October 2015
** FORT PIERCE
W EPA OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE
SITE MANAGEMENT
AND MONITORING PLAN
I i
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Sa-wa Pnpsul l«r
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Army Corps
of Engineers
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The following Site Management and Monitoring Plan for the Fort Pierce ODMDS has been
developed and agreed to pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act Amendments of 1992
(WRDA 92) to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1912 for the management
and monitoring of ocean disposal activities, as resources allow, by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Colonel Jason t
fL ZZA/W/jT
olonel Jason A. Kirk Date /j\Heather McTeer Toney Date
District Commander m) Regional Administrator
Jacksonville District U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Region 4
Jacksonville, Florida Atlanta, Georgia
This plan is effective from the date of signature for a period not to exceed 10 years. The plan shall
be reviewed and revised more frequently if site use and conditions at site indicate a need for
revision.
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FORT PIERCE OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)
SITE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN
IABLE_OFC^IENTS
Contents. '
1.0 INTRODUCTION I
1.1 Site Management and Monitoring Plan Team I
2.0 SITE MANAGEMENT ...2
2.1 Disposal Site Characteristics 2
2.2 Management Objectives 3
2.3 Material Volumes .3
2.4 Dredged Material Characteristics..........................................................................................5
2.4.1 Previously Placed Materials 5
2.4.2. Anticipated Materials ...5
2.4.3 Associated Beach Quality Materials..................... ....5
2.4.4 Dredge Material Quality Verification..................................... ..................................5
2.5 Time of disposal 5
2.8 Disposal Technique 6
2.7 Disposal Location .......................6
2.8 Permit and Contract Conditions.............................................................................................?
2.9 Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities ................................. J
3.0 SITE MONITORING................... .....J
3.1 Baseline Monitoring .............J
3.2 Disposal Monitoring............................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Post Discharge Monitoring.............................................. .........11
3.4 Disposal Effects Monitoring,. ! 1
3.5 Reporting and Data Formatting 17
3.5.1 Project Initiation and Violation Reporting 17
3.5.2 Disposal Monitoring Data................. 17
3.5.3 Post Disposal Summary Reports 17
3.5.4 Environmental Monitoring 17
4.0 MODIFICATION OF THE FORT PIERCE ODMDS SMMP,. 18
5.0 REFERENCES ...................18
iii
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Titie Page
Figure 1, Fort Pierce ODMDS Location Map 3
Figure 2. Fort Pierce ODMDS Dredged Material Placement Requirements.... 6
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
Table 1. Volume of Dredged Material Placed in the Fort Pierce ODMDS.. 4
Table 2. Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions.... ............... ......7
! able 3. Surveys Conducted at the Fort Pierce ODMDS Prior to Site Designation ....9
Table 4. Surveys Conducted at the Fort Pierce ODMDS Since Designation & SMMP
Implementation 12
Table 5. Fort Pierce ODMDS Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action...... ....14
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Water Column Evaluations. Numerical Model (STFATE) Input Parameters
Appendix B: Template - Contract Specification Template
Appendix C: Template - General Special Conditions for MPK8A 103 Permits
SV
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Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Fort Pierce QDMDS
Site Management and Monitoring Plan
1.5 INTRODUCTION
It is the responsibility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USAGE) 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 arid revision of the
SMMP not less frequently than every 10 years. The 1996 document, Guidance Document far
Development of Site Management Plans for Ocean Dredged Materiai Disposal Sites (EPA/US ACE,
1996) and the EPA, Region 4 and USAGE South Atlantic Division Memorandum of Understanding
(EPA/USACE, 2007) have been used as guidance in developing this SMMP.
A SMMP was developed for the Fort Pierce ODMDS has part of the final site designation in 1993
(EPA, 1993), The SMMP was revised in 2000 (EPA/USACE, 2000) and replaced by the Southeastern
United States Inactive ODMDS SMMP in 2013 (EPA/USACE, 2013) as the Fort Pierce ODMDS had
not been used since 2002, The Inactive SMMP requires a site specific SMMP to be developed within
one year if a site becomes active. The Fort Pierce ODMDS became active in October, 2014 with the
disposal of 246,930 cubic yards of maintenance dredged material from Fort Pierce Harbor. This plan
serves as a revision to and supersedes previous SMMPs for the Fort Pierce ODMDS.
1.1 Site Management and Monitoring Plan Team, An interagency SMMP team was established to
assist EPA and USAGE in developing the 1993 and 2000 SMMPs. The team consisted of the
following agencies and their respective representatives:
• USAGE Jacksonville District
• State of Florida (DEP, Florida Coastal Zone Office)
• EPA Region 4
• Port of Fort Pierce
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
These agencies will continue to be consulted in revisions to the Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP. The
team will assist EPA and USAGE on deciding appropriate disposal practices, appropriate monitoring
techniques, the level of monitoring, the significance of results, and potential management options.
Specific responsibilities of EPA and the USAGE Jacksonville District are:
EPA: EPA is responsible for designating/de-designating MPRSA Section 102 ODMDSs, for
USACE-JacksonvHk District
1
EPA tefiow 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
evaluating environmental effects of disposal dredged material at these sites, and for reviewing
and concurring on dredged material suitability determinations.
USACE: USACE is responsible for evaluating dredged material suitability, issuing MPRSA
Section 103 permits, regulating site use, and developing and implementing disposal monitoring
programs.
2 J 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."
2.1 Disposal Site Characteristics
The Fort Pierce ODMDS is a i nrni by I nmi square area centered at the coordinates 27° 27.50'N
latitude and 80° 12.00'W longitude (1,136,619 northing; 915,603 easting). The site coordinates are as
follows:
Vertices'
^ NW Comer
NT" Comer
Sh Comer
SW Corner
r
2?°28,00,H
_27°28.00'N
"'27°27.0(rN
27'2T,Q0'N_
Figure 1
-Degrees, Decimal Minutes
'State Plane Florida East (fee!)
