
Columbia. A History of the Pacific Northwest. Harper and Brothers. New
York, NY. p. 390.
(13) BecHiam, 1986. p. 148.
E - 14
-------
(14) Brooks, Charles Wblcott, 1875. Report of Japanese Vessels Wrecked in
the North Pacific Ocean: Fran the Earliest Records to the Present Time.
Proceedings of the California Academy of Science, 6:50-66; cited in H. K.
Steele, 1981, Chinese Porcelains from Site 35-TI-l, Netarts Spit, Tillamook
County, Oregon. University of Oregon Anthropological Paper no. 23. p. 24.
(15) Clausen, Carl J. and J. Barto Arnold III, 1976. The Magnetometer and
Underwater archaeology. Magnetic delinatian of individual shipwreck sites,
a new control technique. International Juornal of Nautical Archaeology and
Underwater Exploration. 5(2): 168.
(16) U.S. Amy corps of Engineers, March 1985. Geological and Seismic
Investigation of Columbia River Mouth Study Area. Report 14. Brooks,
Charles Wolcott, 1875. Report of Japanese vessels Wrecked in the North
Pacific Ocean: From the Earliest Records to the Present Time. Proceedings of
the California Academy of Science, 6:50-66; cited in H.K. Beals and Harvey
Steele, 1981, Chinese Porcelains from Site 35-H-l, Netarts Spit, Tillamook
County, Oregon. University of Oregon Anthropological Paper no. 23. p. 24.
(17) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, January 1985.
Geologic and Seismic Investigation of Oregon Offshore Disposal Sites, Earth
Science Associates, Palo Alto, California, and Geo. Recon. International,
Seattle, WA.
(18) Clausen and Arnold, 1976. p. 168.
(19) U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, March 1985.
(20) Parker, Rev. Samuel, 1967 (1838). Parker's Exploring Tour, Beyond the
Rocky Mountains. Ross and Haines, Minneapolis, MM. p. 151. As a source of
iron: Rickard, T.A., 1939. Use of Iron and Copper by the Indians of British
Columbia. British Columbia Historical Quarterly 4: p. 25-50. cited by
Barner, D.c., 1981. Shell and Archaeology: An Analysis of Shellfish
Procurement and Utilization on the Oregon Central Coast, unpub. M.A.
Thesis, Oregon State University; Drucker, Riilip 1965. Cultures of the
North Pacific Coast. Chandler Publishing company, San Francisco, CA.
(21) Douthit, Nathan, 1982. The Coos Bay Region, 1890-1944; Life on a
Coastal Frontier. River West Books, Coos Bay, OR. ?P 27, 129-131.
(22) U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers, January 1985. p. 25.
(23) Marshall, Don, 1982. Oregon Shipwrecks. Binford and Mart, Portland,
OR. FP- 42-46.
(24) West, Victor, 1952. Ships, Builders, Captains. A Century of Coos and
Curry. History of Southwest Oregon, by Enil Peterson and Alfred Powers
(Coos and Curry Pioneer and Historical Association). Binford and Mort,
Publishers, Portland, CR.
E - 15
-------
(25) West, Victor, 1984. A Guide to Shipwreck sites Along the Oregon coast
via Oregon U.S. 101. R.E. Well and Victor West, North Bend, OR.
(26) Marshall has a different location than West (24) and
Wright (27) who locate the wreck of the OCCIDENT at Coos Bay bar.
(27) Wright, E.W., 1895. Lewis and Dryden's Marine History of the Pacific
Northwest. Hie Lewis and Dryden Printing Company, Portland, CR.
(28) Powell, Charles, 1882. Improvement of Mouth of Coquille River Oregon.
In Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers, U.S. Arm/. VIII. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C.. pp 2674-2684.
