![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.791666666666667in"
height="1.2222222222222223in"}**DRAFT\
Site Management/Monitoring Plan\
**

Umpqua River

Oregon\
\
Section 102 of the MPRSA\
Ocean Dredge Material Disposal (ODMD) Sites\
2008\
ABSTRACT

This Site Management/Monitoring Plan (SMMP) has been prepared jointly by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 10, and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, and describes management
and monitoring requirements for EPA-designated ODMD Sites located
offshore from Umpqua River, Oregon. Periodic review and updating of the
SMMP will occur on at least a 10-year schedule. All permits or other
authorizations to use Umpqua River ODMD Sites shall be conditioned as
necessary to assure consistency with this SMMP.

**Umpqua River ODMD Sites\
Site Management/Monitoring Plan\
**

**Table of Contents\
**

[Introduction 3](#introduction)

[Site Management Roles and Responsibilities
5](#site-management-roles-and-responsibilities)

[Baseline Definition 5](#baseline-definition)

[Site Definitions and Description 6](#site-definitions-and-description)

[Disposal Site Definitions 6](#disposal-site-definitions)

[Disposal Site Descriptions 6](#disposal-site-descriptions)

[Anticipated Site Use 7](#anticipated-site-use)

[Umpqua River Navigation Project Description
8](#umpqua-river-navigation-project-description)

[Site Management Objectives 8](#site-management-objectives)

[Site Monitoring and Special Studies
9](#site-monitoring-and-special-studies)

[Routine Monitoring 10](#routine-monitoring)

[Umpqua River ODMD Sites Routine Monitoring.
10](#umpqua-river-odmd-sites-routine-monitoring.)

[Special Studies 11](#special-studies)

[Restrictions and Requirements 11](#restrictions-and-requirements)

[Annual Summary Assessment Requirement
11](#annual-summary-assessment-requirement)

[Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements
12](#record-keeping-and-reporting-requirements)

[Inspection and Surveillance Provisions
12](#inspection-and-surveillance-provisions)

[Special Management Conditions or Practices
13](#special-management-conditions-or-practices)

[Placement Strategy 13](#placement-strategy)

[Equipment Considerations 13](#equipment-considerations)

[Quantity, Seasonal and Weather Restrictions
13](#quantity-seasonal-and-weather-restrictions)

[Equipment Requirements and Discharge Point
14](#equipment-requirements-and-discharge-point)

[Debris Removal Provisions 14](#debris-removal-provisions)

[Quantity of Material and Presence of Contamination
14](#quantity-of-material-and-presence-of-contamination)

[Site Management Plan Review and Revision
15](#site-management-plan-review-and-revision)

**LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES**

[Figure 1 : Umpqua River ODMD Sites and Vicinity.
4](#__RefHeading___Toc214075363)

# Introduction 

This Site Management/Monitoring Plan (SMMP) was prepared jointly by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA), and U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Portland District (USACE), and describes management
and monitoring requirements for the two EPA-designated sites, a North
Site and a South Site, located offshore from Umpqua River, Oregon
(figure 1). The SMMP becomes effective with the completion of site
designation.

It is the responsibility of the EPA and USACE to manage and monitor the
ODMD Sites designated by EPA pursuant to Section 102 of the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). SMMP provisions
establish requirements for all dredged material disposal activities at
the site. All Section 103 ocean disposal permits or evaluations will be
conditioned as necessary to assure consistency with the SMMP.

Guidance for the preparation of SMMPs for ODMD Sites in accordance with
the MPRSA, as amended, is provided in the joint EPA/USACE Guidance
Document for *Development of Site Management Plans for Ocean Dredged
Material Disposal Sites* (USACE/EPA 1996). This guidance document lays
out a recommended framework for site management plan development and
content. Specific management of designated ODMD Sites involves
regulating the times of use, the quantity and the physical/chemical
characteristics of dredged material that is dumped at the site; and
establishing disposal controls, conditions, and requirements to avoid
and minimize potential impacts to the marine environment. Appropriate
management of ODMD Sites is aimed at assuring that disposal activities
comply with permit requirements, site management objectives and
conditions, and do not unreasonably degrade or endanger human health,
welfare, the marine environment or economic potentialities. Monitoring
the sites and adjacent environs is a critical component of management to
verify compliance with requirements, objectives, and conditions to
ensure that unanticipated or significantly adverse effects are not
occurring from past or continued use of the disposal sites, and to
ensure that permit terms are met.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="6.009027777777778in"
height="8.436805555555555in"}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc214075363 .anchor}Figure 1 : Umpqua River ODMD
Sites and Vicinity.

