[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: 40CFR230.22]



[Page 265-266]

 

                   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



[[Page 266]]



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.