E - 16
-------
APPENDIX F
CCMMENTS AND COQRDINKnCN
-------
APPENDIX F
aXMENTS ftND OOGRDINftTIQN
TBBLE OF OCNEENTS
Paragraph No
Page Kb
1.01 Comments. . ,
1.03 Coordination
F-l
F-l
LETTERS
Concurrence Letter from Oregon Department of Land
Conservation and Development
Concurrence Letter from Oregon State Historic
Preservation Office
Concurrence Letters from National Marine Fisheries
Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
-------
APPENDIX F
CCMENTS AND COCKDINAXICN
Contents
1.01 Hie Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA)
requires that, for a site to receive a final CEMDS designation, the site
must satisfy the specific and general disposal site criteria set forth in 40
CFR 228.6 and 228.5, respectively. Hie final designation procedures also
require documentation of reccxnnended disposal site compliance with MFRSA am
with the following laws:
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
Endangered species Act of 1973,
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, all as amended.
1.02 Hie data provided in this document was carpi led to satisfy these laws
and has been coordinated with appropriate and necessary State and Federal
agencies.
Coordination
1.03 Hie procedures used in this CEMDS final designation study have been
discussed with the following agencies:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. Coast Guard
Oregon Division of State Lands
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service, and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
1.04 Following completion of a preliminary draft of this document, statements
of consistency or concurrence were sought regarding three State or Federal
laws. Hie statutes and responsible agencies are:
Coastal Zone Management Act of
1972, as amended
National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended
Endangered Species Act of 1973,
as amended
Oregon Department of Land
Conservation and Development
Oregon State Historic
Preservation Officer
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Marine Fisheries Service
1.05 Consistency or concurrence letters from these agencies follow.
State water quality certifications, as required by Section 401 of the
Clean Water Act, will be obtained for individual dredging actions.
F - 1
-------
NEIL GOLOSCHMOT
Department of Land Conservation and Development
1175 COURT STREET NE, SALEM, OREGON 97310-0590 PHONE (503) 378-4926
September 18, 1987
A. J. Heineman, Chief
Planning Division
Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, Oregon 97208-2946
Dear Mr. Heineman:
Thank you for your letter requesting our concurrence that
the Ocean Disposal Site Evaluation for the Coquille River
navigation project is consistent with the Oregon Coastal
Management Program.
My staff has reviewed the findings included in the draft
document. The findings appropriately indicate that the most
applicable mandatory enforceable policy in the Oregon
Coastal Program is Goal 19, the Ocean Resources Goal. The
findings conclude that the EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations
meet Goal 19's inventory and impact assessment requirements.
The Corps' evaluation indicates that the extent of rock
exposures and proximity to reef shoals at the existing
interim disposal site present both a hazard to the hopper
dredges and potential for adverse environmental impacts.
The report recommends designation of a new site north of the
existing interim site. The new site contains fine sand
almost exclusively. The sediment transport section of the
evaluation indicates that use of the shallow end of the new
site in early summer might allow material to be transported
back toward the Coquille River entrance channel. The
section included a recommendation that use of the proposed
new site be contingent upon preparation of a disposal
monitoring plan.
The Corps' findings indicate that the project is consistent
with Goal 19's requirement that sites for the open sea
discharge of dredged material not substantially interfere
with or detract from the use of the continental shelf for
fishing, navigation, or recreation, or from the long-term
protection of renewable resources.
In conclusion, the Department concurs that the project is
consistent with the Oregon Coastal Management Program
provided the site is monitored to ensure that dredge
material is not transported back toward the Coquille River
F - 2
-------
A. J. Heineman
-2-
September 18, 1987
entrance channel. Thank you for the opportunity to comment
on the project. Please contact Patricia Snow of my staff if
you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
~~i
James)F. Ross
-Director
JFR:PS/sp
cc: Glen Hale
-------
Department of Transportation
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Parks and Recreation Division
525 TRADE STREET SE, SALEM, OREGON 97310
October 26, 1987
Bernard M. Bishop
Natural Resources Branch
Portland District Corp of Engineers
PO Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946
RE: Coquille River and Ear
Off-shore Ocean Disposal Site
Coos County
Dear Mr. Bishop:
Our office has reviewed the proposed project in T28S, R15W,
Sec. 24 and the disposal site in T28S, R15W, Sec. 24 as a
proposed permanent off-shore ocean disposal site for
materials dredged from the Coquille River and bar. Since
this area has been surveyed by site scan sonar and does not
fit the historic shipwreck model, our office concurs that
the proposed project would have no effect on any sites on or
eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic
Places.
