Wilmington Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Site Management and Monitoring Plan February 2023


FEBRUARY 2023

vvEPA WILMINGTON

OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE

US Army Corps
of Engineers ®

Wilmington District

SITE MANAGEMENT AND
MONITORING PLAN

Lat 33° 46.000' N
Long. 78° 2.500' W

Lat 33° 41.000' N
Long. 78° 4.000' W

ODMDS

jf.o. ®

Lat 33° 46.000' N
Long. 78° 1.000' W

Lat 33° 41.000' N
Long. 78° 1.000' W

Wilmington
ODMDS 0

Background. NOAA Chart # 11536
Map Date August 1,2022
Map # saw navgls-2012-012-05b

0	0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles

1	I I I I I I I I

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

The following Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) for the Wilmington Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS) has been developed in order to comply with Section
102(c)(3) of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1972 (33 U.S.C.
Section 1401, et seq.) as amended by Section 506 of the Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA) Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 102-580) and has been approved by the following
officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 and the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District. This supersedes all prior SMMPs for the New
Wilmington ODMDS, now referred to as the Wilmington ODMDS. As of July 13, 2020, the
original Wilmington ODMDS designation was cancelled (EPA 2020a), meaning it is no longer
managed, monitored or authorized for use pursuant to the MPRSA, as amended. The original
Wilmington ODMDS, which was designated in 1987, was replaced in 2002 by the nearby New
Wilmington ODMDS. Following designation cancellation of the original Wilmington ODMDS, the
New Wilmington ODMDS formally assumed the name of Wilmington, North Carolina ODMDS
but remains defined by its existing coordinates.

Daniel Blackman

DANIEL
BLACKMAN

Digitally signed by DANIEL
BLACKMAN

Date: 2023.03.0911:58:11 -05'00'

Date

Colonel, U.S. Army
District Engineer
Wilmington District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington, North Carolina

Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 4
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 the site indicate a
need for revision.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction	1

1.1 Site Management and Monitoring Plan Team	3

2.0 Site Management	4

2.1	Disposal Site Characteristics	5

2.2	Management Objectives	5

2.3	Disposal History and Dredged Material Volumes	7

2.4	Dredged Material Characteristics	9

2.4.1	Previously Dredged Materials	9

2.4.2	Anticipated Dredged Materials	11

2.4.3	Associated Beach Quality Materials	11

2.4.4	Dredged Material Quality Verification	11

2.5	Time of Disposal	12

2.6	Disposal Technique	12

2.7	Disposal Route	12

2.8	Disposal Location	13

2.9	Permit and Contract Conditions	13

2.9.1	Permit Process	14

2.9.2	Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities	14

3.0 Site Monitoring	14

3.1	Routine Monitoring	15

3.1.1	Site Designation EIS Baseline	15

3.1.2	Information Obtained for Site Designation	15

3.1.3	Information Obtained Since Site Designation	16

3.2	Disposal Monitoring	16

3.3	Post Disposal Monitoring	17

3.4	Summary of Results of Past Monitoring Surveys	17

3.5	Future Monitoring Surveys	20

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4.0 Conditions for Use of the Wilmington ODMDS	23

4.1 Standard Conditions for Use of the Wilmington ODMDS	23

4.1.1	Prohibition on Trash and Debris	23

4.1.2	Prohibition on Leaking or Spilling During Transport	23

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

4.1.3	Quality Control Inspector, and Scow Certification Checklist	23

4.1.4	Disposal Release Zone	23

4.1.5	Closed Door Hull Status	23

4.1.6	Twenty-Four (24) Hour Notification Requirement for Potential Leaks, Mis-Dumps, or

Other Violations	24

4.2	Additional Project-Specific Conditions	24

4.3	Alternative Permit/Project Conditions	24

4.4	Reporting and Data Formatting	24

4.4.1	Project Initiation and Violation Reporting Other Violations	24

4.4.2	Disposal Monitoring Data	25

4.4.3	Post Disposal Summary Reports	25

4.4.4	Environmental Monitoring Data Availability	25

5.0 Modification of the Wilmington ODMDS SMMP	25

6.0 Implementation of the Wilmington ODMDS SMMP	25

7.0 References	27

List of Tables

Table 1. Wilmington ODMDS Corner Coordinates	5

Table 2. Annual Disposal Volumes in Wlmington ODMDS (2002-2021)	8

Table 3. Projected Annual Disposal Volumes in Wilmington ODMDS (2022-2031)	9

Table 4. Grain Size Characteristics of Wlmington Harbor Federal Navigation Project and

MOTSU Channel Sediments	10

Table 5. Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions	14

Table 6. Metals in Sediments (mg/kg)	18

Table 7. Percent Abundance of Major Taxonomic Groups in Wilmington ODMDS (2020)	19

Table 8. Wilmington ODMDS Benthic Summary (2020)	19

Table 9. Wilmington ODMDS Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action	21

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

List of Figures

Figure 1. Wilmington ODMDS General Location	31

Figure 2. Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Project Channels and MOTSU Location	32

Figure 3. Wilmington ODMDS Disposal Zones and Pre-Disposal Bathymetry (1996-1997)	33

Figure 4. Wlmington ODMDS Bathymetry (2022) and), All Placement Cells, and Typical

Material Sources	34

Figure 5. Wlmington ODMDS Bathymetry (2022) and Sand Placement Cell	35

Figure 6. "New Wilmington" ODMDS Site Selection, Benthic Sample Locations	36

Figure 7. Potential Hard Bottoms Identified During "New Wilmington" ODMDS Site Selection

(outlined in black)	37

Figure 8. Wilmington ODMDS Bathymetry Comparison, Emphasis on Typical Disposal Zones

(2012/2022)	38

Figure 9. Wilmington ODMDS Status and Trends Survey Sample Locations (2020)	39

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Appendices

Appendix A. Public Involvement, Wilmington Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS)
Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) Dated October 2022

Appendix B. Water Column Evaluations Numerical Model (STFATE) Input Parameters

Appendix C. Generic Special Conditions for MPRSA Section 103 MPRSA Permits

Appendix D. Typical Contract Language for Implementing SMMP Requirements

Appendix E. Scow Certification Template

iv

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

SITE MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN
FOR THE

WILMINGTON OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE (ODMDS)

FEBRUARY 2023

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), sometimes referred to as the
Ocean Dumping Act, regulates the transportation and dumping of any material into ocean
waters. Under the MPRSA, no permit may be issued for ocean dumping if the proposed
dumping will unreasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment. Most
material dumped in the ocean is dredged material (i.e., sediments) removed from the bottom of
water bodies to maintain navigation channels and berthing areas.

In the case of dredged material, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for
issuing ocean dumping permits and authorizing or conducting Federal projects involving ocean
dumping of dredged material (MPRSA Section 103). The USACE applies the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ocean dumping criteria when evaluating permit
requests for, and implementing Federal projects involving, the transportation of dredged
material for the purpose of dumping into ocean waters. MPRSA permits and Federal projects
involving the ocean dumping of dredged material are subject to EPA review and written
concurrence. EPA may concur (with or without inclusion of conditions) or decline to concur (i.e.,
non-concur) with a proposed permit or Federal project. If EPA concurs and provides associated
conditions, the final permit or the terms of the Federal project must include those conditions. If
EPA declines to concur on a MPRSA Section 103 permit or Federal project, the USACE cannot
issue the permit or conduct the transportation to and disposal of dredged material in the ocean
associated with the Federal project. According to the USACE regulations at 33 CFR 325.6,
MPRSA permits issued for the transport of dredged material for the purpose of disposing of it in
ocean waters will specify a completion date for the disposal not to exceed three years from the
date of permit issuance.

Under MPRSA Section 102, EPA is responsible for the designation of all ocean dredged
material disposal sites (ODMDSs) and the management of such designated sites. The EPA's
ocean dumping regulations at 40 CFR Part 228 establish procedures for the designation and
management of ocean disposal sites. EPA bases the designation of an ocean disposal site on
the findings of environmental studies of the proposed site and adjacent regions, and historical
knowledge of the impact of ocean disposal on areas with similar physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics to the proposed site. All studies for the evaluation and potential
selection of ODMDSs are conducted in accordance with the criteria published in 40 CFR 228.5
and 228.6. EPA-designated ODMDSs are published at 40 CFR 228.15. Unless otherwise
specifically noted, site management authority for each site set forth in 40 CFR 228.15 is
delegated to the EPA Regional office under which the site entry is listed. Management of a site
consists of regulating times, rates, and methods of disposal; regulating quantities and types of
materials disposed; developing and maintaining effective ambient monitoring programs for the
site; conducting disposal site evaluation studies; and recommending modifications in site use
and/or designation (40 CFR 228.3(a)).

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

EPA shares the responsibilities of conducting management and monitoring activities at EPA-
designated ODMDSs with the USACE. Under MPRSA Section 102, EPA, in cooperation with
the USACE (EPA and USACE 2017), is responsible for developing a site management and
monitoring plan (SMMP) for each designated ODMDS. The objective of each SMMP is to
ensure that dredged material ocean disposal activities will not unreasonably degrade the marine
environment or endanger human health or economic potentialities or other uses of the ocean.
The SMMP provisions are an integral part of managing all disposal activities at an ocean
disposal site.

This SMMP provides a framework for site monitoring and management as required by the
MPRSA. Preparation of this SMMP has been informed by the Guidance Document for
Development of Site Management Plans for Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites (EPA and
USACE 1996), which included an opportunity for public review A draft of this SMMP dated
October 2022 was made available on the USACE website

(https://www.saw.usace.armv.mil/Missions/Naviqation/Dredqinq/Wilminqton-Harbor/) for a 30-
day public review and comment period. Stakeholders were informed of the review and
comment period through email distribution of a Joint Public Notice (JPN) / Notice of Availability
(NOA) on November 2, 2022. To accommodate a stakeholder request, the review and comment
period deadline was extended from December 2, 2022 to December 9, 2022. The review and
comment period extension was shared with all original JPN / NOA recipients on December 5,
2022. All comments received, and associated responses, are included in Appendix A. All
comments were given consideration and where appropriate, were incorporated into this SMMP.

The SMMP provisions contained in this plan are requirements for all placement activities at the
Wilmington ODMDS.

This SMMP may be modified during its term if EPA and USACE determine that such changes
are warranted, including information obtained from monitoring or due to other factors. This
SMMP will be reviewed and revised as needed, but no later than 10 years following issuance,
whichever is sooner. The MPRSA provides that the SMMP shall include, but not be limited to:

A baseline assessment of conditions at the site;

A program for monitoring the site;

Special management conditions or practices to be implemented at each site that are
necessary for the protection of the environment;

Consideration of the quantity of the material to be disposed of at the site and the
presence, nature, and bioavailability of the contaminants in the material;
Consideration of the anticipated long-term use of the site including the anticipated
closure of the site, if applicable, and any need for continued management after
closure of the site; and

A schedule for review and revision of the plan (which shall be reviewed and revised
at least every 10 years).

The provisions in this SMMP apply to all dredged material disposal activities at the Wilmington
ODMDS including monitoring and management activities by the federal agencies. This SMMP
also includes template provisions for the USACE to include in future MPRSA Section 103
permits issued for disposal at this site (Appendix C) and USACE template contract conditions
(Appendix D). Whereas the regulation designating the ODMDS requires compliance with the

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

conditions set forth in an approved SMMP, the failure to follow any minimum or mandatory
conditions in the SMMP constitutes a violation of Section 1411(a) of MPRSA.

References in this document to matters that "should be required" refer to implementation in a
subsequent proceeding to authorize disposal of dredged material, whether in a permit, in a
contract, in Federal project specifications for the transportation and disposal of dredged
material, or by the USACE directly. Additionally, matters that "should be required" are for
implementation through application of the template language included in Appendices B and C,
or the language may vary from the terms of the Appendices. EPA can ensure implementation of
the template provisions in Appendix C and D as necessary through the EPA's MPRSA Section
103 concurrence actions.

A SMMP was originally developed as part of the designation process and was published in
November 2001 as part of, Final EIS for the New Wilmington Ocean Dredged Material Disposal
Site Designation (USACE and EPA 2001) with SMMP revisions in 2013. This revision to the
Wilmington ODMDS SMMP incorporates monitoring results since the 2013 SMMP and updates
management strategies for the ODMDS based on those results. This current revision to the
Wilmington ODMDS SMMP supersedes all prior SMMPs. Upon issuance of this revised SMMP,
the SMMP provisions provide the framework for future site monitoring and management as
required by MPRSA. All MPRSA Section 103 ocean disposal permits and dredged material
disposal contract specifications will be conditioned as necessary to assure consistency with the
SMMP.

