[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: 40CFR230.53]

[Page 270-271]
 
                   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

[[Page 271]]

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.