If you /have /any questions you can contact our staff
archeologist\Dr. Leland Gilsen at 378-5023.
A >owets, ^Deputy
State Historic Preservation Officer
DWP:jn *
BISHOP.DOC
73410-807
F - 4
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Environmental & Technical Services Division
847 N.E. 19th Avenue, Suite 350
Portland, Oregon 97232-2279
(503) 230-5400
February 6, 1985
F/NWR5-359:AG
Richard N. Duncan
Chief, Fish and Wildlife Branch
Portland District Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, Oregon 97208
This letter is in response to your request.of January 17, 1985 for lists
of threatened and endangered species under jurisdiction of the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) that may be present in various offshore dredge
disposal sites in Oregon.
The only listed species likely to occur in the areas you have designated
is the gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus.
Sincerely,
Dale R. Evans
Division Chief
• F - 5
-------
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AN1) WILDLIFE SERVICE
Portland Field Office
727 NE 24th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
i
May 1. 1987
1 7 87 -SP-92
Richard N. Duncan r IY
Portland District Corps of Engineers
P. 0. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2046
Dear Mr. Duncan:
As requested by your letter, dated April 10, 1987, and received by us on April
16. 1987, we have attached a list of endangered and threatened species that
may be present in the area of the proposed dredged material disposal sites
located offshore of the Umpqua, Chetco, Coquille, and Rogue River
entrances. From phone conversations with Geoff Dorsey of your staff, we
understand these areas are located approximately one mile straight out from
the river entrances in 60 to 90 feet of water and are about 1 square mile
in size. The list fulfills the requirement of the Fish and Wildlife
Service under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended. The Corps of Engineers requirements under the Act are outlined in
Attachment D.
Should your biological assessment determine that a listed species is likely to
be adversely affected by the project. The Corps of Engineers should request
formal Section 7 consultation through this office. Even if your biological
assessment shows a "no effect" or "beneficial effect" situation, we would
appreciate receiving a copy for our information.
Your Interest in endangered species is appreciated. If you have any
additional questions regarding your responsibilities under the Act, please
cull David M. Sill at our office, phone (503) 231-6179 or FTS 429-6179. All
correspondence should include the above referenced case number.
Sincerely,
Russell I). Peterson
Field Supervisor
Attachments
r.c: R1 FWE-SE
PF0--KS
ODFW (Nongame)
0NII1'
U 1: C i V 11 B
r.'/w '• i
REGULATORY RK.
5SP-92:05/01/87
F- 6
-------
Attachment A
LISTED AND PROPOSED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES AND
CANDIDATE SPECIES THAT MAY OCCUR IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED
DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITES LOCATED OFFSHORE OF THE
UMPgilA. CIIETCO. COQUILI.E, AND ROGUE RIVER ESTUARIES
STATE OF OREGON
I-7-87-SP-02
LISTED SPECIES-'
Brown Pelican Pchfcanus occidental is (E)
PROPOSED SPECIES
None
CANDIDATE
None
(E) - Endangered {T) - Threatened (CH) - Critical Habitat
1/
iJ. S. Department of Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service. Jan 1986. Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants. 50 CFR 17.11
-------
October 15, 1987
Planning Division (CENPP-PL-F)
Mr. Roland Schmitten
Regional Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
7600 Sand Point Way NE
BIN C15700
Seattle, Washington 98115
Dear Mr. Schmitten:
Pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, we are forwarding a biological
assessment for gray whales at the Coquille River Entrance Offshore Disposal
Area. This assessment is in response to your Feb. 6, 1985, listing of this
species for the project. We contacted Mr. Joe Scordino of your Northwest
Regional staff on October 14, 198 7, to determine if the 1985 listing was
still valid. He noted that the list should be updated to include humpback,
fin, blue, Sei, and sperm whales, although these species apparently occur in
very limited numbers along the Oregon coast.