For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply:

"Authorization document' means any permit issued pursuant to MPRSA and/or
authorizations from the USACE for the transportation and/or ocean disposal of
dredged material including but not limited to transportation-related or disposal-related
conditions in contract documents and/or specifications.

"Site user" as used here means a person utilizing a permit issued by the USACE
under MPRSA Section 103 (see 33 C.F.R. 209.120) and any person operating any
Federal dredging and ocean disposal projects reviewed under MPRSA Section
103(e) (see 33 C.F.R. 209.145) or under a Dredged Material Permit as defined as
defined in 40 C.F.R. 220.2(h).

"Disposal vessel' is any barge, scow, or self-propelled vessel (e.g., hopper dredge)
that carries dredged material during transit and from which the dredged material is
discharged, typically by opening doors in the bottom of the hull or by splitting the hull.
"Transit' or"transport' to the disposal site begins as soon as dredged material
loading into the disposal vessel is completed and a towing vessel begins moving the
disposal vessel to the disposal site.

"Disposal Release Zone" is the area identified within the ODMDS in which dumping
of dredged material must occur for it to stay within the boundaries of the site, within
which the disposal vessel must discharge all the dredged material.

"Towing vessel' is any self-propelled tug or other marine vessel used to transport
(tow or push) the "disposal vessel" for any portion of the transit to the ODMDS.

1.1 Site Management and Monitoring Plan Team

In 2002, an interagency SMMP team was established to assist EPA and USACE in developing
and revising the Wilmington ODMDS SMMP. The team consisted of the following agencies:

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

USACE, Wilmington District
EPA Region 4

North Carolina State Ports Authority (NCSPA)

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Coastal
Management

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

EPA and USACE will continue to consult with these State and Federal agencies, as appropriate,
to assess the need for future revisions to the Wilmington ODMDS SMMP. Agencies other than
EPA and USACE have, in the past, assisted EPA and USACE to determine appropriate
disposal practices, appropriate monitoring techniques, required level of monitoring, significance
of results, and potential management options.

Specific responsibilities of EPA and the USACE are:

EPA is responsible for designating/modifying/de-designating ODMDSs under
MPRSA Section 102, regulating site use, developing and implementing disposal
monitoring programs, evaluating environmental effects of disposal of dredged
material at these sites, and reviewing and concurring on dredged material suitability
determinations under MPRSA Section 103.

Under Section 1411 and 1415 of MPRSA, EPA has broad authority to assess civil
penalties and seek injunctive remedies for unauthorized transportation of material for
the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters, including deviations from
transportation-related and disposal-related conditions required by a regulation
designating the ODMDS or (for Federal projects) deviations from disposal-related
conditions required by a Dredged Material Permit (as defined in 40 C.F.R. 220.2(h))
or construction contract.

The USACE is responsible for evaluating and documenting the suitability of dredged
material proposed for disposal at the ODMDS, issuing MPRSA Section 103 permits,
and cooperating with EPA in regulating site use and developing and implementing
disposal monitoring programs. USACE contracts for transportation and disposal of
dredged material at the ODMDS shall incorporate performance requirements,
including quality assurance/quality control system requirements.

The provisions of this SMMP apply to all dredged material transportation to and
disposal at the site, including monitoring and management activities by the Federal
agencies. In addition to the SMMP provisions, the SMMP also includes template
provisions for USACE to include in subsequently issued permits (see Appendix C) or
in the transportation and disposal requirements for a Federal project (see Appendix
D). The agencies may adjust the template provisions to individual projects as
necessary. EPA can ensure implementation of the template provisions, as
necessary, through their inclusion of specific management conditions included in
EPA's Section 103 concurrence documentation. All MPRSA Section 103 ocean
disposal permits, or contract specifications, shall ensure compliance with the
conditions of the SMMP.

2.0 SITE MANAGEMENT

Section 228.3 of the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 220-
229) states: "Management of a site consists of regulating times, rates, and methods of disposal

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and quantities and types of materials disposed of; developing and maintaining effective ambient
monitoring programs for the site; conducting disposal site evaluation and designation studies;
and recommending modifications in site use and/or designation (e.g., termination of use of the
site for general use or for disposal of specific wastes)." The SMMP may be modified if it is
determined that such changes are warranted because of information obtained during the
monitoring process. MPRSA, as amended by WRDA 92, provides that the SMMP shall include
but not be limited to:

A baseline assessment of conditions at the site;

A program for monitoring the site;

Special management conditions or practices to be implemented at each site that are
necessary for the protection of the environment;

Consideration of the quantity and biological/physical/chemical characteristics of
dredged materials to be disposed of at the site;

Consideration of the anticipated use of the site over the long-term; and
A schedule for review and revision of the plan.

2.1 Disposal Site Characteristics

The designation of the Wilmington ODMDS can be found in 40 CFR 228.15(h)(20). Coordinates
in the CFR are provided in NAD 27. The coordinates have been converted to NAD 83 in this
document. Coordinates defining the four corners of the site are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Wilmington ODMDS Corner Coordinates

Vertices

Geographic



NAD 83



Latitude (North)

Longitude (West)

Northwest

33° 46.0"

78° 02.5"

Northeast

33° 46.0"

78° 01.0"

Southeast

33° 41.0"

78° 01.0"

Southwest

33° 41.0"

78° 04.0"

The site is located approximately 5 nautical miles offshore Bald Head Island, North Carolina.
The Wlmington ODMDS has an area of about 9.4 square nautical miles (nmi2) and is depicted
in Figure 1. Depths within the ODMDS range from about -35 to -52 feet local mean low water
(m.l.l.w.). Physical and biological conditions at the ODMDS were first described in 2001
(USACE and EPA 2001) and were most recently described in 2020 (EPA 2020b).

2.2 Management Objectives

Appropriate management of an ODMDS is aimed at assuring that disposal activities do not
unreasonably degrade or endanger human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine

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environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities (MPRSA Section 103(a)). The
primary objectives for management of an ODMDS include but are not limited to:

• Protecting the marine environment, such that:

• No unacceptable physical, chemical, or biological impacts occur inside or outside
the disposal site; and

• Adequate site monitoring is conducted to detect environmental impacts.

• Ensuring that disposed material (1) meets the suitability requirements of the ocean
dumping regulations (40 CFR Parts 227 & 228); and (2) is consistent with national
and regional guidance for the evaluation of dredged material proposed for ocean
dumping.

• Under MRPSA Section 103, evaluation of any proposed dumping of dredged
material into ocean waters must apply the EPA ocean dumping criteria. To apply
the criteria, the Ocean Testing Manual, sometimes referred to as the "Green
Book", (EPA/USACE, 1991) and the Southeast Regional Implementation Manual
also known as the "SERIM" (EPA 2008) provide guidance for sampling, testing,
and analysis of water, sediment, and tissue to evaluate the environmental
acceptability of dredged material proposed for ocean disposal. The criteria
prohibit the ocean dumping of uncharacterized materials (40 CFR 227.5(c)).

• Identifying management conditions to be implemented by EPA and the USACE and
those to be required in permits, contracts, and documents establishing the terms of a
Federal project applicable to transportation and dumping in ocean waters. For
Federal projects, EPA will condition its Section 103 concurrence letters to the
USACE, to include site management and monitoring conditions. These conditions
will be included in applicable contract documents.

• Documenting disposal activities and ensuring compliance with transportation-related
and disposal-related conditions in the SMMP, the permit, and/or contract conditions.

• Maintaining a long-term disposal alternative for dredged material, while encouraging
beneficial use of dredged material where practicable.

• Identifying a schedule or condition triggering a review or renewal of this SMMP.

SMMP sections 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 summarize the disposal operation conditions that EPA and
USACE will consider for management of the Wilmington ODMDS as described in 40 CFR
228.15(h)(20).

The template special conditions provided in Appendix C are applicable to dredging projects
authorized under a USACE-issued MPRSA Section 103 permit. Appendix D provides example
language for the USACE to use in development of contract specifications for use of the site in
Federal projects, and EPA's concurrence should be conditioned on use of these specifications.
If EPA concurs with conditions, the USACE must incorporate the conditions in the MPRSA
Section 103 permit or in contract documents per 33 U.S.C. 1413(c)(3), (5). The conditions
specified or confirmed by the EPA in its ocean disposal concurrence letters for individual
projects are in addition to any other conditions that the USACE may include in its MPRSA
Section 103 permits or in contract documents.

EPA may determine not to include one or more of the conditions identified in this SMMP or to
require additional, more specific, or different conditions on a project-specific basis. Violations of
the MPRSA may be subject to compliance action, including recommendations for suspension of

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disposal operations or other injunctive remedies or possible assessment of administrative, civil,
or criminal penalties, as appropriate.

2.3 Disposal History and Dredged Material Volumes

It is intended that the Wilmington ODMDS will be used to contain dredged material from the
greater Cape Fear River, North Carolina, vicinity (40 CFR 228.15 (h)(20)). The three primary
users of the Wilmington ODMDS are:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Army, Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point (MOTSU).

North Carolina State Ports Authority

Since 2002, approximately 34.3 million cubic yards of dredged materials have been disposed in
the Wlmington ODMDS. Table 2 shows the annual disposal volumes from 2002-2021. Table 3
displays the projected 2022- 2032 disposal volumes, to total approximately 20.4 million cubic
yards over ten years.

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Table 2. Annual Disposal Volumes in Wilmington ODMDS (2002-2021)

DREDGED MATERIAL QUANTITY - CUBIC YARDS

YEAR

WILMINGTON
HARBOR FEDERAL
NAVIGATION
PROJECT

MILITARY OCEAN
TERMINAL SUNNY
POINT

YEAR TOTAL

2002

1,259,000

233,000

1,492,000

2003

3,165,000

0*

3,165,000

2004

95,000

0

95,000

2005

2,384,000

1,503,000

3,887,000

2006

1,680,000

0

1,680,000

2007

1,114,000

1,198,000

2,312,000

2008

138,000

934,000

1,072,000

2009

0

0*

0

2010

470,000

723,000

1,193,000

2011

360,000

429,000

789,000

2012

1,733,650

1,238,846

2,972,496

2013

0

673,825

673,825

2014

1,067,487

0

1,067,487

2015

397,198

1,209,497

1,606,695

2016

1,378,085

800,431

2,178,516

2017

808,343

1,308,430

2,116,773

2018

977,555

375,095

1,352,650

2019

737,315

0

737,315

2020

2,754,092

1,647,025

4,401,117

2021

672,661

836,095

1,508,756

* Ocean disposal crossed the calendar year. Quantity reported in year in which majority of work was performed.

Future disposal volumes, from both Federal and non-federal users, are expected to average
around 2.05 million cubic yards per year. Civil works projects (i.e., the Wilmington Harbor
Federal Navigation Project) are anticipated to account for a majority of the total volume of
material to be disposed at the Wlmington ODMDS.

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Table 3. Projected Annual Disposal Volumes in Wilmington ODMDS (2022-2031)

PROJECTED DREDGED MATERIAL QUANTITY - CUBIC YARDS

YEAR

WILMINGTON
HARBOR
FEDERAL
NAVIGATION
PROJECT

MILITARY OCEAN
TERMINAL
SUNNY POINT

YEAR TOTAL

2022

1,598,546

685,788

2,284,334

2023

800,000

900,000

1,700,000

2024

1,500,000

900,000

2,400,000

2025

800,000

900,000

1,700,000

2026

1,500,000

900,000

2,400,000

2027

800,000

900,000

1,700,000

2028

1,500,000

900,000

2,400,000

2029

800,000

900,000

1,700,000

2030

1,500,000

900,000

2,400,000

2031

800,000

900,000

1,700,000

2.4 Dredged Material Characteristics

The sediments dredged from navigation channels in the Cape Fear River include ocean source
(sandy, littoral materials), river source (fine grained sands, silts, and clays derived from easily
eroded soils from the upper Cape Fear River basin), and mixtures of both. Shoals occur where
specific physical factors promote deposition or movement of sediments. These factors may vary
spatially and temporally. Based on available grain size data (Table 4), some Wilmington Harbor
channel sediments have significant silt and clay components and therefore do not meet Part
227.13(b) criteria for exclusion from further evaluation. For those materials, additional
information is necessary to determine compliance with the Ocean Dumping Regulations and
Criteria.

