c CDA Office of Water EPA 842-R-24-001
Washington, DC 20004
2019 National Site Monitoring Assessment Report
The EPA's Marine Protection Permitting Program
January 2024
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2019 National Site Monitoring Assessment Report
Executive Summary
The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) regulates the transportation
and disposition (dumping) of any material into ocean waters. Under the MPRSA, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for designating and managing MPRSA sites
used for the permitted disposal of materials. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is
responsible for issuing MPRSA permits for dredged material using the EPA's environmental
criteria; MPRSA permits for ocean dumping of dredged materials are subject to the EPA's
review and written concurrence. For all other materials, the EPA is responsible for issuing
MPRSA permits. The EPA, together with USACE, develops site management and monitoring
plans for each MPRSA site designated for the ocean disposal of dredged material. The EPA's
management and monitoring of these ocean sites ensures that disposal activities will not
unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or welfare, the marine environment, or
economic potentialities.
In 2019, the EPA managed 98 MPRSA designated ocean disposal sites located off the U.S.
Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Coasts, and near Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guam and American
Samoa. This National MPRSA Site Monitoring Assessment Report (SMARt) provides a
comprehensive overview of the EPA's 2019 monitoring activities conducted at seven ocean
dredged material disposal sites (ODMDSs) in four of the EPA coastal Regions:
• Massachusetts Bay, MA ODMDS (Region 1)
• Norfolk, VA ODMDS (Region 3)
• Savannah, GA ODMDS, (Region 4)
• Siuslaw River, OR North and South ODMDSs (Region 10)
• Umpqua River, OR North and South ODMDSs (Region 10)
Based on the results of the 2019 MPRSA monitoring surveys, the EPA determined that
environmentally acceptable conditions were met at each of the surveyed ODMDSs and
permitted disposal of dredged material under the MPRSA can continue at these sites. The EPA
also confirmed that dredged materials from the Boston Harbor Deep Navigation Project
disposed of in the expanded portion of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site are covering
wastes on the seafloor that were historically disposed of in the area.
Additionally, the EPA will use the data and information collected in 2019:
• to inform site management as well as future updates to each sites' MPRSA-required
management and monitoring plan;
• to inform future surveys at these sites, including where increased dredged material
disposal from deepening and navigation infrastructure projects is anticipated, to ensure
dumping will not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the environment;
and
• to refine methodologies for collecting biological data from towed video to be able to
collect comparable quantitative information via video as an alternative to conducting
benthic trawls.
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Contents
Executive Summary 2
List of Figures 3
Acronyms and Abbreviations 4
1.0 Introduction 5
1.1 Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Monitoring 6
2.0 Report Objectives 7
3.0 Summary of Monitoring Surveys 8
3.1 Region 1 - Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site 8
3.1.1 Background 8
3.1.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings 9
3.1.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions 10
3.2 Region 3 - Norfolk Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site 11
3.2.1 Background 11
3.2.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings 11
3.2.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions 13
3.3 Region 4 - Savannah Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site 13
3.3.1 Background 13
3.3.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings 14
3.3.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions 16
3.4 Region 10 - Siuslaw North and South Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites 16
3.4.1 Background 16
3.4.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings 17
3.4.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions 22
3.5 Region 10 - Umpqua North and South Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites 22
3.5.1 Background 22
3.5.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings 24
3.5.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions 31
4.0 Next Steps 31
5.0 Acknowledgements 32
6.0 References 32
List of Figures
Figure 1: Approximate locations of the seven ocean dredged material disposal sites
surveyed in 2019 8
Figure 2: Bathymetric map of the MBDS boundaries with disposal locations 10
Figure 3: Map of Norfolk ODMDS sampling locations 12
Figure 4: Map of Savannah ODMDS sampling locations 15
Figure 5: Map of Siuslaw North ODMDS sampling locations 18
Figure 6: Map of Siuslaw South ODMDS sampling locations 19
Figure 7: Map showing the location of the Umpqua North and South ODMDSs 23
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
aRPD apparent redox potential discontinuity
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
cm centimeter
COC contaminant of concern
CTD conductivity, temperature and depth meter
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
ER-L effects range-low
ER-M effects range-median
ft feet
FR Federal Register
g gram
in inches
ISQG interim sediment quality guidelines
km kilometer
km2 square kilometer
m meter
m2 square meter
mg miligram
MPRSA Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
MRL minimum reporting limit
nmi nautical mile
nmi2 square nautical mile
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
ODMDS ocean dredged material disposal site
PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
PCB polychlorinated biphenyl
PEL probable effects level
ROV remotely operated vehicle
R/V research vessel
SQG sediment quality guideline
SVOC semi-volatile organic compound
TEL threshold effects level
TEQ toxicity equivalent quotient
TOC total organic carbon
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USC United States Code
y3 cubic yard
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1.0 Introduction
The Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) regulates the disposition
(dumping) of any material into the ocean unless expressly excluded. The MPRSA prohibits or
restricts (primarily in terms of material type, amount and location) the disposition of materials
into the ocean that would adversely affect human health, welfare or amenities; the marine
environment; ecological systems; or economic potentialities. Section 101 of the MPRSA (33
U.S.C. 1411) generally prohibits the transportation of any material for the purpose of dumping,
except as authorized by a permit.
In the United States today, the primary material (in terms of volume) disposed of in the ocean is
uncontaminated dredged material, which is sediment that is excavated or otherwise removed
from our nation's waterways. The removal of sediment supports a network of coastal ports and
harbors that are used for commercial, transportation, national defense and recreational
purposes. In 2019, this marine transportation network, partially facilitated by the dredging of
waterways, contributed more than $69 billion and 581,000 jobs to the U.S. economy (National
Ocean Economics Program). Other materials that are disposed in the ocean include fish
wastes, vessels, marine mammal carcasses, ice piers in Antarctica, and human remains for
burial at sea.
Under the MPRSA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes environmental
criteria for the evaluation of all permit applications. The EPA is the permitting authority for the
disposition (dumping) of all materials into the ocean other than dredged material. In the case of
dredged material, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issues ocean dumping permits
(or, in the case of federal projects, authorizes ocean dumping of dredged material) using the
EPA's environmental criteria (40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6). All MPRSA permits and federal
projects involving ocean dumping of dredged material are subject to the EPA's review and
written concurrence.
Dredged material that is proposed for ocean disposal is evaluated and tested to ensure that the
material will not adversely affect human health and the marine environment. The sediments
dredged from our nation's waterways sometimes are contaminated by historic chemical
pollutants. If biologically available, such contaminants may be ingested or absorbed by marine
organisms, resulting in toxicity or bioaccumulation (accumulation of pollutants in the organism's
tissues), which, in turn, exposes other organisms in the food web and, ultimately, humans if
contaminated seafood is eaten. The Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean
Dumping Testing Manual, commonly known as the Green Book (EPA 503/8-91-001), is a
technical guidance for determining the suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal through
chemical, physical and biological evaluations. Only dredged material found suitable for disposal
using the procedures in the Green Book can be permitted for disposal in an MPRSA ocean
dredged material disposal site (ODMDS).
The EPA establishes the criteria for the designation of MPRSA sites and is responsible for
designating these sites under the MPRSA (40 CFR 228.5 and 228.6). To minimize the adverse
impacts of the disposition (dumping) of materials into the ocean on human health and the
marine environment, the EPA designates MPRSA sites based on environmental studies of the
proposed site and the regions adjacent to the proposed site, and historical knowledge of the
impact of disposal on areas with similar physical, chemical and biological characteristics. The
EPA analyzes these impacts through environmental assessments or environmental impact
statements. In general, the EPA designates sites only in areas where MPRSA permitted
activities will not have a significant impact on various amenities, such as fisheries, coral reefs
and endangered species.
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The EPA is also responsible for managing all sites designated under the MPRSA. Management
of these MPRSA sites involves:
• regulating the timing, quantity and characteristics of the material dumped at the site;
• establishing disposal controls, conditions and requirements to minimize potential impacts
to the marine environment; and
• monitoring the site and surrounding environment to verify that unanticipated or
significant adverse effects are not occurring from historical or continued use of the ocean
disposal site and that terms of the MPRSA permit are met.
All designated ODMDSs are required to have a site management and monitoring plan. The
EPA, in conjunction with USACE, develops a site management and monitoring plan for each
ODMDS. Each site management and monitoring plan includes, but is not limited to:
• a baseline assessment of site conditions;
• a monitoring program for the site;
• special management conditions or practices to be implemented at the site that are
necessary for protection of the environment;
• consideration of the quantity of disposed material and the presence, nature, and
bioavailability of the contaminants in the material;
• consideration of the anticipated long-term use of the site; and
• a schedule for review and revision of the site management and monitoring plan.