The listing we received on Feb. 6, 1985, also covered designation of
offshore disposal areas for Tillamook Bay Entrance, Depoe Bay, Siuslaw River
Entrance, Port Orford, and Rogue River Entrances. We have not completed
biological assessments for these projects; therefore, we request an updated
list for these sites. We anticipate that the species listed for these
projects will be the same as for Coquille River Entrance. It is also
anticipated that our biological assessment will be no different as we are
unaware of additional information and the projects are virtually identical.
Thus, we request that you consider the biological assessment prepared for
Coquille River Entrance as applicable to the offshore disposal locations
listed above and thus, complete.the coordination required for these projects
under the auspices of the Endangered Species Act.
Your consideration of these matters is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Richard N. Duncan
Chief, Fish and Wildlife Branch
Enclosure
F - 8
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NOV I 2 1987
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospherio Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Northwest Region
7600 Sand Point Way NE
BIN C15700, Bldg. 1
Seattle, WA 98115
F/NWR3:1514-04- js
Mr. Richard N. Duncan
Chief, Fish and Wildlife Branch
Department of the Army
Portland District Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208
Dear Mr. Duncan:
This is in response to your October 15, 1987 letter regarding an Endangered
Species Act biological assessment for the gray whale and other whales at the
Coquille River Offshore Dredged Material Disposal Site. We have reviewed the
biological assessment and concur with your determination that populations of
endangered/threatened species under our purview are not likely to be adversely
affected by the proposed action offshore of the Coquille River Entrance.
In regards to an updated list of endangered/threatened species for the other
five offshore disposal areas noted in your letter, the original list of eight
species sent to you 1n 1985 would still apply as no new species have been
added. Although the species addressed in your Coquille River site assessment
would also apply to the other five areas, we cannot consider It as a
biological assessment for other sites because additional specific Information
must be included for each site. The additional information needed 1n the
biological assessments for the other sites would include a site map, a project
description, and an assessment of any unique aspects of the site in regards to
endangered species. The project description portion of the assessment should
include the seasonal timing and frequency of the disposal activity, the
composition of the dredge material, the amount of material to be deposited
(both during the season and during each dredging), and the water
depths/location offshore of the disposal site.
Tliis concludes consultation responsibilities under Section 7 of the ESA for
the Coquille River Disposal Site. However, consultation should be reinitiated
if new information reveals impacts of the dredge disposal activity that may
adversely affect listed species or their critical habitat, a new species is
listed, critical habitat is identified that may be affected by the activity,
or the identified activity is subsequently modified. If you have any new
information or questions concerning this consultation, please contact Joe
Scordino at FTS 392-6140.
Sincerely,
$
/Rplland A. Schmitten
'/Regional Director
F - 9
19tg
-------
APPENDIX G
COMMENTS AND RESPONSES FOR DRAFT EIS
-------
APPENDIX G
COMMENTS AND RESPONSES
Six letters of comment were received on the draft Environmental Impact
Statement, "Coquille, Oregon, Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation."
Responses to comments generally appear alongside each comment.
Comment letters appear in the following order:
Federal Agency Page
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management G-2
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
National Marine Fisheries Service G-3
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Office of the Chief Scientist G-4
Department of the Interior, Office of Environmental Project Review G-6
Private Individuals or Companies
Howard R. Jones, Marine Taxonomic Services G-8
G-l
-------
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
_ COOS BAY DISTRICT OFFICE
IN RCPi* rTO 333 s 4lh StPeet
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
1795
John Malek
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Ave. WD-138
Seattle, WA 98101
Dear Mr. Malek:
i ¦<
We appreciate the opportunity to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
"Coqullle, Oregon Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation."
We do not have any specific comments to offer.
Sincerely, /"\
If' kw?
District Manager /
:7>
i
ro
Resminsp: Noted.
-------
t388
UMITEO STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
tNMPONMfMAi * TtCMMCAl SEBVlOtS OlVlS'OH
84^N£ I 9t* AVf NUt SU»'{ JSC
POS^LANO OREGON 9?23? J2 79
<503. 730 MOO
ffC ' 2 1989
F/NWR5:809
Robie G. Russell
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
Re: Coquille Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS)
Dear Mr. Russell:
We have completed our review of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) for the Coquille Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Site (ODMDS) Designation. The proposed ODMDS is an adjusted
location lying north-northeast of an existing, interim-designated
site. The proposed ODMDS was judged to be a safer location with
less potential for adverse environmental effects. One benefit of
the proposed ODMDS is that it has a sandy bottom substrate
similar to dredged material from the Coquille River Federal
navigation channel. The Federal navigation channel will be the
primary source of dredged material to the proposed ODMDS. The
DEIS states that the proposed ODMDS will be monitored for a
period of time after a final designation is approved. Presently,
no significant or long-term adverse environmental effects are
predicted to result from designation.