GeogtaphiC {NA.D83)
80U12,55'W
80°Th45'W
80° 11,45'W
8CTi2.55*W
Stale Plane®
(1-1. Fast 0901 Ft NADS3)
1,139.745 N
IJ 39,784 N
i J 33,725 N
i", 133,686 N
912,685 E
918.630 E
918.670 E
912,724 fc
The site (see Figure 1) is 4 5 nmi offshore, has a depth range of 12 to 16 meters (40 to 55 feet), and an
area of I nmf,
USACEJncksan* ilit Diaricl
EPA Region 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
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 the Fort Pierce ODMDS are:
• Protection of the marine environment;
• Documentation of disposal activities and compliance; and
• Maintenance of a long term disposal alternative for dredged material generated in the Fort
Pierce, Florida vicinity
The following sections provide the framework for meeting these objectives to the extent possible.
2.3 Material Volumes. The Fort Pierce ODMDS and vicinity has been used for disposal of dredged
material since 1949, Since that time about 2.1 million cubic yards of material has been disposed at the
site, or an average of about 31,290 per year. Prior to site designation in 1993, disposal occurred at the
interim site centered one half mile north of the center of the final designated site. Table 1 outlines the
history of disposal dredged material at the Fort Pierce ODMDS.
OS/ICE-Jachomil/c District
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EPA Region 4
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Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Table 1. Volume of Dretfoed Material Placed in the Fort Pierce ODMDS
f - -
Year
1
Volume* (cubic yards)
Composition
1949
164,423
Unknown
Nol known
63,412
Unknown
Not known
153,190
Unknown
; 1955
76,700
Unknown
1956-57
—
73,656
Unknown
! 1958
6,587
Unknown
1959
~|L
23,988
Unknown
1966
184,916
• Unknown
1974
12,276
| Sand
( Sand
1976
14,566
1980
14,592
Sand Shell
1982-83
h——
—
106,268
Silty Sand
1985
_
11,000
Shell 'Sand
1993-94
77,.000
Silly Sand
1995
—
724,000'
Clays, Silts and Sand
2002
142,989
Silt and fine to medium sand
, 2014
246,930
Silly Sand
*in situ volumes
' Construction Project
The Jacksonville District Corps of Engineers has projected disposal of approximately 60,000 cubic
yards every 3 to 5 years for the maintenance of the fort Pierce Harbor channel and turning basin. The
capacity of the Fort Pierce ODMDS has been estimated at greater than 10 million cubic yards providing
capacity well beyond the foreseeable future (EPA, 1999), If use projections increase significantly, a
more detailed analysis of the site capacity should be investigated.
L SAC E-Jacksumtile Dntrist
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EPA J?( p-
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Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
2.4 Dredged Material Characteristics
2,4,1 Previously Placed Materials, Materials placed in the Fort Pierce ODMDS have historically
consisted of silts, sands, shj:ll and sand mixtures.
2.4.2. Anticipated Materials. It is expected that future material disposed at the ODMDS to consist of
unconsolidated silty sand.
2.4.3 Associated Beach Quality Materials. USAGE 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 nearshorc placement per the FDEP's 'Sand Rule' shall be beneficially placed in
such location, to the maximum extent practicable. It is expected that the State of Florida will exercise
its authority and responsibility, regarding beach nourishment, to the foil extent during any future
permitting activities. Beneficial use of beach compatible dredged material for beach nourishment is
strongly encouraged and supported by EPA.
2.4.4 Dredge Material Quality Verification, The suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal must
be verified by the USAGE 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 Fort Pierce ODMDS.
Documentation will be in the form of a MPRSA Section 103 Evaluation. The Evaluation and any
testing will follow the procedures outlined in the 1991 EPA/USACE 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 and the input parameters provided in Appendix A, Only material determined to be suitable
through the verification process by the USAGE and EPA, Region 4 will be disposed at the Fort Pierce
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. As monitoring results are compiled,
should any such restrictions appear necessary, disposal activities will be scheduled so as to avoid
adverse impacts. Additionally, if new information indicates that endangered or threatened species are
being adversely impacted, restrictions may be incurred.
USACE-Jacksomitk District
5
EPA Region 4
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Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Transportation of dredged material shall only be allowed when, weather and sea stale conditions, and
scow loading level, will not interfere with safe transportation and will not create risk of spillage, leak or
other loss of dredged material during transit. No disposal trips shall be initiated when the National
Weather Service has issued a gale warning for local waters during the time period necessary to
complete dumping operations,
2.6 Disposal Technique, Standard surveillance and evasive measures to protect sea turtles and marine
mammals shall be employed during all disposal operations at the ODMDS. Disposal vessel (either
hopper dredge or tug and scow) operation will be restricted in accordance with the most recent USAGE
South Atlantic Division Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation Regional Biological Opinion
for Dredging of Channels and Borrow Areas in the Southeastern United States,
Dredged material shall not be leaked or spilled from disposal vessels during any portion of the transit to
the ODMDS. Transit to the ODMDS begins as soon as dredged material loading into the disposal
vessel is completed and the vessel begins moving to the ODMDS. All appropriate measures to avoid
spillage during transit must be taken. Appropriate measures may include, but are not limited to:
up-to-date U.S. Coast Guard and/or American Bureau of Shipping certification of all disposal-related
vessels; maintenance (inspection and/or replacement) of gaskets on barge doors, minimization of
excess free liquids in barge loads, pre-transit testing of barge door hydraulics, and pre-transport
verification of appropriate weather and sea state conditions.
