Proposal for An Environmental Survey of Effects of Dredging and Spoil Disposal in the Thames River and New London Dumping Ground

摘要

Specific objectives of the proposed research include the following: (1) Develop information about effects of spoil disposal from the Thames River in the New London disposal site on existing benthic populations in and near the site. Effects will be measured in terms of biomass, species diversity, species abundance. (2) Develop information about the hydrography of the New London disposal site and adjacent areas, with particular emphasis on understanding current patterns which will enable prediction of direction and extent of movement of spoil material. (3) Develop information about levels of selected contaminants in sediments and marine organisms from dredge and disposal areas, and examine any changes in levels of such materials in areas peripheral to the disposal site. (4) Develop information about the historical and present status of shellfish beds and crustacean and finfish populations in the dredge and disposal areas. (5) Develop information about sediment transport from the disposal site, particularly as it relates to extent of movement of suspended material. (6) Conduct periodic surveys during and after Phase I dredging to determine whether harmful environmental changes occur. (7) Report on any findings of environmental changes on a timely basis to the Interagency Scientific Advisory Subcommittee on Ocean Dredging and other appropriate agencies.