March 2015
>g, EPA
U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
Mobile
OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE
SITE MANAGEMENT
AND MONITORING PLAN
VAN VEEN CRAB
Thin tetlin
Mud shrimp
Peppery
furrow shell
Common mussel
HOPPERS
ORAG
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The following Site Management and Monitoring Plan for the Mobile ODMDS has been developed
pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act Amendments of 1992 (WRDA 92) to the
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 for the management and monitoring of
ocean disposal activities.
This plan is effective from the date of EPA and USACE signature for a period not to exceed four
years.
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MOBILE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE
SITE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SITE MANAGEMENT 1
2.1 Disposal Site Characteristics 2
2.2 Management Objectives 3
2.3 Disposal History and Dredged Material Volumes 3
2.4 Dredged Material Characteristics 3
2.4.1 Associated Beach Quality Materials 3
2.4.2 Dredged Material Quality Verification 4
2.5 Time of Disposal 4
2.6 Disposal Technique 4
2.7 Disposal Location 4
2.8 Permit and Contract Conditions 5
2.9 Permit Process 5
2.10 Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities 5
3.0 SITE MONITORING 5
3.1 Baseline Monitoring 6
3.2 Disposal Monitoring 7
3.3 Post Discharge Monitoring 8
3.4 Disposal Effects Monitoring 8
3.5 Reporting and Data Formatting 10
3.5.1 Project Initiation and Violation Reporting 10
3.5.2 Disposal Monitoring Data 10
3.5.3 Post Disposal Summary Reports 10
3.5.4 Environmental Monitoring 10
4.0 MODIFICATION OI THE MOBILE S VI YIP 10
5.0 REFERENCES 11
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LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
Table 1. Site Coordinates 2
Table 2. Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions 5
Table 3. Surveys and Studies Conducted at or in the vicinity of the Mobile ODMDS .... 9
Table 4. Site Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action 9
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title Page
Figure 1.
Mobile ODMDS Location Map
2
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
March 2015
Mobile ODMDS
Site Management and Monitoring Plan
1.0 INTRODUCTION
It is the responsibility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (US ACE) under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRSA) of 1972 to manage and monitor each of the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
(ODMDSs) designated by the EPA pursuant to Section 102 of MPRSA. Section 102(c)(3) of the
MPRSA requires development of a Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) for each
ODMDS and review and revision of the SMMP not less frequently than every 10 years. The 1996
document, Guidance Document for Development of Site Management Plans for Ocean Dredged
Material Disposal Sites (EPA/US ACE, 1996) and the EPA Region 4 and US ACE South Atlantic
Division (SAD) Memorandum of Understanding (EPA/USACE, 2007) have been used as
guidance in developing this SMMP.
Specific responsibilities of EPA and the USACE are:
EPA: EPA is responsible for designating/de-designating MPRSA Section 102 ODMDSs,
for implementing and evaluating environmental effects of disposal dredged material at
these sites, and for reviewing and concurring on dredged material suitability
determinations.
USACE: The USACE is responsible for evaluating dredged material suitability, issuing
MPRSA Section 103 permits, regulating site use, and developing and implementing
disposal monitoring programs.
The SMMP provisions shall be requirements for all dredged material disposal activities at the site.
All Section 103 (MPRSA) ocean disposal permits or contract specifications shall be conditioned as
necessary to assure consistency with the SMMP.
2.0 SITE MANAGEMENT
Section 228.3 of the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40 CFR 220-229) states: "Management of a site
consists of regulating times, rates, and methods of disposal and quantities and types of materials
disposed of; developing and maintaining effective ambient monitoring programs for the site;
conducting disposal site evaluation studies; and recommending modifications in site use and/or
designation."
U.S. EPA Region 4
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
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2.1 Disposal Site Characteristics
The designation of the Mobile ODMDS can be found in 40 CFR 228.15(h)(14). Coordinates in the
CFR are provided in NAD 27. The Mobile ODMDS is a 4.75 square nautical mile (nmi2) area.
Table 1: Site Coordinates
Geographic (NAD 27)
30°10'00"N
88°07'42"W
30°10'24"N
88°05'12"W
30°09'24"N
88°04'42"W
30°08'30"N
88°05'12"W
30°08'30"N
88°08'12"W
The site (see Figure 1) lies on the shallow continental shelf, 4 nmi offshore Mobile Point,
Alabama with an average depth of 14 meters. Physical, chemical, and biological conditions at the
ODMDS are described in, "Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pensacola, FL,
Mobile, AL, and Gulfport, MS Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation." (EPA, 1987)
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Figure 1: Mobile ODMDS Location Map.
U.S. EPA Region 4
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
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2.2 Management Objectives. Appropriate management of an ODMDS is aimed at assuring that
disposal activities will not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, the marine
environment or economic potentialities (MPRSA §103(a)). The primary objectives in the
management of these ODMDSs are:
• Protection of the marine environment;
• Documentation of disposal activities and compliance; and
• Maintenance of a long term disposal alternative for dredged material, while encouraging
beneficial use where practical.
