[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 62 (Monday, April 1, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15348-15351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7774]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 228

[FRL-7165-1]


Ocean Dumping; Proposed Site Designation

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: EPA today proposes to designate a new Ocean Dredged Material 
Disposal Site (ODMDS) in the

[[Page 15349]]

Atlantic Ocean offshore Wilmington, North Carolina, as an EPA-approved 
ocean dumping site for the disposal of suitable dredged material. This 
proposed action is necessary to provide an acceptable ocean disposal 
site for consideration as an option for dredged material disposal 
projects in the greater Cape Fear River, North Carolina vicinity. This 
proposed site designation is for an indefinite period of time, but the 
site is subject to continuing monitoring to insure that unacceptable 
adverse environmental impacts do not occur.

DATE: Comments must be received on or before May 16, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to: Wesley B. Crum, Chief, Coastal Section, 
Water Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 
4, 61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary W. Collins, 404/562-9395.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Section 102(c) of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries 
Act (MPRSA) of 1972, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq., gives the 
Administrator of EPA the authority to designate sites where ocean 
disposal may be permitted. On October 1, 1986, the Administrator 
delegated the authority to designate ocean disposal sites to the 
Regional Administrator of the Region in which the sites are located. 
This proposed designation of a new site offshore Wilmington, North 
Carolina, which is within Region 4, is being made pursuant to that 
authority.
    The EPA Ocean Dumping Regulations promulgated under MPRSA (40 CFR 
Chapter I, Subchapter H, Sec. 228.4) state that ocean dumping sites 
will be designated by promulgation in this Part 228. The existing ODMDS 
was designated and has been used since 1987. However, site capacity 
limitations and a proposed realignment of the ocean bar channel negate 
the utility of the existing site. The details of these issues can be 
found in the ``Final Environmental Impact Statement for the New 
Wilmington Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation.'' 
Interested persons may participate in this proposed rulemaking by 
submitting written comments within 45 days of the date of this 
publication to the address given above.

B. EIS Development

    Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
of 1969, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., requires that federal 
agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on proposals 
for legislation and other major federal actions significantly affecting 
the quality of the human environment. The object of NEPA is to build 
into the Agency decision making process careful consideration of all 
environmental aspects of proposed actions. While NEPA does not apply to 
EPA activities of this type, EPA has voluntarily committed to prepare 
EISs in connection with ocean disposal site designations such as this 
(see 39 FR 16186 (May 7, 1974)).
    EPA, in cooperation with the Wilmington District of the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (COE), has prepared a Final EIS (FEIS) entitled 
``Final Environmental Impact Statement for the New Wilmington Ocean 
Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation.'' On November 30, 2001, the 
Notice of Availability (NOA) of the FEIS for public review and comment 
was published in the Federal Register (66 FR 59787 (November 30, 
2001)). Anyone desiring a copy of the EIS may obtain one from the 
address given above. The public comment period on the final EIS closed 
on December 31, 2001.
    EPA has received 3 letters on the final EIS. All comments were 
either supportive or unconcerned by this proposed action.
    This rule proposes the permanent designation for continuing use of 
the new ODMDS near Wilmington, North Carolina. The purpose of the 
proposed action is to provide an environmentally acceptable option for 
the continued ocean disposal of dredged material. The need for the 
permanent designation of a new Wilmington ODMDS is based on a 
demonstrated COE need for ocean disposal of maintenance dredged 
material from the Federal navigation projects in the greater Cape Fear 
River area and the issues raised by site capacity and channel 
realignment. However, every disposal activity by the COE is evaluated 
on a case-by-case basis to determine the need for ocean disposal for 
that particular case. The need for ocean disposal for other projects, 
and the suitability of the material for ocean disposal, will be 
determined on a case-by-case basis as part of the COE's process of 
issuing permits for ocean disposal for private/federal actions and a 
public review process for their own actions.
    For the new Wilmington ODMDS, the COE and EPA would evaluate all 
federal dredged material disposal projects pursuant to the EPA criteria 
given in the Ocean Dumping Regulations (40 CFR parts 220 through 229) 
and the COE regulations (33 CFR 209.120 and 335-338). The COE then 
issues Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) permits 
after compliance with regulations is determined to private applicants 
for the transport of dredged material intended for ocean disposal. EPA 
has the right to disapprove any ocean disposal project if, in its 
judgment, the MPRSA environmental criteria (Section 102(a)) or 
conditions of designation (Section 102(c)) are not met.
    The FEIS discusses the need for this site designation and examines 
ocean disposal site alternatives to the proposed action. Non-ocean 
disposal options have been examined and are discussed in the FEIS.

