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and turning basins associated with the primary function of 

 the facility. A large upland area near the ponds recommended 

 for natural landmark status has been diked, and dredge spoil 

 in a saline water mixture has been deposited. There has been 

 some seepage of salt water from beneath the dike. This has 

 destroyed or damaged the natural vegetation in several sinks 

 near the dike. Minor damage is apparent in one sink 

 recommended by this study. The other four appear not to have 

 been damaged. They appear to be far enough away to be out of 

 danger. Several potential sinks were damaged and rejected 

 because of the loss of natural vegetation. 



This impoundment is expected to serve for about ten 

 years. A new impoundment is under construction near the southern 

 end of the property. Its use will not endanger the selected 

 ponds. 



Designation of the proposed ponds as a natural landmark 

 should ensure that this area will not be considered for future 

 disposal sites. 



The high degree of protection from human damage offered 

 by the location within a tightly controlled area should be 

 helpful in protecting the rare plant species associated with 

 the ponds. 



223 