1.1 Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Monitoring
During 2019, the EPA's Regions managed 98 MPRSA-designated sites off the U.S. Atlantic,
Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts: and near Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa.
Of the 98 MPRSA sites, all are designated for the disposal of dredged material except one
which is located offshore of American Samoa and is designated for the disposal offish
processing wastes.
The EPA monitors environmental conditions in and around ODMDSs as part of its
implementation of the MPRSA. Under the MPRSA and its implementing regulations, the EPA
uses monitoring data to:
• Evaluate potential ocean disposal sites and designate ocean disposal sites (MPRSA
102(c)(1); 40 CFR 228.4(b), 40 CFR 228.6(a));
• Assess trends in environmental impact (40 CFR 228.9(a)(1));
• Evaluate disposal impact (40 CFR 228.10(a) and (b));
• Modify disposal site use (40 CFR 228.11(a) and (d));
• Prohibit dumping where necessary (MPRSA 102(c)(2)); and
• Develop a site management and monitoring plan for each site, which must be reviewed
and revised at least every 10 years (MPRSA 102(c)(3)).
The EPA's Regional MPRSA Coordinators and Chief Scientists plan and conduct ODMDS
monitoring surveys to assess the physical, biological and chemical conditions at ODMDSs and
the surrounding marine environment. The EPA typically evaluates environmental impact at a
site by comparing current conditions to those at the time of designation (baseline conditions)
along with any other historical survey data. For example, the EPA may use monitoring
information to evaluate movement and deposition of the disposed dredged material to determine
whether or how to modify site use. Ocean areas near the ODMDS which are not affected by
dredged material disposal are used for comparisons to assess the impact from dredged material
disposal within the site. The quantity and distribution of samples collected in each monitoring
survey are determined based on survey- and site-specific factors. The information collected
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from these site assessments inform the EPA's ongoing planning and decision-making regarding
the management and monitoring of ODMDSs.
As part of ODMDS surveys, the EPA may collect a variety of data to ensure that the dredged
materials disposed of in the ocean are being adequately tested and that there are no
unexpected adverse impacts at and around ODMDSs. Sediment samples, water samples,
organisms from benthic trawls, sediment plan view images (photographs of the surface of the
seafloor) and/or sediment profile images (photographs of a cross-section of the upper 6-8 in
(15-20 cm) of the sediment-water interface) may be collected to evaluate the physical and
biological state of the benthic environment in and around the ODMDS and at reference areas.
Parameters used to evaluate benthic habitat or benthic habitat quality include, but are not
limited to: sediment grain size, depth of oxygenated sediment, depth of the apparent redox
potential discontinuity (aRPD) (which indicates habitat quality by measuring interactions
between sediment chemistry and biological activity within sediment) and sediment penetrability
(Rhoads and Germano, 1982). Benthic community health can be classified using defined
successional stages and species diversity. Successional stages at a site can range from stage
zero (recently disturbed) to stage three (mature). Species diversity is a metric which combines
species richness (the number of different species) and evenness (the relative abundance of
species) to provide an overall indication of community structure.
The EPA may also analyze sediment samples for contaminants of concern (COCs) including
metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), persistent pesticides and semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organotins and/or
dioxins. To evaluate the extent to which dredged material being disposed in the ocean may
impact benthic communities at or near ODMDSs, the EPA commonly compares contaminant
concentrations in sediments collected at and around ODMDSs to sediment quality guidelines
(SQGs), which are informal benchmarks used to relate chemical concentrations in sediments to
the potential toxicity to benthic or aquatic organisms. Many of the EPA Regions rely on effects
range low (ER-L) and effects range median (ER-M) national SQGs which are developed by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (NOAA, 1999). Chemical
concentrations below the ER-L are not likely to cause adverse effects, while chemical
concentrations above the ER-M are likely to cause adverse effects.
2.0 Report Objectives
In 2019, the EPA's chief scientists conducted surveys at seven ODMDSs (Table 1, Figure 1) to
inform planning and ongoing decision-making with respect to the management and monitoring
of these sites. This national report serves as a comprehensive summary of these monitoring
efforts which were conducted in four of seven of the EPA's coastal Regions.
Table 1: Area and depth of ocean dredged material disposal sites surveyed in 2019.
EPA Region
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site
Area (nmi2)
Depth (ft)
1
Massachusetts Bay, MA
4.6
167-305
3
Norfolk, VA
43
43-85
4
Savannah, GA
4.3
37*
10
Siuslaw River, OR North
Siuslaw River, OR South
0.26
0.16
30-115
79-125
10
Umpqua River, OR North
Umpqua River, OR South
0.68
0.67
30-120
20-120
*Depth reported as a site average
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Siuslaw River -
North and Siuslaw
River - South
Zth Region 10
V Umpqua River -
Region 5
Region 1
Region 8
North and Umpqua
River - South
Region 7
Region 3 NorfotkvAi
Region 9
Dredged Material
Disposal Site
J
/
Region 4 Savannah, GA
Dredged Material
Disposal Site
Region 6
Figure 1: Approximate locations of the seven ocean dredged material disposal sites surveyed in 2019
and the EPA's Regional boundaries.
3.0 Summary of Monitoring Surveys
A summary of 2019 survey objectives, activities and results, as well as conclusions and
recommended management actions resulting from these surveys, is presented below.
3.1 Region 1 - Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site
3.1.1 Background
The Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site lies approximately 20 nmi (37 km) east of Boston Harbor,
adjacent to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Region 1 designated the
Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site as an ODMDS under the MPRSA in 1993, however historical
notes and records show that the general vicinity had been used for historical disposal since the
1900s.
As designated in 1993, the boundaries of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site overlap with two
historical disposal areas: 1) the Industrial Waste Site, which was used until 1977 to dispose of
various wastes including dredged material, derelict vessels, construction debris, ordnance,
chemical wastes, and barrels of low-level radioactive wastes and 2) an interim1 Massachusetts
Bay disposal site that was used between 1977 and 1992. When the EPA designated the
Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site under the MPRSA in 1993, its boundary overlapped the
southern portion of the historical Industrial Waste Site but excluded the area with the highest
density of exposed debris and waste containers on the seafloor.
'Interim ocean disposal sites are no longer available for use. Amendments enacted in 1992 under the
MPRSA require that no permits for ocean dumping shall be issued for an EPA-established ocean disposal
site after January 1, 1997, unless the site has received a final designation. In 2008, the EPA repealed
expired, and therefore obsolete, provisions regarding interim ocean disposal sites.
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Oceanographic monitoring conducted in the area by the EPA and other agencies in the 1970s,
1980s, and 1990s did not identify any unacceptable human health or environmental risks
associated with the exposed debris and waste containers in the Industrial Waste Site, however
general concerns remained regarding the long-term disposition of waste containers and
munitions on the seafloor (EPA/USACE 2018).
During the design phase of the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project, approximately 11
million y3 (8.4 million m3) of sediments were proposed to be dredged from the harbor.
Discussions between Region 1 and USACE identified the potential to use the dredged material
from the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project determined to be suitable for ocean
disposal to cover the area of the historic Industrial Waste Site with the highest density of waste
containers and debris exposed on the seafloor. By disposing of dredged material from the
deepening project over the former Industrial Waste Site, the dredged material could serve as a
protective layer on the seafloor by isolating the historically disposed debris and waste barrels
from the surrounding marine environment and thereby protecting important marine resources in
the area. Additionally, in consultation with the EPA, USACE began developing and piloting a
technique for disposing dredged material from standard split-hulled scows in a manner to
minimize impacts on the ambient seafloor (Sturdivant and Carey 2017).
Based on the success of the pilot demonstration, the EPA, in collaboration with USACE,
completed an environmental assessment to support expanding the Massachusetts Bay Disposal
Site boundary to encompass the area of the historic Industrial Waste Site with the highest
density of waste containers exposed on the seafloor. In 2018, Region 1 modified the boundaries
of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site (FR Doc. 2018-11324) by expanding the site to
accommodate the disposal of material dredged from the Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation
Project.
Since its designation in 1993, more than 14.5 million y3 (19 m3) of dredged material from Boston
Harbor and other navigational harbor dredging projects in the area have been disposed at the
Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site. At the time of this 2019 survey, nearly two-thirds of the
Boston Harbor Deep Draft Navigation Project had been completed, resulting in approximately
7.1 million y3 (5.4 million m3) of dredged material being disposed over the former Industrial
Waste Site.
