[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: 40CFR230.43]

[Page 269]
 
                   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. 230.43  Vegetated shallows.

    (a) Vegetated shallows are permanently inundated areas that under 
normal circumstances support communities of rooted aquatic vegetation, 
such as turtle grass and eelgrass in estuarine or marine systems as well 
as a number of freshwater species in rivers and lakes.
    (b) Possible loss of values: The discharge of dredged or fill 
material can smother vegetation and benthic organisms. It may also 
create unsuitable conditions for their continued vigor by: (1) Changing 
water circulation patterns; (2) releasing nutrients that increase 
undesirable algal populations; (3) releasing chemicals that adversely 
affect plants and animals; (4) increasing turbidity levels, thereby 
reducing light penetration and hence photosynthesis; and (5) changing 
the capacity of a vegetated shallow to stabilize bottom materials and 
decrease channel shoaling. The discharge of dredged or fill material may 
reduce the value of vegetated shallows as nesting, spawning, nursery, 
cover, and forage areas, as well as their value in protecting shorelines 
from erosion and wave actions. It may also encourage the growth of 
nuisance vegetation.