2.4.1 Previously Dredged Materials

Materials disposed in the Wlmington ODMDS have historically consisted of silty sand, and silts
and clay. Figure 2 depicts Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Channels and MOTSU's
general location, and Table 4 summarizes grain size characteristics by channel.

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Table 4. Grain Size Characteristics of Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Project and MOTSU Channel Sediments

Channel

Associated Dredging
Unit

% Gravel

% Sand

% Silt and
Clay



Above Hilton Railroad Bridge

n/a*

0

58

42



Hilton Railroad Bridge to Hwy 133

n/a*

10

55

35



Turning Basin

n/a*

-

-

-



Anchorage Basin

ABMA**

0

2.6

97.4

Upper Harbor Reaches

Between Channel

SPMA**

1

47.8

51.2

North Carolina State Port



Fourth East Jetty











Upper Brunswick

URCMA**

0

58.9

41.1



Lower Brunswick











Upper Big Island











Lower Big Island

UMRMA**

0

70.8

29.2



Keg Island



Upper Lilliput











Lower Lilliput











Upper Midnight

LMRMA**

0

41.5

58.5

Mid River Reaches

Lower Midnight









MOTSU North Wharf

MOTMA-N***

2.9

22.8

74.3



MOTSU Center Wharf

MOTMA-C***

0

9.3

90.7



MOTSU South Wharf

MOTMA-S***

0

9.3

90.7



Reaves Point

n/a*

0

99

1



Horseshoe Shoal

n/a*

0

98

2



Snow's Marsh

n/a*

-

-

-



Lower Swash

n/a*

27

70

3



Battery Island

B|*.

3.3

75.1

21.6



Southport

n/a*

12.5

85.5

2



Baldhead-Caswell

n/a*

18

80.5

1.5

Ocean Bar Reaches

Smith Island

n/a*

7.9

92

0.1

Baldhead Inner Bar Channel
(Ranges 1 and 2)

BHI**

0

18.4

81.6



Baldhead Outer Bar Channel (Range
3)

OBHMA**

0

46.8

53.2

'Sampling has not occurred in over 10 years. Data, where available, are identical to those presented in the previous Wilmington ODMDS SMMP (2013).

"Data based upon 2016 sampling Conducted by ANAMAR, Environmental Consulting, Inc. under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District.

***Data based upon 2017 sampling Conducted by ANAMAR, Environmental Consulting, Inc. under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wlmington District.

10

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

2.4.2 Anticipated Dredged Materials

Material that is to be placed at the site is expected to be generated from: (1) new work dredging
and maintenance dredging related to the Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Project, (2)
maintenance dredging related to MOTSU's facilities, and (3) maintenance dredging related to
the North Carolina State Ports Authority facilities. These materials will consist of mixtures of silt,
clay, and sand in varying percentages.

2.4.3 Associated Beach Quality Materials

The disposition of any beach compatible sand from future projects will be determined during
state and local permitting activities for any such projects. Disposal of coarser material, such as
rubble, should be coordinated during these permitting activities, as well. USACE and EPA will
work to promote possible beneficial uses of the material, to the maximum extent practicable, to
preclude placement in the Wilmington ODMDS. Specifically, beach- quality dredged material
(sediments that are >90% sand) not placed directly on nearby beaches will be placed in a
designated "sand cell" located towards the north of the ODMDS as depicted in Figure 4 and
Figure 5. This material will be available to local entities for purposes of beach nourishment,
pending any required coordination with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
and/or other agencies. Dredged material not of beach quality (<90% sand) will be placed
elsewhere in the ODMDS as depicted in Figure 4.

2.4.4 Dredged Material Quality Verification

Prior to authorizing transportation and disposal, the USACE verifies the suitability of dredged
material for ocean disposal via physical, chemical, and biological testing described in the Green
Book (EPA and USACE 1991) and the Southeast Regional Implementation Manual (EPA 2008).
EPA must concur with the findings of USACE testing in writing (with or without conditions).
Pursuant to the terms of 33 CFR 325.6(c), EPA concurrence regarding sediment disposal at the
ODMDS is valid for a period up to three years, on a project-specific basis.

The sediment quality verification process provides for the following:

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, conduct testing and confirm the suitability of non-excluded material
for ocean disposal.

The site user, project sponsor, or USACE completes documentation regarding dredged material
suitability prior to use of the ODMDS in the form of an evaluation to satisfy MPRSA Section 103.
Potential testing and the evaluation follow the procedures outlined in the Green Book
(EPA/USACE, 1991) and the SERIM (EPA 2008), or the appropriate updated version.
Necessary testing and evaluation include descriptions of how dredging projects will be
subdivided into project segments for sampling and analysis. Appendix D of the SERIM outlines
the form used for the MPRSA Section 103 Evaluation. Water Quality Compliance
determinations will be made using STFATE (ADDAMS) modeling. Only material determined to
be suitable and in compliance with the Ocean Dumping Criteria (40 CFR Part 227) through the
verification process by the USACE and EPA Region 4 is appropriate for transportation and
disposal in the ODMDS.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

2.5 Time of Disposal

No restrictions have been determined to be necessary for disposal related to seasonal
variations in ocean current or biotic activity. During the winter, precautions necessary to protect
whales, as described in Section 2.6, are required. As additional monitoring results are compiled,
should any such restrictions appear necessary, disposal activities will be scheduled so as to
avoid potential adverse impacts. Additionally, if new information indicates that endangered or
threatened species are being adversely impacted, appropriate restrictions may be imposed.

2.6 Disposal Technique

No specific disposal technique is required for this site. However, to protect North Atlantic right
whales, disposal vessel (either hopper dredge or tug and scow) speed and operation will be
restricted in accordance with the USACE South Atlantic Division Endangered Species Act
Section 7 Consultation South Atlantic Regional Biological Opinion for Dredging and Material
Placement Activities in the Southeast United States (SARBO). The most recent SARBO is
dated 2020 (NMFS 2020). In addition, the disposal vessel's captain should be aware of the
vessel approach restrictions in 50 CFR §224.103, which, at the time of this SMMP, prohibits
approach within 500 yards of a right whale by vessel, aircraft, or any other means. Standard
surveillance and evasive measures to protect sea turtles and marine mammals shall also be
employed during all disposal operations at the ODMDS.

2.7 Disposal Route

A transportation route to and from the Wilmington ODMDS is specified to minimize possible
interference with nearby fishing grounds and commercial navigation. The route connecting the
Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Channel (i.e., southern portion of Baldhead Shoal Range
3) to the Wlmington ODMDS is of a generally southeastern-northwestern orientation and is
marked by "Red Buoy Number 4" in the channel. Minor departures from the navigation channel
to avoid traffic or facilitate safe vessel passage are acceptable.

For all disposal activities, permits and projects must use an electronic tracking system (ETS),
such as the Dredge Quality Management (DQM) system. The ETS will provide surveillance of
the transportation and disposal of dredged material. The ETS will be maintained and operated
to continuously track, in real-time, the horizontal location and draft condition (nearest 0.5 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 500 feet
during travel to and from the ODMDS, and every minute or every 200 feet of travel, whichever
occurs first, within 1,000 feet of and within the ODMDS. State Plane coordinates shall be
reported to the nearest foot and latitude and longitude coordinates shall be reported as decimal
degrees to 6 decimals. Westerly longitudes are to be reported as negative. Draft readings shall
be recorded in feet out to 2 decimals. If the electronic positioning system fails or navigation
problems are detected, all disposal operations shall cease until the failure or navigation
problems are corrected. Appendices C and D provide template language that should be used.
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 or Scow Name

c. Tow Vessel Name (if scow used)

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

d. Captain of Disposal or Tow Vessel

e. Estimated Volume of Load

f. Description of Material Disposed

g. Source of Dredged Material (i.e., channel or reach name)

h. Date, Time and Location at Initiation and Completion of Disposal Event

The monitoring/verification plan will include an automated system that will record the horizontal
location and draft condition of the disposal vessel from the time it enters Baldhead Shoal
Channel outbound until it leaves Baldhead Shoal Channel inbound. Vessel positioning, as a
minimum, shall be global positioning.

2.8 Disposal Location

To manage site use, maximize site capacity, reduce multiple user conflicts, simplify monitoring
and management, and reduce potential adverse impacts to the marine environment, the
Wilmington District, USACE, in consultation with EPA Region 4, has designated specific zones
or "cells" within the ODMDS to accommodate and distribute dredged sediment. Although three
zones were originally designated (Figure 3), the ODMDS currently consists of five zones,
including a "sand cell" (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The area of each zone receiving non-beach-
quality material is approximately 574 acres. Disposal shall be initiated within the specified
disposal release zone and completed (i.e., doors closed) prior to leaving the ODMDS. Dredged
material disposal authorization documents or contract specifications should specify methods to
prevent mounding of dredged materials. 40 CFR §227.28 requires that disposal occur inside the
designated ODMDS boundaries and no closer than 100 meters (-330 feet) from the designated
site boundaries. All existing disposal release zones were established to satisfy this criterion as
well as manage dredged material disposal and contain impacts to within the ODMDS
boundaries. Should future disposal zones be required, they will similarly be established to
satisfy these criteria. The specific release zone(s) will be specified as part of the dredged
material quality verification process and included in the EPA's MPRSA Section 103 concurrence
letter. Dredged material shall be disposed so that depths within the site boundaries will be no
shallower than -30 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). Current average depths in the
ODMDS are approximately -45 feet MLLW.

2.9 Permit and Contract Conditions

The disposal monitoring and post-disposal monitoring requirements described under Site
Monitoring (section 3.0) will be included with the management requirements described in this
section as conditions of all MPRSA Section 103 permits and will be incorporated in contract
language for all federal projects. A summary of ODMDS management and monitoring
requirements to be included is listed in Table 5. Template language to be used is included in
appendices (see Appendices B and C).

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Table 5. Summary of Permit and Contract Conditions

Condition

Reference

Dredged Material Suitability and Term of
Verification

Wlmington ODMDS SMMP (2.4.4) and
SERIM

Disposal Release Zone

Wlmington ODMDS SMMP (4.1.4)

Pre- and Post-Bathymetric Surveys

Wlmington ODMDS SMMP (3.1 & 3.3)

Disposal Monitoring

Wlmington ODMDS SMMP (3.2)

Reporting Requirements

Wlmington ODMDS SMMP (4.4)

2.9.1	Permit Process

All transportation of dredged material to ocean waters and disposal of dredged material in
ocean waters, with the exception of Federal Civil Works projects, requires an ocean dumping
permit issued by the USACE pursuant to Section 103 of the MPRSA. A summary of the
permitting process can be found at:

https://www.epa.qov/ocean-dumpinq/ocean-disposal-dredqed-material

2.9.2	Information Management of Dredged Material Placement Activities

As discussed in the following sections, a substantial volume of diverse data is required from
many sources to inform dredged material suitability and management decisions for the
Wilmington ODMDS. If these data are readily available and in useable formats accessible to all
entities concerned with ODMDS use, they can be used to answer typical management and
monitoring questions including:

What is the general area or channel being dredged?

How much material is being dredged (i.e., volume)?

Where, specifically, and from which depths did the dredged material originate?
In which areas of the ODMDS was dredged material placed?

Was dredged material dredged and disposed of in accordance with conditions of
EPA Region 4's Section 103 concurrence document and, if applicable, the USACE's
Section 103 permit?

What are the realized environment effects at the disposal site following material
disposal?

To streamline data sharing, EPA Region 4 and USACE South Atlantic Division have agreed on
an extensible Markup Language (XML) standard for transmittal of disposal monitoring data (see
also Section 4.4). Additional data transmittal standards and formats 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

Under the SMMP, site monitoring is conducted to ensure the environmental integrity of the
ODMDS and the surrounding area, as well as to verify compliance with the site designation
criteria, any special management conditions, and any permit requirements. Monitoring programs
should be flexible, cost effective, and based on scientifically proven procedures and methods to
meet site-specific monitoring needs. Tiered approaches to monitoring should be used where

14

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

specific management actions or additional monitoring activities may be triggered when
unacceptable environmental conditions are recorded. The intent of the program is to provide the
following:

1) Information indicating whether dredged material disposal activities are occurring in
compliance with conditions of the EPA Region 4's Section 103 concurrence and, if
applicable, the USACE's Section 103 permit (or Federal project authorization
documents) and site use restrictions;

2) Information indicating the short-term and long-term fate of dredged materials
disposed of in the marine environment, specifically at the ODMDS and in the
surrounding area.

