[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: 40CFR230.23]



[Page 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.  230.23  Current patterns and water circulation.



    (a) Current patterns and water circulation are the physical 

movements of water in the aquatic ecosystem. Currents and circulation 

respond to natural forces as modified by basin shape and cover, physical 

and chemical characteristics of water strata and masses, and energy 

dissipating factors.

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

discharge of dredged or fill material can modify current patterns and 

water circulation by obstructing flow, changing the direction or 

velocity of water flow, changing the direction or velocity of water flow 

and circulation, or otherwise changing the dimensions of a water body. 

As a result, adverse changes can occur in: Location, structure, and 

dynamics of aquatic communities; shoreline and substrate erosion and 

depositon rates; the deposition of suspended particulates; the rate and 

extent of mixing of dissolved and suspended components of the water 

body; and water stratification.