[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: 40CFR230.53]



[Page 271-272]

 

                   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 F_Potential Effects on Human Use Characteristics

 

Sec.  230.53  Aesthetics.



    (a) Aesthetics associated with the aquatic ecosystem consist of the 

perception of beauty by one or a combination of the senses of sight, 

hearing, touch, and smell. Aesthetics of aquatic ecosystems apply to the 

quality of life enjoyed by the general public and property owners.

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

material can mar the beauty of natural aquatic ecosystems by degrading 

water quality, creating distracting disposal sites, inducing 

inappropriate development, encouraging unplanned and incompatible human 

access, and by destroying vital elements that contribute to the 

compositional harmony or unity, visual distinctiveness, or diversity of 

an area. The discharge of dredged or fill material can adversely affect 

the particular features, traits, or characteristics of an aquatic area 

which make it valuable to property owners. Activities which degrade 

water quality, disrupt natural substrate and vegetational 

characteristics, deny access to or visibility of the resource, or result 

in changes in odor, air quality, or noise



[[Page 272]]



levels may reduce the value of an aquatic area to private property 

owners.