3) Information concerning the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of
disposal activities, specifically at the ODMDS and in the surrounding area.

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 altered
to avoid adverse impacts.

3.1 Routine Monitoring

3.1.1 Site Designation EIS Baseline

Baseline conditions at the Wilmington ODMDS are principally reported in the site designation
Environmental Impact Statement (USACE and EPA 2001) and the Site Characterization Study
(EPA 2000). This baseline data includes information referenced from the scientific literature and
information compiled from field surveys at the Wilmington ODMDS. The field survey data
included: water quality, sediment chemistry; benthic macroinfauna identification; and ocean
currents at the site. Side scan sonar and echosounding records were also used to characterize
site conditions.

3.1.2 Information Obtained for Site Designation

Bathymetry

Figure 3 illustrates bathymetry of the Wilmington ODMDS prior to any disposal of dredged
material. Figure 4 illustrates 2022 bathymetry.

Sediment Characterizations

A reconnaissance survey of marine sediments within a 28 square nautical mile area (Figure 6)
was initiated in 1997 (USACE 1999) to locate what was known at the time as the "New
Wilmington" ODMDS. Median grain size in this area ranged from 0.0797 mm to 0.770 mm. The
% fines (silt and clay) ranged from 0% to 35.5%; median percentage of fines was 4.4%. The
organic content of the sediments ranged from 0.56% to 3.98%. Chemical characterizations of
these sediments are summarized in EPA (2000).

Benthic Communities

In 1998 a benthic survey was conducted of the same 28 square nautical mile area which also
encompasses the proposed Frying Pan Shoal Site (USACE 1999). A total of 21,832 organisms
representing 311 taxa were identified from 28 blocks (stations) (8 or more grab samples per
block). Polychaetes were the most numerous taxa representing 39.7% of the total assemblage,

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

followed in abundance by arthropods malacostracans (23.7%), gastropods (14.1%) and bivalves
(1.9%). Gastropods represented 34.3% of the total number of individuals followed by
polychaetes (30.7%), and bivalves (18.4%). Dominant taxa included the gastropod Caecum
pulchellum, the bivalve Lucina radians, and the polychaete Apoprionospio pygmaea. Mean
densities ranged from 538 to 6019 organisms per square meter. The highest densities were
found in the more offshore stations sampled. The greatest number of taxa tended to be located
on the eastern-most edge of the survey area. Mean station biomass ranged from 27.4 to 836.4
grams per square meter (wet-weight). Statistical analysis of the data showed a relatively
homogeneous distribution between stations sampled, with a significant correlation between
density and sediment grain size. Density was positively correlated with increasing percent fines
(silt and clay).

A reconnaissance survey of hard bottom habitats in the project area was undertaken for the EIS
(USACE and EPA 2001). The evaluation included review of side scan sonar records and
echosounder profiles. A select number of underwater video transects, SCUBA diver
observations, and bottom grab samples were used to ground- truth interpretation of the side
scan records. The benthic samples taken and hard bottom habitats delineated during these
studies are shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

3.1.3 Information Obtained Since Site Designation

Site evaluations and monitoring since the site designation has produced supplemental
management information. Information to follow in this section is supplemented by section 3.4
(Summary of Results of Past Monitoring Surveys).

Bathymetry

Bathymetric surveys have generally been conducted on portions of the ODMDS before and after
each use since the site designation. These surveys have focused on the portions of the ODMDS
that were actually used for dredged material disposal. Figure 8 compares bathymetric
differences at the site between 2012 and 2022. These data show accumulation of material in
distinct mounds within specific disposal zones.

Sediment Characterizations

The EPA first conducted status and trends analyses at the Wilmington ODMDS in 2010 (EPA
2010) and again in 2020 (EPA 2020b). These analyses confirmed that sediment
characterizations were generally consistent with pre-disposal conditions at the site.

Benthic Communities

The EPA first conducted status and trends analyses at the Wilmington ODMDS in 2010 (EPA
2010) and again in 2020 (EPA 2020b). These analyses confirmed that benthic communities
were generally consistent with pre-disposal conditions at the site.

3.2 Disposal Monitoring

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

disposal site and return to the point of dredging. Data shall be collected at least every 500 feet
during travel to and from the ODMDS, and every minute or every 200 feet of travel, whichever
occurs first, within 1,000 feet of and within the ODMDS. State Plane coordinates shall be
reported to the nearest foot and latitude and longitude coordinates shall be reported as decimal
degrees to 6 decimals. Westerly longitudes are to be reported as negative. Draft readings shall
be recorded in feet out to 2 decimals. If the electronic positioning system fails or navigation
problems are detected, all disposal operations shall cease until the failure or navigation
problems are corrected. Appendices C and D provide template language that should be used.
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 or Scow Name

c. Tow Vessel Name (if scow used)

d. Captain of Disposal or Tow Vessel

e. Estimated Volume of Load

f. Description of Material Disposed

g. Source of Dredged Material (i.e., channel or reach name)

h. Date, Time and Location at Initiation and Completion of Disposal Event

The SMMP expects that disposal monitoring will be conducted utilizing the DQM system [see
http://dqm.usace.armv.mil/Specifications/lndex.aspxl. or equivalent acceptable system. Disposal
monitoring and ETS data will be reported to EPA Region 4 on a weekly basis (within one week
of disposal) utilizing the extensible Markup Language (XML) specification and protocol. EPA
Region 4 and the USACE District require notification by email within 24 hours if disposal occurs
outside of the specified disposal release zone, if excessive leakage occurs, if hull open status
occurs outside the ODMDS, or other violation of the conditions in this SMMP occur. Excessive
leakage is defined as more than 1.5 feet of draft loss during transit to the ODMDS averaged
between forward and aft sensors. Correspondence will be required to explain how the issue
was addressed, pertinent dates, and corrective actions to be implemented to prevent repetition
in the future.

3.3 Post Disposal Monitoring

The USACE, or other site user, will be required to conduct a bathymetric survey consistent with
the pre-disposal survey requirements within 30 days after disposal project completion, unless a
deviation is coordinated with EPA. Surveys will not be required for projects less than 100,000
cy. The number and length of transects required will be sufficient to encompass the release
zone and a 500-foot-wide area around it. Bathymetric surveys will be utilized to monitor the
disposal release zone to ensure a navigation hazard is not produced, to assist in verification of
material disposal location, to monitor bathymetry changes and trends, and to ensure that the
site capacity is not exceeded (i.e., the dredged sediment does not exceed the site boundaries
upon disposal).

3.4 Summary of Results of Past Monitoring Surveys

Trends Monitoring

A status and trends study was conducted at the ODMDS in February 2020 (EPA 2020b) in order
to assess the condition of the benthic communities within areas used for disposal, as well as

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

areas surrounding the site. The study collected water, sediment, and biological samples to
determine water quality, water chemistry, sediment grain size, sediment chemistry, and
macroinfaunal community parameters at 16 locations shown in Figure 9. Prior to 2020, most
recent status and trends study at the ODMDS was conducted in May 2010 (EPA 2010).

Sediment Characterizations

Samples collected in 2020 showed the sediments inside the ODMDS, as well as those in the
surrounding environs, to be predominantly sand (ODMDS = >94% sand; non- ODMDS = >95.0
% sand) with two exceptions. Stations W01 and W08 had the highest percentages of silts/clays
(22.1% and 7.9%, respectively).

Chemical analyses of these sediments included testing for PCBs, pesticides, semi-volatile
organics (SVOAs), metals, total organic carbon (TOC), and butyl-tins. The only contaminants
seen above detection limits were several metals, although none were present at levels of
concern. A summary of the average metal concentrations for stations inside the site, as well as
outside the site, is provided below in Table 6.

Table 6. Metals in Sediments (mg/kg)

Analyte

Inside Mean

Outside Mean

Aluminum

830

727.5

Arsenic

1.754

2.6625

Chromium

3.34

5.588

Copper

0.914

0.755

Iron

2497.78

1950

Lead

1.153

1.208

Nickel

1.06

0.955

Zinc

5.544

4.925

Benthic Communities

Macroinfaunal analyses of the same sixteen stations were also conducted by EPA (2020). The
results of these analyses are summarized in Table 7 and Table 8.

The most abundant taxa collected at stations inside the ODMDS were the haustorid amphipod,
Acanthohaustorius millsi, the bivalve, Solen viridis, the bivalve Family Tellinidae, and the
polychaete, Mediomastus (LPIL), representing 10%, 9%, 5%, and 5% of the assemblage,
respectively. The most abundant taxa collected at stations outside the ODMDS were the
polychaetes, Mediomastus and Apoprionospio pygmaea, the bivalve, Parvilucina crenella, and
the bivalve Family Tellinidae, representing 21%, 5% 15%, and 5% of the assemblage,
respectively.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Table 7. Percent Abundance of Major Taxonomic Groups in Wilmington ODMDS (2020)

Station

Annelida

Mollusca

Arthropoda

Other Taxa



Inside the ODMDS



W01

63.6

20

5.5

10.9

W02

52.9

20.6

23.5

2.9

W03

47.8

29

4.3

18.8

W04

13.5

30.8

44.2

11.5

W05

37.4

38.3

21.5

2.8

W06

7.5

22.6

68.8

1.1

W07

37.4

36.8

19.8

6.1

W08

37.4

29.3

28.3

5.1



Outside the ODMDS



W09

56

26.7

8

9.3

W10

64.3

27.5

2.2

6

W11

63.4

23.8

5

7.9

W12

32.1

56

6

6

W13

41.5

39.2

4.6

14.6

W14

59.3

35.6

3

2.1

W15

32.3

51.5

8.1

8.1

W16

43.7

46

9.2

1.1

Table 8. Wilmington ODMDS Benthic Summary (2020)

Statio

Total No.

Total No.

Density

Shannon Diversity

Pielou

n

Taxa

Individuals

(nos/m2)

(loge)

Evenness





Inside the ODMDS



W01

22

55

687.5

2.7

0.87

W02

18

34

425

2.72

0.94

W03

27

69

862.5

2.92

0.88

W04

18

52

650

2.48

0.86

W05

26

107

1337.5

2.9

0.89

W06

20

93

1162.5

2.29

0.76

W07

44

131

1637.5

3.35

0.89

W08

34

99

1237.5

3.08

0.87





Outside the ODMDS



W09

39

75

937.5

3.42

0.93

W10

44

182

2275

2.85

0.75

W11

37

101

1262.5

3.07

0.85

W12

34

84

1050

3.22

0.91

W13

34

130

1625

3.17

0.9

W14

44

329

4112.5

2.44

0.64

W15

35

99

1237.5

3.12

0.88

W16

28

87

1087.5

2.93

0.88

Mean:

36.9



1698.4

3.03



19

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

3.5 Future Monitoring Surveys

Based on the type and volume of material disposed and impacts of concern, various monitoring
surveys can be used to examine if and the direction the disposed dredged material is moving,
and what environmental effect the material is having on the site and adjacent areas.
Furthermore, should monitoring activities reveal a site management concern remedial action
may be required. Monitoring strategies and thresholds for action are summarized in Table 9.

As of the signing of this SMMP, no nearby biological resources have been identified that are of
concern for potential impact. The Wilmington ODMDS is approximately 1.25 nautical miles from
all known fish havens, artificial reefs, and fishing areas. The site has been identified as partially
dispersive. This means that it is expected that material will be moved outside the site
boundaries. It is also expected that this material will not move in distinct mounds, but instead
will blend with the surrounding environment causing a progressive transition to sediments
containing a higher percentage of silt and clay. Changes in sediment composition will likely alter
the benthic community structure. However, based on previous benthic studies, it is unlikely that
permanent or long-term adverse impacts will result due to changes in sediment composition.