Based on studies thus far completed, the National Marine
Fisheries Service believes that the proposed ODMDS is more
environmentally suitable for the disposal of dredged material
than the present interim ODMDS. We therefore support the new
designation.
We appreciate this opportunity to provide comments.
Sincerely,
sxnar Wold
Division Chief
cc: ODFW
ODSL •
USFWS - PFO 1
COE - Portland District
riF-r I s iPfla
Response: Support noted.
-------
/"v\
V®/
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Ocsanic and AUnwptwHc AthnliiUttaHoo
Washington. D C. 20230
Office of the Chief Scientist
December 20, 1988
fB©S0WB
,
WRAP/104 REVIEW'—
Mr. John Malek
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-138
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Nr. Malek:
This is in reference to your Draft Environmental Impact Statement
on the Coquille, Oregon, Dredged Material Disposal Site
Desi gnati on.
We hope our comments will assist you. Thank you for giving us an
opportunity to review the document.
Si ncerely,
0#m4 6 —
David Cottinqham
Director
Ecology and Environmental
Conservation Office
Enclosures
75 Years Stimulating America's Progress * 1913-1988
-4-
Besponse:
responses,
Acknowledged. See following page for specific comments and
-------
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
OFFICE OF CHARTING ANO GEODETIC SERVICES
HOCKVILLE. MARYLAND 20852
DEC 15
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
David Cottinghara
Ecology and Environmental Conservation Office
Reai? Admiral Wesley v. Hull, NOAA
Director, Charting and Geodetic Services
DEIS 8811.02 - Coquille, Oregon, Dredged
Material Ocean Disposal Site Designation
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The subject statement has been reviewed within the areas of
Charting and Geodetic Services' (CSGS) responsibility and
expertise. Since safety of navigation is one of C&GS' primary
missions, this proposal was examined with that in mind. C&GS
considers the maintenance of navigational projects to be
extremely important and supports any programs that help
accomplish this objective.
From a navigation point of view, it is never desirable to place
materials in the ocean in the vicinity of ports, harbors, and
channels. Sites off of the Continental Shelf would be
preferable. However, since the primary purpose of the project is
to improve navigation in the Coquille River and the proposed site
is near an existing dump site, the preferrred site appears to be
the best alternative after considering all other factors.
The site is covered on NOS nautical charts 18580 and 18588, and J
all changes resulting from this project will be reflected on «
these charts. If appropriate, this information would be
disseminated through Notices to Mariners and/or chartlets. JL
Should there be any need for further information about this
response, please contact Mr. Erich Frey, Mapping and Charting
Branch, N/CG22x2, WSC1, room 804, Nautical Charting Division,
NOAA, Rockville, Maryland 20852, telephone 301-443-8742.
cc:
N/CGlx21 - Riggers
N/CG17 - Spencer (with attachment)
N/CG22x2 - Frey PEC I g
75 Years Stimulating America's Progress # 1913-1988
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Rpsponse 1; Comment noted.
Response 2: Acknowledged. A copy of the final EIS and designation rule will
be provided to the appropriate NOAA office so that the information can be
included on future charts.
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United States Department of the Interior
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December 29, 1988
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ER 88/988
Mr. John Malek
Ocean Dumping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue, WD-138
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Mr. Malek:
The Department of Interior has reviewed the draft Environmental Statement (EIS) for the
Coquille Ocean Material Disposal Site Designation, Coos County, Oregon. The following
comments are provided for your use and consideration when preparing the final
document.