The following sections provide the framework for meeting these objectives to the extent possible.
2.3 Disposal History and Dredged Material Volumes. Disposal history can be found at the Ocean
Disposal Database maintained by the USACE (http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/odd/). The Mobile
ODMDS and the Mobile North ODMDS (selected by the USACE pursuant to Section 103 of the
MPRSA) have been used for disposal of 120 million cubic yards since 1987 (USACE, 2014).
Currently, the average annual disposal volume is about 4 million cys. The composition of the
dredged material is primarily silts and clays. Future volumes and rates of disposal, from both
Federal and private applicants, are expected to be similar to previous years. However, this
estimate may increase if it is determined feasible to deepen and widen the Federal channel into
Mobile Harbor to its currently authorized project dimensions. Also, the Mobile Harbor Turning
Basin constructed in 2010 requires annual maintenance dredging of about 425,000 cubic yards per
year which may go to the ODMDS (USACE, 2014). The USACE has estimated the remaining
capacity of the Mobile ODMDS at 15 million cubic yards based on projected volumes and the
remaining capacity the ODMDS has an estimated life of four years (USACE 2014). EPA in
cooperation with the Mobile District is in the process of expanding the Mobile ODMDS through
preparation of an Environmental Assessment and rulemaking and expects to expand the site within
the next four years.
2.4 Dredged Material Characteristics.
2.4.1 Associated Beach Quality Materials. USACE Beneficial Use of Dredged Material EM
1110-2-5026 requires dredged material be maximized within the coastal system. Dredged
materials that qualify for beach or near-shore placement per the applicable State standards shall be
beneficially placed in such location, to the maximum extent practicable. It is expected that the
applicable State will exercise its authority and responsibility, regarding beach nourishment, to the
full extent during any future permitting activities. Beneficial use of beach compatible dredged
material for beach nourishment is strongly encouraged and supported by EPA. Most sandy
material is placed in the Sand Island Beneficial Use Area located due east of the ODMDS
(USACE, 2014).
U.S. EPA Region 4
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2.4.2 Dredged Material Quality Verification. The suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal
must be verified by the USACE and agreed to via written concurrence from EPA prior to disposal.
Verification will be valid for three years from the most current verification.
Verification process:
1) Case-specific evaluation against the exclusion criteria (40 CFR 227.13(b)).
2) Determination of testing requirements for non-excluded material based on the potential of
sediment contamination since last verification.
3) When applicable, execute testing and determination of suitability of non-excluded material
for ocean disposal.
Verification documentation for suitability will be completed prior to use of the ODMDS.
Documentation will be in the form of a MPRSA Section 103 Evaluation. Potential testing and the
Evaluation will follow the procedures outlined in the 1991 EPA/US ACE Dredged Material
Testing Manual and 2008 Southeast Regional Implementation Manual (SERIM) or the appropriate
updated versions. This includes how dredging projects will be subdivided into project segments
for sampling and analysis. The MPRSA Section 103 Evaluation will be in the form outlined in
Appendix C of the SERIM. Water Quality Compliance determinations will be made using the
STFATE (ADDAMS) model. Only material determined to be suitable and in compliance with the
Ocean Dumping Criteria (40 CFR Part 227) through the verification process by the USACE and
EPA, Region 4 can be disposed in this ODMDS.
2.5 Time of disposal. At present no restrictions have been determined to be necessary for disposal
related to seasonal variations in ocean current or biotic activity at the Mobile ODMDS.
2.6 Disposal Technique. No specific disposal technique is required for the site. In order to protect
sea turtles and Gulf sturgeon, the National Marine Fisheries Service, Protected Resources Division
requires monitoring according to guidance outlined in the Regional Biological Opinion for
Dredging of Gulf of Mexico Navigation Channels and Sand Mining ("Borrow ") Areas Using
Hopper Dredges by USACE Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Jacksonville Districts (NMFS,
2003 and amended 2005 & 2007). In addition, standard surveillance and evasive measures to
protect sea turtles and marine mammals shall be employed during all disposal operations at the
2.7 Disposal Location. 40 CFR §227.28 requires all disposals to occur at least 330 feet (100
meters) inside any site boundaries. Release zones may be established by the USACE in
consultation with EPA at the time of site use for operational reasons or to insure compliance with
the Ocean Dumping Criteria (40 CFR Part 227). Disposal shall be initiated within the applicable
release zone boundary and completed (i.e. doors closed) prior to leaving the ODMDS boundaries.
Placement methods, which prevent mounding of dredged materials from becoming an
unacceptable navigation hazard, will be used. Dredged material shall be disposed so that at no
ODMDS.
'oint will depths less than -25 feet Mean LowerLow Water (MLLW) occur (i.e., a clearance of
U.S. EPA Region 4
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
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25 feet above the bottom will be maintained). The physical removal or leveling of material above
-25 feet MLLW is a management alternative should mounds greater than that elevation occur.
Disposal shall not occur closer than 1,300 feet to any oil and gas rigs that may be present within the
site boundaries.
