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The side-scan survey conducted in March 1998 was useful in identifying a new 

 potential reference area near WLIS to replace 2000W and fulfill the DAMOS protocol for 

 three reference areas. The survey data and sediment characterization show that SE-REF 

 meets sufficient reference area requirements, including proximity to WLIS, grain size, and 

 sediment chemistry. No compelling evidence of historic dredged material was found. 

 However, the reference area should be accepted with some caution. Although the benthic 

 conditions and ecology appeared to be very similar to WLIS, the water depth at SE-REF is 

 about 10 m shallower than WLIS. A patchy area detected in the side-scan images in the 

 southwest section of WLIS potentially may be weathered, historic dredged material or 

 glacial debris related to the small knoll feature that is to the south of the reference area. 

 SE-REF and its southern flank should be investigated further with a comprehensive 

 bathymetric survey during the next monitoring survey at WLIS. To insure the absence of 

 dredged material within SE-REF, we also recommend that at least seven stations be 

 occupied in fumre REMOTS® monitoring surveys at the reference area. 



Because historic dredged material has been detected throughout the region 

 surrounding WLIS, selection of potential reference areas is limited. Using a variety of 

 surveying techniques, we have located an area that is relatively free of historic dredged 

 material. The survey data show that SE-REF is a strong candidate for a reference area and 

 is representative of ambient conditions in the region. 



Monitoring Cruise at the WLIS Disposal Site, September 1997 and March 1998 