2.7 Disposal Location. Prior to disposal of each dredging project, an agreement will be reached
between the EPA and USAGE concerning the placement for each project with permits/contracts
specifying the release zone. The release zone will be included as part of the MPRSA 103 Evaluation.
Fine grained materials will be placed in the southeastern corner, in accordance with Figure 2, to afford
greater protection of live bottoms to the northwest. Fine grained material is defined as material
consisting of greater than 10% fines (grain size of less than 0.047mm) by weight [40 CFR
§228.15(h)(ll)(vi)].
For disposal within the restricted area, disposal should occur at least 500 feet inside the disposal site
boundaries. Modeling efforts have shown that this release zone will contain the initial disposal mound
within the site boundaries for projects up to 1 million, cubic yards (EPA, 1999), For projects greater
than 1,000,000 cubic yards, modeling will be required to determine an appropriate disposal zone to
contain the initial disposal mound within the ODMDS boundaries.
USA CE-Jacison > itte Distru I
6
EPA Region 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
,27s 2S. W N
Itf Ii®W
27* 27.30" N
stf'izss'W
TW« Am R«4dcted to
Miami wife Lcm inn
IWFta
27° Z73J'K
«f ix.«rw
2fa»x
80* 11.43* W
2fSM'«
aftiMn
IS* IMS'*
«f I2JWW
Figure 2: Fort Pierce ODMDS Dredged Material Disposal Requirements
For disposal within the unrestricted area, disposal should occur no less than 330 feel (100 meters)
inside the site boundaries to comply with 40 CFR §227.28. For projects disposing greater than 250,000
cubic yards within the unrestricted area, additional analysts will be required to determine the
appropriate disposal zone.
2.8 Permit and Contract Conditions. The disposal monitoring and post-disposal monitoring
requirements described under Section 3.0 Site Monitoring will be included with the management
requirements described in this section 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 is listed in Table 2. Template language
that can be used is included in appendices (see Appendix B and C).
Table 2, Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions
Condition
Reference |
Dredged Material Suitability and Term of
Verification
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP page 5
Regional Implementation Manual
Disposal Zone
fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP pages 6
Pre & Post Bathymetric Surveys
fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP page 104
Disposal Monitoring
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP page 10-11
Reporting Requirements
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP page 17 1
USACE-Jacbanrilk Daniel
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EPA Region 4
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October 20! 5
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
2.9 Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities. As discussed in the
following sections, a substantial amount of diverse data regarding use of the Fort Pierce ODMDS
and effects of disposal is required from many sources. If tins information is readily available and in
a useable format it can be used to answer many questions typically asked about a disposal site;
i
o What is being dredged?
o How much is being dredged?
o Where did the dredged material come from?
o Where was the dredged material placed?
o Was dredged material dredged correctly? Disposed correctly?
o What will happen to the environment at the disposal site?
In an attempt to streamline data sharing, EPA Region 4 and USAGE South Atlantic Division have
agreed on an extensible Markup Language (XML) standard for sharing of disposal monitoring
data (see also Section 3.6).Additional standards will continue to be investigated for sharing of
other disposal site related information (e.g. environmental monitoring data, testing data, etc.),
3.0 SITE MONITORING
The MPRSA establishes the need for including a monitoring program as part of the SMMP. 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 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:
(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 Monitorum The results of investigations presented in the designation E1S will serve
as the main body of baseline data for the monitoring of the impacts associated with the use of the
Fort Pierce ODMDS (see Table 3),
USACEJatkimvtUt Distrirt
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EPA Region 4
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Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Tahk 3. Surveys arid Studies Conducted at the Fog_Pierce OOMOS
I Survey Title
Conducted by
Date
Purpose
Conclusion
1 Environmental Survey in the
Vicinity of Alt ODMDS Port
Pierce Harbor, Florida
Conservation
Consultants,
Inc. for USAGE
1985
Characterization Survey (water and
sediment quality, bathymetry,
benthic macroinvertebrate,
tneiofaurta and inacroepi fauna
analysis and tissue analysis)
Evaluation of the Dispersion
Characteristics of the Miami
ami Fort Pierce ODMDSs
USAGE WES
1989
Determine if disposal at site poses
threat to sensitive nearshore reef
areas due to short term or long term
transport.
Most material settles to the bottom within hours of
disposal; sediment will be transported from the site
during both ambient and storm conditions, but the rate
of movement should not affect the reef system.
Short- Term Modeling Worst
Case Sediment Scenario Fort
Pierce ODMDS
U.S. EPA
Region 4
1992
Model short term dispersion of 90%
silt and clay dredged material
Under worst case conditions, the disposal plume cou
reach live bottom communities at concentrations below
10iiig/l for short durations.
Fort Pierce, Florida ODMDS
Video Mapping Sutrey
U.S. EPA
Region 4
1991
Insure absence of live bottom
habitat within sue boundaries
Live bottom habitat identified in northern portion of
site. Site was moved 11 mile south (o avoid disposal on
this habitat.
Mapping of Sediment
Chemistry at the Proposed
Fort Pierce, Florida ODMDS
CMS for U.S.
EPA Region 4
1992
Provide baseline sediment lilhoiogy
within and immediately surrounding
the ODMDS
Sediment lilhoiogy is very uniform in gamma activity,
elemental, and physical content.
I Ft. Pierce Harbor, FL
1 ODMDS Bent hie Communities
Barry Vtttor &
Assoc. for U.S.
EPA Region 4
1993
Provide baseline of benthic
communities at the ODMDS
Species abundance, diversity, evenness, and richness
was high at all stations. Annelids, echinoderms, and
arthropods accounted for the greatest proportion of
individuals.
