[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: 40CFR230.44]

[Page 266]
 
                   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 E--Potential Impacts on Special Aquatic Sites
 
Sec. 230.44  Coral reefs.

    (a) Coral reefs consist of the skeletal deposit, usually of 
calcareous or silicaceous materials, produced by the vital activities of 
anthozoan polyps or other invertebrate organisms present in growing 
portions of the reef.
    (b) Possible loss of values: The discharge of dredged or fill 
material can adversely affect colonies of reef building organisms by 
burying them, by releasing contaminants such as hydrocarbons into the 
water column, by reducing light penetration through the water, and by 
increasing the level of suspended particulates. Coral organisms are 
extremely sensitive to even slight reductions in light penetration or 
increases in suspended particulates. These adverse effects will cause a 
loss of productive colonies which in turn provide habitat for many 
species of highly specialized aquatic organisms.