JACKSONVILLE ODMDS DESIGNATION

M. Rau, J. Seitz, C. Smith, N. Lombardero – ANAMAR Environmental Consulting, Inc.Chris McArthur – USEPA Region 4

P. Griffin, J. Verhagen, A. Patterson – USACE Jacksonville District

Jacksonville ODMDS Designation: Site Selection Process and Characterization Studies

Outline• Current ODMDSs• Guidance• Purpose and Need• ODMDS Designation

Process• Project Coordination• Alternatives Evaluation• Site Designation

Surveys• Preferred Site Selection

Total = 82 ODMDS in 7 EPA Regions

ODMDS

Guidance• Marine Protection,

Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA)

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

• 40 CFR 228• EPA Region 4 – USACE

SAD Ocean Disposal of Dredged Material MOU

1) Minimize adverse environmental effects, as well as the interference of dumping activities with other activities in the marine environment;

2) Ensure that temporary perturbations in water quality are reduced to normal ambient seawater levels before reaching any beach, shoreline, marine sanctuary, or geographically limited fishery.

All discharges will meet applicable water quality standards.

Objectives

Process1. Demonstrate a need for an ODMDS2. Conduct a constraints analysis3. Conduct reconnaissance surveys4. Conduct site designation surveys5. Evaluate the Alternatives using USEPA

general and specific criteria (40 CFR Part 228)

6. Document the findings in the EIS and identify the preferred alternative

7. Proceed with rulemaking published in the Federal Register

USEPA Lead Agency

USACE Cooperating

AgencyANAMAR Consultant

USEPA Internal Coordination

NEPAAir QualityFisheries

Water Quality

USACE Internal Coordination

OperationsSocioeconomics

GeotechnicalT&E Species

Archaeological

Interagency CoordinationNOAA-NMFS

USFWSFWCFDEPSHPO

Public/Stakeholders CoordinationJAXPORT

Naval Station MayportShrimp Producers Assoc.

Jax Offshore Sport Fishing ClubSt. Johns Bar/Jax Pilots Assoc.

ScubanautsCity of Jacksonville

Coordination

ODMDS Designation

Team

Based on observed mounding, future capacity modeling, dredging volumes, limited capacity at existing CDFs, and

estimates of future proposed projects.

Need

Historically, the Jacksonville ODMDS has supported maintenance and new work material:

• Jacksonville Harbor Navigation Channel

• Naval Station Mayport

The new ODMDS will continue to support these projects including any new work (i.e., Jacksonville Harbor Deepening)

Jacksonville ODMDS

ZSF Study

A Zone of Siting Feasibility Analysis evaluates the

operational and economic feasibility of various disposal

locations for future maintenance and new work

scenarios.

5 nau

tical

mile

s

BCR=1.17

10 nautical

miles BCR=1.07

15 nautical miles BCR=0.98

Jacksonville ODMDS

Biological, Socioeconomic, Recreational, Cultural, and Mineral Resources

Existing Resources

EPA Criteria: Minimize interference with other activities

(fisheries, recreation, navigation)

Stakeholder/Agency Coordination

Surveys/Modeling/Analysis• Threatened and Endangered

Species (e.g., North Atlantic Right Whale, sea turtles, etc.)

• Hardbottoms and other geographically limited benthic habitats

• Essential Fish Habitat

• Commercial Fisheries (e.g., shrimping)

• Socioeconomic Considerations

• Recreation

• Cultural Resources

• Mineral Resources

Sidescan Sonar

Surveys

Chemical and Physical

Testing

Epifaunaland Infaunal

Surveys

Surveys

Physical and Chemical Characteristics:• Water • Sediment• Bioaccumulation (crustaceans, fishes)

Community Characteristics:• Benthic infaunal communities• Epifaunal invertebrates• Demersal fish communities• Federally managed taxa• Nonindigenous taxa

Surveys

Currently, Alternatives 1 and 2 are preferred. Coordinating with agencies on final site selection.

Final EIS – anticipated Winter 2012-2013

Thank you for attending today’s presentation!

Questions/Comments:Please feel free to contact

Michelle Raumrau@anamarinc.comwww.anamarinc.com

Or stop by ANAMAR’s booth!