20

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Table 9. Wilmington ODMDS Monitoring Strategies and Thresholds for Action

Goal

Technique

Sponsor

Rationale

Frequency

Threshold for Action

Management Options

Threshold Not
Exceeded

Threshold Exceeded

Trend Assessment

Sediment Quality and
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 sediment quality

Continue Monitoring

-Conduct normal or
Advanced Environmental
Effects Monitoring

-Review dredged material
evaluation procedures

Environmental Effects
Monitoring

Chemical Monitoring

EPA/ USACE

Determine if chemical
contaminants are
significantly elevated1
within and outside of site
boundaries

Implement if disposal
footprint extends beyond
the site boundaries or if
Trend Assessment results
warrant.

Contaminants are found to
be elevated1

Discontinue monitoring.

-Institute Advanced
Environmental Effects
Monitoring

-Implement case specific
management options (i.e.,
Remediation, limits on
quantities or types of
material)

-Consider isolating dredged
material (capping)

Benthic Monitoring

EPA/ USACE

Determine if adverse
changes are seen in the
benthic populations outside
of the site

Adverse changes observed
outside of the site that may
endanger the marine
environment

Advanced Environmental
Effects Monitoring

Tissue Chemical Analysis

EPA/ USACE

Determine if the site is a
source of adverse
bioaccumulation 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 types of
material)

Benthic Monitoring

Determine if the site is a
source of adverse sub-
lethal2 changes in benthic
organisms which may
endanger the marine
environment



Sub-lethal effects are
unacceptable.

Monitor Bathymetric Trends

Bathymetry

USACE

Determine the extent of the
disposal mound and major
bathymetric changes

Every 2 years

Disposal mound occurs
outside ODMDS
boundaries

Continue Monitoring

-Modify disposal
method/placement

-Restrict disposal volumes

-Enlarge site

Ensure Safe Navigation
Depth

Bathymetry

Site User

Determine height of mound
and any excessive
mounding

Post disposal for projects
greater than 50,000 cy

Mound height > -30 feet
mean lower low water
(MLLW)

Continue Monitoring

-Modify disposal
method/placement

-Restrict disposal volumes

Site Capacity

MDFATE Modeling

USACE

Determine capacity of the
site

-As resources allow
-See section 2.3

Volumes exceed estimated
capacity

Continue to use site without
restrictions

-Enlarge site or designate
new site.

Compliance

Disposal Site Use Records
in EPA Region 4's XML
format

Site User

-Ensure management
requirements are being met

-To assist in site monitoring

Weekly during the project

Disposal records required
by SMMP are not submitted
or are incomplete

Continue Monitoring

-Restrict site use until
requirements are met

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.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

4.0 CONDITIONS FOR USE OF THE WILMINGTON ODMDS

4.1 Standard Conditions for Use of the Wilmington ODMDS

4.1.1	Prohibition on Trash and Debris

Only dredged material determined in advance by EPA and USACE to be suitable for ocean
disposal may be discharged at the Wilmington ODMDS. Disposal shall be limited to suitable
dredged material per the 40 CFR 228 (h)(20). Uncharacterized dredged material, vessels,
trash, and other debris are prohibited from being dumped at the site.

4.1.2	Prohibition on Leaking or Spilling During Transport

Excessive leakage/spillage or other loss of material means an apparent loss of dredged material
greater than limits established in the most current Section 103 Concurrence, Section 103
permit, and/or described within the USACE contract specifications. In any event loss of dredged
material during transit to the ODMDS (in open water) is not to exceed 1.5 feet. Transportation of
dredged material to the ODMDS shall not begin or continue when weather and sea state
conditions interfere with safe transportation and create risk of spillage, leaks, or other loss of
dredged material during transit. Disposal vessels shall not be authorized to load beyond a level
at which dredged material would be expected to be spilled in transit under anticipated sea state
conditions.

4.1.3	Quality Control Inspector, and Scow Certification Checklist

Before any disposal vessel departs for the Wilmington ODMDS, a dedicated quality control
inspector, identified and appointed by the dredging contractor, shall certify in writing that the
disposal vessel is not overloaded, and otherwise meets the conditions and requirements of a
Scow Certification Checklist that contains all of the substantive elements found in the example
provided in this SMMP. If an alternate version of the Scow Certification Checklist (Appendix E)
is utilized, EPA and USACE must approve the proposed Scow Certification Checklist prior to the
commencement of ocean disposal operations. As indicated in USACE dredging specifications,
no ocean disposal trip may be initiated until both the towing vessel captain and the quality
control inspector have signed all relevant entries on the Scow Certification Checklist. The
inspector shall provide a summary of any discrepancies or inaccuracies on the Checklist in the
site user's report to EPA and USACE.

4.1.4	Disposal Release Zone

When dredged material is discharged within the ODMDS, no portion of the vessel from which
the materials are released (e.g., hopper dredge or towed barge or scow) may be outside of the
disposal release zone described in contract and/or permit documents.

4.1.5	Closed Door Hull Status

Doors shall be in the closed state on any disposal vessel and discharges complete before
exiting the boundaries of the ODMDS (Table 1). "Closed state" means having both fully and
physically closed doors and a properly functioning hull status sensor indicating that the doors
are fully closed. In the event that doors are not closing sufficiently, the vessel operator will need
to implement a procedure to verify dredged material has been disposed of in the authorized
release zone. One such practice is to circle within the ODMDS three times before exiting. Visual

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

verification via remote camera is another option. All such incidents shall be reported to USACE
and EPA within 24 hours and the vessel in which the malfunction occurred shall be repaired and
verified as functional before returning to service.

4.1.6 Twenty-Four (24) Hour Notification Requirement for Potential Leaks,
Mis-Dumps, or Other Violations

The site user shall report any anticipated, potential, or actual variances from compliance with
these ocean dumping conditions, and any additional project-specific special conditions, to the
USACE and EPA within 24 hours of discovering such a situation. A message from an
operational "e-mail alert" system, will be considered as fulfilling this 24-hour notification
requirement when it includes the following information: description of the cause(s) of the
problems, any steps taken to rectify the problems, and whether the problems occurred on
subsequent disposal trips.

4.2	Additional Project-Specific Conditions

Additional project-specific conditions or modifications to the standard conditions specified above
may be required in the Dredged Material Permit if USACE or EPA determine additional or more
specific conditions are necessary to facilitate safe use or accurate monitoring of the disposal
site, or to prevent potential harm to the environment, including conditions specifying the timing
of operations or methods of transportation and disposal.

4.3	Alternative Permit/Project Conditions

Project-specific alternatives or modifications to the Standard and/or Project-Specific conditions
specified above may be authorized in advance by EPA and USACE at their discretion, at the
request of the site user. In such cases the site user must demonstrate to the satisfaction of EPA
and USACE that:

the alternative conditions are sufficient to accomplish the specific intended purpose
of the original permit condition;

disposal will not increase the risk of harm to the environment or the health or safety
of persons; and

the site user will not impede monitoring of compliance with the MPRSA, regulations
promulgated under the MPRSA, or the permit or authorization issued under the
MPRSA.

4.4	Reporting and Data Formatting

4.4.1 Project Initiation and Violation Reporting Other Violations

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 specified violation of the authorization documents and/or Dredged Material Permit
occurs during transportation and disposal operations, including details and proposed corrective
actions.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

4.4.2	Disposal Monitoring Data

Disposal monitoring data shall be provided to EPA Region 4 electronically on a weekly basis.
Data shall be provided to EPA Region 4 in XML format and delivered as an attachment to an
email to DisposalData.R4@epa.gov. The XML format is available from EPA Region 4.

4.4.3	Post Disposal Summary Reports

The USACE shall provide a Post Disposal Summary Report to EPA within 90 days after project
completion. Necessary report elements 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 time from 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 concurrence 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 must be
accompanied by the bathymetry survey results (plot and X,Y,Z ASCII data file, optionally a GIS
shapefile), 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.

4.4.4	Environmental Monitoring Data Availability

Field monitoring data collected by EPA such as material tracking, disposal effects monitoring,
and other site-specific parameters will be coordinated with and provided to SMMP team
members, federal and state agencies, and other interested parties as appropriate by EPA
and/or USACE. Data will be provided for all surveys in a report generated by EPA. The report
should indicate how the survey relates to the SMMP and previous surveys at the Wilmington
ODMDS and should provide data interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations, and
should project the next phase of the SMMP. Monitoring results will be summarized in
subsequent modifications to the SMMP posted to EPA's website (https://www.epa.gov/ocean-
dumping).

5.0 MODIFICATION OF THE WILMINGTON ODMDS SMMP

Should the results of the monitoring surveys or reports from other sources indicate that
continued use of the ODMDS would lead to unacceptable effects, EPA, in conjunction with
USACE, will modify the ODMDS SMMP to mitigate the adverse impacts. EPA will review the
SMMP every ten years and revise as necessary, for example, if site use changes significantly.
The SMMP also may be revised 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.

6.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WILMINGTON ODMDS SMMP

This plan is effective from the date of signature. EPA, in conjunction with the USACE, will
review and revise more frequently if site use and conditions at the site indicate a need for

25

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

revision. EPA and USACE share responsibility for implementation of the SMMP. Site users may
be required to undertake monitoring activities as a condition of their permit. The USACE and
any USACE contractor remain responsible for implementation of the SMMP for Federal new
work and maintenance projects.

26

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

7.0 REFERENCES

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), 2020. South Atlantic Regional Biological Opinion for
Dredging and Material Placement Activities in the Southeast United States. Southeast
Regional Office. July 2020.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 1990. Selected Tools and Techniques for Physical and
Biological Monitoring of Aquatic Dredged Material Disposal Sites. Dredging Operations
Technical Support Program Technical Report D-90-11. Waterways Experiment Station.
September 1990.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 1999. Unpublished data.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USACE and EPA),
2001. Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) New Wilmington Harbor, Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS) Site Designation. November 2001.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2000. Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina, New
Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Characterization Study, Draft Report, June 2000.
Draft Report Prepared by EPA Science and Ecosystem Support Division, Athens, GA.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2010. New Wilmington ODMDS Status and
Trends, May 2010 Monitoring Survey Report. September 2010.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2020a. Cancellation of the Final Designation of
the original Wilmington, NC Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site. June 2020.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2020b. Site Monitoring Assessment Report for
the Morehead City and Wilmington, North Carolina ODMDS Trend Assessment Survey.
November 2020.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (EPA and USACE),
1991. Evaluation of 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-C8-0105.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (EPA and USACE),
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 and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (EPA and USACE)
2017. Memorandum of Understanding Between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South
Atlantic Division and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region, 4 on Ocean
Dredged Material Disposal. May 2017.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (EPA and USACE),
2008. Southeast Regional Implementation Manual (SERIM) Requirements and
Procedures for Evaluation of the Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material in Southeastern
Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Waters. August 2008.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

FIGURES

29

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30

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Figure 1. Wilmington ODMDS General Location.

31

-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Upper
Brunswick

WILMINGTON

In (Japan
-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

N 6600.00

2297800.00

1. HORIZONTAL DATUM NAD 1883.

2. SOUNDINGS ARE EXPRESSED IN FEET AND TENTHS AND REFER TO ICAN
LOWER LOW WATER (MLLW).

3. NEW OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE < ODMDS) AREA WAS SURVEYED

BY NOAA SHIP "WHITING" DURING 1996-1997. THIS SURVEY DATA WAS USED TO
GENERATE CURRENT EDITION OF CHART 11536 APPROACHES TO CAPE FEAR C14TH
EDITION AUGUST 15, 1998).

A. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE NEW ODWJS DISPOSAL AREA
AND DISPOSAL OF DREDGED MATERIAL SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
SPECIFICATIONS.

2284400.00

0 3000

=55rrrarSr=

Figure 3. Wilmington ODMDS Disposal Zones and Pre-Disposal Bathymetry (1996-1997).

