used as zones of primary control to allow comparisons between the surface sediments of 

 the disposal mounds and ambient bottom. CLIS-REF (41°08.085' N, 72°50.109' W), 

 2500W (41°09.254' N, 72°55.569' W), and 4500E (41°09.254' N, 72°50.565' W) are 

 devoid of dredged material and physically, chemically, and biologically represent the 

 ambient bottom of CLIS. The DAMOS Program uses a multiple reference approach to 

 strengthen the statistical models as well as provide contingencies for acute benthic 

 disturbances (i.e., trawling) that affect smaller areas of seafloor at a reference site before 

 or during field operations causing degradation of the data collected. 



The objectives of the September 1995 field operations were to 



• conduct two bathymetric surveys over CLIS to examine any topographical 

 changes in the NHAV 93 mound and delineate the dredged material footprint of 

 the new CLIS 94 capped mound; 



• assess the benthic recolonization status of the NHAV 93, CLIS 94, and FVP 

 mounds relative to the three surrounding CLIS reference areas; and 



• sample the various layers of sediment that make up the NHAV 93 mound and 

 quantify the amount of dredged material consolidation and de-watering within 

 those layers. 



The September 1995 field effort tested the following predictions: 



• Small to moderate amounts of consolidation will be found over the majority of 

 the NHAV 93 mound, while the CLIS 94 mound will be of moderate size, 

 conical in shape, and fully capped. 



• The sediments of NHAV 93 are expected to be supporting Stage II and Stage III 

 individuals over the surface of the mound in accordance with the DAMOS tiered 

 monitoring protocols. 



• The benthic community over the CLIS 94 mound should consist primarily of 

 Stage I individuals with some progression into Stage II assemblages as predicted 

 by the DAMOS tiered monitoring protocols. 



• The conditions over the FVP mound should have returned to a state similar to 

 the three CLIS reference areas; however, seasonal changes in water quality 

 parameters may increase the susceptibility of the benthic community to 

 environmental stress relative to the reference areas. 



Monitoring Cruise at the Central Long Island Sound Disposal Site, September 1995 