2.8 Permit and Contract Conditions. The disposal monitoring and post-disposal monitoring
requirements described under Site Monitoring will be included as permit conditions on all
MPRSA Section 103 permits and will be incorporated in the contract language for all federal
projects. A summary of the management and monitoring requirements to be included are listed in
Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions
Condition
Reference
Dredged Material Suitability and Term of Verification
SMMP page 3, Southeast Regional
Implementation Manual
Disposal within Appropriate Zones
SMMP page 4
Pre and Post Bathymetric Surveys
SMMP pages 6,8
Disposal Monitoring and Recording of Disposal Locations
SMMP pages 7-8
Reporting Requirements: Disposal Summary Reports
within 90 Days of Project Completion
SMMP page 10
2.9 Permit Process. All disposal of dredged material in the ocean, with the exception of Federal
Civil Works projects, requires an ocean dumping permit issued by the USACE pursuant to Section
103 of the MPRSA. A summary of the permitting process can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/Dredged Material Permit Process.htm.
2.10 Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities. EPA Region 4 and
USACE SAD have agreed on an extensible Markup Language (XML) standard for sharing of
disposal monitoring data (see also Section 3.5).
3 .0 SITE MONITORING
The MPRSA establishes the need for including a monitoring program as part of the Site
Management Plan. Site monitoring is conducted to ensure the environmental integrity of a
disposal site and the areas surrounding the site and to verify compliance with the site designation
criteria, any special management conditions, and with permit requirements. Monitoring programs
should be flexible, cost effective, and based on scientifically sound procedures and methods to
meet site-specific monitoring needs. The intent of the program is to provide the following:
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
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(1) Information indicating whether the disposal activities are occurring in compliance with
the permit and site restrictions;
(2) Information indicating the short-term and long-term fate of materials disposed of in the
marine environment.
(3) Information concerning the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of the
disposal.
The main purpose of a disposal site monitoring program is to determine whether dredged material
site management practices, including disposal operations at the site, need to be changed to avoid
significant adverse impacts.
3.1 Baseline Monitoring. The results of investigations presented in the designation EIS (EPA,
1987) and subsequent surveys listed in Table 3 will serve as the main body of data for the
monitoring of the impacts associated with the use of the Mobile ODMDS. A bathymetric survey
will be conducted by the USACE or site user within three (3) months prior to project disposal for
projects expected to exceed 50,000 cubic yards. Bathymetric surveys will be used to monitor the
disposal mound to insure a navigation hazard is not produced, to assist in verification of material
placement, to monitor bathymetry changes and trends and to insure that the site capacity is not
exceeded, ie., the mound does not exceed the site boundaries. Surveys will conform to the
minimum performance standards for Corps of Engineers Hydrographic Surveys as described in the
USACE Engineering Manual, EMI 110-2-1003, Hydrographic Surveying dated November 30,
2013 [http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_ll
10-2-1003.pdf] or updates. The number and length of transects required will be sufficient to
encompass the release zone and a 500 foot-wide area around it. The surveys will be taken along
lines spaced at 500-foot intervals or less. The minimum performance standards from Table 3-1 in
Hydrographic Surveying shall be followed. Horizontal location of the survey lines and depth
sounding points will be determined by an automated positioning system utilizing a differential
global positioning system. The vertical datum will be referenced to prescribed NOAA Mean
Lower Low Water (MLLW) datum. The horizontal datum should be referenced to the local State
Plane Coordinate System (SPCS) for that area or in Geographical Coordinates
(latitude-longitude). The horizontal reference datum should be the North American Datum of 1983
(NAD 83). No additional pre-disposal monitoring is required.
U.S. EPA Region 4
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Table 3. Surveys and Studies Conducted at or in the vicinity of the Mobile ODMDS
Survey/Study Title
Conducted By:
Date
Purpose
Results
Analysis & Synthesis
of Oceanic Conditions
in the Mississippi
Sound Offshore
Region
USACE
March
1984
Determine the direction
and amount of sediment
transport from a dredged
material disposal site.
Circulation patterns within
the site are controlled by
astronomical tides, winds,
and freshwater discharges.
Sediment Mapping
UGA Center for
Applied Isotopes
for EPA
2002
Characterization of
bottom sediments using
gamma spectrometry
- Baseline Survey
Mobile ODMDS
Expansion Survey
US ACE/EPA
May 2010
Collect physical,
chemical and biological
data on sediments and
water
-Collected and analyzed 30
sediment and 10 water
samples covering entire
ODMDS
Mobile ODMDS Post
Oil Spill Sediment
Sampling
USACE
December
2010
Determine if any oil from
the Deep Water Horizon
Oil Spill has
contaminated the
sediments.
-Test results released
February 2011 indicate
there were no discernible
changes in the sediment
quality attributed to the
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Bathymetric Survey
USACE
Before and
After Event
Monitor bathymetry
changes
- Safe navigation depths
have been maintained
3.2 Disposal Monitoring. For all disposal activities, an electronic tracking system (ETS) must be
utilized. The ETS will provide surveillance of the transportation and disposal of dredged material.