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Non-Beach Quality Material (i.e., <90% sand)
Placed In These Cells

Beach Quality Material (i.e., >90% sand)
Placed In This Cell

BALDHEAD SHOAL
REACH 3

R (MLLW) RELATIVE TO THE

3. HORIZONTAL DATUM NAD 19S3 VERTICAL DATUM M.L.LW .

4. TIDE GAGE LOCATED AT: LIGHT 1

USE OF TIDE VALUES FOR THIS GAGE ARE RESTRICTED TO QUALITY ASSURANCE PURPOSES
FOR VERIFICATION OF RTK TIDES, THE WILMINGTON DISTRICT WLLONLY USE STAFF
GAGE TIDAL VALUES FOR FINAL MAPPING AND QUANTITY CALCULATIONS IF RTK CPS IS UN-
AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF SURVEY

5 THIS PROJECT WAS DESIGNED BY THE WILMINGTON DISTRICT OF THE U S ARMY
CORPS OF ENGINEERS. THE INITIALS AND SIGNATURES AND REGISTRATION
DESIGNATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS APPEAR ON THESE PROJECT DOCUMENTS WITHIN
THE SCOPE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT AS REQUIRED BY ER1110-1-B152

6. THE INFORMATION DEPICTED ON THIS SURVEY MAP REPRESENTS THE RESULTS OF SURVEYS
MADE ON THE DATES INCHOATED AND CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED AS INDICATING THE GENERAL
CONDITIONS EXISTING AT THAT TIME, THESE CONDITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO RAPID CHANGE
DUE TO SHOALING EVENTS. A PRUDENT MARINER SHOULD NOT RELY EXCLUSIVELY ON THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE REQUIRED BY 33 CFR 209 325

WILMINGTON HARBOR
OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE

(ODMDS)

1:15,000

1,500

LEGEND

Depth In Feet

38-42

| Navigation Channel

H 20 and Shallower

42-44

~| ODMDS Cells

20-25

44-45

Placement Areas

25 - 32

B 45-47

ODMDS 100m Buffer

32-35

H 47 and Deeper

35-38

US Army Corps
of Engineers

Wilmington District

F— < K

g §0
f.dm

SliE* Q

|ssS o

1|5S O

= S3

Figure 4. Wilmington ODMDS Bathymetry (2022) and), All Placement Cells, and Typical Material Sources.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Beach Quality Material (i.e., >90% sand)
Placed In This Cell

WILMINGTON HARBOR
OCEAN DREDGED MATERIAL DISPOSAL SITE

(ODMDS)

3. HORIZONTAL DATUM NAD 1983. VERTICAL DATUM M L.L.W..

4. TIDE GAGE LOCATED AT: LIGHT 1

USE OF TIDE VALUES FOR THIS GAGE ARE RESTRICTED TO QUALITY ASSURANCE PURPOSES
POR VERIFICATION OF RTK TIDES. THE WILMINGTON DISTRICT WILL ONLY USE STAFF
GAGE TIDAL VALUES FOR FINAL MAPPING AND QUANTITY CALCULATIONS IF RTK GPS IS UN-
AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF SURVEY.

0. THE INFORMATION DEPICTED ON THIS SURVEY MAP REPRESENTS THE RESULTS OF SURVEYS
MADE ON. THE DATES INDICATED AND CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED AS INDICAIING THE GENERAL
CONDITIONS EXISTING AT THAT TIME. THESE CONDITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO RAPID CHANGE
DUE TO SHOALING EVENTS. A PRUDENT MARINER SHOULD NOT RELY EXCLUSIVELY ON THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE. REQUIRED BY 33 CFR 2D9.325

1:15,000

1,500 3,000

d Feet

LEGEND

| ODMDS Sand Cell

35-38

| Navigation Channel

Depth In Feet

38-42

Placement Areas

20 and Shallower

42-44

• ODMDS_Cell_Points

| 20 - 25

44-45

H 25-32

|! 45-47

32-35

I 47 and Deeper

US Army Corps
s of Engineers

p Wilmington District

NORTH CAROLINA

"^MCREHEADl

I atf I

>VILMINGTONl ©

—f

7€

Cfl
D

?§§! °
S !i

Figure 5. Wilmington ODMDS Bathymetry (2022) and Sand Placement Cell.

-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Figure 7. Potential Hard Bottoms Identified During "New Wilmington" ODMDS Site Selection (outlined in black).

-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Wilmington Harbor
ODMDS
June 2022

Depth in Feet

0-20 38-42

20-25 42 - 44
25 - 32 44 - 45

32 - 35 45 - 47

35 - 38 47 and deeper

Wilmington Harbor
ODMDS
June 2012

Depth in Feet

| 0 - 20 38-42

(20-25 42 - 44

25 - 32 44 - 45

32 - 35 45 - 47

35 - 38 47 and deeper

78°2'0"W

78WW

Wilmington Harbor
ODMDS
Difference
2012 vs. 2022

Legend

Approximate Change in Feet

+10 - +12
+8 - +10
+6 - +8
+4-+6
+2-+4
0 - +2
-2-0
-4--2
-6-4
-7.4 - -6

Bald Head
Island

Map

Location

Map Date: August 5, 2022
Map # sawnavgis-2012-042c

0 1,000 2.000

4,000
I Feet

78°2'0*W

78*0,0"W

Figure 8. Wilmington ODMDS Bathymetry Comparison, Emphasis on Typical Disposal Zones (2012 / 2022).

-------
Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Figure 9. Wilmington ODMDS Status and Trends Survey Sample Locations (2020).

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

APPENDICES

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Appendix A

Public Involvement
Draft Dated October 2022

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Public Involvement

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 (EPA) / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
(USACE) - Joint Public Notice (JPN) and Notice of Availability (NOA) for Draft Wilmington ODMDS SMMP
dated October 2022 (JPN / NOA) was provided to known regional stakeholder entities including the North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and multiple agencies within, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Audubon Society. The JPN / NOA was
independently shared with additional stakeholders.

The Draft Wlmington ODMDS SMMP was also made publicly available on the USACE website
(https://www.saw.usace.armv.mil/Missions/Navigation/Dredging/Wlmington-Harbor/) on November 2, 2022
for a 30-day review and comment period. To accommodate a stakeholder request, the review and comment
period was extended until December 9, 2022. The review and comment period extension was shared with
all original JPN / NOA recipients on December 5, 2022.

Index of Comments Received

In total, two entities provided comments on the Draft Wilmington ODMDS SMMP. Comments are
summarized below:

• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (December 9, 2022)

o Comment 1: "NCWRC has reviewed the Wilmington ODMDS SMMP and have no specific
comment on the document at this time for resources under the purview of the NCWRC. We
appreciate the opportunity to review and provide comment on this document and request if
conditions associated with dredging or disposal methodology, material quality, material
reuse, site conditions, or change in state or federal listing of species affected by activities in
the ODMDS occur, to reevaluate the document and provide opportunity for agency review
and comment."

o Response 1: Noted.

• Town of Oak Island, North Carolina (December 9, 2022)

o Comment 1: "Offshore sediment sources [potentially available to the Town for beach
management] consist of Frying Pan Shoals, the Old and New [Wilmington] ODMDS,
Lockwoods Folly Inlet complex, Jay Bird Shoals, and upland sources. Geophysical and
geologic sampling has been conducted [by the Town] in the Old and New ODMDS. Results
of sampling conclude there is approximately 1 Mcy of beach compatible sand in the Old
ODMDS, and 0.7 Mcy in the New ODMDS. Further testing of sediment mounds in the New
ODMDS in 2023 will determine if additional beach compatible material exists."

o Response 1: The EPA and USACE appreciate that there exist regional beach management
considerations and that the Town is exploring use of Wilmington ODMDS as a potential
resource for beach- quality material. The October 2022 Draft Wilmington ODMDS SMMP did
not formally identify a sand cell; however, this final signed document does provide for such a
provision. The USACE will place beach quality dredged material (i.e., >90% sand) in the cell
depicted in Figures 4 and 5 of this SMMP. Sampling conducted by the EPA within the
Wilmington ODMDS was most recently accomplished in February 2020 using grab samples
to ensure acceptability of in situ materials in accordance with the Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act. This sampling event and its results are summarized in
Section 3.4 of this SMMP. The EPA or USACE has not performed or analyzed core

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

sampling in the ODMDS aimed at revealing potential available sand volumes. The USACE
respectfully requests that the Town share results of "testing of sediment mounds in the New
ODMDS in 2023".

o Comment 2: "The Town has coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington
District (USACE) since 2018 on the Town's 50-Year Beach Management Plan, and more
recently in April 2022, in which Civil Works Project Management distinctly addressed the
need for the USACE to designate areas of the ODMDS to compartmentalize for beach
compatible material and for future beneficial regional sediment management."

o Response 2: In response to the Town's draft SMMP comments and past coordination with
the USACE, a sand cell has been designated in the Wlmington ODMDS. The USACE now
intends to place beach quality dredged material (i.e., >90% sand) in the cell depicted in
Figures 4 and 5 of this SMMP.

o Comment 3: "The Town has reviewed existing geophysical and geologic data with the
USACE to allow for better management of the ODMDS and offer the transfer of data to the
USACE for its use in the SMMP."

o Response 3: The USACE appreciates the opportunity to inform its management actions
using existing data provided by the Town and other entities. Thank you. ODMDS SMMP
documents are required to be updated every 10 years or more frequently if site use and
conditions at the site indicate a need for revision. New data regarding site conditions may be
considered in future updates of this SMMP.

o Comment 4: "According to the USACE's South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS; 2022),
Wilmington Harbor manages only 26% of dredged material using Regional Sediment
Management (RSM) strategies. Improved management of the ODMDS by creating beach-
compatible and non-beach compatible cells for future shoreline protection could support RSM
strategies as well as may extend the life of the ODMDS through re-use of material. The Town
requests the USACE and EPA to address the management of the ODMDS to maximize
beneficial use opportunities for future shore protection."

o Response 4: The EPA and USACE appreciate that beach quality material is a valuable
regional resource. The October 2022 Draft Wlmington ODMDS SMMP did not formally
identify a sand cell; however, this final signed document does provide for such a provision.
The USACE will place beach quality dredged material (i.e., >90% sand) in the cell depicted in
Figures 4 and 5 of this SMMP.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Appendix B

Water Column Evaluations Numerical Model (STFATE) Input Parameters

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

WATER COLUMN EVALUATIONS NUMERICAL MODEL (STFATE) INPUT PARAMETERS

Input Parameters
Wilmington ODMDS

STFATE (Short-Term FATE of dredged material disposal in open water) models the discharge of a single
load of dredged material from a scow or hopper. STFATE computes a prediction of the deposition and
water quality effects of dredged materials disposed of in open water. This numerical model is used for
required evaluations of initial mixing and water column effects. STFATE is an outgrowth of the first
comprehensive model for predicting the fate of dredged material developed by Koh and Chang (1993).
STFATE models three disposal phases, convective descent, dynamic collapse, and passive transport
dispersion. STFATE models conventional displacement (bottom dumping) where the vast majority of the
dredged material released from a barge or hopper dredge descends rapidly to the bottom in a high-density
jet known as the convective descent phase. The dynamic collapse phase begins when the jet impacts the
bottom. The denser material immediately deposits, while the less dense particles are spread outward as a
density flow when the vertical energy is transferred into horizontal momentum. Over time the less dense
material also settles.

Input data for the model includes information regarding the following:

Disposal operation
Disposal site
Dredged material
Model coefficients
Input/output/execution controls

The STFATE input parameters are to be used in future evaluations of disposal operations. These
parameters are based on information obtained during site designation studies as presented in the New
Wilmington ODMDS FEIS, previous applications of the disposal models, and default parameters. Additional
project and site-specific information should be used in future STFATE applications to improve the predictive
capability of the model.

The STFATE model input parameters include site description, ambient velocity data, disposal operation
information, and coefficients. A 45 by 45 grid was chosen to provide the highest resolution. The grid spacing
in the north/south and east/west directions was selected at 700 feet to keep the disposal plume within the
grid during the model execution. As discussed above, an average depth of 45 feet is used and a three-point
density profile is used. A depth averaged logarithmic velocity profile was selected using median values to
the East. Disposal operation and execution parameters include disposal site boundaries and disposal
location and model time step and duration. The duration is set to 14,400 seconds (4 hours) to meet the 4-
hour dilution requirement. Project specific disposal operations data (i.e., vessel speed, dimensions and
draft) will depend on the individual projects. Likewise, dredged material characteristics may vary based on
specific sediment testing information. Model default values are specified where appropriate.