U$ACE~Jueksotnttlc District
9
EPA Region 4
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fort Pierce ODMDS SMMF
A bathymetric survey will be conducted by the USACE or site user not more than 90 days prior to
dredging cycle or project disposal for projects greater than 50,000 cubic yards. Projects less than
50,000 cubic yards are not expected to result in changes in bathymetry greater than 1 foot (EPA, 1999)
and therefore will no! require a bathymetry survey unless it has been more than five years since the last
survey. 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, 20! 3
fhttp: www.oubiications.usace.annv.mil Portals 76 Publications EoeioeerManuals/EM 1110-2-1003
.pdfl 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 aiong lines spaced at
200-foot intervals or less for single beam surveys and 500 feet or less for multibeam surveys unless a
lesser spacing provides 100% coverage. The minimum performance standards from Table 3-1 in
Hydrographic Sumying 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 datura 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 datura
should be the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). No additional pre-disposal monitoring at this
site is required.
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 (nearest ±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 miles or every 4 minutes during travel to and from the ODMDS and every twelve seconds
or every 30 feet of travel, whichever is smaller, 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
It is expected that disposal monitoring will be conducted utilizing the Dredge Quality Management
(DQM) system for Civil Works projects [see http: dqm.usace.aroiv.m'tl Specifications Index aspxl.
although other systems are acceptable. Disposal monitoring and ETS data will be reported to EPA
Region 4 on a weekly basis utilizing the extensible Markup Language (XML) specification and
protocol per Section 3.5. EPA Region 4 and the USACE Jacksonville District shall be notified within
24 hours if disposal occurs outside of the ODMDS or specified disposal zone or if any apparent leaking
or spilling of dredged material occurs as indicated by a loss of disposal vessel draft. The draft change
threshold for notification will be determined at the time of project authorization under Section 103 of
the MPRSA.
USACE-Jttcksmnilk District JO EPA Region 4
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Fori Pierce ODMDS SMMP
3.3 Post Discharge Monitoring. The USAGE or other site user will conduct a bathymetric survey within
30 clays after disposal project completion. Post-disposal surveys will only be required whenever a
pre-disposal survey was conducted. The number and aerial extent of transects required will be the same
as in the baseline survey. Bathymetric survey results will be used to ensure that unacceptable mounding
is not occurring and to aid in environmental effects monitoring.
3.4 Disposal Effects Monitoring Surveys can be used to adc ress possible changes in bathymetric,
scdimentological, chemical, and biological aspects of the ODMDS and surrounding area as a result of
the disposal of dredged material at the site.
Summary of Results of Past Monitoring Sun'cys
Surveys conducted at the Fort Pierce ODMDS since site designation are listed in Table 4. The Fort
Pierce Harbor Navigation Improvement Project in 1995 disposed of significant (724,000 cubic yards)
amounts of dredged material at the ODMDS. Post disposal surveys have shown that a mound (1 meter)
was formed as a results of the disposal Concerns were raised by the public and local scientists that fine
grained material was transported from the ODMDS and re-deposited on nearby mid-shelf reefs. A
number of studies were conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s to examine the potential for
transport of fines offsite. EPA concluded that the fine grained material on the reefs was dissimilar to
disposed dredged material and that a measurable amount of offsite transport of fine grained dredged
material was not occurring (Ferry and McArthur, 2002). Monitoring following the 2002 disposal event
indicated that a majority of the disposed fine grained material remained within the unrestricted zone
with some transport to the northeast within the ODMDS boundaries (CA1S, 2003).
Future Monitoring Surveys
Based on the type and volume of material disposed and impacts of concern, various monitoring surveys
can be used io determine if and where the disposed material is moving, arid what environmental effect
the material is having on the site and adjacent areas.
A summary of the monitoring strategies for the Fort Pierce ODMDS and thresholds for management
actions are presented in Table 5. Should future disposal at the Fort Pierce ODMDS result in
unacceptable adverse impacts, farther studies may be required to determine the persistence of these
impacts, the extent of the impacts within the marine system, and or possible means of mitigation.
Should disposal use change, additional studies of potential impacts to nearby resources will be
instituted in accordance with Table 5. In addition, the management plan presented may require revision
based on the outcome of any monitoring program.
USACE Jacksonl ilte District
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EPA Region 4
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Fort Fierce ODMDS SMMP
Table 4. Surveys and Studies Conducted at the Fort Pierce QDMDS since Designation and SMMP implementation
Survey Title
Conducted
by
Date
Purpose
CJonclusion
1 Bathymetry Sttnvy of the Fori Pierce
Interim Site
US ACT-
1994
Post disposal bathymetry survey
folSowing channel maintenance
.. .. —
Fort Pierce, FL Dredge Material
Discharge Study
NO AA for
US ACE
1994
¦-1* - '¦ •J-r_ '
Measure transport and dilution of
disposal plume
Dredged material descended quickly in a cohesive mass and
formed a residual plume that decayed to 37% of its initial value
within 4 minutes.
Area! Mapping of Sediment Chemistry
as the Fort Pierce. FL ODMDS
CAIS for
EPA Region
4
1094
Post disposal .survey following
channel maintenance
Minimal change at the site since the 1992 survey. Increase in
the coarse particle size fraction, inconclusive evidence of
disposed dredged material at the site,
Bathymetry Surwv of the fori Pierce
ODMDS '
U5ACE
19%
Post disposal bathymetry survey
following Harbor Improvement
Project
One meter mound identified tn western half of ODMDS
imtaary Sttnvy of Mud Deposits
on ihc Mid-Shell Reefs off Fort Pierce,
Si. Lucie County, Florida
Joiim Reed
1996
Investigate the reported
occurrence of thick layers of mud
on the reefs off the St. Lucie
County and Ft, Pierce region of
eastern Florida.