The ETS will be maintained and operated to continuously track the horizontal location and draft
condition (accuracy± 0.1 foot) of the disposal vessel (i.e. hopper dredge or disposal scow) from the
point of dredging to the disposal site and return to the point of dredging. Data shall be collected at
least every 0.25 nautical mile or every 4 minutes during travel to and from the ODMDS and twelve
seconds or every 30 feet of travel, while the hull status is open within the ODMDS. In addition to
the continuous tracking data, the following trip information shall be electronically recorded for
each disposal cycle:
a. Load Number
b. Disposal Vessel Name and Type (e.g. scow)
c. Estimated volume of Load
d. Description of Material Disposed
e. Source of Dredged Material
f. Date, Time and Location at Initiation and Completion of Disposal Event
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It is expected that disposal monitoring will be conducted utilizing the Dredging Quality
Management (DQM) system for Civil Works projects [see
http://dqm.usace.army.mil/Specifications/Index.aspx1. although other systems are acceptable.
Disposal monitoring and ETS data will be reported to EPA Region 4 on a weekly basis (within one
week of disposal) utilizing the extensible Markup Language (XML) specification and protocol per
Section 3.5. EPA Region 4 and the USACE District shall be notified within 24 hours if disposal
occurs outside of the ODMDS or specified disposal zone or if excessive leakage occurs.
3.3 Post Discharge Monitoring. The USACE or other site user will conduct a bathymetric survey
consistent with the pre-disposal survey requirements within 30 days after disposal project
completion. Surveys will not be required for projects less than 50,000 cubic yards. If a release
zone is utilized and adhered to, the number and length of the transects required will be sufficient to
encompass the release zone and a 500 foot wide area around it. Bathymetric surveys will be used to
monitor the disposal mound to insure a navigation hazard is not produced, to assist in verification
of material placement, to monitor bathymetry changes and trends and to insure that the site
capacity is not exceeded, i.e., the mound does not exceed the site boundaries.
3.4 Disposal Effects Monitoring. Based on the type and volume of material disposed and impacts
of concern, various monitoring surveys can be used to examine if and the direction the disposed
dredged material is moving, and what environmental effect the material is having on the site and
adjacent areas. At the current time, no nearby biological resources have been identified that are of
concern for potential impact. The Mobile ODMDS is at least one nautical mile from all known fish
havens, artificial reefs, and fishing areas. The site has been characterized as dispersive. This
means that it is expected that material will be moved outside the site boundaries. It is also
expected that this material will not move in distinct mounds, but instead will blend with the
surrounding environment causing a progressive transition to sediments containing a higher
percentage of silt and clay. Changes in sediment composition will likely alter the benthic
community structure. However, based on previous benthic studies, it is unlikely that permanent or
long-term adverse impacts will result due to changes in sediment composition. At a minimum, a
Trend Assessment Survey (40 CFR 228.13) will be conducted approximately every ten years.
U.S. EPA Region 4
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Table 4. Site Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action
Goal
Technique
Sponsor
Rationale
Frequency
Threshold for Action
Management Options
Threshold Not
Exceeded
Threshold Exceeded
Trend
Assessment
Water and
Sediment
Quality, Benthic
Community
Analysis
(40CFR228.13)
U.S. EPA
Periodically evaluate
the impact of disposal
on the marine
environment (40CFR
228.9)
Approximately
every 10 years
-Absence from the site of
pollution sensitive biota
-Progressive non-seasonal
changes in water or
sediment quality
Continue
Monitoring per
site specific
SMMP
-Conduct Environmental
Effects Monitoring or
Advanced Environmental
Effects Monitoring per site
specific SMMP.
-Review dredged material
evaluation procedures
Insure Safe
Navigation
Depth & Monitor
Bathymetric
Trends
Bathymetry
Site User
Determine height of
mound and any
excessive mounding
Pre & Post
disposal for
projects
greater than
50,000 cy
Mound height > -30 feet
mean lower low water
(MLLW)
Continue
Monitoring
-Modify future disposal
method/placement
-Restrict disposal volumes
Mound height > -25 feet
MLLW
Continue
Monitoring
- Physically level material
Compliance
Disposal Site
Use Records in
EPA Region 4's
XML format
Site User
-Insure management
requirements are
being met
-To assist in site
monitoring
Report weekly
during the
project
Disposal records required
by SMMP are not
submitted or are
incomplete
Continue
Monitoring
-Restrict site use until
requirements are met
U.S. EPA Region 4
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3.5 Reporting and Data Formatting.
3.5.1 Project Initiation and Violation Reporting. The US ACE or other site user shall notify EPA 15
days prior to the beginning of a dredging cycle or project disposal. The user is also required to
notify the USACE and the EPA within 24 hours if a violation of the permit and/or contract
conditions related to MPRSA Section 103 or SMMP requirements occur during disposal
operations.
