Identification of Species and Humans that May Use Habitats

f. Is the site near a wetland such as a salt marsh, Typha marsh, tidal flat, or

flood plain?

g. Is the site near a productive commercial or recreational fishery?

h. Are there habitats identified by local, state, or Federal agencies for

special protection such as critical habitat for endangered species, a

national seashore park, or a state wetland refuge near the site?

i. Are there Federal, state, or endangered species near the site?

The management area for this dredging project is in a coastal bay that is

approximately 8 3 km (5 2 miles) and connects to the open ocean through a

broad mouth. The management site is 5 km (3 miles) offshore. The nearshore

environment includes an extensive salt marsh. The bay has a sand and silt bottom

and a stratified, seasonal thermocline. There is a winter flounder fishery near the

site. There are migratory species, including winter flounder and mackerel, in the

area. There are no endangered species found near the site.

Identification of Species and Humans that May Use

Habitats

Table F-1 is a summary list of species identified at or near the potential

dredged material management site. It characterizes the species by habitat (e.g.,

planktonic, benthic) and by function within the ecosystem. Most of this

information will have been assembled during the site designation process.

Tabulations such as these allow the risk assessor to judge the diversity of

habitats among the aquatic community and provide some sense of general

diversity and ecological function at the management site. Note that the species in

this table, while they occur at or near the site, will not necessarily be selected as

receptors for further analysis. For example, at most sites it is unlikely that

phytoplankton will receive more than a short-term exposure to the dredged

materials (primarily during disposal), because most of the contaminants

potentially associated with dredged materials have a high affinity for sediment

particles and low solubility.

Appendix F Hypothetical Example