# Site Management Roles and Responsibilities 

Ocean disposal is a federal, non-delegable program. Site designations
and management are a federal responsibility. Owing to the interactive
nature of regulating ocean disposal of dredged material, the functional
management of ocean dredged material disposal sites along the coast of
Oregon is shared between EPA, Region 10 and the USACE, Portland
District. The EPA and USACE will routinely consult on all decisions
regarding site use and management. The primary mechanism for
pre-disposal consultation will be the annual ODMD Site monitoring update
prepared by the Portland District.

The EPA may condition, terminate or restrict site use with cause. Region
10 is responsible for ocean disposal in ocean waters off the States of
Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, which includes the Umpqua River ODMD
Sites addressed in this SMMP.

The USACE is expected to be the primary user of the ODMD Sites for
dredged material from federal navigation projects. The USACE also issues
the permits for transportation of dredged material for the purpose of
ocean disposal, after consultation with and concurrence from the EPA in
compliance with these criteria.

## Baseline Definition 

Section 102(c)(3)(A) of the MPRSA requires that the SMMP include a
baseline assessment of conditions at the site. The record for the
Pacific Ocean off the Umpqua River includes over thirty years of studies
and surveys which are pertinent to dredged material management.
Assessments of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the
section of the north Pacific Ocean encompassing the Umpqua River ODMD
Sites is described in two EPA environmental studies (a 1991 draft
environmental impact statement and a 2008 environmental assessment) for
ODMD site designation, technical studies, and annual monitoring surveys.
There are no rare, unique, or critical habitats at or in the vicinity of
the ODMD Sites. The sites are situated within sight of land in an open
dynamic ocean environment. The seafloor is characterized as relatively
uniform and featureless with highly active shifting sands grading
westward into deeper water. The sites have not been used for disposal of
dredged material at the time of designation.

In general, Pacific Northwest ocean dumping sites are dispersive.
However, mounds (and potential navigation hazards) develop when more
material is placed in discrete locations than the ocean has capability
to disperse before the next disposal event. Current understanding and
experience indicate *generally slow dispersion* from mounds at ocean
depths greater than 18 meters, with dispersion steadily decreasing with
increasing depth. Much higher dispersion rates have been observed within
nearshore areas with depths shallower than 18 meters. The bathymetric
baseline for the Umpqua River ODMD Sites was established in 2008.

# Site Definitions and Description 

## Disposal Site Definitions 

For the purposes of management and monitoring of designated ODMD Sites
the following definitions are applicable:

Disposal Site: The sea bottom and overlying water column that is
described in the applicable *Federal Register* Final Rule designating
the individual site. A disposal site can consist of a placement area,
appropriate drop zones(s), and a buffer (if applicable).

Placement Area (also can be called disposal area): The area of the sea
bottom that will be immediately occupied by disposed dredged material
released at the water surface (1) on an annual use basis, and/or (2)
over the anticipated life of the disposal site. Generally, the placement
area for dispersive sites is designated and managed on a seasonal or
annual cycle. Material discharged and accumulating in the placement area
during the active disposal season is expected to be transported out of
the site and redistributed by natural forces (e.g., tides, currents,
waves) leaving the placement area with near its original capacity. The
placement area for non-dispersive sites are designed and managed for an
ultimate accumulated volume capacity or for a specific number of years.
Material discharged and accumulating in non-dispersive placement areas
is not expected to be transported outside the boundaries of the disposal
site, although natural forces may redistribute placed material on-site
immediately or over several years.

Drop Zone (also can be called target zone, release zone): A drop zone is
a defined area at the water surface within the placement area and within
which dredged material discharge may occur. Drop zones are a management
tool employed for the purpose of controlling where material discharged
at the surface will fall and accumulate on the bottom. Drop zones are
typically smaller than the placement area or are offset within the
placement area to account for the spread of material as it descends
through the water column and impacts on the bottom. The Drop Zone may be
further subdivided into "cells" for more specific placement control.