!) Unusually thick layers of mud present on mid-shelf reefs,
2) Mud has characteristics of similar to Fort Pierce Harbor nrti
Indian River Lagoon
3) Possible correlation with dredging and disposal activities in
1995.
Post Disposal A real Mapping of
Sediment Chemistry at the Fort Pwrce,
FL ODMDS,
CMS for
FPA Region
4
1997
Post disposal survey following
Harbor Improvement Project
Gamma activity indicated a dredged material mound covering
most of the western half of the ODMDS. An increase in the
amount of fines at the bottom surface was delected throughout
the site.
Prelim maty Evaluation nf Trace
Metals and Radionuclides m Harbor
ami Shelf Sediments off Fort Pierce,
Florida
U.S. EPA
Region 4 for
USAGE
1997
Examine deposits on nearby reefs
and compare to harbor and
disposal site sediments to try and
identify source of reef deposits.
Reef deposits were dissimilar la. harbor sediments and
sediments found at the ODMDS suggesting that the reef
sediment deposits are not comprised of disposed dredged
material.
Post Disposal A real Mapping of
Sediment Chemistry at the Fori Pierte,
FL ODMDS,
CAIS for
EPA Region
4
1998
Document changes and
movement of disposed dredged
material.
Disposed dredged material persists within the ODMDS and
does not appear to be moving significantly. A decrease in the
amount of fines at the bottom surface was detected throughout
the site indicating a loss of fines at die site
Ft, Pierce Harbor. FL ODMDS
EPA Region
1999
Examine southern portion of site
No significant bard bottom resources were detected in the
ilte i hfind
1?
EPA Rcgum 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODfvJDS SMMP
Sidesam Sonar Survey
4
for presence of hard bottom
habitats and detect location of One
grained sediments within and near
the ODMDS.
southern portions of the ODMDS.
Dredged material identified in patches in area of disposal and
north and south of this area.
Ft, Pierce Harbor, FL ODMDS
Bent hie Communities Post Disposal
Suivev
U.S. EPA
Region 4
1999
Post disposal benthie effects
survey.
Little change observed from the 1992 baseline. The
macroinvcrtebrale communities remain diverse and well
distributed. A decrease in the abundance of brittle stars was
observed. With the exception of arsenic all sediment chemistry
concentrations remain low. Arsenic concentrations are
naturally high in Florida coastal waters.
Ft, Pierce Harbor, FL ODMDS
Side.sctm Sonar Suircy
EPA Region
4
2001
1) Identify any hard bottom
communities to the east of the
ODMDS.
2) Determine if pockets of fine
grained material identified in the
1999 sidescan sonar survey
extend to the north and .south of
the ODMDS.
1) Numerous ridge-like features and sonar returns indicative of
hard bottom were detected east of the ODMDS (0.5 to 3
nmiles).
2) Pockets of One grained material extend well north of the
ODMDS {5.5 nmi and beyond). These features parallel the
coast for an undetermined distance north,
3) Confirmed location of previously identified ledge north of
the ODMDS.
Fort Pierce ODMDS Current
Measurements
NOAA for
USACE
2002
Determine current direction and
magnitude.
incipal axis of the current direction is north-sou
the surface, shifting to NNW/SSP'nnhc bottom.
2) Currents are often small, sometimes zero.
3) Mean surface current magnitudes are 1.3 cm/sec.
1 *
Post Disposal A real Mapping of
Sediment Chemistry at the Fort Pierce,
FL ODMDS,
CAIS for
EPA Region
4
2003
Document changes and
movement of disposed dredged
material following maintenance
event
The most recently disposed dredged material was clearly
shown in lite southeastern corner of the ODMDS. Some of the
silly dredged material may have migrated to the northeastern
comer of the ODMDS but remained within the site boundaries.
Fort Pierce ODMDS Status and Trends
EPA Region
4
2011
Periodically characterize the
chemical, physical and biological
characteristics within and
surrounding the ODMDS.
Physical and chemical characteristics of the benthos and water
column remain similar to previous studies. The density and
abundance of macro invertebrates decreased significantly. This
may be due to a change in the sampling methodology.
Pre-disposal Bathymetry
USACE
9 2014
Monitor Bnthymctric trends
Post-disposal Bathymetry
USACE
12/2014
Monitor Bathymetric trends
A one meter mound was formed within the southeast release
zone. Deposits of up to 0.5 meters were observed outside the
release zone, but within the ODMDS to the nori
USACH Jacksonville Dutnri
13
/ 7N R gmn 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Table 5. Fort Pierce ODMDS Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action
Short &
Long-term Fate of
Disposed Dredged
Material
Monitor
Bathymetric
Trends & Ensure
Safe Navigation
Depth
Sediment
Profile
Imaging or
•Sediment
Mapping
(Gamma CS'}
/EPA
4___,
i of disposal mound
j (apron) and benthic
i impact. Confirm not
| impacting benthic
communities outside
of the ODMDS
Bathymetry Site User
Frequency
Site User ! Confirm aerial extent
Following
major
{ -500,000cy)
New Work
Project
Determine the
extent of the
disposal mound and
major bathymetnc
changes
Pre and post
disposal
(>50,000 cv
or -¦¦5rrs)
Threshold for Action
Disposal mound footprint
occurs outside ODMDS
boundaries(5cm)
Management Options
Threshold Not
Exceeded
Continue to use site
without further
restrictions
Disposal mound occurs
outside ODMDS
boundaries
Mound height
MLLW
Mound height
MLLW
-30 feet
-25 feet
Threshold Exceeded
-Restrict disposal volumes
-Modify disposal zones
-Institute Environmental Effects
Monitoring
Continue
Monitoring
Continue
Monitoring
Continue
Monitoring
-Mollify disposal
method/placement
-Restrict Disposal Volumes
-Modify disposal
method placement
-Direct disposal operators to avoid
areas shallower than 30 feet.