3.1.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings
In 2019, Region 1 conducted a survey of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site, including the
expanded portion of the site, to delineate the thickness of dredged material recently deposited
at the site and to assess coverage of the former Industrial Waste Site. Region 1 completed this
survey on June 26 and 27, 2019, aboard the R/V Jamie Hanna. During the survey, scientists
used a multibeam echosounder and side-scan sonar with backscatter to take measurements
along 28 transect lines located within the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site. Transect lines were
spaced approximately 150 m apart and oriented in a north-south direction. Region 1 used the
data collected during this survey to determine water depths and physical properties of the
seafloor. Once processed, these data resulted in maps showing topography, texture and
roughness of the seafloor allowing Region 1 to distinguish the ambient seafloor from the areas
that have received dredged material (Figure 2).
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Depth (m) DAMOS 2015
Kilometers
,<£> & & «?> 0 025 05 1
Industrial Waste Site (IWS) J__J MBDS boundary Disposal Year 2016 • 2018
2015 Acoustic survey extent [=~ 2019 Acoustic survey extent 2015 ^ 2017 • 2019 (\
Projection:Lambert Conformal Conic Coordinate System: MA State Plane (m) Datum: NAD 83 Bathymetry. DAMOS MLLW
July 2019
Figure 2: Bathymetric map of the 1993 Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site boundary (larger green circle)
and 2018 expanded area (smaller overlapping dark green circle). Targeted disposal mounds in the main
portion of the site are noted by letters A through I. Individual disposal locations are indicated by small
circles, with varied colors indicating the year the disposal occurred (2015 - 2019). Disposal over the
former Industrial Waste Site is indicated by pink and purple dots in the smaller, northern circle of the
Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site.
3.1.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions
The data and information that Region 1 collected during this survey showed that dredged
material from the Boston Harbor Deep Navigation Project disposed over the historical barrel
field in the Industrial Waste Site portion of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site had created a
layer of sediment over the area and fully covered the debris and waste containers that had been
exposed on the seafloor. While the 2019 monitoring data will be used to inform updates to the
site's management and monitoring plan, no immediate site management modifications were
necessary at the time that this survey was conducted, and Region 1 determined that any
remaining dredged material from the Boston Harbor Deep Navigation Project could continue to
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be disposed of in the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site. Region 1 recommends that additional
monitoring be conducted at the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site after the completion of the
Boston Harbor Deep Navigation Project and should include chemical and biological sampling to
confirm that contaminants from the historical barrel field continue to stay isolated from seafloor
and that benthic recovery of the disposal area is occurring as expected.
3.2 Region 3 - Norfolk Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site
3.2.1 Background
The Norfolk ODMDS is located approximately 20 nmi (37 km) off the coast of Virginia Beach,
VA. The site is circular with a radius of four nmi (7 km) and a total area of 50 nmi2 (172 km2).
Water depths within the site range from 43 to 85 ft (14 to 26 m) with a gradual slope from west
to east. Since designation of the Norfolk ODMDS in 1993, primarily silt and clay from
navigational channels within the Chesapeake Bay region have been permitted for disposal at
the site. Region 3 anticipates that the Norfolk ODMDS will have significantly more dredged
material disposed at the site in coming years as USACE receives increased funding for
deepening and/or widening channels in the Chesapeake Bay and along coastal Virginia to full
authorization depths. Most recently, Region 3 completed a survey of the Norfolk ODMDS in
2015. Results from that survey showed that metal concentrations and benthic community
structure varied between the Norfolk ODMDS and reference area, and Region 3 recommended
that future surveys should assess chemical contaminants and benthic biological recovery within
the ODMDS.
3.2.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings
Region 3's two objectives for its 2019 survey were informed by its 2015 survey of the Norfolk
ODMDS. Region 3's primary objective for the 2019 survey was to collect sediment samples
from the Norfolk ODMDS and reference area and analyze these samples for contaminants of
concern. These data will contribute to a dataset that will allow Region 3 to conduct a trend
assessment study of the area to identify impacts of dredged material disposal to the marine
environment. Region 3's secondary objective was to collect sediment and macroinvertebrate
tissue samples from within the Mid-Atlantic Bight (Figure 3). These samples were analyzed for
contaminant concentrations that will help Region 3 establish a better understanding of the
background levels of contaminants present in tissues of the macroinvertebrates representative
in the marine benthic environment of the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
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O
O
o
No rfo I k
Washington
9
O
Richmond
o
o
Norfolk
O Sediment Sample Locations
o Tissue Sample Locations
3h
N
15 30 Miles A
30 Miles
Figure 3: Map of locations where sediments were sampled from within the Norfolk ODMDS and reference
area (represented by blue dots) and where tissue samples were collected from within the Mid-Atlantic
Bight (represented by red dots) during the 2019 survey.
Region 3 monitored the Norfolk ODMDS on July 10-14, 2019, aboard the R/V Savannah. To
collect sediment samples from the Norfolk ODMDS and reference area as well as sediment and
macroinvertebrate samples from the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Region 3 used a Young Modified van
Veen grab. These samples were processed on board and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for
grain size distribution and concentrations of metals, pesticides, RGBs, and SVOCs including
dioxins, furans, and PAHs.
Sediment grain size distribution at the Norfolk ODMDS was dominated by fine and medium
sand followed by silt and clay. Grain size distributions were consistent between the Norfolk
ODMDS and the reference area indicating that long-term dredged material disposal activities at
the Norfolk ODMDS are not causing lasting impacts to the physical characteristics of the
benthos.
Region 3 compared the concentration of metals, pesticides, PCBs and SVOCs measured in the
sediment samples to Threshold Effects Levels (TEL), laboratory reporting limits, established
guidance levels, toxicity equivalence quotients (TEQs), or published effects levels (Buchman,
2008). The concentration of all metals present in the sediment samples were below TEL values.
Selenium does not have an established TEL value for marine sediment, however in sediment
samples where selenium levels were detected, it was present in concentrations below
laboratory reporting limits. Region 3 did not detect elevated levels of pesticides in any of the
sediment samples, nor did Region 3 detect measurable concentrations of PCBs in any of
sediment samples. Toxicity equivalence quotients (TEQ) were calculated for the dioxin and
furan results for each sample. TEQs were then compared to Interim Sediment Quality
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Guidelines (ISQG) and Probable Effects Levels (PEL) (Buchman, 2008). Dioxin and furan TEQs
for all samples were below both the ISQG and PEL concentrations, indicating that the
concentrations of dioxins and furans in the sampled sediment are unlikely to adversely impact
the marine environment. Region 3 found 1.7 ug/kg and 3.6 ug/kg of total PAHs present in two
sampling stations within the reference area, however neither concentration was above any
sediment thresholds. In the absence of marine SQGs, Region 3 evaluated the toxicity of the
contaminant detected in samples and determined that the presence of any contaminant was
well below lethal effects levels in marine organisms (World, 2004). Through the results of the
sediment analyses, Region 3 confirmed that all detected concentrations of contaminants were
below levels where effects of toxicity are known to occur. Given the low concentrations at which
compounds were detected in samples collected during this survey, Region 3 does not anticipate
the presence of the detected contaminants to pose any significant potential for environmental
impacts from dredged material disposal within or around the Norfolk ODMDS.
Due to sampling difficulties and mechanical challenges, Region 3's macroinvertebrate tissue
and sediment sampling efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Bight resulted in less than adequate tissue
from enough sites to complete this objective. The tissue and sediment samples that were
successfully collected from the Mid-Atlantic Bight were analyzed for contaminants of concern
and the contaminants that were detected were below levels at which effects are known to occur.
3.2.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions
Data and information collected from this survey demonstrated that dredged material disposal
activities to date have resulted in little change to the physical and chemical characteristics of the
Norfolk ODMDS. The results from the 2019 survey confirm that environmentally acceptable
conditions, as outlined in the site management and monitoring plan, are being met at the site.
While no modifications to the site management and monitoring plan are necessary at this time,
the information collected during Region 3's survey will inform the next update of the site
management and monitoring plan for this site.
Increased volumes dredged material being disposed of within the Norfolk ODMDS could
contribute to sediment composition changes, retention of pollutants, and/or shifts in benthic
infauna in the future. Region 3 intends to continue to routinely monitor the chemical, physical
and biological parameters inside and surrounding the ODMDS to document any changes to the
area, ensure that short-term anticipated impacts are within acceptable limits and ensure that
disposal activities are not causing lasting adverse impacts. Additionally, Region 3 recommends
continuing to collect sediment and macroinvertebrate samples from the Mid-Atlantic Bight in
future surveys to establish a better understanding of the background levels of contaminants in
the area.