## Disposal Site Descriptions 

An EPA designated Interim ODMD Site, located approximately one-half mile
from the entrance, was initially used for disposal after its Interim
designation in 1977 (Figure 1). However, due to a later realignment of
the entrance channel, the approaches to the Umpqua River lie over the
Interim Site. Mounding was observed at this site in 1988, which raised
the concern of potential problems for navigation. The Portland District
recommended a new Adjusted Site in 1989, approximately 2,800 feet north
of the Interim Site, for final site designation by EPA. The Portland
District has used the Adjusted Section 103 Site under its authority
pursuant to Section 103 of the MPRSA since October 1991, disposing over
2 million cubic yards there. This site has also experienced mounding and
is no longer considered suitable for long-term use. Site use under
Section 103 expired at the end of the 2008 dredging season.

Two new ODMD Sites are proposed to be designated by EPA, Region 10. The
proposed North ODMD Site is approximately 4,000 feet northwest and the
proposed South ODMD Site is approximately 4,000 feet southwest from the
entrance to the Umpqua River (see Figure 1). The lineal dimensions,
boundary coordinates, and water depth variation for the proposed ODMD
Sites are: lineal dimension = 6,300 feet x 4,000 feet; axis azimuth =
270º; average depth = 75 feet; and with elevation variation equal to -30
feet to -120 feet MLLW. The corner coordinates (NAD 83) of the proposed
sites are:

**Proposed North Site Proposed South Site**

43° 41' 23.09"N 124° 14' 20.28"W 43° 39' 32.31"N 124° 14' 35.60"W

43° 41' 25.86"N 124° 12' 54.61"W 43° 39' 35.23"N 124° 13' 11.01"W

43° 40' 43.62"N 124° 14' 17.85"W 43° 38' 53.08"N 124° 14' 32.94"W

43° 40' 46.37"N 124° 12' 52.74"W 43° 38' 55.82"N 124° 13' 08.36"W

Components of the Disposal Sites: The Umpqua River ODMD Sites each
contain a drop zone, setback 500' from the site boundaries. Disposal
must occur within the drop zone. There will be no buffer zone.

Disposal Capacity: Based on sediment fate modeling conducted in 1998,
each site is expected to have the capacity to receive approximately
188,000 cy of dredged material per year for 20 years (or 3.8 million
cubic yards (mcy) each) without impacting the present wave climate.

The sites are primarily intended to receive suitable dredged material
from the USACE Umpqua River navigation project, other local USACE
projects, and appropriately permitted dredged material from non-USACE
projects. All dredged material to be disposed of in the ocean including
Corps' permits is subject to USEPA site management requirements in this
SMMP.

# Anticipated Site Use 

Section 102(c)(3)(E) of the MPRSA requires that the management plan
include consideration of the anticipated use of the site. Primary and
regular use of the Umpqua River ODMD Sites is expected by the Portland
District, Corps of Engineers, for maintenance material removed from the
federal navigation project, a summary of the Umpqua River federal
project is included in this SMMP. Recent (since 2000) maintenance
volumes dredged by the Corps from the Umpqua River navigation channel
and entrance channel have averaged 104,000 cy with a range from 246,200
cy in 2002 to 9,400 cy in 2005. Only material from Corps federal
projects has been placed in the ocean. It is expected that the ODMD
Sites may be used in the future for disposal of material dredged by
other public or private entities (e.g., the US Coast Guard or Port of
Umpqua) in accordance with Section 103 of the MPRSA. These disposals
would require Section 103 permits (which could be multiple-year
authorizations up to 7 years) from the Regulatory Branch of the USACE
upon EPA concurrence. Individual permits are typically public noticed
and require other federal consultations (e.g., Endangered Species Act,
Magnuson-Stevens Act) and authorizations (e.g., water quality
certification).

## Umpqua River Navigation Project Description 

The Umpqua River federal navigation project is located at the community
of Winchester Bay and near the City of Reedsport in Douglas County,
Oregon. The authorized project includes two jetties at the entrance. The
north jetty is 8,000-feet long and the south jetty is 4,200-feet long.
The authorized channel at the entrance is 26-feet deep and 400-feet
wide. The river channel, which is 22-feet deep and 200-feet wide,
extends from the entrance to Reedsport at RM 11.4. There are also
several adjacent channels, boat basins and turning basins A channel and
turning basin at Gardiner is authorized but is not currently maintained.