3.5.2 Disposal Monitoring Data. It is expected that disposal monitoring will be conducted utilizing
the Dredge Quality Management (DQM) system for Civil Works projects [see
http://dqm.usace.army.mil/Specifications/Index.aspxl. although other systems are acceptable.
Disposal monitoring data shall be provided to EPA Region 4 electronically on a weekly basis
(within one week of disposal event). Data shall be provided per the EPA Region 4 XML format
and delivered as an attachment to an email to DisposalData.R4@epa.gov. The XML format is
available from EPA Region 4.
3.5.3 Post Disposal Summary Reports. A Post Disposal Summary Report shall be provided to EPA
within 90 days after project completion. These reports should include: dredging project title;
permit number and expiration date (if applicable); contract number; name of contractor(s)
conducting the work, name and type of vessel(s) disposing material in the ODMDS; disposal
timeframes for each vessel; volume disposed at the ODMDS (total paid and un paid in situ volume,
and gross volume reported by dredging contractor in the disposal logs), number of loads to
ODMDS, type of material disposed at the ODMDS; identification by load number of any
misplaced material; dates of pre and post disposal bathymetric surveys of the ODMDS and a
narrative discussing any violation(s) of the 103 concurrency and/or permit (if applicable). The
narrative should include a description of the violation, indicate the time it occurred and when it
was reported to the EPA and USACE, discuss the circumstances surrounding the violation, and
identify specific measures taken to prevent reoccurrence. The Post Disposal Summary Report
should be accompanied by the bathymetry survey results (plot and X, Y,Z ASCII data file), a
summary scatter plot of all disposal start locations, and a summary table of the trip information
required by Section 3.2 with the exception of the disposal completion data. If all data is provided
in the required XML format, scatter plots and summary tables will not be necessary.
3.5.4 Environmental Monitoring. Disposal effects monitoring shall be coordinated with and be
provided to appropriate federal and state agencies as specified in the site specific SMMP to be
developed. Reports prepared by or for EPA will be posted to EPAs website at:
http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/oceans/sites.html or alternative EPA website.
4.0 MODIFICATION OF THE MOBILE ODMDS SMMP
This SMMP will be effective for four years from the date of signature. It is expected that EPA will
expand the Mobile ODMDS within four years and a new SMMP will be developed for the
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Mobile ODMDS SMMP
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expanded ODMDS and supersede this SMMP.
5.0 REFERENCES
ANAMAR Environmental Consulting, Inc. 2010. Final Report Mobile ODMDS Designation
Survey Mobile, AL. W91278-08-D-0053. Project 09-0011, May 2010.
Center for Applied Isotope Studies, 1996. Postdisposal Areal Mapping of Sediment Chemistry at
the Mobile, Mississippi ODMDS. EPA Contract No. 68-C2-0134, April 8, 1996.
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. Draft Report Post-Oil Spill Surface Sediment
Evaluation: Mobile Harbor Federal Navigation Channels Mobile, AL. February 2011.
Fredette, Thomas J., Nelson, David A., Clausner, James E., and Anders, Fred J. 1990. Guidelines
for Physical and Biological Monitoring of Aquatic Dredged Material Disposal Sites, Technical
Report D-90-12, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
NMFS. (2003). Regional Biological Opinion for Dredging of Gulf of Mexico Navigation
Channels and Sand Mining ("Borrow") Areas Using Hopper Dredging by USACE Galveston,
New Orleans, Mobile, and Jacksonville Districts (Consultation Number F/SER/2000/01287),
NOAA, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, St. Petersburg, FL, 121
pp.
Pequegnat, Willis E., Gallaway, Benny J., and Wright, Thomas D., 1990. Revised Procedural
Guide for Designation Surveys of Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites, Technical Report
D-90-8, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). 2002. Engineering & Design - Hydrographic Surveying.
Engineering Manual 1110-2-1003, Department of the Army, Washington D.C.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District (USACE). 2014. Working Draft Environmental
Assessment for the Proposed Expansion Mobile Section 102 ODMDS November 2014.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1987. Final Environmental Impact Statement for the
Pensacola, FL, Mobile, AL, and Gulfport, MS Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation. EPA
Region 4, January 27, 1987.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1991. Evaluation of
Dredged Material Proposedfor Ocean Disposal (Testing Manual), February 1991. Prepared by
Environmental Protection Agency Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection and Department of
Army United States Army Corps of Engineers under EPA Contract No. 68-C8-0105.
U.S. EPA Region 4 / USACE Mobile District
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1996. Guidance
Document for Development of Site Management Plans for Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Sites, February 1996. Prepared by Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water and
Department of Army United States Army Corps of Engineers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 2007. Dredged Material Ocean Disposal
Verification System - Specifications for Data Submittal, revised October 30, 2007. Prepared by
Wetlands and Marine Regulatory Section.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South
Atlantic Division, 2008. Southeast Regional Implementation Manual Requirements and
Procedures for Evaluation of the Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material in Southeastern Atlantic
and Gulf Coastal Waters, August 2008.
