[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 40, Volume 24]

[Revised as of July 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 40CFR230.20]



[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.  230.20  Substrate.



    Note: The effects described in this subpart should be considered in 

making the factual determinations and the findings of compliance or non-

compliance in subpart B.





    (a) The substrate of the aquatic ecosystem underlies open waters of 

the United States and constitutes the surface of wetlands. It consists 

of organic and inorganic solid materials and includes water and other 

liquids or gases that fill the spaces between solid particles.

    (b) Possible loss of environmental characteristics and values: The 

discharge of dredged or fill material can result in varying degrees of 

change in the complex physical, chemical, and biological characteristics 

of the substrate. Discharges which alter substrate elevation or contours 

can result in changes in water circulation, depth, current pattern, 

water fluctuation and water temperature. Discharges may adversely affect 

bottom-dwelling organisms at the site by smothering immobile forms or 

forcing mobile forms to migrate. Benthic forms present prior to a 

discharge are unlikely to recolonize on the discharged material if it is 

very dissimilar from that of the discharge site. Erosion, slumping, or 

lateral displacement of surrounding bottom of such deposits can 

adversely affect areas of the substrate outside the perimeters of the 

disposal site by changing or destroying habitat. The bulk and 

composition of the discharged material and the location, method, and 

timing of discharges may all influence the degree of impact on the 

substrate.