[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: 40CFR230.53]

[Page 268]
 
                   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 F--Potential Effects on Human Use Characteristics
 
Sec. 230.53  Aesthetics.

    (a) Aesthetics associated with the aquatic ecosystem consist of the 
perception of beauty by one or a combination of the senses of sight, 
hearing, touch, and smell. Aesthetics of aquatic ecosystems apply to the 
quality of life enjoyed by the general public and property owners.
    (b) Possible loss of values: The discharge of dredged or fill 
material can mar the beauty of natural aquatic ecosystems by degrading 
water quality, creating distracting disposal sites, inducing 
inappropriate development, encouraging unplanned and incompatible human 
access, and by destroying vital elements that contribute to the 
compositional harmony or unity, visual distinctiveness, or diversity of 
an area. The discharge of dredged or fill material can adversely affect 
the particular features, traits, or characteristics of an aquatic area 
which make it valuable to property owners. Activities which degrade 
water quality, disrupt natural substrate and vegetational 
characteristics, deny access to or visibility of the resource, or result 
in changes in odor, air quality, or noise levels may reduce the value of 
an aquatic area to private property owners.