-Physically level material
shallower than 25 feel
-Notify manners of mound
location and depth
-Restrict disposal volumes.
USA CE-JacLmmilk' District
14
Ei'A Region 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Table S (Continued). Fori Pierce ODMDS 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
-Conduct Environmental Effects
Monitoring or Advanced
Environmental Effects
Monitoring
-Review dredged material
evaluation procedures
Environmental
Effects
Monitoring
Chemical
Monitoring
EPA/
USAGE
Determine if
chemical
contaminants are
significantly
elevated' within and
outside of site
boundaries
Implement if
disposal
footprint
extends
beyond the site
boundaries or
if Trend
Assessment
results warrant.
Contaminants arc found to
he elevated5
Discontinue monitoring.
- Institute Advanced
Environmental Effects
Monitoring
- Implement case specific
management options (ie.
Remediation, limits on quantities
or types of material).
-Consider isolating dredged
material (capping)
Berrthic
Monitoring
EPA/
USAGE
Determine whether
there are adverse
changes in the benthic
populations outside of
the site and evaluate
recovery rates
Adverse changes observed
outside of the site that may
endanger the marine
environment
1 Significantly elevated; Concentrations above the range of contaminant levels in dredged sediments that the Regional Administrator and the District Engineer found to be suitable
for disposal at the ODMDS.
2 Examples of sub-lethal effects include without limitation the development of lesions, tumors, development abnormality, and/or decreased fecundity.
USACE-Jacksmmtk District
15
EP! Ki'fiait 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce QDMDS SMMP
Table 5 (Continued), Fort Pierce QDMDS Monitoring Strategics and Thresholds for Action
r--™—
Goal
Technique
Sponsor
Rationale
Frequency
Threshold for Action
Management Options
Threshold Not Exceeded
Threshold Exceeded
Advanced
Environmental
Effects
Monitoring
T issue
Chemical
Analysis and/or
bioaccumuiatio
n modeling
EPA/
US ACE
Determine if the sue
is a source of adverse
bioaccuroulation
which may endanger
the marine
environment
implement if
Environmental
Effects
Monitoring
warrants.
Benthic body burdens and
risk assessment models
indicate potential for food
chain impacts.
Discontinue monitoring
Discontinue site use
- Implement case specific
management options (i.e.
Remediation, limits on quantities
or t>pes of materia!)
Bentluc
Monitoring
Determine if the site
is a source of adverse
sob-leihaP changes in
benthic organisms
which may endanger
the marine
environment
Sub-lethal effects are
unacceptable
Compliance
Disposal Site
Use Records in
Site User
- Ensure management
requirements are
Weekly during
the project
Disposal records required
by SMMP are not
Continue Monitoring
Restrict site use until
requirements are met
EPA Region 4's
XML format
<- -s .
; being met
J -To assist in site
i monitoring
:. .l
i submitted or are
| incomplete
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
3,5.Reeorting and Data Formatting
3.5,1 Project Initiation and Violation Reporting. The USACE 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. '
35.2 Disposal Monitoring Data. Disposal monitoring data shall be provided to EPA Region 4
electronically on a weekly basis. Data shall be provided per the EPA Region 4 XML format and delivered
as an attachment to an email to DisposalData.R4@cna.uov. 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 (as paid in situ volume, total paid and un paid in situ volume, and gross volume reported by
dredging contractor); 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. Material tracking, disposal effects monitoring, and any other data
collected shall be coordinated with and be provided to SMMP team members and federal and state
agencies as appropriate. Data will be provided to other interested parties requesting such data to the extent
possible. Data will be provided for all surveys in a report generated by the action agency.
The report should indicate;
1)How the survey relates to the SMMP and previous surveys at the Fort Pierce ODMDS
2) Provide data interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations
3) Project the next phase of the SMMP
Monitoring results will be summarized in subsequent revisions to the SMMP.
USACE-JachmiHk District
17
EPA Region 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
4 J MODIFICATION OF THE FORT PIERCE OPMPS SMMP
Should the results of the monitoring surveys or reports from oilier sources indicate that continued
use of the ODMDS would lead to unacceptable Jeffects; the ODMDS SMMP will be modified to
mitigate the adverse impacts. The SMMP will bp reviewed and revised at a minimum of every ten
years. The SMMP will be reviewed and updated as necessary if site use changes significantly. For
example, the SMMP will be reviewed if the quantity or type of dredged material placed at the site
changes significantly or if conditions at the site indicate a need for revision,
5,0 REFERENCES
Center for Applied Isotope Studies. 1998. Postdisposai Area! Mapping of Sediment Chemistiy at the
Fort Pierce, Florida ODMDS. Submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4,
Wetlands, Coastal and Water Quality Branch.
Center for Applied Isotope Studies. 2003. Postdisposal Areal Mapping of Sediment Chemistiy at the
Fort Pierce, Florida ODMDS. Submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4,
Wetlands, Coastal and Water Quality Branch. August 2013.
ferry, Roland E. and McArlhur, Christopher J. Evaluation of Shelf, Harbor, ami Disposed Dredged
Sediment* as Potential Sources of Deposited Muds on South Florida Reefs. Dredging '02 Proceedings
of the Third Specialty Conference on Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Coasts, Oceans, Ports,
and Rivers Institute (COPRI) of ASCE, May 5, 2002, Orlando, FL, USA
Fredette, Thomas J., Nelson, David A., Clausner, lames E., and Anders, Fred J. 1990. Guidelines
for Physical amI Biological Monitoring of Aquatic Dredged Material Disposal Sites, Tethnical Report
D-90-12, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vkksburg, MS.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1994. Fort Pierce, Florida Dredge Material
Discharge Study»A report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, No\ ember, 1994.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2002. Fort Pierce. Florida ADCP Currents and
Waves Measurements August 15 to October 28 2002.
