SCIENCE IN THE REGION
Science
12 RESULTS
NEW ENGLAND
OSV Bold Ocean Disposal Site Monitoring
EPA | SCIENCE AT THE EPA NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL OFFICE
SCIENCE lies at the heart of the mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Agency must rely on cutting edge research, accurate
measurements and effective technology to implement its programs to protect the environment and human health. Without sound science and credible data,
EPA cannot wisely set environmental and health standards, clean up contaminated sites, measure ambient air and water quality conditions, or identify the new
technologies or practices that will reduce releases to the environment. These fact sheets share with you some of EPA New England's capabilities and exemplify
some of the very best science we do to meet our agency mission.
GOAL:
One of EPA's mandates is to designate ocean dredged material disposal sites and monitor their use to make certain
KEY CO NT ACTS : that adverse impacts are not occurring to the marine environment. To ensure continued use as well as shipping
and boating safety, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and private applicants routinely dredge navigation chan-
nels and marinas. The harbor sediments collected sometimes are contaminated by chemicals associated with urban
IELVILLE P. COTE, JR. runoff historic pollution or harbor activities. The majority of dredged material is placed in one of New England's
Chief, Ocean & Coastal fjve designated ocean disposal sites once it has been tested rigorously under EPA and ACOE guidelines.
Protection Unit
(617) 918-1553
cote.mel@epa.gov
MATTHEW LIEBMAN
OSV Bold Coordinator &
Chief Scientist
(617) 918-1626
liebman.matt@epa.gov
JEAN BROCHI
Chief Scientist
(617) 918-1536
brochi.jean@epa.eov
GENERAL INFO:
EPA NEW ENGLAND
REGIONAL LABORATORY
11 Technology Dr.
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
(617) 918-8300
www.epa.gov/ne/lab
www.epa.gov/bold
TOLL-FREE
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1-800-EPA-7341
PROGRESS:
EPA New England's regional scientists use the 224'-
long converted U.S. Navy ship Ocean Survey Vessel
BOLD to monitor these sites. The vessel is equipped
with digital side scan sonar, underwater video and
water and sediment sampling devices. These instru-
ments help scientists "see" and map the ocean floor to
analyze the characteristics of bottom sediments and
to determine whether dredged material is disposed
of at intended locations. Side scan sonar also can help
identify geological features, shipwrecks and man-made
objects. Scientists collect sediment using "grabs" low-
ered to the ocean floor to measure concentrations
of contaminants in the disposal site and compare it to
nearby clean reference areas.
In 2006, scientists collected sediments and analyzed side
scan sonar images at the 300'-deep Massachusetts Bay
Disposal Site (MBDS). Sediment contaminant levels were
elevated above the reference areas, but not at levels
expected to cause adverse impacts. In addition, the sedi-
ments were tested and found not to be toxic. Side scan
images confirmed the presence of over one thousand
waste containers at the inactive Industrial Waste Site
adjacent to the MBDS. In 2007, sediment chemistry and
side scan sonar images were collected at two disposal
sites and their corresponding reference areas in eastern
Long Island Sound (LIS). Here, contaminant levels also
were elevated above the reference areas, but not at
levels expected to cause adverse impacts. Side scan
sonar imaging confirmed that at the Cornfield Shoals
disposal site, bottom sediments were sandy, with high-
energy sediment features (such as sand waves). In
contrast, the New London disposal site exhibited fine-
grained sediments characteristic of a less energetic envi-
ronment. Such knowledge of sediment properties helps
guide scientists in their effort to determine the types of
dredged material appropriate for disposal at each site.
BENEFITS:
Both EPA and the ACOE use the data collected
to determine whether dredged material at ocean
disposal sites does not cause adverse impacts to the
marine environment. Reference area data are used
to evaluate the suitability of dredged material for
disposal in Long Island Sound. In 2009, EPA scientists
used the OSV BOLD to collect additional sediments
at reference areas in Long Island Sound and Cape
Cod Bay. They employed a sediment profile imager,
or SPI camera, to supplement information obtained
from the grab samples about the condition of marine
sediments. All these sampling results help EPA New
England continue its mission to explore new disposal
sites, seek out new marine animals and "boldly go
where no ship has gone before" - in New England.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks
EPA-901-F-09-028
August 2009
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