3.3 Region 4 - Savannah Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site
3.3.1 Background
The Savannah ODMDS is located approximately 3.7 nmi (6.8 km) offshore of Tybee Island,
Georgia. It encompasses an area of 4.3 nmi2 (14.6 km2) and water depths within and
surrounding the Savannah ODMDS range from 28 to 42 ft (8.5 to 12.8 m). Until Region 4
formally designated the site in 1987, the Savannah ODMDS had been used as an interim site
for the ocean disposal of dredged material since 1976. Between 1976 and 2012, approximately
30 million y3 of dredged material had been disposed in the Savannah ODMDS at an average
rate of approximately 500,000 y3 (382,300 m3) annually.
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From 2012 to 2014, and in advance of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, a deepening
project to enable the port and surrounding navigation channels to accommodate larger "post-
Panamax" vessels, Region 4, in coordination with USACE Savannah District, conducted a
series of surveys to update physical, chemical and biological baseline data for the Savannah
ODMDS. Since 2015, more than 3.5 million y3 (2.7 m3) of dredged material from the Savannah
Harbor Entrance Channel has been disposed of within the ODMDS.
3.3.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings
During this 2019 survey, Region 4's objective was to collect sediment samples from the
Savannah ODMDS to be analyzed for physical, chemical and biological properties. These data
will contribute to a continuous monitoring dataset that will allow Region 4 to conduct a trend
assessment study of the area and to identify impacts of increased volumes of dredged material
disposal on the marine environment.
Region 4's survey of the Savannah ODMDS was conducted on March 6-7, 2019, aboard the
University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography's research vessel, the RA/
Savannah. During the survey, Region 4 collected sediment and macrofauna samples from
within the ODMDS boundaries and from outside of the site (Figure 4). To collect these samples,
Region 4 used a double Young Modified van Veen grab. The sediment samples were processed
on board and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for grain size distribution and concentrations of
metals, pesticides, PCBs, TOC, and PAHs. Macrofauna samples were also processed on board
and sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for benthic community parameters including density,
diversity, and richness. Additionally, Region 4 collected physiochemical data from the water
column at station SAV09 within the ODMDS. The vessel's conductivity, temperature, and depth
(CTD) probe was used to measure dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature throughout the
water column at that station. Region 4 scientists compared the physical, chemical and biological
results among stations within the ODMDS and to stations outside of the ODMDS. They also
compared sediment chemistry results against sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and historical
concentrations at the ODMDS.
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Figure 4: Sampling stations within and outside of the boundaries of the Savannah ODMDS.
Results from the sediment grain size analysis showed that sediment grain sizes were relatively
consistent within and outside of the ODMDS, with most samples consisting primarily of sand.
With the exception of sediments collected from Station S07, which is outside of the ODMDS,
where Region 4 measured 81% of the sediment being sand and 19% silt and clay, sand made
up 98% and 94% of the sediment samples taken from within and outside of the site,
respectively. When compared to data collected during a 2006 survey, Region 4 saw very similar
results with sand fractions measuring 94% and 96% within and outside of the site, respectively.
The similarities in sediment texture measured inside and outside of the ODMDS suggest that
conditions across the survey area are relatively consistent and that disposal activities are not
altering grain size conditions within the site compared to conditions in the surrounding area
where no dredged material has been disposed.
Region 4's sediment chemistry results showed that all metals were measured in concentrations
below the TEL and concentrations inside the ODMDS were similar to background
concentrations outside the ODMDS. Analyses of the sediments from this survey also showed all
organic and inorganic analyte concentrations were significantly below all environmental
thresholds (TEL and ERL). Concentrations of PCBs, pesticides, and PAHs were too low to be
detected.
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In the results from the macrofauna sampling, Region 4 measured an average biomass of 0.74 g
and identified an average of 29 taxa in samples taken from within the ODMDS. They measured
an average biomass of 2.16 g and identified an average of 48 taxa in samples taken outside of
the ODMDS. The most abundant taxa collected at stations inside the ODMDS were polychaetes
(Apoprionospio pygmaea and Spiophanes bombyx), bivalves (Solen viridis), and amphipods
(Eudovenopus honduranus and Metharpinia floridana), representing 32.1%, 14.7%, 11.5% of
the assemblage, respectively. The most abundant taxa collected at stations outside the ODMDS
were polychaetes (Mediomastus), chordates (Branchiostoma), and annelids from the Family
Naididae representing 36.7%, 11.0% and 5.0% of the assemblage, respectively. Taxa diversity
averaged 2.51 inside the ODMDS and 2.76 outside the ODMDS. Although biomass and
diversity were higher outside of the ODMDS than inside the ODMDS, these data reflect an
overall similarity in biological assemblages across the study area. When comparing data from
the 2019 survey to macrofauna data collected during previous surveys, Region 4 did not see a
significant difference in benthic density, diversity or richness. Higher taxa density is generally
seen as an indicator of a healthy community. The benthic results from the 2019 survey show
that while short-term impacts from disposal activities are present in the ODMDS, they are within
acceptable limits and disposal activities are not causing adverse impacts to the invertebrate
populations in the study area.
Results from Region 4's CTD cast showed that dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature were
similar throughout the water column, from the surface of the water to 1 m above the seafloor.
These in-situ water column profiles can be used to describe the physical characteristics of the
water and serve as a foundation for understanding the local marine environment. By looking at
the physiochemical properties of the water column profile, Region 4 can identify anomalies
indicative of impacts from disposal activities. The parameters Region 4 measured during the
survey were within expected values for this near shore, shallow environment indicating no
lasting impacts from dredged material disposal were present in the water column.
3.3.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions
The data and information Region 4 collected from this survey show that dredged material
disposal activities have short-term impacts to the Savannah ODMDS, however, it is expected,
based on the status of the benthos within the site, that recolonization and return to background
conditions would occur if site use were to cease. Results from the 2019 survey confirm that
environmentally acceptable conditions, as outlined in the site management and monitoring plan,
are being met at the Savannah ODMDS and that pre-disposal testing and evaluation of dredged
material has been effective at preventing any contaminated material from being disposed of at
the site. While this information will be incorporated into the next site management and
monitoring plan update, no immediate site modifications are necessary at this time.
Continued work on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project could contribute to sediment
composition changes, retention of pollutants, and/or shifts in benthic infauna in the future.
Region 4 intends to continue to routinely monitor the chemical, physical and biological
parameters inside and surrounding the ODMDS to document any changes to the area, ensure
that short-term anticipated impacts are within acceptable limits, and ensure that disposal
activities are not causing lasting adverse impacts.
3.4 Region 10 - Siuslaw North and South Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
3.4.1 Background
The Siuslaw North ODMDS and Siuslaw South ODMDS are located approximately one nmi
offshore of Florence, Oregon, near the mouth of the Siuslaw River. Since 1929, USACE has
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been disposing of dredged material from navigation channels associated with the Siuslaw River
at a series of interim sites in the area. Due to sediment transport and mounding concerns and
the continued need for dredged material to be disposed of offshore, Region 10 designated the
Siuslaw North ODMDS and Siuslaw South ODMDS pursuant to the MPRSA on April 29, 2010
(75 FR 5708). Designating these sites allows Region 10, in collaboration with USACE Portland
District, to better manage and monitor the dredged material being disposed of offshore while
minimizing the potential for mounding and navigation concerns and avoiding adverse effects to
biological resources, as many commercially and recreationally important species such as
salmonids, skate and Dungeness crab are found in the area. Since the sites were designated in
2010, dredged material disposal has only occurred at the Siuslaw North ODMDS (not the
Siuslaw South ODMDS). On average, USACE disposes of 98,000 y3 per year at the Siuslaw
North ODMDS and disposal volumes for these sites are not expected to exceed 118,000 y3
(90,217 m3) annually (USEPA and USACE 2010a).
Baseline surveys to support the designation of the Siuslaw North and South ODMDSs were
conducted by the EPA and USACE in 2008. Earlier studies of the area's geophysical properties
were conducted in the mid-1980s where predominant physical sediment and bathymetric
characteristics were identified. Prior to this 2019 survey, the EPA had not conducted monitoring
at the Siuslaw North and South ODMDSs since their designation.
3.4.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings
Region 10 surveyed the Siuslaw North and Siuslaw South ODMDSs to assess the physical,
chemical and biological characteristics inside and outside of the sites. These data will contribute
to a continuous monitoring dataset that will allow Region 10 to conduct a trend assessment of
the environmental effects of dredged material disposal at the site and inform updates to the
sites' management and monitoring plan. Region 10 conducted the surveys of both sites from
September 20 - September 23, 2019, aboard the R/V Miss Linda.
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Map 5
Siuslaw North ODMDS
Box Core and Water Quality
Stations
Legend
+ Benthic
X Physical
~ PhysicaVChemistry
^ Water Quality
O Proposed Sampling Location
~ ODMDS
ANAMAR
Environmental Consulting. Inc.
shwsot
Figure 5: Siuslaw North ODMDS and reference area map showing sampling locations for benthic,
physical, chemical, and water quality parameters.