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, Vtcksburg. MS,
Reed, John K. Preliminary Suivey of Mad Deposits on the Mid-Shelf Reefs off Fort Pierce, St. Lucie
Comity, Florida. Submitted to: U.S. EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, National Marine fisheries Service, arid St. Lucie County Port and Airport
Authority. November, 1996.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1991. Evaluation of
USACE-Jackmmiik District
18
EPA Region 4
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October 2015
Fort Pierce ODMDS SMMP
Dredged Material Proposed for 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-C8-0IQ5.
5
U.S. Environmental Protection A jency 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 and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic
Division, 2008. 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. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1993. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the
Designation of an Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Located Offshore Fort Pierce, Florida, July
1993.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, 1997. Smvey Report: Status of Monitoring and
Management of the Fort Pierce Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site, October, 1997
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, 1999. Fort Pierce ODMDS Multiple Dump
Modeling,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4,2001.Sun'ey Report: Fort Pierce ODMDSSidescan
Sonar Survey cfe Canaveral ODMDS Current Meier Deployment. EPA Region 4, Wetlands, Coastal
and NonPoint Source Branch. July 2001.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, 2013. Fort Pierce ODMDS 20iI Status mid Trends,
EPA Region 4 Science and Ecosystem Support Division. EPA Project #! 2-0029. November 2013.
US ACE-Jacks onvltte District
19
EPA Region 4
-------
-------
APPENDIX A
WATER COLUMN EVALUATIONS
NUMERICAL M10DEL (STFATE) INPUT
PARAMETERS
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-------
Water Column Evaluations
Numerical Model (STFATE) Input Parameters
Fort Pierce ODMDS
Site Description
Parameter 1
Value
Units
Number of Grid Points (left to right)
64
Number of Grid Points (top to bottom)
64
Spacing Between Grid Points (left to right)
125
ft
Spacing Between Grid Points (top to bottom)
125
ft
Constant Water Depth
45
ft
Roughness Height at Bottom of Disposal Site
,0051
ft
Slope of Bottom in X-Dircction
0
Deg.
Slope of Bottom in Z-Direction
0
Deg.
Number of Points in Ambient Density Profile Point2
2
Ambient Density at Depth - 0 ft
1,023
g/cc
Ambient Density at Depth -- 45 ft
1,023
g/cc
Ambient Velocity Data
Parameter
Value
Units
Water Depth
45
ft
Profile3
Logarithmic
Vertically Averaged X-Direction Velocity
0.04
ft/sec
Vertically Averaged Z-Dircction Velocity
0.0
ft/sec
Wodei Default Value
2 NOAA 2002
3EPA 2011
-------
Input, Execution and Output
P arametcr
Value
Units
Location of the Upper Left Comer of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Top Edge
1,000
ft
Loeatiop of the Upper Left Corner of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Left Edge
1,000
ft
Location of the Lower Right Comer of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Top Edge
7,000
ft
Location of the Lower Right Comer of the Disposal Site
- Distance from Left Edge
7,000
ft
Duration of Simulation
14,300
sec
Long Term Time Step
600
sec
Disposal Operation Data - Restricted Area
Parameter
Value
Units
Location of Disposal Point from Top of Grid
4,000
ft
Location of Disposal Point from Left Edge of Grid
4,000
ft
Dumping Over Depression
0
Disposal Operation Data - Fine Grained Material Area
Parameter
Value
Units
Location of Disposal Point from Top of Grid
6,000
ft
Location of Disposal Point from Left Edge of Grid
5,400
ft
Dumping Over Depression
4-2
-------
Coefficients
Parameter
Keyword
Value
Settling Coefficient
BETA
0.000"
Apparent Mass Coefficient
CM
1.000'
Drag Coefficient
CD
0.500'
Form Drag for Collapsing Cloud
CDRAG
l.OOO1
Skin Friction for Collapsing Cloud
CPRIC
0,01 o1
Drag for an Ellipsoidal Wedge
CD3
! p
! o
! O
Drag for a Plate
CD4
1,000"
Friction Between Cloud and Bottom
FRICIN
0,010'
4/3 Law Horizontal Diffusion Dissipation Factor
ALAMDA
0.0112
Unstratified Water Vertical Diffusion Coefficient
AKYO
Pritchard Expression
Cloud/Ambient Density Gradient Ratio
GAMA
0.250'
Turbulent Thermal Entrainment
ALPHAO
0.2351
Entrainment in Collapse
ALPHAC
0.100'
Stripping Factor
CSTR1P
0.0031
'Model Default Value
Calculated from NOAA Field Work (1994)
-------
1 Average values from the 2011 Status and Trend Survey at the 5 on Pierce ODMDS
2 Average values from the 2007 Status and Trend Survey at (he Canaveral ODMDS
3 Analytc not delected Value based on one half the Method Reporting Limit
* Analyte detected limits are well above the WQC. If analytes arc delected in the dredged materia! elutriate, a
concentration of zero will fee assumed at the ODMDS,
A-4
-------
Fort Pierce ODMDS
STFATE Input Parameters ^
\
wit
\—{JMllJIt
Z 4,ft«)!i
\ ' iMSf!
Z WlWlil
Re«|i (tlilil
Disposal I PC.HIIV
A "f.fff'.riii
AS
-------
-------
APPENDIX B
TEMPLATE
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
IMPLEMENTING THE SMMP
-------
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-------
3*3
3-3.2 Release Zone
-------
-------
-------
A.4PLE OP.AWlt'" bI •. £ V.-F,
>""H Di-'ElGI !IC EVEUT
-------
APPENDIX C
TEMPLATE
GENERIC SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
FOR MPRSA SECTION 103 PERMITS
-------
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GENERIC SPECIAL CONDITIONS
FOR MPRSA SECTION 103 PERMITS
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
Fort Pierce ODMDS, proper disposal of dredged material at the disposal area within the
Fort Pierce ODMDS, and transportation of the hopper dredge or disposal barge or scow
back to the dredging site.
