[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: 40CFR230.44]



[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.  230.44  Coral reefs.



    (a) Coral reefs consist of the skeletal deposit, usually of 

calcareous or silicaceous materials, produced by the vital activities of 

anthozoan polyps or other invertebrate organisms present in growing 

portions of the reef.

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

material can adversely affect colonies of reef building organisms by 

burying them, by releasing contaminants such as hydrocarbons into the 

water column, by reducing light penetration through the water, and by 

increasing the level of suspended particulates. Coral organisms are 

extremely sensitive to even slight reductions in light penetration or 

increases in suspended particulates. These adverse effects will cause a 

loss of productive colonies which in turn provide habitat for many 

species of highly specialized aquatic organisms.