During the survey, Region 10 collected sediment and macrofauna samples from 20 stations in
the Siuslaw North ODMDS study area, 10 from within the ODMDS boundaries and 10 located
outside of the site, and from 10 stations in the Siuslaw South ODMDS study area, 5 from within
the ODMDS boundaries and 5 located outside of the site (Figures 5 and 6). To collect these
samples, Region 10 used a 0.1 m2 Grey-O'Hare modified box core. The sediment samples
collected from the Siuslaw North and South ODMDS study areas were processed onboard and
sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for grain size distribution, total solids, and benthic
community parameters (e.g., abundance, density, richness, diversity, and evenness). The
sediment samples collected from the Siuslaw North ODMDS study area were also analyzed for
concentrations of metals, tributyltins, chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides, PAHs, phthalates,
phenols, PCBs, motor oils, and diesel range organics. In addition to comparing the sediment
data inside and outside of the ODMDS, Region 10 also compared sediment chemistry results
against the Sediment Evaluation Framework for the Pacific Northwest. The Sediment Evaluation
Framework for the Pacific Northwest provides a regional framework for assessing and
characterizing sediment (RSET, 2018).The physical and chemical sediment data collected
during this survey were evaluated to ensure that dredged material disposal is not changing the
sediment structure of the benthos or causing contamination of the benthic community. Sediment
chemistry was not analyzed on the sediments collected from the Siuslaw South ODMDS
because the site has not been used for disposal since its designation.
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Map 7
Siuslaw South ODMDS
Box Core and Water Quality
Stations
Legend
+ Benthic
X Physical
~ Water Quality
O Proposed Sampling Location
~ ODMDS
Environmental Consulting. Inc.
Ttus map andtar d^rtal Gala a tar planning pu
and should not be used to deEemrc
Q:\HS PSCBECTSUMOtW Uan Xrfand. OaaHMJnwiuSvrapl
Figure 6: Siuslaw South ODMDS and reference area map showing sampling locations for benthic,
physical, and water quality parameters.
Region 10 also conducted epifaunal trawls and video transects inside and outside of the
ODMDSs to assess epifaunal community characteristics. To conduct the trawls, a 12-foot-wide
otter trawl was towed behind the vessel along transects of 1200 ft (366 m) to 1600 ft (488 m) in
length. Video transects were conducted using JW Fisher TOV-2 underwater camera. The
camera was towed behind the vessel along similar transects to where otter trawls were
conducted. Epifaunal trawls and video transects conducted within and outside the ODMDSs
assess epifaunal community characteristics; these data consider how the areas are utilized by
fish and invertebrates relative to the disposal of dredged material. Findings identified in the
underwater videos were also compared to the findings from the epifaunal trawls.
Additionally, Region 10 collected in-situ water quality data from four stations within and outside
of the North and South ODMDSs. A YSI Pro-DDS multiparameter sampling meter was used to
measure temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen at various depths throughout the water
column at each station. Water quality data help inform if conditions within the ODMDS are
outside of normal oceanographic ranges.
3.4.2.1 Siuslaw North ODMDS Study Area
Results from the grain size analyses of sediments collected from within and outside of the
Siuslaw North ODMDS indicated that all samples were comprised primarily of sand, with total
sand ranging from 99.2% to 100% and total fines ranging from 0.0% to 0.7%. Sediments
collected from outside of the site boundaries had a higher percentage of fine-grained sand
compared to samples within the Siuslaw North ODMDS, which had a higher percentage of
medium-grained sand. Total solids for all samples ranged from 71.9% to 82.2%. TOC for all
samples ranged from <0.02% to 0.17%. The similarities in sediment texture measured inside
and outside of the ODMDS suggest that conditions across the survey area are relatively
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consistent and that disposal activities are not altering grain size conditions within the site
compared to conditions in the surrounding area where no dredged material has been disposed.
Region 10's sediment chemistry results showed that all metals, tributyltin, chlorinated
hydrocarbons, and pesticides were measured in concentrations below the marine benthic
toxicity screening levels in the Sediment Evaluation Framework for the Pacific Northwest. The
concentration of total PAHs from samples collected within the ODMDS ranged from <9.1 |jg/kg
to <9.6 |jg/kg. Diethyl phthalate, di-n-butyl-phthalate, phenol, and 4-methylphenol were detected
in concentrations greater than the method reporting limit (MRL) in all samples collected from the
Siuslaw North ODMDS study area, and 2- methylphenol was detected in concentrations greater
than the MRL in all samples except two collected from within the ODMDS (SIU-N-01 and SIU-N-
02). Benzoic acid was detected in concentrations greater than the MRL in all samples. Total
PCBs ranged from 4.8 |jg/kg to 5.1 |jg/kg. For all of these compounds, the MRL is lower than
the marine benthic toxicity level. Therefore, while PAHs, phthalates, and PCBs were detected in
sediment samples, the concentrations at which they are present are not expected to cause any
adverse effect to the benthic environment. Motor oils and diesel range organics ranged from
<100 mg/kg to <110 mg/kg and <42 mg/kg to <43 mg/kg, respectively. While there are no
established marine benthic toxicity screening levels for these compounds, they were not
detected in concentrations greater than the MRL in any sample and are not expected to cause
any adverse effect to the benthic environment.
In the results from the macrofauna sampling, Region 10 identified a total of 19,581 individual
organisms in samples collected from inside the ODMDS and 50,956 individual organisms in
samples collected outside of the site boundaries. The average values for diversity, evenness,
and richness of the benthic community in samples collected from within the site were 1.12, 0.23,
and 32, respectively. The average values for diversity, evenness and richness of the benthic
community in samples collected from outside of the site were 1.00, 0.19 and 39, respectively.
Region 10 did not detect any significant statistical differences when comparing benthic
community measurements inside of the ODMDS to those outside of the ODMDS.
In the results from the epibenthic trawls conducted in the Siuslaw North ODMDS study area,
Region 10 identified 15 species of fish and 12 species of invertebrates. Pacific tomcod
(.Microgadus proximus) was the most common fish collected across the entire study area. Seven
of the 15 fish species collected were in greater densities outside of the ODMDS when compared
to those measured inside the ODMDS. Three fish species (sand sole, speckled sanddab and
staghorn sculpin) were found in higher densities inside the ODMDS, and three fish species (bay
pipefish, blacktail snailfish and Pacific sanddab) were only found inside the ODMDS. Overall,
fish species densities were greater outside the ODMDS. Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus
magister), Crangon shrimp (Crangon sp.) and mysid were by far the most common
invertebrates collected across all sampled transects. The average density of invertebrates was
greater inside the ODMDS compared to the measurements taken outside of the ODMDS;
however, densities observed throughout the center of the ODMDS were lower than all other
reported densities. Additionally, Region 10 observed that density was higher along the shallower
stations and generally decreased with increasing depth. Lower densities and lower taxa
richness observed in the mid depth ranges of the ODMDS may be a response to disposal of
dredged material. Epifaunal community composition within the Siuslaw North ODMDS was
different when compared to the epifaunal community composition present outside of the
ODMDS, however, the differences were minor when considered in the larger-scale ecosystem
context.
When comparing the trawl data to the video data collected in the Siuslaw North ODMDS study
area, Region 10 found that both the trawl and video data indicated a greater occurrence of
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Dungeness crab and flatfish inside the ODMDS and more non-flatfish outside the ODMDS. The
benthic and epibenthic results from the 2019 survey show that while there are differences in
community structure that could be attributed to disposal activities, they are within acceptable
limits and disposal activities are not causing lasting adverse impacts to the fish and invertebrate
populations in the study area.
In the results from in-situ water quality monitoring conducted in the Siuslaw North ODMDS study
area, Region 10 noted the following observations. Site depth ranged from 85.3 ft (26 m) to 101.7
ft (31 m). Water temperature was best predicted by depth where temperatures decreased with
increasing depth. The mean bottom depth temperature in the study area was 54.1 °F (12.3 °C)
and there was no difference in mean temperature between inside and outside of the ODMDS.
The average salinity measured in the Siuslaw North ODMDS study area was 32.5 ppt there
were no differences in salinity measured inside and outside of the ODMDS. Average pH
measured in the north study area was 8.0, slightly more acidic when compared to the global
ocean average pH (8.1), however, it is within the normal range for the Oregon. Dissolved
oxygen measured in the north study area ranged from 7.0 mg/L to 7.9 mg/L and was negatively
correlated with depth. These in-situ water quality parameters are within expected values
indicating no lasting impacts from dredged material disposal were present in the water column.