U.S. EPA Region 4 / USACE Mobile District
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APPENDIX A
WATER COLUMN EVALUATIONS
NUMERICAL MODEL (STFATE) INPUT
PARAMETERS
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Water Column Evaluations
Numerical Model (STFATE) Input Parameters
Mobile ODMDS
Site Description
Parameter
Value
Units
Number of Grid Points (left to right)
80
Number of Grid Points (top to bottom)
80
Spacing Between Grid Points (left to right)
250
ft
Spacing Between Grid Points (top to bottom)
250
ft
Constant Water Depth
46
ft
Roughness Height at Bottom of Disposal Site
.0051
ft
Slope of Bottom in X-Direction
0
Deg.
Slope of Bottom in Z-Direction
0
Deg.
Number of Points in Ambient Density Profile Point1
3
Ambient Density at Depth = 3 ft
1.0206
g/cc
Ambient Density at Depth = 26 ft
1.0206
g/cc
Ambient Density at Depth = 46 ft
1.0207
g/cc
1 from EPA Mobile ODMDS Designation Survey Report (2009) for Zone A
Ambient Velocity Data
Parameter
Value
Units
Profile2
2-Point at constant depth
X-Direction Velocity = 11 feet
0.12
ft/sec
Z-Direction Velocity = 11 feet
-0.41
ft/sec
X-Direction Velocity = 33 feet
0.22
ft/sec
Z-Direction Velocity = 33 feet
-0.37
ft/sec
2 from EPA Mobile ODMDS Designation Survey Report (2009)
Disposal Operation Data
Parameter
Value
Units
Location of Disposal Point from Top of Grid
10,000
ft
Location of Disposal Point from Left Edge of Grid
10,000
ft
Dumping Over Depression
0
A-1
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Input, Execution and Output
Parameter
Value
Units
Location of the Upper Left Corner of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Top Edge
5,455
ft
Location of the Upper Left Corner of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Left Edge
3,414
ft
Location of the Lower Right Corner of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Top Edge
14,545
ft
Location of the Lower Right Corner of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Left Edge
16,586
ft
Duration of Simulation
14,400
sec
Long Term Time Step
600
sec
Coefficients
Parameter
Keyword
Value
Settling Coefficient
BETA
o.ooo1
Apparant Mass Coefficient
CM
1.0001
Drag Coefficient
CD
0.5001
Form Drag for Collapsing Cloud
CDRAG
1.0001
Skin Friction for Collapsing Cloud
CFRIC
0.0101
Drag for an Ellipsoidal Wedge
CD3
0.1001
Drag for a Plate
CD4
1.0001
Friction Between Cloud and Bottom
FRICTN
0.0101
4/3 Law Horizontal Diffusion Dissipation Factor
ALAMDA
1—1
o
o
o
Unstratified Water Vertical Diffusion Coefficient
AKYO
Pritchard Expression
Cloud/Ambient Density Gradient Ratio
GAMA
0.2501
Turbulent Thermal Entrainment
ALPHAO
0.2351
Entrainment in Collapse
ALPHAC
0.1001
Stripping Factor
CSTRIP
0.0031
1 Model Default Value
A-2
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Mobile ODMDS STFATE Input Parameters
Model Grid
80X80
@ 250 ft/grid
Mobile ODMDS
X=5,455ft
Z=3,414ft
Disposal Location
X=10,000ft
Z=10,000ft
X=14,545ft
Z=16,586ft
\r
CN
O
o
-0.41fps
Z+
A-3
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Mobile ODMDS Background Water Concentration.
Chemicals of Concern
Background Concentration Levels (jig/1)
Arsenic
1.66 1
Cadmium
0.01 1
Chromium (VI)
0.75 1
Copper
1.11 1
Lead
0.75 1
Mercury
0.10 !-3
Nickel
0.75 1
Selenium
0.23 1
Silver
0.0051
Zinc
3.781
Cyanide
Tributyltin (TBT)
0.025 2'3
Aldrin
0.005 !'3
Chlordane
0.10 !.3
DDT
0.05 !-3
Dieldrin
0.005 !'3
alpha - Endosulfan
0.005 ^
beta - Endosulfan
0.005 !'3
Endrin
0.005 !'3
gamma-BHC (Lindane)
0.005 !'3
Heptachlor
0.005 !'3
Heptachlor Epoxide
0.005 !'3
Toxaphene
.25 1,3
Pentachlorophenol
5.0 2-3
1 Mobile ODMDS Site Designation Study (2010)
2 Pensacola ODMDS Trend Assessment Study (2013)
3 Analyte not detected. Value based on one half the reporting limit.
A-4
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APPENDIX B
TEMPLATE
For
MPRSA Section 103 Permits
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TEMPLATE
GENERIC SPECIAL CONDITIONS
FOR MPRSA SECTION 103 PERMITS
Mobile-North ODMDS
I. DISPOSAL OPERATIONS
A. For this permit, the term disposal operations shall mean: navigation of any
vessel used in disposal of operations, transportation of dredged material from
the dredging site to the Mobile ODMDS, proper disposal of dredged material at
the disposal area within the Mobile ODMDS, and transportation of the hopper
dredge or disposal barge or scow back to the dredging site.
