[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 22]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR230.23]

[Page 262]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 230--SECTION 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFICATION OF DISPOSAL SITES 
FOR DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL--Table of Contents
 
Subpart C--Potential Impacts on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of 
                          the Aquatic Ecosystem
 
Sec. 230.23  Current patterns and water circulation.

    (a) Current patterns and water circulation are the physical 
movements of water in the aquatic ecosystem. Currents and circulation 
respond to natural forces as modified by basin shape and cover, physical 
and chemical characteristics of water strata and masses, and energy 
dissipating factors.
    (b) Possible loss of environmental characteristics and values: The 
discharge of dredged or fill material can modify current patterns and 
water circulation by obstructing flow, changing the direction or 
velocity of water flow, changing the direction or velocity of water flow 
and circulation, or otherwise changing the dimensions of a water body. 
As a result, adverse changes can occur in: Location, structure, and 
dynamics of aquatic communities; shoreline and substrate erosion and 
depositon rates; the deposition of suspended particulates; the rate and 
extent of mixing of dissolved and suspended components of the water 
body; and water stratification.