stability, (b) the initial effects of dredging and subsequent recolonization, 

 (c) the effects of disposal of dredged material on the benthos and subsequent 

 recovery of the fauna, and (d) the role of fauna distribution and reproductive 

 abilities on the recovery or recolonization of disturbed areas. Experimental 

 burial and dredging were conducted. The results suggest that the underwater 

 disposal of dredged material should be made in unstable areas, if possible. 

 Also, the ultimate recovery or recolonization of a dredged area or a disposal 

 area depends on the timing of the action in relation to the reproductive 

 cycles and distributive abilities of the benthic organisms present in and 

 around the area. 



123. ORTOLANO, L., and HILL, W.W., "An Analysis of Environmental Statements 

 for Corps of Engineers Water Projects," Report No. 72-3, Institute of 

 Water Resources, Washington, D.C., 1572. 



This study presents the results of an intensive analysis of 234 Corps 

 of Engineers Environmental Impact Statements prepared according to Section 

 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) . The analysis includes 

 a detailed catalog and summary of impacts included in the statement for: proj- 

 ects on coastal waters, including dredging, spoil disposal, breakwaters, 

 jetties and groins, revetments, dikes and barriers; and projects on inland 

 waters including channelization, dams and reservoirs, levees, dredging spoil 

 disposal, construction and other miscellaneous structures and activities. In 

 addition, the analysis catalogs and summarizes the impacts of various project 

 purposes. A summary of the coverage of other points required by Section 

 102(2) (C) of NEPA is also included. The proper role of environmental statements 

 is suggested and, within that context, an assessment of the 134 statements 

 is rendered, together with suggestions for improvement. 



124. PARR, R.A., "Harbor Dredging and Benthic Infauna; A Case Study," unpub- 

 lished M.S. Thesis, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oreg., 1973. 



This study of the localized effects of a small dredging operation on the 

 benthic invertebrate community in the shipping channel of Coos Bay, Oregon, was 

 designed (a) to measure the extent of the physical removal of benthic macro- 

 fauna and meiofauna by hopper dredging, (b) to record the subsequent benthic 

 response effects of midchannel spoiling, and (c) to monitor the rate and pattern 

 of biological readjustments in the affected areas. Samples were taken before 

 and after dredging. Faunal abundance, taxa composition, species diversity, 

 and qualitative sediment characteristics were studied. Immediate declines in 

 faunal abundance were temporary and readjusted to predredging levels within 

 28 days. Temporary increases in diversity reflected changes in the relative 

 abundance of taxa arising from siltation and burial of organisms. Following 

 readjustment, populations increased in all areas except the dredge channel. 

 Localized population declines are hypothesized to have resulted from the unsuit- 

 ability of newly exposed sediment for settlement of pelagic larvae. It is also 

 hypothesized that periodic disruption of the sediment surface by small-scale 

 maintenance dredging may have less direct effect on the benthic community than 

 the daily presence of heavy shipping and industrial and domestic pollution. 



125. PEDDICORD, R. , and McFARLAND, V., "Effects of Suspended Dredged Material 

 on the Commercial Crab, Canoev magister," Proceedings of the Specialty 

 Conference on Dredging and Its Environmental Effects, Mobile, Ala., Jan. 

 1976, pp. 633-644. 



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