[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 24]
[Revised as of July 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR230.22]

[Page 265]
 
                   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. 230.22  Water.

    (a) Water is the part of the aquatic ecosystem in which organic and 
inorganic constituents are dissolved and suspended. It constitutes part 
of the liquid phase and is contained by the substrate. Water forms part 
of a dynamic aquatic life-supporting system. Water clarity, nutrients 
and chemical content, physical and biological content, dissolved gas 
levels, pH, and temperature contribute to its life-sustaining 
capabilities.
    (b) Possible loss of environmental characteristics and values: The 
discharge of dredged or fill material can change the chemistry and the 
physical characteristics of the receiving water at a disposal site 
through the introduction of chemical constituents in suspended or 
dissolved form. Changes in the clarity, color, odor, and taste of water 
and the addition of contaminants can reduce or eliminate the suitability 
of water bodies for populations of aquatic organisms, and for human 
consumption, recreation, and aesthetics. The introduction of nutrients 
or organic material to the water column as a result of the discharge can 
lead to a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which in turn can lead 
to reduced dissolved oxygen, thereby potentially affecting the survival 
of many aquatic organisms. Increases in nutrients can favor one group of 
organisms such as algae to the detriment of other more desirable types 
such as submerged aquatic vegetation, potentially causing adverse health 
effects, objectionable tastes and odors, and other problems.