The Umpqua River federal navigation project was authorized for the
following purposes:

-   Decrease waiting times for vessels crossing the bar;

-   Provide a protected entrance for tugs, barges, and commercial
    fishing vessels;

-   Provide mooring facilities for small boats which take advantage of
    project facilities;

-   Permit barge and small boat traffic upstream to RM 11.7;

-   Provide a harbor of refuge; and

-   Maintain stable channel depths throughout the year.

# Site Management Objectives 

The primary objective of this SMMP is to provide for the safe and
efficient disposal of dredged material at the Umpqua River ODMD Sites
while minimizing effects to coastal resources. General objectives for
accomplishing this are to:

1.  Avoid creation of persistent mounds;

2.  Minimize impacts on coastal sediment circulation by keeping sediment
    in the littoral zone;

3.  Minimize long-term adverse effects to marine resources;

4.  Minimize interference with other uses of the ocean;

5.  Maintain safe navigation and commerce;

6.  Promote safe and efficient dredge operations; and

7.  Document disposal and monitoring activities at the ODMD Sites.

All these general site management objectives apply, however, additional
specific management restriction may be imposed. Specific individual site
objectives and restrictions will be periodically reassessed and/or
revised in the future.

## Site Monitoring and Special Studies 

Site monitoring is a key component of site management. The main purpose
of a disposal site monitoring program is to determine compliance with
site use requirements or conditions and whether dredged material site
management practices, including disposal operations, at the site need to
be changed to avoid unreasonable degradation or endangerment of human
health or welfare or the marine environment. These activities are
collectively referred to as "Routine Monitoring" throughout the SMMP.
Routine monitoring events may be triggered annually or some other time
period (e.g., five years), when a set volume of material has been
placed, or a combination of volume and chronology. Special Studies will
be undertaken as necessary to address specific questions or issues that
are not covered by routine monitoring events. Such situations could
include follow-up after an accident (e.g., spill of a material) or in
advance of use of a new type of equipment, or a different type of
material (e.g., rocks). The results of these Special Studies are
intended to refine future management objectives and practices, modify
routine monitoring requirements or reset Baseline conditions.

Potential decision outcomes resulting from routine monitoring of
disposal at one or both of the ODMD Sites include the following:

> **No Change:**
>
> No Change *Required* (e.g., routine monitoring reveals no cause for
> concern; disposal and monitoring continue as planned)
>
> No Change *Possible* (e.g., one-time event or accident; while there
> may be no change in disposal operations, other actions may be
> appropriate)
>
> **Additional Information Required:**
>
> Adjust routine monitoring (e.g., go to a higher intensity tier)\
> Special Study
>
> **Operational Change Required:**
>
> Scheduling (e.g., adjust time periods or rates of disposal)
>
> Adjust Placement of Material Within Site (e.g., place material in a
> different Drop Zone or in a different manner)
>
> Restrict Type or Quantity of Material Placed
>
> **Change Sites:**
>
> Relocate disposal activities from one site to another (i.e., days to
> weeks); follow-up with monitoring to determine if additional attention
> warranted).
>
> **Discontinue Disposal Site Use:**
>
> Cease Disposal\--Short-Term (e.g., 1 season) (A known temporary
> condition; follow-up with monitoring to determine if additional
> attention warranted).
>
> Cease Disposal\--Long-Term. Typically this would occur when routine
> monitoring or a Special Study confirms an unacceptable condition
> persists. This would require site modification or identification and
> designation of a new site(s).

## Routine Monitoring 

The 1996 Guidance Documentation (USACE/EPA, 1996) for developing
management plans states that continuous monitoring of all physical,
chemical, and biological parameters and resources in and around a
typical disposal site is not necessary.

Routine monitoring will generally consist of annual bathymetric
monitoring of dredge material disposal of the site, typically done in
the spring. The annual bathymetry will be compared to the baseline
survey from spring 2008, and in subsequent years, from the previous
year's survey. More intensive monitoring is employed when annual
bathymetry or direct field observation reveal persistent mounding. Only
the level of monitoring sufficient to address the specific management
questions at hand would be undertaken.