B. The Fort Pierce ODMDS is defined as the rectangle with center coordinates of 27°
27.507^ latitude and 80° 12.00'W longitude (NAD 83) or state plane coordinates
1,136,619 ft N and 915,603 ft E (NAD83). The site coordinates are as follows:
Vertices'
Geographic (NAD83)
State Plane
(FL tast 0901 Ft NAD83) ,
NW Corner
^ 27°28.00'N
80°J2.55'W
1,139,745 N
912,685 E
NE Comer
[~271,28.00'NJ
80° 11.45'W j
1.139,784 TsT '
918,630 E
St Comer ^
r 27°27.00'N
80'T 1.45'W
r 1,133,725 N
f 918,670 E
SW Comer
r 27°27.00*N
80°! 2.55"*
1,133,686 N
r 912,724 E
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
Fort Pierce ODMDS,
D. The permittee shall use an electronic positioning system to navigate to and from the
Fort Pierce ODMDS. For this section of the permit, the electronic positioning system is
defined as: a differential global positioning system or a microwave line of site system.
Use of LORAN-C alone is no! an acceptable electronic positioning system for disposal
operations at the Fort Pierce ODMDS. 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 Fort Pierce ODMDS. The certification shall be
accomplished by direct comparison of the electronic positioning system's accuracy with a
known fixed point.
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 Fort Pierce ODMDS.
G. A disposal operations inspector and/or captain of any tug boat, hopper dredge or other
C-1
-------
vessel used to transport dredged material to the Fort Pierce ODMDS shall insure
compliance with disposal operation condiiions defined in this permit.
1. if the disposal operations inspector or the captain delects a violation, he shall
report the violation to the permittee immediately,
2. The permittee shall contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville
District's Regulatory Branch [TELEPHONE NUMBER] and EPA Region 4 at
[TELEPHONE NUMBER] 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 disposal summary 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 Fori Pierce ODMDS as defined in
Special Condition B. Additionally, disposal shall be initiated within the disposal release
zone defined by the following coordinates:
[insert coordinates for appropriate release zone^
r
Vertices
Center
| North
i West
South
Geographic NAD 83
- ¦ .4—
East
State Plane (Florida East 0901 U.S.
_ __ _FtlnAE-8A~...
-f
1. [Reserved]
J. 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 (nearest ±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 miles or every 4 minutes during travel
to and from the ODMDS and every twelve seconds or every 30 feet of travel, whichever
is smaller, 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:
K. The permittee shall record electronically for each load the following information:
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
C-2
-------
g. The ETS data required by Special Condition I J,
L. The permittee shall conduct a bathymetric survey of the Fort Pierce ODMDS within
90 days prior and 30 days following project completion for projects greater than 50,000
cubic yards or if it has been more than 5 years since the last survey. 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
fhttp://www.publications-Usace.armv.mil Portals/76 Publications/EnuineerManuals/EM
1110-2-l0P3.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 200-foot intervals or less f 500 feet for multibeam).
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).
M. Enclosed is the Regional Biological Opinion (RBO) dated [INSERT DATE], for
swimming sea turtles, whales, arid sturgeon. The RBO contains mandatory terms and
conditions to implement the reasonable and prudent measures that are associated with
"incidental take" lhat is also specified in the RBO. Your authorization under the Corps
permit is conditional upon your compliance with all of the mandatory terms and
conditions associated with the incidental take of the attached RBO, which terms and
conditions are incorporated by reference in the permit. Failure to comply with the terms
and conditions associated with the incidental take of the RBO, where a take of the listed
species occurs, would constitute an unauthorized take, and it would also constitute non-
compliance with your Corps permit. However, depending on the affected species NMFS
is the appropriate authority to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of its
RBO and with the Endangered Species Act (ISA). For further clarification on this point,
you should contact the appropriate agency. Should they determine that the conditions of
the RBO have been violated; normally they will enforce the violation of the ESA, or refer
the matter to the Department of Justice.
II. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. All reports, documentation and correspondence required by the conditions of this
permit shall be submitted to the following addresses: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps), Regulatory Division, Enforcement Section, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida
32232-0019 and U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4's Wetlands,
Ocean and Streams Branch, 61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303. The Permittee shall
reference this permit number, [INSERT PERMIT NUMBER], on ail submittals.
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B. At least 15 days before Initiating any dredging operations authorized by this permit,
the Permittee shall provide to the Corps and EPA a written notification of the date of
commencement of work authorized by this permit.
C. Electronic data required by Special Conditions I.J and I.K. shall be provided to EPA
Region 4 on a daily basis. Data shall be submitted as an extensible Markup Language
(XML) document via Internet e-mail to DisposalData.R*-@cpa.gov. XML data file format
specifications are available from EPA Region 4.
D. The permittee shall send one (I) copy of the disposal summary report to the
Jacksonville 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: dredging
project title, dates of disposal; permit number and expiration date; 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 (as paid in situ volume, total paid and un paid in situ volume, and gross
volume reported by dredging contractor), number of loads to ODMDS, type of
material disposed at the ODMDS; identification of any misplaced material
(outside disposal zone or the ODMDS boundaries); dates of pre and post disposal
bathymetnc surveys of the ODMDS and a narrative discussing any violation(s) of
the 103 permit. The disposal summary report should be accompanied by the
bathymetry survey results (plot and X,Y,Z ASCII data file).
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