northern region of the disposal site but was not yet fully 

 established in the south, within the area of observed dredged 

 material. However, there was no evidence to indicate that the 

 infaunal community will not return to an assemblage similar to the 

 reference areas after more time is allowed for further 

 establishment of Stage III taxa. 



5 . CONCLUSIONS 



The small volume of sediment deposited at Saco Bay 

 appeared to be confined to an area near the center and south and 

 west of the former buoy position. The southern and western limits 

 of the dredged sediment were not fully surveyed, but volume 

 calculations based on REMOTS® images indicate that this extension 

 was not large. Errors in scow positioning was the most likely 

 explanation for the lateral distribution of dredged material, 

 although there is also some evidence for sediment dispersal by 

 bottom currents. 



Benthic recolonization at the site was largely as 

 expected (Stage II going to Stage III) , although Stage I and Stage 

 I over III seres were also present in the region of dredged 

 sediment disposal. Stage III taxa were observed recolonizing the 

 area affected by dredged sediment disposal, and with further time 

 it is expected that this region will return to an assemblage 

 similar to the reference areas. 