The following Specific Monitoring Objectives are identified for the
Umpqua River ODMD Sites:

-   Ensure that dredged material is being placed as required by this
    SMMP;

-   Ensure that the dredged material is behaving as predicted during
    placement (e.g.,\
    monitoring v. modeling);

-   Ensure that placement of dredged material does not create persistent
    and adverse wave-generating mounds (principally shallow water
    concern);

-   Assess the significance of potential impacts of disposal operations
    on the public safety and resources or resource use; and

-   Verify that material is moving out of the dispersive sites over
    time, as predicted,\
    providing long-term capacity without adverse effects.

## Umpqua River ODMD Sites Routine Monitoring. 

For management purposes, routine monitoring will concentrate on
determining how to distribute material. Bathymetric surveys will be
conducted annually. The number and length of transects required for
annual assessment will be sufficient to encompass the ODMD Sites and at
least a 500 feet wide perimeter around the site. Bathymetric surveys
will be used to monitor the disposal mound to assist in verification of
material placement, to monitor bathymetric changes and trends and to
insure that the site capacity is not exceeded, (i.e., that the Placement
Area does not exceed the site boundaries). The entire site is surveyed
to assess the potential capacity of the site (e.g., determining how much
of the previous year's disposed material has dispersed from the site).
Annual bathymetric profiles are evaluated for cumulative changes based
upon comparison of the Baseline and most complete surveys available with
the then-current survey results. This information will be provided as
part of the annual assessment report.

If mound heights appear to be increasing over time, more intensive
monitoring and/or management action will be taken. Such action may
consist of restricting placement to only certain portions of the ODMD
Sites or some other similar disposal or management action.

Monitoring the use of the ODMD Sites and surrounding area for biological
resources, and confirmatory characterization of sediment, physical,
biological, and chemical studies are expected to occur on an approximate
7 to 9 year schedule, with the first monitoring event to occur by 2016.
The level of effort for this reassessment is expected to be similar to
effort expended in the 2007 baseline studies at the ODMD Sites and
surrounding area. It is anticipated that such reassessments will be
documented as stand-alone reports to directly support monitoring efforts
at the Umpqua ODMD Sites.

## Special Studies 

Special Studies are non-routine studies of specified duration that are
intended to address specific questions or issues that are not covered by
routine monitoring events or that arise from routine monitoring. The
obvious need for a Special Study would be following an accident or
spill. Under such circumstances, the EPA and USACE would mutually scope
and conduct appropriate studies to determine the effect of the incident
on the site and whether specific contingency or possible enforcement
action would be necessary. The results of any Special Studies would be
used to refine future management objectives and practices, modify
routine monitoring requirements, or reset baseline conditions. Depending
on the objective of the study, technical assistance or advice would be
sought from other public agencies, and entities. It is anticipated that
special studies would be coordinated with the Northwestern Regional
Dredging Team. No Special Studies have been identified at this time.

# Restrictions and Requirements 

Only clean dredged material can be placed into the ocean under current
statutes and regulations. Sediment suitability must be documented prior
to disposal at the site following procedures approved by the Regional
Sediment Evaluation Team.

## Annual Summary Assessment Requirement 

The operational mechanism for use and monitoring of the site on an
annual basis as well as management decision-making will be the annual
summary report updates. The annual summary report for a given dredging
year is based on the results of the previous year's monitoring, the
pre-dredging/disposal hydrographic surveys (typically conducted in the
spring), and dredge operating parameters. The summary will focus on any
operational adjustments which should be implemented. It is expected that
the primary user of the ODMD Sites will be the USACE for material
dredged from federal projects. The summary will identify the capacities
of the ODMD Sites, expected volumes to be discharged, dredging and
disposal techniques, timings and locations, routine monitoring or
special studies, and other considerations drawing on the then-current
site use conditions and SMMP. The USACE, either as user of the site or
as permitting authority, will take the lead to draft the summary and
provide it to EPA. Once reviewed by EPA, the summary will constitute the
template for that year's disposal. EPA recognizes that the summary
cannot anticipate every operational situation and that day-to-day
flexibility in dredging and disposal decisions will be necessary.
However, the user will make every effort to consult with EPA and seek
their concurrence before changes are initiated, for example, decisions
to increase the spacing between the dumping positions, to shift disposal
operations to other portions of the site, to redistribute material at a
site, or to make other significant changes in site use or management.

## Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements 

Daily records are required of dredgers indicating where material was
dredged and where and how material was placed. Also required to be
recorded are start and endpoint coordinates for each load placed. An
annual summary report of quantities dredged and placed at each site will
be prepared and provided to EPA.

Data from any routine monitoring or special studies will be compiled and
submitted to the EPA (ATTN: Region 10, Ocean Dumping Coordinator). These
results will be evaluated by EPA and the USACE and these agencies will
attempt to make consensus decisions concerning the need for management
changes regarding the site. In addition, the USACE is expected to notify
EPA 15days prior to the beginning of a dredging cycle or project
disposal. Holders of Section 103 permits will notify EPA not less than
10 days prior to use of the Umpqua River ODMD Sites.

## Inspection and Surveillance Provisions 

Contract dredges are periodically inspected by USACE personnel to ensure
dredging and disposal in the correct locations. USACE dredges are
responsible for ensuring their proper positioning. The United States
Coast Guard (USCG) has a surveillance role under the MPRSA. EPA will
typically utilize the inspection and surveillance capabilities of these
agencies; however, EPA may choose to implement its own inspection and
surveillance requirements using EPA personnel and/or contractors. It is
expected that EPA may coordinate with the USACE on any special
inspections and surveillance.

# Special Management Conditions or Practices 

The following Special Management Conditions will be implemented at
Umpqua River.

## Placement Strategy 

The placement strategy has a large influence on the consequences of
disposal in any site. Placement strategies vary, ranging from individual
dumps to the long-term distribution of material. Both EPA and USACE
policy establishes a preference for beneficial use of dredged material
when practical. The intermediate and particularly the shallow nearshore
portions of the North and South Sites are judged to have greater
potential to provide a positive benefit as dispersion of sediments is
inshore toward the beaches as well as along existing bathymetric
contours. Accordingly, any sandy material going to the ocean must
preferentially use the nearshore area. Exceptions to this requirement
may include: (1) material or equipment incompatibility; (2) weather or
navigation safety (e.g., use of multiple dredges) conflicts; (3)
expected volumes exceed annual capacity in any year; (4) conflict with
non-federal conditions; and/or (5) specific restriction or direction by
EPA.

A Uniform Placement Strategy will be applied to both sites; however, the
specific manner in which this strategy will be applied at each site may
differ due to the greater dispersive or less-dispersive characteristics
of different depth zones. Application of "uniform placement" is most
critical to each annual disposal series, and particularly for the
nearshore zone. Application of "uniform placement" is more of a expected
outcome over the long-term and multiple-year disposals, particularly in
the offshore zones where dispersal is very slow.

## Equipment Considerations 

The type of dredge used influences the dimensions of the individual and
cumulative dump mound. No specific disposal technique is required at the
Umpqua River ODMD Sites. For the hopper dredges that commonly work at
Umpqua River, such as the USACE's multiple bottom-door hopper dredge
Yaquina, each load would produce a thinner deposit than the split-hull
contract hopper dredges at any given water depth. Material discharged
from a split-hull barge is typically more consolidated than material
discharged from a multiple bottom-door hopper dredge. Only hopper
dredges can be used at the Umpqua River entrance channel due to waves
and currents. Clam shell dredges with barges can be used at estuary
sites such as Winchester Bay and harbor.

## Quantity, Seasonal and Weather Restrictions 

Quantities placed at the site will vary year-to-year depending on
shoaling of the project and will be monitored. Disposal volumes and
placement will be closely monitored and documented, to verify uniform
placement, and to assess dispersive capability. Adverse sea and weather
conditions limit dredging and disposal to a period typically from June
through October. No other seasonal restrictions are considered necessary
at this time. Even during the dredging season, storm events can restrict
disposal events. In the event monitoring results reveal the need for
additional time restrictions, disposal activities will be scheduled so
as to avoid adverse impacts.