3.4.2.2 Siuslaw South ODMDS Study Area
Results from the grain size analyses of sediments collected from within and outside of the
Siuslaw South ODMDS indicated that all samples were comprised primarily of sand, with total
sand ranging from 99.6% to 100% and total fines ranging from 0.0 to 0.4%. Sediments collected
from within the ODMDS were comprised of slightly higher percentages of fine sand compared to
those collected outside and to the south of the ODMDS, which had a higher percentage of
medium sand. Total solids for all samples ranged from 76.6% to 80.6%. TOC for all samples
ranged from 0.03% to 0.08%. The similarities in sediment texture measured inside and outside
of the ODMDS were expected, as disposal activities have not been conducted in the Siuslaw
South ODMDS since its designation.
In the results from the macrofauna sampling, Region 10 identified 16,612 individual organisms
making up a total of 83 invertebrate taxonomic identifications inside the ODMDS and 14,007
individual organisms making up a total of 66 invertebrate taxonomic identifications outside of the
ODMDS. The average values for diversity, evenness and richness of the benthic community in
samples collected from within the site were 1.70, 0.31 and 45, respectively. The average values
for diversity, evenness and richness of the benthic community in samples collected from outside
of the site were 1.90, 0.35 and 44, respectively. All sampling locations had similar taxa
composition, which suggests the groups are not diverse and were dominated by few taxa. No
statistical differences were found in the infaunal community inside and outside of the Siuslaw
South ODMDS as expected since disposal activities had not occurred at the site.
In the results from the epibenthic trawls conducted in the Siuslaw South ODMDS study area,
Region 10 identified 14 species of fish and nine species of invertebrates. Similar to the results
from the Siuslaw North ODMDS, Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) was the most common
fish species collected and the average density of fish across stations was greatest outside the
ODMDS. Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister), Crangon shrimp (Crangon sp.) and mysid
(.Mysida) were the most common invertebrates collected in all sampled transects. The average
invertebrate density was slightly greater outside of the ODMDS when compared to densities
measured inside the ODMDS however, there was no statistical difference when comparing
diversity, evenness, and richness measurements inside versus outside of the ODMDS. The lack
of statistical difference indicates that there was either no difference between inside the ODMDS
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compared to outside the ODMDS or that the variation across samples was so high that much
more sampling would be required to detect a statistical difference.
When comparing the trawl data to the video data collected in the Siuslaw South ODMDS study
area, Region 10 found that both the trawl and video data indicated a greater occurrence of
Dungeness crab and flatfish inside the ODMDS and more non-flatfish outside the ODMDS.
While reviewing the video data, Region 10 also noted that the absolute differences between
inside and outside ODMDSs described in this report are relatively minor and easily within the
error associated with trying to observe organisms from the video footage and error associated
with correcting for the area observed within the videos.
In the results from the in-situ water quality monitoring conducted in the Siuslaw South ODMDS
study area, Region 10 noted the following observations. Site depth ranged from 111.5 ft (34 m)
to 121.4 ft (37 m). Water temperature was best predicted by depth where temperatures
decreased with increasing depth. The mean bottom depth temperature in the study area was
51.4 °F (10.8 °C) and there was no difference in mean temperature between inside and outside
of the ODMDS. The average salinity measured in the Siuslaw South ODMDS study area was
32.6 ppt there were no differences in salinity measured inside and outside of the ODMDS. The
average pH measured in the south study area was 7.9. In the south study area, where there
was less of a depth gradient, dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.9 mg/L to 8 mg/L regardless of
depth. These in-situ water quality parameters are within expected values indicating no lasting
impacts from dredged material disposal were present in the water column.
3.4.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions
Results from the 2019 survey confirm that environmentally acceptable conditions, as outlined in
the site management and monitoring plan, are being met at the Siuslaw North and Siuslaw
South ODMDSs and that pre-disposal testing and evaluation of dredged material has been
effective at preventing any contaminated material from being disposed of at the site. While this
information will be incorporated into the next site management and monitoring plan update, no
immediate site modifications are necessary at this time.
Region 10 anticipates that future surveys will continue to include physical and chemical,
sediment characteristics, infaunal and epifaunal communities and water quality to ensure
acceptable environmental parameters are being upheld at disposal sites. Additionally, if Region
10 can continue to refine the implementation of the towed video, it would be beneficial in
reducing environmental harm from the collection of benthic organisms while still collecting
appropriate data to meet the EPA's site management regulatory requirements.
3.5 Region 10 - Umpqua North and South Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
3.5.1 Background
Region 10 designated the Umpqua North ODMDS and Umpqua South ODMDS offshore of
Reedsport in Winchester Bay, Oregon on April 24, 2009. The Umpqua North and Umpqua
South ODMDSs are located on the Southern Oregon Coast, 0.7 mni (1.2 km) northwest and
southwest, respectively, from the entrance to the mouth of the Umpqua River (Figure 7).
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Figure 7; Map showing the location of the Umpqua North and South ODMDSs and Interim and Adjusted
sites off the coast of Oregon (EPA and US ACE 2009).
Historically, USAGE has disposed of dredged material in a series of short-term selected and
interim sites off the mouth of the Umpqua River Due to mounding in those sites and the
continued need for dredged material to be disposed of offshore long-term, Region 10
designated the Umpqua North and Umpqua South ODMDSs to better manage and monitor
dredged material disposal while minimizing the potential for mounding and navigation concerns
in the area. Both sites contain a drop zone set back 500 ft (152 m) from the site boundaries
where disposal must occur (USEPA and USAGE 2009). The Umpqua North and Umpqua South
ODMDSs were designated to receive suitable dredged material from USAGE federal navigation
projects, other local USAGE projects, and appropriately permitted dredged material from non-
USACE projects. Each site was designated with the capacity to receive approximately 188,000
y3 (143,736 m3) of dredged material per year for 20 years, a total of 3.8 million y3 (29,053,085
m3) each, without impacting the wave climate and navigation in the area (USEPA and USAGE
2009).
Since the sites were designated in 2009, USAGE has disposed of an average of 127,000 y3
(97,098 m3) per year. Disposal has been occuring annually at the Umpqua North ODMDS; with
the most recent disposal activity, relative to the 2019 survey, occuring in 2018. Dredged
material was disposed of at the Umpqua South ODMDS only once since its designation, in
2019, concurrent with the dates of this monitoring survey.
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3.5.2 Survey Objectives, Activities, and Findings
In 2019, Region 10 surveyed the Umpqua North and Umpqua South ODMDSs to assess the
physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the seafloor inside and outside of the sites.
These data will contribute to a continuous monitoring dataset to allow Region 10 to conduct a
trend assessment of the environmental effects of dredged material disposal at the site and
inform updates to the sites' management and monitoring plan. Region 10 conducted monitoring
at these sites in two separate sampling efforts from July through September. The first sampling
effort was to collect hydroacoustic backscatter data that was ground-truthed by images of the
seafloor collected via remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The second survey collected sediment
for physical, chemical and biological analyses, benthic trawls for epifaunal analysis and near-
bottom water quality data. The hydroacoustic survey and ROV ground truthing work was
conducted aboard Marine Technical Services' 23-foot. The sediment sampling, benthic trawls
and water-quality assessments were conducted aboard the R/V Miss Linda.
Region 10 conducted the hydroacoustic survey prior to any grab sampling, towed video or
trawling to identify areas on the seafloor that may have roughness, biological or anthropogenic,
which would either impact or could be destroyed by survey techniques. During the
hydroacoustic survey, Region 10 towed a SonarTech P150S side-scan sonar in a series of
transects over an area of 3,400 acres (13.8 km2) to collect backscatter data to identify the extent
of sand dollar beds and any debris in the study area (Figure 8). Region 10 used an ROV to
ground truth the backscatter data so that the areas which needed to be avoided could
accurately be mapped. Region 10 used these data to refine the sampling locations for the trend
assessment part of the survey.
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Map 1
Umpqua North ODMDS
Box Core and Water Quality
Stations
Legend
+ BenMc
X en)***
A Pftysicaucnemlsoy
§ Water Quality
( ) Proposed Sampling Location
__j Sana Dolare
DeBRs
~ SMescan Sonar Surrey Boundaries
ANAMAR
^
Environmental Consulting, Inc.
Figure 9: Umpqua North ODMDS and reference area map showing sampling locations for benthic,
physical, chemical, and water quality parameters.
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Map 3
Umpqua South ODMDS
Box Core and Water Quality
Stations
Legend
Benthic
X Phys'cal
Q Water Quality
(^) Proposed Sampling Location
^ Debris
|| Sand Dollars
Side Scan Sonar Survey Boundaries
~ ODMDS
ANAMAR
Environmental Consulting. Inc.