General Comments
The draft EIS for the subject site does not adequately address potential conflicts with
future mining operations. The heavy mineral occurences noted northwest of the proposed
site are exposed at the surface of the seafloor. In addition, other similar deposits are
likely to exist elsewhere in the area under a coating of sand and silt. Additional
information regarding future mining operations can be obtained from either the
Federal/State of Oregon Offshore Placer Technical Task Force or the Bureau of Mines'
Open File Report 4-87, entitled "An Economic Reconnaissance of Selected Heavy Mineral
Placer Deposits in the U.S. EEZ." Both the Task Force and Open File Report could
provide additional information on the resources and development potential off the coast
of southern Oregon.
Future mining operations should
1
Specific Comments
Page EI5-9 Minimal Interference with Other Activities,
also be considered in the analysis of conflicting uses.
EIS-9, Minimizes Changes in Water Quality. It is stated that the dredged material is
composed of "clean sand?* Consideration should be given to the alternative of marketing
the dredged .'-material for local construction uses.
Page EIS II, Sites Off the Continental Shelf. A comparative chart showing the costs for
the alternative disposal proposal would be helpful in analyzing the economic impacts.
The conclusion that It Is uneconomical to dispose of dredged material beyond 1.5 miles
off shore, on the continental shelf is questionable. The small additional transportation
distance for the loaded hopper dredge should not significantly impact the economics of
the dredging operation.
Page EIS 13 Types and Quantities of Material to be Deposited at the Site. The
minerafogical makeup of the dredged material is not reported or discussed. Tne final
document should address the presence of any heavy minerals of economic interest.
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General Comment
Response 1: It is not within EPA or Corps authorities under the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 197Z to initiate offshore
explorations for mineral deposits in final designation of ocean dumping sites.
As indicated in this EIS (V. Environmental Consequences, Physical Effects),
the site is located within a high energy zone. Currents in the area have in
the past and are expected in the future to rapidly disperse disposed sediments
broadly out of the site. No mounding has occurred on the site nor would we
expect that material dispersing off the site would significantly contribute to
concentrated mounding offsite. Accordingly, no significant conflict with
future mining operations due to increased deposition or burial of mineral
resources is anticipated. Navigational conflicts between mining vessels and
dredges (or tug and barge operations, if used) are possible, but given the
relatively light sea traffic in the area, we believe they could be adequately
addressed on an action-specific basis. EPA, Region 10, would appreciate
receiving future information identifying specific ocean mineral explorations
within 10 miles of the coastlines of the States of Alaska, Washington, and
Oregon. We will coordinate such information with the appropriate Corps
District.
Specific Comments
Response 2: Future mining operations off the Oregon coast are presently
speculative. These have been included implicitly in the assessment of
navigation hazards and geological features.
Response 3: Designation of an 0DMDS does not imply approval of specific
dredging or disposal actions. These are separate regulatory actions permitted
under section 103 of the MPRSA by the appropriate Corps District Commander,
with independent review and concurrance by EPA. Alternate uses of the dredged
material are routinely considered at that time.
The suggestion to "market" the clean sand for construction uses falls
under the category of Beneficial Uses. In general, it is the policy of the
Corps and EPA to promote beneficial use of dredged material that also results
in the least environmental damage. Typically, alternative uses of dredged
material fall into one of two categories: inwater and upland use. lnwater
use has typically been to fill intertidal lands and wetlands, although
examples exist of habitat creation or enhancement using dredged material.
Upland use of dredged material frequently results in greater environmental
damage (typically due to the salt content of the sediments) and usually
involves additional expense by double-handling of the material.
Several other problems arise with marketing of material:
Federal intervention with local marketing; and
State ownership of the dredged sediment.
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Poqe EIS-15. Offshore Mining Operations. The statement that "...most (mineral)
exploration programs are scheduled for the outer continental shelf" is not accurate.
Most attractive mineral resources are within State waters, less than 3 nautical miles
from shore (Bureau of Mines OFR 4-87), and the States either have developed or are in
the process of developing offshore leasing programs.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
f'Charles S. Polityka
Regional Environmental Officer
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Marketing of dredged material by a federal agency would potentially impact
local businesses and has raised serious public concerns in the past. Ail
dredged material from Coquille is under state ownership and presently would
require royalty cost to the state in addition to dredging costs. Attempts
have been made in a number of areas to make clean dredged material available
for construction. At present, no demand has surfaced for this material.
