JACKSONVILLE ODMDS DESIGNATION
M. Rau, J. Seitz, C. Smith, N. Lombardero – ANAMAR Environmental Consulting, Inc.Chris McArthur – USEPA Region 4
P. Griffin, J. Verhagen, A. Patterson – USACE Jacksonville District
Jacksonville ODMDS Designation: Site Selection Process and Characterization Studies
Outline• Current ODMDSs• Guidance• Purpose and Need• ODMDS Designation
Process• Project Coordination• Alternatives Evaluation• Site Designation
Surveys• Preferred Site Selection
Total = 82 ODMDS in 7 EPA Regions
ODMDS
Guidance• Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• 40 CFR 228• EPA Region 4 – USACE
SAD Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material MOU
1) Minimize adverse environmental effects, as well as the interference of dumping activities with other activities in the marine environment;
2) Ensure that temporary perturbations in water quality are reduced to normal ambient seawater levels before reaching any beach, shoreline, marine sanctuary, or geographically limited fishery.
All discharges will meet applicable water quality standards.
Objectives
Process1. Demonstrate a need for an ODMDS2. Conduct a constraints analysis3. Conduct reconnaissance surveys4. Conduct site designation surveys5. Evaluate the Alternatives using USEPA
general and specific criteria (40 CFR Part 228)
6. Document the findings in the EIS and identify the preferred alternative
7. Proceed with rulemaking published in the Federal Register
USEPA Lead Agency
USACE Cooperating
AgencyANAMAR Consultant
USEPA Internal Coordination
NEPAAir QualityFisheries
Water Quality
USACE Internal Coordination
OperationsSocioeconomics
GeotechnicalT&E Species
Archaeological
Interagency CoordinationNOAA-NMFS
USFWSFWCFDEPSHPO
Public/Stakeholders CoordinationJAXPORT
Naval Station MayportShrimp Producers Assoc.
Jax Offshore Sport Fishing ClubSt. Johns Bar/Jax Pilots Assoc.
ScubanautsCity of Jacksonville
Coordination
ODMDS Designation
Team
Based on observed mounding, future capacity modeling, dredging volumes, limited capacity at existing CDFs, and
estimates of future proposed projects.
Need
Historically, the Jacksonville ODMDS has supported maintenance and new work material:
• Jacksonville Harbor Navigation Channel
• Naval Station Mayport
The new ODMDS will continue to support these projects including any new work (i.e., Jacksonville Harbor Deepening)
Jacksonville ODMDS
ZSF Study
A Zone of Siting Feasibility Analysis evaluates the
operational and economic feasibility of various disposal
locations for future maintenance and new work
scenarios.
5 nau
tical
mile
s
BCR=1.17
10 nautical
miles BCR=1.07
15 nautical miles BCR=0.98
Jacksonville ODMDS
Biological, Socioeconomic, Recreational, Cultural, and Mineral Resources
Existing Resources
EPA Criteria: Minimize interference with other activities
(fisheries, recreation, navigation)
Stakeholder/Agency Coordination
Surveys/Modeling/Analysis• Threatened and Endangered
Species (e.g., North Atlantic Right Whale, sea turtles, etc.)
• Hardbottoms and other geographically limited benthic habitats
• Essential Fish Habitat
• Commercial Fisheries (e.g., shrimping)
• Socioeconomic Considerations
• Recreation
• Cultural Resources
• Mineral Resources
Sidescan Sonar
Surveys
Chemical and Physical
Testing
Epifaunaland Infaunal
Surveys
Surveys
Physical and Chemical Characteristics:• Water • Sediment• Bioaccumulation (crustaceans, fishes)
Community Characteristics:• Benthic infaunal communities• Epifaunal invertebrates• Demersal fish communities• Federally managed taxa• Nonindigenous taxa
Surveys
Currently, Alternatives 1 and 2 are preferred. Coordinating with agencies on final site selection.
Final EIS – anticipated Winter 2012-2013
Thank you for attending today’s presentation!
Questions/Comments:Please feel free to contact
Michelle [email protected]
Or stop by ANAMAR’s booth!