1.0 INTRODUCTION 



1. The Western Long Island Sound (WLIS) disposal site is 

 located 2.5 nautical miles north of Lloyd Point between two 

 previously used disposal sites designated as the Stamford and 

 Eatons Neck dumping grounds. Currents in the area are known to 

 flow generally in an east-west direction with maximum tidal 

 velocities on the order of 25 cm/sec. The wave climate at the 

 site is controlled primarily by the fetch distance, which is only 

 significant in an easterly direction. SAIC's baseline sampling 

 of the WLIS disposal site, conducted in January 1982, found that 

 the depth in the center of the site was approximately 3 2 meters 

 and that the sediments consisted primarily of fine silts and 

 clays. At that time, the smooth topography of the site 

 contrasted with the rougher topography of the surrounding area 

 which was the result of previous disposal operations. 



2. Disposal operations have taken place in the WLIS 

 disposal site since 1982. In August 1985, a survey was conducted 

 at the WLIS site to determine the effectiveness of management 

 controls placed on the disposal of dredged material to minimize 

 dispersal and environmental impacts. Precision bathymetric 

 analysis was used to document the accumulation of material at the 

 WLIS site, while REMOTS technology, grab samples, and direct 

 underwater observations were used to characterize the sediments 

 and biological community. Sediment samples were sent to NED for 

 standard chemical and physical analyses. 



3. An additional bathymetric survey was conducted in 

 October 1985 to determine the effect of the passage of Hurricane 

 Gloria on the disposal mounds and surrounding bottom. Precision 

 bathymetric data was collected and compared with the August 

 survey to detect large-scale changes in the volume and 

 distribution of dredged material. Sediment samples were 

 collected for chemical analysis to detect any transport of 

 contaminated material. A REMOTS survey was also performed to 

 document changes in benthic conditions and locate appropriate 

 stations for possible future BRAT studies. BRAT sampling 

 techniques include sediment grabs and fish trawls. The benthic 

 organisms in the sediment are classified by size and compared 

 with the same size classes of prey organisms found in the 

 stomachs of demersal fish caught in the area. Analysis of this 

 data determines the area's potential as a fisheries resource. 



2 . BATHYMETRY 



4. A bathymetric survey was conducted at the WLIS disposal 

 site on 23 August 1985 utilizing the SAIC Integrated Navigation 

 and Data Acquisition System (INDAS) to provide precise 

 positioning control. Figure 2-1 presents the survey grid 

 performed at WLIS. This survey contains both WLIS "A" and "B" 

 disposal points, as well as the most recent disposal location 

 designated as "C". The active disposal point was moved to create 



