[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: 40CFR230.43]



[Page 270]

 

                   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 E_Potential Impacts on Special Aquatic Sites

 

Sec.  230.43  Vegetated shallows.



    (a) Vegetated shallows are permanently inundated areas that under 

normal circumstances support communities of rooted aquatic vegetation, 

such as turtle grass and eelgrass in estuarine or marine systems as well 

as a number of freshwater species in rivers and lakes.

    (b) Possible loss of values: The discharge of dredged or fill 

material can smother vegetation and benthic organisms. It may also 

create unsuitable conditions for their continued vigor by: (1) Changing 

water circulation patterns; (2) releasing nutrients that increase 

undesirable algal populations; (3) releasing chemicals that adversely 

affect plants and animals; (4) increasing turbidity levels, thereby 

reducing light penetration and hence photosynthesis; and (5) changing 

the capacity of a vegetated shallow to stabilize bottom materials and 

decrease channel shoaling. The discharge of dredged or fill material may 

reduce the value of vegetated shallows as nesting, spawning, nursery, 

cover, and forage areas, as well as their value in protecting shorelines 

from erosion and wave actions. It may also encourage the growth of 

nuisance vegetation.