ADDAMS Model

Section 103 Regulatory Analysis for Ocean Water, Tier III, Short-Term Fate of Dredged Material from Split
Hull Barge or Hopper/Toxicity Run

Average sediment characteristics of recent sediment 103 evaluations were used to calculate the Volumetric
Fractions. Parameters described in the disposal site were obtained from the Wilmington ODMDS Site

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Designation EIS (EPA 2000), COE Bathymetric data, Nautical Charts, and The Mid-Atlantic Regional
Association Coastal Ocean Observing System www.MARACOOS.org.. Buoy 41035. Map 1 shows the
location and configuration of the reference station. STFATE model input parameters utilized in the module
were as follows:

Site Description

Parameter

Value

Units

Number of Grid Points (left to right)

Number of Grid Points (top to bottom)

Spacing Between Grid Points (left to right)

700

Spacing Between Grid Points (top to bottom)

700

Constant Water Depth

Roughness Height at Bottom of Disposal Site

0.0051

Slope of Bottom in X-Direction

Deg.

Slope of Bottom in Z-Direction

Deg.

Number of Points in Ambient Density Profile Point

Ambient Density at Depth = 0 ft

1.0241

g/cc

Ambient Density at Depth = 22.5 ft

1.0241

g/cc

Ambient Density at Depth = 45 ft

1.0248

g/cc

Ambient Velocity Data

Parameter

Value

Units

Water Depth

Profile

Logarithmic

X-Direction Velocity

ft/sec

Z-Direction Velocity

0.65

ft/sec

Disposal Operation Data

Parameter

Value

Units

Location of Disposal Point from Top of Grid

15,750

Location of Disposal Point from Left Edge of
Grid

7,875

Dumping Over Depression

n/a

Input, Execution, and Output

Parameter

Value

Units

Location of the Upper Left Corner of the
Disposal Site -Distance from Top Edge

555

Location of the Upper Left Corner of the
Disposal Site -Distance from Left Edge

10,393.50

Location of the Lower Right Corner of the
Disposal Site -Distance from Top Edge

30,945

Location of the Lower Right Corner of the
Disposal Site -Distance from Left Edge

21,106.50

Duration of Simulation

14,400

sec

Long Term Time Step

600

sec

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Coefficients

Parameter

Keyword

Value

Settling Coefficient

BETA

o.ooo1

Apparent Mass Coefficient

1 .ooo1

Drag Coefficient

0.5001

Form Drag for Collapsing Cloud

CDRAG

1 .ooo1

Skin Friction for Collapsing Cloud

CFRIC

0.01 o1

Drag for an Ellipsoidal Wedge

CD3

0.1 oo1

Drag for a Plate

CD4

1 .ooo1

Friction Between Cloud and Bottom

FRICTN

0.01 o1

4/3 Law Horizontal Diffusion Dissipation
Factor

ALAMDA

0.001 o1

Unstratified Water Vertical Diffusion
Coefficient

AKYO

Pritchard Expression

Cloud/Ambient Density Gradient Ratio

GAMA

0.2501

Turbulent Thermal Entrainment

ALPHAO

0.2351

Entrainment in Collapse

ALPHAC

0.1 oo1

Stripping Factor

CSTRIP

0.0031

1Model Default Value

Wilmington ODMDS STFATE
Input Parameters

NewWilnrTfTon ODMDS

X=555&

Actual Western (i

Z=10393.5ft

Bffjnearv i

/
j

Mo(kl Western

i Boundiin'

I
1

/
/
/

/
r

Disposal Location

X=15.750ft

/
i

/
/

Z= 15,750ft

/
/

•

current wlocm'

= O.G5fps "

1
I

X=30^45fi

Z=21.106.5ft

MoaelGrid

45X45

Z+

7 00ft1 grid

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Appendix C

Generic Special Conditions for MPRSA Section 103 Permits

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GENERIC SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR MPRSA SECTION 103 PERMITS
1. 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 Wilmington ODMDS, proper disposal of dredged material at the disposal
area within the Wilmington ODMDS, and transportation of the hopper dredge or
disposal barge or scow back to the dredging site.

B. The Wilmington ODMDS is defined as the polygon with center coordinates of
##°##.###'N latitude and -##°##.###'W longitude (NAD 83) or state plane
coordinates #,###,### ft N and ###,### ft E (NAD83). The site defined by
coordinates are as follows:

Vertices

Geographic
NAD 83

[INSERT STATE]
State Plane Feet
NAD 83

Latitude (North)

Longitude (West)

Easting

Northing

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a

ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# N

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

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
Wilmington ODMDS.

D. The permittee shall use an electronic positioning system to navigate to and from the
Wilmington 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 not an acceptable electronic positioning system
for disposal operations at the Wlmington 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 Wilmington ODMDS. The
certification shall be accomplished by direct comparison of the electronic positioning
system's accuracy with a known fixed point.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

F. Before any disposal vessel departs for the Wilmington ODMDS, a dedicated quality
control inspector shall certify in writing that the disposal vessel is not overloaded, and
otherwise meets the conditions and requirements of a Scow Certification Checklist
that contains all of the substantive elements found in the example provided in this
SMMP in Appendix E. If an alternate version of the Scow Certification Checklist is
utilized, EPA and USACE must approve the proposed Scow Certification Checklist
prior to the commencement of ocean disposal operations. No ocean disposal trip
may be initiated until both the towing vessel captain and the quality control inspector
have signed all relevant entries on the Scow Certification Checklist. The inspector
shall provide a summary of any discrepancies or inaccuracies on the Checklist in the
site user's report to EPA and USACE.

G. 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 Wilmington ODMDS. Excessive leakage/spillage or other
loss of material means an apparent loss of dredged material greater than limits
established in the most current Section 103 Concurrence, Section 103 permit, and/or
described within the USACE contract specifications in any event loss of dredged
material during transit to ODMDS (in open water) is not to exceed 1.5 feet.
Transportation of dredged material to the ODMDS may not begin or continue when
weather and sea state conditions interfere with safe transportation and create risk of
spillage, leaks, or other loss of dredged material during transit. Disposal vessels
cannot be loaded beyond a level at which dredged material would be expected to be
spilled in transit under anticipated sea state conditions.

H. A disposal operations inspector and/or captain of any tugboat, hopper dredge or
other vessel used to transport dredged material to the Wlmington ODMDS shall
ensure compliance with disposal operation conditions defined in this permit.

a) If the disposal operations inspector or the captain detects a violation, he shall
report the violation to the permittee immediately.

b) The permittee shall contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, [INSERT USACE
DISTRICT'S Regulatory Branch at [TELEPHONE NUMBER] and EPA Region 4
via email and 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.

I. When dredged material is disposed, no portion of the hopper dredge or disposal
barge or scow shall be outside of the boundaries of the Wlmington ODMDS as
defined in Special Condition B. Additionally, disposal shall be initiated within the
designated disposal release zone defined below:

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Vertices

Geographic
NAD 83

[INSERT STATE]
State Plane Feet
NAD 83

Latitude (North)

Longitude (West)

Easting

Northing

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a

ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# N

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

J. The permittee shall use an electronic tracking system (ETS) that will continuously
track the horizontal location and draft condition of the disposal vessel (i.e., hopper
dredge or disposal barge or scow) from the point of dredging to the disposal site and
return to the point of dredging. Data shall be collected at least every 500 feet during
travel to and from the ODMDS and every minute or every 200 feet of travel,
whichever is smaller, while approaching within 1,000 feet and within the ODMDS.
State Plane coordinates shall be reported to the nearest foot and latitude and
longitude coordinates shall be reported as decimal degrees to 6 decimals. Westerly
longitudes are to be reported as negative. Draft readings shall be recorded in feet out
to 2 decimals. If the Electronic positioning system fails or navigation problems are
detected, all disposal operations shall cease until the failure or navigation problems
are corrected.

K. In addition, the permittee shall record electronically, for each disposal cycle, the
following information:

a) Load Number

b) Disposal Vessel or Scow Name

c) Tow-Vessel Name (if scow used)

d) Captain of Disposal or Tow Vessel

e) Estimated Volume of Load

f) Description of Material Disposed

g) Source of Dredged Material

h) Date, Time, and Location at State of Initiation of Disposal and Completion of
Disposal Event

i) The ETS Data Required by Special Condition I

L. The permittee shall conduct a bathymetric survey of the Wilmington ODMDS within
30 days following project completion.

a) The number and length of the survey transects shall be sufficient to encompass
the release zone specified in Special Condition H and a 500-foot-wide border
around the site. The transects shall be spaced at 500-foot intervals or less.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

b) Vertical accuracy of the survey shall be ±0.5 feet. Horizontal location of the
survey lines and depth sounding points will be determined by an automated
positioning system utilizing either microwave line of site system or differential
global positioning system. The vertical datum shall be mean lower low water
(m.l.l.w) and the horizontal datum shall use Florida State Plane or latitude and
longitude coordinates (North American Datum 1983). State Plane coordinates
shall be reported to the nearest 0.10 foot and latitude and longitude coordinates
shall be reported as decimal degrees to 6 decimal points.

M. The permitee shall abide by the applicable National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS) Biological Opinion (BO) (i.e., the South Atlantic Regional Biological Opinion
(SARBO 2020) for Operations and Maintenance activities or the project specific BO
for deepening and new construction projects). The BO covers 25 listed species
including swimming sea turtles, whales, corals, and sturgeon. The SARBO contains
mandatory terms and conditions to implement the reasonable and prudent measures
that are associated with "incidental take" that is also specified in the SARBO. Your
authorization under the Corps-issued Section 103 permit is conditional upon your
compliance with all of the mandatory terms and conditions associated with the
incidental take of the SARBO, 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 SARBO, where a take of the listed species occurs,
would constitute an unauthorized take, and it would also constitute non- compliance
with your Corps-issued Section 103 permit. However, depending on the affected
species NMFS is the appropriate authority to determine compliance with the terms
and conditions of its SARBO and with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For
further clarification on this point, you should contact the appropriate agency. Should
they determine that the conditions of the SARBO have been violated; normally they
will enforce the violation of the ESA or refer the matter to the Department of Justice.

2. 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), [INSERT USACE DISTRICT] Regulatory Division at [INSERT MAILING
ADDRESS] and Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 Oceans Estuary, and
Marine Management Section (61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303) and via email at
OceandumpinqR4@epa.gov. The Permittee shall reference this permit number,
[INSERT PERMIT NUMBER], on all submittals.

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 e-mail to DisposalData.R4@epa.gov. XML data file
format specifications are available from EPA Region 4 upon request.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

D. The permittee shall send one (1) copy of the disposal summary report to the

Wilmington 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:

a. The report shall indicate whether all general and special permit conditions
were met. Any violations of the permit shall be explained in detail.

b. 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 release zone or the ODMDS
boundaries); dates of pre and post disposal bathymetric 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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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Appendix D

Typical Contract Language for Implementing SMMP Requirements

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TYPICAL CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR IMPLEMENTING SMMP REQUIREMENTS
Disposal of Dredged Material
A. General

All material dredged shall be transported to and deposited in the disposal area(s) designated in
the drawings. The approximate maximum and average distance to which the material will have
to be transported are as follows:

Disposal Area Maximum Distance Average Distance

Statute Miles Statute Miles

Wilmington ODMDS

[INSERT DISPOSAL [XX miles] [XX miles]

AREA]

[IF MATERIAL FROM DIFFERENT PROJECT AREAS GOES TO DIFFERENT DISPOSAL
AREAS, IT COULD BE SPECIFIED HERE]

B. Ocean Disposal Notification

a) The Corps or the contractor shall notify EPA Region 4's Oceans,

Wetlands, and Stream Protection Branch (61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA
30303) and via email at OceandumpingR4@epa.gov at least 15 calendar
days and the local Coast Guard Captain of the Port at least 5 calendar
days prior to the first ocean disposal. The notification will be by certified
mail with a copy to the Contracting Officer. The following information shall
be included in the notification:

1) Project designation; Corps of Engineers' Contracting Officer's name and
contract number; and, the Contractor's name, address, and telephone
number.

2) Port of departure.

3) Location of ocean disposal area (and disposal zones(s)).

4) Schedule for ocean disposal, giving date and time proposed for first
ocean disposal.

C. Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites

The material excavated shall be transported to and deposited in the Wilmington
ODMDS as shown on the drawings. When dredged material is disposed, no portion

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

of the hopper dredge or disposal barge or scow shall be outside of the boundaries of
the Wilmington ODMDS. Additionally, disposal shall be initiated within the disposal
release zone(s) defined by the following coordinates:

Vertices

Geographic
NAD 83

[INSERT STATE]
State Plane Feet
NAD 83

Latitude (North)

Longitude (West)

Easting

Northing

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a

ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# N

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

##°##.###'N

-##°##.###'W

a a a a a a a
ii ii ii ii ii ii ii

mm# n

During transit to and from the Wilmington ODMDS, the disposal vessel shall remain within the
navigation channel until east of the sea buoy.