B. The Mobile ODMDS is defined as the polygon with corner coordinates as
follows:
Site Coordinates
Geographic (NAD 27)
30°10'00"N
88°07'42"W
30°10'24"N
88°05'12"W
30°09'24"N
88°04'42"W
30°08'30"N
88°05'12"W
30°08'30"N
88°08'12"W
C. No more than [NUMBER] cubic yards of dredged material excavated at the
location defined in [REFERENCE LOCATION IN PERMIT] are authorized for disposal
at the Mobile ODMDS.
D. The permittee shall use an electronic positioning system to navigate to and
from the Mobile ODMDS. For this section of the permit, the electronic positioning
system will be as per the DQM specifications. If the electronic positioning system
fails or navigation problems are detected, all disposal operations shall cease
until the failure or navigation problems are corrected.
E. The permittee shall certify the accuracy of the electronic positioning system
proposed for use during disposal operations at the Mobile ODMDS. The
certification shall be accomplished by providing current certification
documentation from the National DQM Program for scow and hopper dredge
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instrumentation systems. The National DQM certification is valid for one year
from the date of certification.
F. The permittee shall not allow any water or dredged material placed in a
hopper dredge or disposal barge or scow to flow over the sides or leak from
such vessels during transportation to the Mobile ODMDS.
G. A disposal operations inspector and/or captain of any tugboat, hopper
dredge or other vessel used to transport dredged material to the Mobile ODMDS
shall insure compliance with disposal operation conditions defined in this permit.
1. If the disposal operations inspector or the captain detects a violation, he shall report
the violation to the permittee immediately.
2. The permittee shall contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District's
Regulatory Branch (251) 690-2658 and EPA Region 4 at (404) 562-9395 to report the
violation within twenty-four (24) hours after the violation occurs. A complete written
explanation of any permit violation shall be included in the post-dredging report.
H. When dredged material is disposed, no portion of the hopper dredge or
disposal barge or scow shall be outside of the boundaries of the Mobile ODMDS
as defined in Special Condition B. Additionally, disposal shall occur within a
specified disposal zone defined as [DEFINE COORDINATES AND SIZE OF DISPOSAL
ZONE]. Disposal shall not occur closer than 1,300 feet to any oil and gas rigs that
may be present within the site boundaries.
I. The permittee shall use an automated disposal verification system that is
certified by the National DQM program to continuously track the horizontal
location and draft condition of the disposal vessel (hopper dredge or disposal
barge or scow) to and from the Mobile ODMDS. This real-time information is
available on-line to the Mobile District and will be provided to the EPA Region 4
via email using the extensible Markup Language (XML) specification and
protocol. Data shall be provided per the EPA Region 4 XML format and
delivered as an attachment to an email to DisposalData.R4@epa.gov. The XML
format is available from EPA Region 4.
J. The permittee shall conduct a bathymetric survey of the Mobile ODMDS within
30 days following project completion.
1. The number and length of the survey transects shall be sufficient to encompass the
defined disposal zone within the Mobile ODMDS and a 500 foot wide area around the
disposal zone. The transects shall be spaced at 500-foot intervals or less with a depth
recording density of 20 to 70 feet.
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2. Vertical accuracy of the survey shall be ±0.1 feet. Horizontal location of the survey
lines and depth sounding points will be determined by an automated positioning system
utilizing either microwave line of site system or differential global positioning system.
The vertical datum will be referenced to prescribed NOAA Mean Lower Low Water
(MLLW) datum. MLLW is 1.8 feet below NGVD 1929. The horizontal datum will be
Alabama State Plane (zone 2301 MS East) or Geographic (NAD 1983). State Plane
coordinates shall be reported to the nearest 0.10 foot and latitude and longitude
coordinates shall be reported as degrees and decimal minutes to the nearest 0.01 minutes.
K. The permittee has read and agrees to assure that they are in compliance with
the requirements of the Mobile ODMDS Site Management and Monitoring Plan.
II. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. The permittee shall send the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District's
Regulatory Branch and EPA Region 4's Wetlands, Oceans and Streams
Protection Branch (61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303) a notification of
commencement of work at least fifteen (15) days before initiation of any
dredging operations authorized by this permit.
B. The permittee shall submit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers weekly disposal
monitoring reports. These reports shall contain the information described in
Special Condition 1.1.
C. The permittee shall develop and send one (1) copy of the disposal summary
report to the Mobile District's Regulatory Branch and one (1) copy of the
disposal summary report to EPA Region 4 documenting compliance with all
general and special conditions defined in this permit. The disposal summary
report shall be sent within 90 days after completion of the disposal operations
authorized by this permit. The disposal summary report shall include the following
information:
1. The report shall indicate whether all general and special permit conditions were met.
Any violations of the permit shall be explained in detail.