Figure 10: Umpqua South ODMDS and reference area map showing sampling locations for benthic,
physical, chemical, and water quality parameters.
In addition to collecting sediment samples during the second part of the survey, Region 10 also
conducted benthic otter trawls and video tows along 12 transects in the Umpqua North and
Umpqua South study areas. To conduct these trawls, a 12-foot-wide otter trawl was towed
behind the vessel along transects of 1200 ft (366 m) to 1600 ft (488 m) in length. Video tows
were conducted using JW Fisher TQV-2 underwater camera. The camera was towed behind the
vessel along similar transects to where otter trawls were conducted. Epifaunal trawls and video
tows conducted within and outside the ODMDSs assess epifaunal community characteristics;
these data consider how the areas are utilized by fish and invertebrates relative to the disposal
of dredged material. Findings identified in the underwater videos were compared to the findings
from the epifaunal trawls.
Lastly, Region 10 collected in-situ water quality data from 10 stations within and outside of the
Umpqua North ODMDS and 6 stations within and outside of the Umpqua South ODMDS. A YSI
Pro-DDS multiparameter sampling meter was used to measure temperature, salinity, pH, and
dissolved oxygen at various depths throughout the water column at each station. Water quality
data help inform if conditions within the ODMDS are outside of normal oceanographic ranges.
In the results from the hydroacoustic and ROV surveys, Region 10 identified two primary habitat
classifications, soft bottom and sand dollar beds. Areas identified as soft-bottom habitat varied
from fine-sand with silt to medium sand. The deeper offshore benthos consisted of finer grained
sediments relative to the nearshore, and sand waves became more pronounced moving toward
the shoreline. Bioturbation was minimal but increased with distance from shore. Tube worms
and mollusk burrows were observed, while larger sessile organisms such as anemones, sea
whips and sea pens were absent. Occasionally, flat fish were observed in the study areas, and
Dungeness Crab were abundant. Sand dollar beds were present in both the north and south
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study areas. Region 10 observed a long narrow bed of sand dollars running north to south
nearshore and two defined beds further offshore in the center of the survey area (Figures 9 and
10). In between the mapped sand dollar beds, Region 10 identified dispersed sand dollars in
ROV footage, but they were present in such low abundance that they could not be mapped.
While Region 10 did not observe large debris, they identified numerous derelict crab pots in
both the north and south study areas. Region 10 also noted that there were minor instances of
gaps in the side-scan and ROV survey records due to having to avoid other vessels and crab
pots present in the area during the time of the survey. These hydroacoustic and ROV data were
used to identify general characteristics of the benthos in the north and south study area and
refine the sediment sampling and epibenthic trawl locations to avoid areas with high densities of
sand dollars.
3.5.2.1 Umpqua North ODMDS Study Area
In the results from the hydroacoustic and ROV surveys specific to the Umpqua North ODMDS
study area, Region 10 observed patches of sand dollars in the southeast corner of the ODMDS
and extending to the south, outside of the ODMDS boundary (Figure 9).
Results from the grain size analyses of sediments collected from within and outside of the
Umpqua North ODMDS indicated that all samples were comprised primarily of sand, with total
sand ranging from 99.0% to 99.9% and total fines ranging from 1.0% to 0.1%. Sediments
collected from outside of the site boundaries had a higher percentage of fine-grained sand
compared to samples within the Umpqua North ODMDS, which had a higher percentage of
medium-grained sand. Total solids for all samples ranged from 71.0% to 83.0%. TOC for all
samples ranged from <0.02% to 0.11%. The similarities in sediment texture measured inside
and outside of the ODMDS suggest that conditions across the survey area are relatively
consistent and that disposal activities are not altering grain size conditions within the site
compared to conditions in the surrounding area where no dredged material has been disposed.
Sediment chemistry results showed that while a few chemicals of concerns were detected, none
were above the marine benthic toxicity screening levels outlined in the Sediment Evaluation
Framework for the Pacific Northwest. For metals, some were detected above the MRL, but none
above the marine benthic toxicity screening levels. Motor oils and diesel range organics,
tributyltin, pesticides, PAHs, chlorinated hydrocarbons, phenols, and miscellaneous extractables
were estimated to be present in concentrations below the MRL. All MRLs were below the
marine benthic toxicity screening levels outlines in the Sediment Evaluation Framework for the
Pacific Northwest. This was also the case for PCB Aroclors, which were not detected above the
MRL. Total PCBs ranged from 4.8 |jg/kg to 5.1 |jg/kg. Phthalates and phenols had a few
analytes detected above the MRL, but the concentrations were below the marine benthic
screening levels. For all of these compounds, the MRL is lower than the marine benthic toxicity
level indicating that the concentrations at which they are present are not expected to cause any
adverse effect to the benthic environment.
In the results from the macrofauna sampling, Region 10 identified a total of 27,046 individual
organisms in samples collected from inside the ODMDS and 34,726 individual organisms in
samples collected outside of the site boundaries. The average values for diversity, evenness,
and richness of the benthic community in samples collected from within the site were 2.71, 0.52
and 39, respectively. The average values for diversity, evenness and richness of the benthic
community in samples collected from outside of the site were 2.41, 0.48 and 41, respectively.
The most abundant taxa present both inside and outside of the site were Owenia fusiformis (a
tubeworm) and Dendraster excentricus (sand dollar). There was noticeable variability in species
presence across all stations regardless of location which suggests that the groups are diverse
and are not dominated by few taxa. Region 10 did not detect any significant statistical
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differences when comparing benthic community measurements inside of the ODMDS to those
outside of the ODMDS, indicating high sample variation.
In the results from the epibenthic trawls Region 10 identified 14 species of fish, as well as two
families of juvenile or small individuals (Bothidae and Pleuronichthys), and one genus of small
individuals Citharichthys. Region 10 also identified 13 species of invertebrates, and one genus
of shrimp. Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) and English sole (Parophrys vetulus) were the
most common fish species collected. Fish species collected in the north survey area generally
occurred at greater densities outside of the site boundaries and increased with decreasing water
depth. Pacific tomcod (Microgadus proximus) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) were the
only fish species collected both inside the ODMDS and outside of the ODMDS that were
present in greater density inside the ODMDS. No trends were observed regarding the size of
fish based on if they were collected from inside the ODMDS or the reference area.
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) were collected during each trawl conducted in in the
Umpqua North study area. There were no obvious trends observed regarding Dungeness crab
abundance, sex or size and water depth. Notable quantities of hermit crabs, mysids, and sand
dollars were collected in trawls conducted inside the ODMDS. Region 10 found that invertebrate
density was greater inside the ODMDS and increased with decreasing water depth. While
population density was greater inside of the ODMDS, taxa richness, diversity and evenness
were greater in samples collected from outside of the ODMDS. Richness, evenness and density
were not statistically different between the two areas due to high variability in the samples.
These results indicate that invertebrates contribute more to the observed differences between
inside versus outside of the ODMDS than fish do. The variety of species required to explain the
within group similarities for the north survey area illustrates that the samples were generally
characterized by a moderate number of species.
Region 10 found it difficult to compare the trawl data with the towed video imagery because of the
lack of clarity in the video imagery to identify organisms to species. Furthermore, abundance
between the two areas could not be compared because the video imagery was not established to
describe data in terms of density (organisms per unit of area) as the otter trawl data collection
was designed to do. For future surveys, Region 10 recommends that towed video should be
performed from a vessel that can achieve slower tow speeds to improve clarity of images so that
organisms can be identified to species.
Overall, when benthic and epibenthic community metrics from within the Umpqua North
ODMDS were compared with metrics measured outside of the ODMDS, Region 10 did not
observe significant differences. These results indicate that disposal activities occuring inside the
ODMDS are not causing lasting adverse effects to the benthic and epibenthic environment.
In the results from the in-situ water quality monitoring conducted in the Umpqua North ODMDS
study area, Region 10 noted the following observations. Site depth ranged from 59 ft (18 m) to
121 ft (37 m). Water temperature was best predicted by depth where temperatures decreased
with increasing depth. The mean bottom temperature in the study area was 55.8 °F (13.2 °C)
and there was no difference in mean temperature between inside and outside of the ODMDS.
The average salinity measured in the Umpqua South ODMDS study area was 32.9 ppt there
were no differences in salinity measured inside and outside of the ODMDS. The average pH
measured in the south study area was 8.1. Dissolved oxygen was negatively correlated with
depth and ranged from 7.8 mg/L to 8.7 mg/L. All of these measurements are within the normal
range for the Oregon coast and indicate no lasting impacts from dredged material disposal were
present in the water column.
