12 __^_ 



disposed on a level seafloor. Bathymetric measurements of the actual seafloor showed the 

 mounds to be shorter with a more complex shape than predicted by computer models. 



1.3.3 September 1997 Monitoring Survey 



The specific objectives of the September 1997 New London Disposal Site 

 monitoring survey were to: 



• Assess the benthic recolonization status of the NL-94 mound, as well as the NL- 

 91 and D/S mound complex, relative to the three reference areas surrounding 

 NLDS; 



• Perform a detailed master bathymetric survey of the region surrounding NLDS 

 as defined by the 1982 FPEIS; 



• Document and delineate the changes in bottom topography (accumulation and 

 consolidation) in the areas of concentrated disposal since August 1995. 



Analyses of data collected during the September 1997 field effort at NLDS were 

 used to test two hypotheses consistent with the DAMOS Tiered Monitoring Protocols 

 (Germano et al. 1994). First, it was hypothesized that the past two years of disposal 

 activity at NLDS had resulted in the formation of a wide sediment mound encompassing 

 material deposited at the NDA-95 buoy, while the limited volume of material deposited at 

 the NDA-96 buoy had broadened the southwest apron of the NL-94 Mound. Second, a 

 healthy benthic assemblage with Stage III individuals was expected at the older disposal 

 mounds, including the NL-91 and D/S mound complex, as well as the NL-94 Mound. 



1.3.4 July 1998 Monitoring Survey 



Field operations at the NLDS in July 1998 consisted of a 1000 x 1000 m 

 bathymetric survey and REMOTS® sediment-profile photography. These surveys repeated 

 those conducted in 1997. 



The objectives of the 1998 monitoring surveys were to: 



• Assess the benthic recolonization status of the NL-91 and D/S mound complex 

 relative to the three reference areas surrounding the NLDS and to the 1997 

 survey; 



Monitoring Cruise at the New London Disposal Site, 1992 - 1998 