D. Logs

The Contractor shall keep a log for each load placed in the Wlmington ODMDS. The log entry
for each load shall include:

a) Load Number

b) Disposal Vessel or Scow Name

c) Tow-Vessel or Scow Name

d) Tow-Vessel Name (if used)

e) Captain of Vessel

f) Description of Material Disposed

g) Source of Dredged Material

h) Date, Time, and Location at State of Initiation of Disposal and Completion of
Disposal Event

i) The ETS Data Required by Special Conditions identified in associated Section 103
Permit, if applicable

At the completion of dredging and at any time upon request, the log(s) shall be submitted in
paper and electronic formats to the Contracting Officer for forwarding to the appropriate
agencies.

E. Scow Checklist

Before any disposal vessel departs for the Wilmington ODMDS, a dedicated quality control
inspector shall certify in writing that the disposal vessel is not overloaded, and otherwise meets
the conditions and requirements of a Scow Certification Checklist that contains all of the
substantive elements found in the example provided in this SMMP in Appendix E. If an alternate
version of the Scow Certification Checklist (Appendix E) is utilized, EPA and USACE must
approve the proposed Scow Certification Checklist prior to the commencement of ocean
disposal operations. No ocean disposal trip may be initiated until both the towing vessel captain

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

and the quality control inspector have signed all relevant entries on the Scow Certification
Checklist. The inspector shall provide a summary of any discrepancies or inaccuracies on the
Checklist in the site user's report to EPA and USACE.

F. Overflow, Spills, and Leaks

The permittee shall not allow any water or dredged material placed in a disposal vessel (i.e., a
hopper dredge, disposal barge or scow) to flow over the sides or leak from such vessels during
transportation to the Wilmington ODMDS. Excessive leakage/spillage or other loss of material
means an apparent loss of dredged material greater than limits established in the most current
Section 103 Concurrence, Section 103 permit, and/or described within the USACE contract
specifications. In any event, loss of dredged material during transit to ODMDS (in open water)
is not to exceed 1.5 feet. Transportation of dredged material to the ODMDS may not begin or
continue when weather and sea state conditions interfere with safe transportation and create
risk of spillage, leaks, or other loss of dredged material during transit. Disposal vessels cannot
be loaded beyond a level at which dredged material would be expected to be spilled in transit
under anticipated sea state conditions.

G. Electronic Tracking System (ETS) for Ocean Disposal Vessels

The Contractor shall furnish an ETS for surveillance of the movement and disposition of
dredged material during dredging and ocean disposal. This ETS shall be established, operated
and maintained by the Contractor to continuously track in real-time the horizontal location and
draft condition of the disposal vessel (hopper dredge or disposal scow) from the point of
dredging to the disposal site and return to the point of dredging. The ETS shall be capable of
displaying and recording, in real-time, the disposal vessel's draft, speed, and location. The ETS
shall continuously track the horizontal location and draft condition of the disposal vessel (i.e.,
hopper dredge or disposal barge or scow) from the point of dredging to the disposal site and
return to the point of dredging. Data shall be collected at least every 500 feet during travel to
and from the ODMDS and every minute or every 200 feet of travel, whichever is smaller, while
approaching within 1,000 feet and within the ODMDS. State Plane coordinates shall be
reported to the nearest foot and latitude and longitude coordinates shall be reported as decimal
degrees to 6 decimals. Westerly longitudes are to be reported as negative. Draft readings shall
be recorded in feet out to 2 decimals. If the Electronic positioning system fails or navigation
problems are detected, all disposal operations shall cease until the failure or navigation
problems are corrected.

[USE LANGUAGE BELOW FOR NON-DQM PROJECTS]

H. ETS Standards

The Contractor shall provide automated (computer) system and components to perform in
accordance with COE EM 1110-1-2909. A copy of the EM can be downloaded from the
following web site: http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs'eng-manuals/em.htm. Horizontal
location and draft condition shall have an accuracy of ± 0.1 foot. Data shall be collected at least
every 0.25 nautical mile or every 4 minutes during travel to and from the ODMDS and every
twelve seconds or every 30 feet of travel within the ODMDS and while hull status is open. In
addition to the continuous tracking data, the following trip information shall be electronically
recorded for each disposal cycle:

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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

The ETS shall be calibrated, as required, in the presence of the Contracting Officer at the work
location before disposal operations have started, and at 30-day intervals while work is in
progress. The Contracting Officer shall have access to the ETS in order to observe its
operation. Disposal operations will not commence until the ETS to be used by the Contractor is
certified by the Contracting Officer to be operational and within acceptable accuracy. It is the
Contractor's responsibility to select a system that will operate properly at the work location. The
complete system shall be subject to the Contracting Officer's approval.

ETS Data Requirements and Submissions

a) The ETS for each disposal vessel shall be in operation for all dredging and disposal
activities and shall record the full round trip for each loading and disposal from the point
of dredging to the disposal site and return to the point of dredging. The Contracting
Officer shall be notified immediately in the event of ETS failure and all dredging
operations for the vessel shall cease until the ETS is fully operational. Any delays
resulting from ETS failure shall be at the Contractor's expense.

b) Data shall be collected, during the dredging and disposal cycle (NOTE: A dredging and
disposal cycle constitutes the time from commencement of dredging to complete
discharge of the material), at least every 500 feet during travel to and from the ODMDS
and every minute or every 200 feet of travel, whichever is smaller, while approaching
within 1,000 feet and within the ODMDS. State Plane coordinates shall be reported to
the nearest foot and latitude and longitude coordinates shall be reported as decimal
degrees to 6 decimals. Westerly longitudes are to be reported as negative. Draft
readings shall be recorded in feet out to 2 decimals. If the Electronic positioning system
fails or navigation problems are detected, all disposal operations shall cease until the
failure or navigation problems are corrected..

c) Plot Reporting (2 types):

1. Tracking Plot - For each disposal event, data collected while the disposal
vessel is in the vicinity of the disposal area shall be plotted in chart form, in at
least 500-foot intervals, to show the track and draft of the disposal vessel
approaching and traversing the disposal area. The plot shall identify the exact
position at which the dump commenced.

2. Scatter Plot - Following completion of all disposal events, a single and
separate plot will be prepared to show the exact disposal locations of all
dumps. Every plotted location shall coincide with the beginning of the
respective dump. Each dump shall be labeled with the corresponding Trip
Number and shall be at a small but readable scale.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

3. Summary Table - A spreadsheet which contains all of the information in the
log(s) above shall be prepared and shall correspond to the exact dump
locations represented on the Scatter Plot.

d) ETS data and log data required by Section 3.2 shall be provided to EPA Region 4 on a
weekly or more frequent basis (within one week of disposal). Data shall be submitted to
EPA Region 4 as an extensible Markup Language (XML) document via Internet e-mail
to DisposalDataR4@epa.gov. XML data file format specifications are available from EPA
Region 4. EPA Region 4 and the USACE District require notification by email within 24
hours if disposal occurs outside of the specified disposal release zone, if excessive
leakage occurs, if hull open status occurs outside the ODMDS, or other violation of the
conditions in this SMMP occur. Excessive leakage is defined as more than 1.5 feet of
draft loss during transit to the ODMDS averaged between forward and aft sensors.
Correspondence will be required to explain how the issue was addressed, pertinent
dates, and corrective actions to be implemented to prevent repetition in the future. All
digital ETS data shall be furnished to the Contracting Officer within 24 hours of
collection. The digital plot files should be in an easily readable format such as Adobe
Acrobat PDF file, Microstation DGN file, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, or similar. The hard copy of
the ETS data and tracking plots shall be both maintained onboard the vessel and
submitted to the Contracting Officer on a weekly basis.

[USE LANGUAGE BELOW FOR DQM PROJECTS]

See: http://dqm.usace.army.mil/Specifications/lndex.aspx

For scows, the monitoring profile, TDS profile or Ullage profile shall be used.

I. Misplaced Materials

For civil works projects, materials deposited outside of the disposal release zone specified in
3.3.3 will be classified as misplaced material and will result in a suspension of dredging
operations. Redredging of such materials will be required, where applicable, as a prerequisite
to the resumption of dredging unless the Contracting Officer, at his discretion, determines that
redredging of such material is not practical. If redredging of such material is not required, then
the quantity of such misplaced material may be deducted from the Contractor's pay quantity. If
the quantity for each misplaced load to be deducted cannot initially be agreed to by both the
Contractor and Contracting Officer, then an average hopper/scow load quantity for the entire
contract will be used in the determination. Both regulatory and civil works projects misplaced
loads may be subject to penalty under the Marine, Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act.
Materials deposited above the maximum indicated elevation or outside of the disposal area
template shown will require the redredging, relocation, or removal of such materials. In addition,
the Contractor must notify the USACE Contracting Officer and the Environmental Protection
Agency Region 4's Oceans Estuary and Marine Management Section (61 Forsyth Street,
Atlanta, GA 30303) within 24 hours of a misplaced dump or any other violation of the Site
Management and Monitoring Plan for the Wilmington ODMDS. Corrective actions must be
implemented prior to the next dump and the Contracting Officer must be informed of actions
taken.

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

Appendix E

Scow Certification Template

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

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Wilmington ODMDS, SMMP

SCOW CERTIFICATION TEMPLATE

SCOW CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST U SACE PERMIT or CONTRACT #

[PROJECT NAME] DATE:

CHECKLIST ITEM

RECORD DATA

TC BE Ru.EC IxJT-'C SII-NEC IT-* • 4 FRI3R
TTDEPAPTLPE TIME IM 1C 3.

INITIALS

—

, ,

1. OCEAN DISPOSALTRIP NUMBER

2. DEPARTURE DATE TO ODMDS

3, DEPARTURE TIME TO ODMDS

4. DEPARTURE LOCATION (dredge, berth, etc,}

5. SCOW NAME

0, SCOW CAPACITY (€T|

7. TUG NAME

3, TUG CAPTAIN'S NAME

9, DREDGED MATERIAL SOURCE (area, reach, berth, etc.}

10, CUBIC YARDS HAUL ED

11. SCOWFORE DRAFT I AFT DRAFT IAVG AND TIME

12. SCOWFORE DRAFT ''AFT DRAFT 'AVG AND TIME
(must be at least one hour prior to time in No, 11}

13. DRAFT CHANGE (No 12 - No. 11}

14. FREE BOARD OF MATERIAL ANDi'OR WATER SURFACE

15. NWS COASTAL MARINE FORECAST font to 10 Pfti|

DATE ,'T ME OF REPORT

'.V-VE HT.PT
.MND SFEEIT .KTS.
FEPCt .SEC

WRITE-IN APPROPRIATE FORECAST PERIODS
(le, TODAY, TONIG HT, TOMORROW)

comments.

18, SC OWTRACKING SYSTEM FUNCTIONING?

i E r=r

17. HELMSMAN DISPLAY FUNCTIONING ON TUG?

i i : n:

18, GPS FUNCTIONING ON TUG?

1 YES r 1 l-iS

19, COMMENTS

20. CONTRACTOR'S SIGNATURE

PRINT NAME:

TIME ' DATE:

21. PERMITTEE/REPRESENTATIVE'S SIGNATURE

PRINT NAME:

TIME 'DATE:

22. THE DECISION TO PROCEEDTOTHE OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE, BASED UPON ALL AVAILABLE DATA INCULDING THE RECORDING
AND CALCULATIONS ON THIS FORM, IS ALSO SUBJECT TO THE PROF E SSIONAL JUDGEMENT OF THE TUG CAPTAIN AS TO THE
SAFETY OF THE CREWAND VESSEL,

TUG CAPTAIN'S SIGNATURE: PRINT NAME: TIME f DATE:

DATEi'TlME OF DUMP:
BARGE XOR LONGITUDE:

BARGE ¥ OR LATITUDE:

TUG XOR LONGITUDE:

TUG Y OR LATITUDE:

DATE/TIME OF DISPOSAL VE SSEL CLOSURE:

BARGE XOR LONGITUDE:

BARGE ¥ OR LATITUDE:

TUG XOR LONGITUDE:

TUG Y OR LATITUDE:

ADDITIONAI COMMENTS. PROBLEM OE SCRtPTIONS. FTC

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