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3.5.2.1 Umpqua South ODMDS Study Area
In the results from the hydroacoustic and ROV surveys specific to the Umpqua South ODMDS
study area, Region 10 observed large continuous beds of sand dollars that extended from just
north of the Umpqua South ODMDS, southward, along the eastern most portion of the ODMDS
and until the southern boundary of the survey area. Two large sand dollar beds were found
between the 60 and 90 ft (18 and 27 m) depth contour; beyond this depth the ODMDS and
seafloor is sand (Figure 10).
Results from the grain size analyses of sediments collected from within and outside of the
Umpqua South ODMDS, indicated that all samples were comprised primarily of sand, with total
sand ranging from 96.1% to 99.9% and total fines ranging from 0.1% to 2.6%. Sediments
collected from reference areas outside of the site boundaries had a slightly lower percentage of
fine-grained sand compared to samples within the Umpqua South ODMDS, which is indicative
of recent disposal activity. Total solids for all samples ranged from 73.5% to 79.0%. TOC for all
samples ranged from <0.02% to 0.28%. The similarities in sediment texture measured inside
and outside of the ODMDS suggest that conditions across the survey area are relatively
consistent and that disposal activities are not altering grain size conditions within the site
compared to conditions in the surrounding area where no dredged material has been disposed.
Chemistry analysis was not conducted on samples collected from the south study area samples
because regular disposal activities had not occurred at the Umpqua South ODMDS.
In the results from the macrofauna sampling, Region 10 identified a total of 12,578 individual
organisms in samples collected from inside the ODMDS and 7,483 individual organisms in
samples collected from outside of the site boundaries. The average values for diversity,
evenness, and richness of the benthic community in samples collected from within the site were
2.76, 0.49 and 53, respectively. The average values for diversity, evenness, and richness of the
benthic community in samples collected from outside of the site were 3.05, 0.57 and 48,
respectively. Similar to the observations seen in the North study site, Region 10 found the most
abundant taxa inside and outside of the Umpqua South ODMDS were Owenia fusiformis and
Dendraster excentricus. Region 10 did not detect any significant statistical differences when
comparing benthic community measurements inside of the ODMDS to those outside of the
ODMDS, indicating high sample variation.
In the results from the epibenthic trawls conducted in the Umpqua South ODMDS study area,
Region 10 identified 18 species offish and 12 species of invertebrates. English sole was the
most common fish species collected. Average density of fish was similar inside and outside of
the boundaries of the ODMDS.
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) were collected during each trawl conducted in the
Umpqua South ODMDS study area. Dungeness crab density was greater inside the ODMDS
than was observed outside of the site boundaries. Average density of other invertebrates was
equivalent when comparing measurements from inside of the ODMDS to those outside of the
site boundaries and densities were generally lower in the transects conducted in deeper waters.
While taxa density, and richness were greater outside of the boundaries of the ODMDS,
diversity and evenness were greater inside the ODMDS. Statistical analyses did not detect a
significant difference in density, diversity, evenness or richness due to high sample variation.
Due to challenges encountered during the video tows in the Umpqua South ODMDS study area,
Region 10 conducted only one video tow inside and outside of the ODMDS. These minimal
video tows resulted in few observations of Dungeness crab, flatfish and tubeworm casings. Of
these observations, Dungeness crab comprised the majority of organisms recorded. Because of
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the limited amount of video data collected, Region 10 does not recommend that these data be
used as an assessment of the entire Umpqua South ODMDS study area.
Overall, when benthic and epibenthic community metrics from within the Umpqua South
ODMDS were compared with metrics measured outside of the ODMDS, Region 10 did not
observe significant differences. These results indicate that disposal activities occuring inside the
ODMDS are not causing lasting adverse effects to the benthic and epibenthic environment.
In the results from the in-situ water quality monitoring conducted in the Umpqua South ODMDS
study area, Region 10 noted the following observations. Site depth ranged from 55.8 ft (17 m) to
118.1 ft (36 m). Water temperature was best predicted by depth where temperatures decreased
with increasing depth. The mean bottom depth temperature in the study area was 51.4 °F
(10.8 °C) and there was no difference in mean temperature between inside and outside of the
ODMDS. The average salinity measured in the Umpqua South ODMDS study area was 32.9 ppt
there were no differences in salinity measured inside and outside of the ODMDS. The average
pH measured in the south study area was 8.0. In the south study area, where there was less of
a depth gradient, dissolved oxygen ranged from 7.4 mg/L to 8.6 mg/L regardless of depth. All
these measurements are within the normal range for the Oregon coast indicating no lasting
impacts from dredged material disposal were present in the water column.
3.5.3 Conclusions and Recommended Management Actions
Results from the 2019 survey confirm that environmentally acceptable conditions, as outlined in
the site management and monitoring plan, are being met at the Umpqua North and Umpqua
South ODMDSs and that pre-disposal testing and evaluation of dredged material has been
effective at preventing any contaminated material from being disposed of at the sites. While this
information will be incorporated into the next site management and monitoring plan update, no
immediate site modifications are necessary at this time.
Region 10 anticipates that future surveys will continue to include physical, chemical and
biological analyses including sediment characteristics, infaunal and epifaunal communities, and
water quality parameters to ensure that ongoing disposal activities at both sites do not result in
lasting adverse impacts.
4.0 Next Steps
The EPA conducts oceanographic surveys to monitor the impacts of regulated dumping at
MPRSA-designated ocean dredged material disposal sites and to inform management decisions
in accordance with the EPA's roles and responsibilities under the MPRSA and its implementing
regulations. The EPA monitors ODMDSs to ensure that dredged material disposal will not
unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the environment, to verify that
unanticipated adverse effects are not occurring from past or continued use of sites, and to
ensure that the terms of MPRSA permits are met.
Based on the results of the 2019 MPRSA monitoring surveys, the EPA determined that
environmentally acceptable conditions were met at each of the surveyed ODMDSs and
permitted disposal of dredged material under the MPRSA can continue at these sites. The EPA
also confirmed that dredged materials from the Boston Harbor Deep Navigation Project
disposed of in the expanded portion of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site are covering
wastes on the seafloor that were historically disposed of in the area.
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Additionally, the EPA will use the data and information collected in 2019:
• to inform site management as well as future updates to each sites' MPRSA-required
management and monitoring plan;
• to inform future surveys at these sites, including where increased dredged material
disposal from deepening and navigation infrastructure projects is anticipated, to ensure
dumping will not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the environment;
and
• to refine methodologies for collecting biological data from towed video to be able to
collect comparable quantitative information via video as an alternative to conducting
benthic trawls.
5.0 Acknowledgements
This report is based on the monitoring surveys conducted, analyses performed, and conclusions
drawn by the EPA's Regional offices 1,3,4,10 during 2019. This report was developed with the
support of the Marine Protection Permitting Program staff from the EPA's Headquarters and all
coastal Regional offices.
6.0 References
Buchman, M. F. 2008. NOAA Screening Quick Reference Tables, NOAA OR&R Report 08-1,
Seattle WA, Office of Response and Restoration Division, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, 34 pp.
National Ocean Economics Program. 2020. http://www.oceaneconomics.org.
NOAA. 1999. Sediment Quality Guidelines Developed for the National Status and Trends
Program.
Northwest Regional Sediment Evaluation Team (RSET). 2018. Sediment Evaluation
Framework for the Pacific Northwest. Prepared by the RSET Agencies, May 2018,
183 pp plus appendices.
Rhoads, D.C. and J.D. Germano. 1982. Characterization of Organism-Sediment Relations
Using Sediment Profile Imaging: An Efficient Method of Remote Ecological Monitoring of
the Seafloor (RemotsTM System). Marine Ecology Progress Series, 8:115-128.
Sturdivant, S.K.; Carey, D.A. 2017. Baseline Seafloor Assessment Survey for the Proposed
Expansion of the Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site September/October 2015. DAMOS
Contribution No. 201 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Concord,
MA, 105 pp.
USEPA. 2018. Final Environmental Assessment on the Proposed Expansion of the
Massachusetts Bay Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site and Finding of No Significant
Impact. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, Boston, MA.
USEPA and USACE. 2009. Site Management and Monitoring Plan for the Umpqua River
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites, OR. April 2009. https://www.epa.gov/ocean-
dumping/site-management-and-monitoring-plan-smmp-umpqua-river-ocean-dredged-
material-disposal.
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USEPA and USACE. 2010a. Siuslaw River North and South ODMDS, Site Management and
Monitoring Plan. April 2010. https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/site-management-and-
monitoring-plan-smmp-siuslaw-river-ocean-dredged-material-disposal.
World Health Organization. 1994. Environmental Health Criteria 161: Phenol. International
Programme on Chemical Safety.
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