2. The disposal summary report shall include the following information: US ACE permit
number, actual start date and completion date of dredging and disposal operations, total
cubic yards disposed at the Mobile ODMDS, locations of disposal events, and post
disposal bathymetric survey results (in hard and electronic formats).
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APPENDIX C
TYPICAL CONTRACT LANGUAGE
FOR IMPEMENTING THE
MOBILE ODMDS SMMP REQUIREMENTS
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TYPICAL CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR IMPEMENTING SMMP
REQUIREMENTS
3.3 DISPOSAL OF DREDGED MATERIAL
3.3.1 General
All material dredged shall be transported to and deposited in the disposal area(s)
designated on the drawings. The approximate maximum and average distance to which
the material will have to be transported are as follows:
Disposal Area Maximum Distance Average Distance
Statute Miles Statute Miles
Mobile ODMDS
[INSERT DISPOSAL [XX miles] [XX miles]
AREA 2]
[IF MATERIAL FROM DIFFERENT PROJECT AREAS GO TO DIFFERENT
DISOSAL AREAS, IT COULD BE SPECIFIED HERE]
3.3.2 Ocean Disposal Notification
a. The contractor shall notify EPA Region 4's Wetlands, Oceans and Streams
Protection Branch (61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303) at least 15 calendar
days and the local Coast Guard Captain of the Port at least 5 calendar days prior
to the first ocean disposal. The notification will be by certified mail with a copy
to the Contracting Officer. The following information shall be included in the
notification:
(1) Project designation; Corps of Engineers' Contracting Officer's name and
contract number; and, the Contractor's name, address, and telephone
number.
(2) Port of departure.
(3) Location of ocean disposal area (and disposal zone if required).
(4) Schedule for ocean disposal, giving date and time proposed for first ocean
disposal.
3.3.3 Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (ODMDS)
The material excavated shall be transported to and deposited in the Mobile ODMDS
shown on the drawings. When dredged material is disposed, no portion of the hopper
dredge or disposal barge or scow shall be outside of the boundaries of the Mobile
ODMDS as shown on the drawings. Additionally, disposal shall be initiated within the
disposal release zone defined by the following coordinates:
C-l
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insert coorc
inates for appropriate release zone]
Vertices
Geographic NAD 83
State Plane NAD 83
Center
North
West
South
East
3.3.4 Logs
The Contractor shall keep a log for each load placed in the Mobile ODMDS. The log
entry for each load shall include:
a. Load Number
b. Disposal Vessel Name and Type (e.g. scow)
c. Estimated volume of Load
d. Description of Material Disposed
e. Source of Dredged Material
f. Date, Time and Location at Initiation and Completion of Disposal Event
At the completion of dredging and at any time upon request, the log(s) shall be submitted
in paper and electronic formats to the Contracting Officer for forwarding to the
appropriate agencies.
3.3.5 Overflow, Spills and Leaks
Water and dredged materials shall not be permitted to overflow or spill out of barges,
hopper dredges, or dump scows during transport to the disposal site(s). Failure to repair
leaks or change the method of operation which is resulting in overflow of spillage will
result in suspension of dredging operations and require prompt repair or change of
operation to prevent overflow or spillage as a prerequisite to the resumption of dredging.
3.3.6 Electronic Tracking System (ETS) for Ocean Disposal Vessels
The Contractor shall furnish an ETS for surveillance of the movement and disposition of
dredged material during dredging and ocean disposal. This ETS shall be established,
operated and maintained by the Contractor to continuously track in real-time the
horizontal location and draft condition of the disposal vessel (hopper dredge or disposal
barge or scow) for the entire dredging cycle, including dredging area and disposal area.
The ETS shall be capable of displaying and recording in real-time the disposal vessel's
draft and location.
[FOR DQM PROJECTS]
See: http://dqm.usace.army.mil/Specifications/Index.aspx
C-2
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For scows, the monitoring profile, TDS profile or Ullage profile shall be used.
3.3.6.1 Misplaced Materials
Materials deposited outside of the disposal zone specified in 3.3.3 will be classified as
misplaced material and will result in a suspension of dredging operations. Redredging of
such materials will be required as a prerequisite to the resumption of dredging unless the
Contracting Officer, at his discretion, determines that redredging of such material is not
practical. If redredging of such material is not required then the quantity of such
misplaced material shall be deducted from the Contractor's pay quantity. If the quantity
for each misplaced load to be deducted cannot initially be agreed to by both the
Contractor and Contracting Officer, then an average hopper/scow load quantity for the
entire contract will be used in the determination. Misplaced loads may also be subject to
penalty under the Marine, Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Materials deposited
above the maximum indicated elevation or outside of the disposal area template shown
will require the redredging or removal of such materials at the Contractor's expense. In
addition, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer and the Environmental
Protection Agency Region 4's Wetlands, Oceans and Streams Protection Branch (61
Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303) within 24 hours of a misplaced dump or any other
violation of the Site Management and Monitoring Plan for the Mobile ODMDS.
Corrective actions must be implemented by the next dump and the Contracting Officer
must be informed of actions taken.
C-3
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