[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: 40CFR230.24]



[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.  230.24  Normal water fluctuations.



    (a) Normal water fluctuations in a natural aquatic system consist of 

daily, seasonal, and annual tidal and flood fluctuations in water level. 

Biological and physical components of such a system are either attuned 

to or characterized by these periodic water fluctuations.

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

discharge of dredged or fill material can alter the normal water-level 

fluctuation pattern of an area, resulting in prolonged periods of 

inundation, exaggerated extremes of high and low water, or a static, 

nonfluctuating water level. Such water level modifications may change 

salinity patterns, alter erosion or sedimentation rates, aggravate water 

temperature extremes, and upset the nutrient and dissolved oxygen 

balance of the aquatic ecosystem. In addition, these modifications can 

alter or destroy communities and populations of aquatic animals and 

vegetation, induce populations of nuisance organisms, modify habitat, 

reduce food supplies, restrict movement of aquatic fauna, destroy 

spawning areas, and change adjacent, upstream, and downstream areas.