1982 
204 
Environmental Impact Statement for New York Dredged Material 
Disposal Site Designation, United States Environmental 
Protection Agency, Office of Water Criteria and Standards 
Division (January 1982) 
Summary: 
* The ELS considers several disposal sites in an effort to 
confer final designation of an ocean site in accordance with 
the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) 
and EPA regulations. 
* Areas outside the Apex -- offshore New Jersey or Long 
Island and off the continental shelf -- were considered as 
possible alternative locations. MIhey wereerejected due to 
possible conflicts with biotic resources (fish and shellfish) 
or mineral resources (oil and gas development and pipelines) , 
unknown environmental effects (for deep-ocean sites) and 
added economic costs without significant environmental bene- 
FILES < 
* Non-ocean alternatives have limited volumetric capacities 
and cannot receive the bulk of the dredged material. 
* Beneficial effects of conferring final designation for 
the Mud Dump site include: 1) the site is within the region 
of influence from previous dumping activities; 2) within 
the influence of the Hudson-Raritan Plume; 3) within the 
shellfish closure zone; 4) not filled to capacity with dredged 
material; 5) there has been considerable research and monitor- 
ing of the site; and 6) areas outside the site are not sig- 
nificantly affected because dredged material has not moved 
substantial distances after dumping. 
* Biological productivity in the Apex is high. Commercial 
and recreational fishing activities occur throughout the 
area. Tropical and boreal migrants seasonally extend their 
ranges into the Bight, resulting in high abundance and diver- 
sity of finfish. Spawning, nursery and feeding areas occur 
over the entire Bight. 
* Most environmental changes resulting from disposal are 
limited to the site. None of the effects preclude ocean 
disposal of dredged material. Management of the site and 
disposal operations based on monitoring data, as well as 
designating precise dumping areas or establishing areas 
closed to shellfishing, can minimize the potential adverse 
effects of dredged material. 
* Several Federal departments and agencies participate in 
the implementation of MPRSA with the lead responsibility 
given to EPA. EPA issues ocean dumping regulations and 
criteria which establish review procedures for dredged mat- 
erial permits, permit conditions, environmental impact assess- 
ment and designation and management of ocean disposal sites. 