## Equipment Requirements and Discharge Point 

Hopper dredges or clamshell and barge operations could include USACE and
private contract dredges. All such operations are required to meet all
US Coast Guard requirements for safety. They are also required to use
modern global positioning equipment capable of fixing their location
within plus or minus 3 feet to ensure that material is placed within the
designated disposal sites.

## Debris Removal Provisions 

Debris is material that could cause interference with particular uses of
the ocean. Floatable debris comprises material such as logs that could
cause navigation hazards or solids, such as plastic or wood chunks that
could foul beaches. Non-floatable debris comprises material that could
reasonably be expected to cause conflicts with bottom-net or trawl
fishing. As a general rule, non-floatable, non-sediment materials that
would pass through a 24-inch x 24-inch mesh is not considered debris if
it is dredged as part of the sediment matrix.

The USACE or EPA may make dredging or disposal area inspections to
ensure that the contractor is in compliance with the approved operating
plans, and that debris is removed prior to discharge at ODMD Sites. The
need for such a requirement will be assessed during the planning or
permitting process. Floatable debris must be either removed at the
dredging area or picked out of the water at the disposal area.
Sediments, which contain debris that is not easily removed, may require
screening through a 24-inch x 24-inch mesh. The mesh must be
periodically cleaned and the debris disposed of according to the
approved dredging and disposal plan. Hopper and pipeline dredges are
incapable of picking up large debris.

Discharge of debris at ODMD Sites is prohibited. Typically the planning
or permitting process assesses the potential risks of any debris that
could be encountered during dredging. Dredging contractors and USACE
dredge captains are required to maintain a record of the handling of
debris encountered during dredging and disposal. Compliance inspectors
may review these records. Copies of these records may be required as
part of annual reporting.

# Quantity of Material and Presence of Contamination 

Section 102(c)(3)(D) of the MPRSA requires that management plans include
consideration of the quantity of the material to be disposed of at the
site, and the presence, nature, and bioavailability of the contaminants
in the material.

The rate and direction of movement across the ODMD Site boundaries is
determined by physical transport mechanisms. Depending on these
transport mechanisms and the nature of the material, transport may be
rapid and continuous, or may occur only during episodic events, such as
storms or seasonal changes in transport mechanisms.

Only clean dredged material can be placed into the ocean under current
statutes and regulations; there is no need for further restriction on
material suitability. Material suitability must be documented prior to
disposal at the site. This is typically completed as part of regulatory
permitting (non-Corps) or the Corps' substantive review process. All
sediments to be placed at the ODMD Sites will be evaluated according to
then-current requirements of the MPRSA, national guidance, and
local/regional manual and determined to be suitable for that purpose.
Representatives of the USACE Portland District, EPA Region 10, other
federal agencies and the States of Oregon and Washington comprise the
Regional Sediment Evaluation Team (RSET), which have developed a
comprehensive Sediment Evaluation Framework (SEF) for the Pacific
Northwest under the direction of the Northwestern Regional Dredging Team
(RDT). It is expected that the interagency RSET through the local
Project Review Group (PRG) will be used to evaluate the suitability of
sediments. The current and future RSET evaluation procedures are
designed to be consistent with the MPRSA.

Characterization records of dredged material approved to be disposed at
any of the Umpqua River ODMD Sites will typically be retained by the
USACE---either as the entity responsible for the dredging and disposal
(Planning and/or O&M program) or the permitting agency (regulatory
permits). USACE O&M projects sediment evaluation report are to be posted
upon the web at <https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/ec/dme.asp> .
Ultimately, all sediment data will be routinely entered into the
Northwestern RDT sediment database where it would be publicly available.
Secondary copies of characterizations will be retained by EPA.

# Site Management Plan Review and Revision 

Section 102(c)(3)(F) of the MPRSA requires that the management plan
include a schedule for review and revision of the plan. Revisions to the
SMMP will be made as determined necessary by EPA. Should the results of
monitoring or special studies indicate that the continued use of any
ODMD Sites would lead to unacceptable effects, this SMMP will be
modified as necessary to mitigate the adverse effects. While minor
refinements to SMMP elements are expected during the first 10 years, no
substantive revision of the SMMP is anticipated before 2018. At least
every 10 years thereafter throughout the life of the sites, EPA will
conduct a substantive review of the SMMP. These reviews will involve
coordination with other agencies, technical experts, and stakeholders.

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