Response 4: A Zone of Siting Feasibility (ZSF) was established by the
Portland District based on existing logistical considerations which directly
effect project economics. For example, the dredge Yaquina, dredges the
Coquille project. Its time allocated to the Coquille project is limited to
typically 8 days per dredge year. This is due to commitments to other Federal
projects along the Oregon and Washington coast, to weather conditions, and
anticipated dredge maintenance schedules. The quantity of dredged material to
be removed and allocated dredge time to perform this work are largely fixed.
The ZSF was estimated as the limit of haul to accommodate these limitations
and to accommodate annual dredging needs along the coast. Some leeway,
greater at some projects than others, does exist in the haul distance
calculation. This is more on the order of an additional one-half to one mile
scale as opposed to the additional ten to twenty miles to take the material
off the continental shelf. As reported in the E1S, we could identify no
environmental benefit to warrant the additional haul distances.
Response 5: As the dredged material is derived form the sane littoral cell as
the disposal site sediments, no significant deviation in mineralolgy is
expected. Chemical analysis of sediments, when conducted, is for priority
pollutants of concern to determine toxicity potential. Commercially
exploitable metals or other compounds are not routinely evaluated unless they
happen to be listed as a priority pollutant (e.g., chromium, mercury, etc.)
Typically, both the Corps and EPA would rely upon information provided by the
Department of the Interior or other appropriate agency with expertise.
Response 6: The statement in question pertains directly to offshore oil and
gas deposits and not explicitly to minerals. The statement has been corrected
in the final EIS.
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Marine Taxonomic Services
S12S Crescent Valley Drive
Corvatlit, OR 97330
December 20, 1988
John Malek
Ocean- Dumping Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Ave. WD-138
Seattle, Washington 98101
Dear Sir:
Marine Taxonomic Services is pleased to have been aiven the
opportunity to review the Draft EIS on the Coquille. Oreaon
Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation Report.
A copy of these comments have also been forwarded to Mr. Rudd
Turner at the Portland District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.
Sincerely.
Howard R. Jones
Director
kj
cc: Mr. Rudd Turner
i©GiOW[i
PEC ."<> 1988
WRASAI04 REVIEW
EPA/P5GION 10
-8-
Respnnse: Acknowledged. See following page for specific comments and
responses.
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Marine Taxonomic Services
5125 Cretcmt Valley Drive
Corvallit, OR 97330
Review of the Coquille. Oregon Dredge
Material Disposal Site Designation Draft
Environmental Impact Statement
Comments:
EIS-31 Howard R. Jones, Marine Taxonomic Services
(benthic macrofauna analysis)
General - The term 'aquatic* as used in the scientific realm
is defined as pertaining to the fresh water environment
and the term 'marine' pertains to the salt water environment. It
is my feeling that in this report a change of terms is in order,
i.e. change aquatic to read marine.
A-l 1.01 Information on marine benthic resources... conducted
in June 1985.
.j~> A-2 1.09 The common name 'Sanddab' is not equivalent to the
^ scientific name Isopsetta isolepis. I. isolepis is
called a butter sole and Sanddabs belong to the genus
Citharichthvs¦ The usage here should be Sanddabs
(Citharichthvs sordidus). ...
Table A-2
Sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus)
A-5 1.18 1) The infaunal community of the north transect
between .. .
2) Genus and species names should be in italics or
underlined i.e. Spjophanes bombvx. Eohaustorus.
Mandibulophoxus and Rhephoxvnius.
1.19 Polynoidae are not encrusting, forms but do associate
with rock and shell substrates.
1.20 Mean densities (#/mL) ... organisms/m*
1.22 Maximum of 99/ml
1.23 201/m1
1.27 ... clams to the inshore ...
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Response 1; Correction made.
Response 2: The term "aquatic" is used throughout the EIS in its regulatory
sense, I.e., pertaining either to marine, estuarine, or fresh-water
environments and biota.
Response 3: Mr. Jones' clarifications to appendix A have been included.
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