C. Proposed Site Designation

    The proposed site is located approximately 5 nautical miles 
offshore Bald Head Island. The proposed ODMDS occupies an area of about 
9.4 square nautical miles (nmi\2\). Water depths within the area range 
from 35-52 feet (ft.). The coordinates of the New Wilmington site 
proposed for final designation are as follows: 33 deg.46' N., 
78 deg.02.5' W.; 33 deg.46' N., 78 deg.01' W.; 33 deg.41' N., 
78 deg.01' W.; 33 deg.41' N., 78 deg.04' W.

D. Regulatory Requirements

    Pursuant to the Ocean Dumping Regulations, 40 CFR 228.5, five 
general criteria are used in the selection and approval for continuing 
use of ocean disposal sites. Sites are selected so as to minimize 
interference with other marine activities, to prevent any temporary 
perturbations associated with the disposal from causing impacts outside 
the disposal site, and to permit effective monitoring to detect any 
adverse impacts at an early stage. Where feasible, locations off the 
Continental Shelf and other sites that have been historically used are 
to be chosen. If, at any time, disposal operations at a site cause 
unacceptable adverse impacts, further use of the site can be restricted 
or terminated by EPA. The proposed site conforms to the five general 
criteria.
    In addition to these general criteria in Sec. 228.5, Sec. 228.6 
lists the 11 specific criteria used in evaluating a proposed disposal 
site to assure that the general criteria are met. Application of these 
11 criteria constitutes an environmental assessment of the impact of 
disposal at the site. The characteristics of the proposed site are 
reviewed below in terms of these 11 criteria (the EIS may be consulted 
for additional information).

[[Page 15350]]

1. Geographical Position, Depth of Water, Bottom Topography, and 
Distance From Coast (40 CFR 228.6(a)(1))

    The boundary of the proposed site is given above. The northern 
boundary of the proposed site is located about 5 nmi offshore of Bald 
Head Island, North Carolina. The site is approximatelty 9.4 nmi\2\ in 
area. Water depth in the area ranges from 35-52 ft.

2. Location in Relation to Breeding, Spawning, Nursery, Feeding, or 
Passage Areas of Living Resources in Adult or Juvenile Phases (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(2))

    Many of the area's species spend their adult lives in the offshore 
region, but are estuary-dependent because their juvenile stages use a 
low salinity estuarine nursery region. Specific migration routes are 
not known to occur within the proposed site. The site is not known to 
include any major breeding or spawning area. Due to the motility of 
finfish, it is unlikely that disposal activities will have any 
significant impact on any of the species found in the area.

3. Location in Relation to Beaches and Other Amenity Areas (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(3))

    The proposed site is located approximately 5 nautical miles from 
the coast. Considering the previous disposal activities of the existing 
ODMDS and further distance that the proposed disposal site is offshore 
of beach areas, dredged material disposal at the site is not expected 
to have an effect on the recreational uses of these beaches.

4. Types and Quantities of Wastes Proposed To Be Disposed of, and 
Proposed Methods of Release, Including Methods of Packing the Waste, if 
Any (40 CFR 228(a)(4))

    The type of materials to be disposed of within this proposed site 
is dredged material as described in type and quantity by Section 2 of 
the FEIS. Disposal would be by hopper dredge or dump scow. All 
disposals shall be in accordance with the approved Site Management and 
Monitoring Plan developed for this site (FEIS, Appendix A).

5. Feasibility of Surveillance and Monitoring (40 CFR 228.6(a)(5))

    Due to the relative proximity of the site to shore and its depth, 
surveillance will not be difficult. The Site Management and Monitoring 
Plan (SMMP) for the New Wilmington ODMDS has been developed and was 
included as an appendix in the FEIS. This SMMP establishes a sequence 
of monitoring surveys to be undertaken to determine any impacts 
resulting from disposal activities. The SMMP may be modified for cause 
by the responsible agency. A copy of the SMMP may be obtained at the 
any of the addresses given above.

6. Dispersal, Horizontal Transport and Vertical Mixing Characteristics 
of the Area Including Prevailing Current Direction and Velocity, if Any 
(40 CFR 228.6(a)(6))

    A detailed current study, along with fate modelling of dredged 
material, was conducted within the proposed site and can be found 
described in the FEIS. The findings of these studies indicate that 
transport of disposed material should not present any adverse impacts.

7. Existence and Effects of Current and Previous Discharges and Dumping 
in the Area (Including Cumulative Effects) (40 CFR 228.6(a)(7))

    The existing ODMDS has been used to dispose of the material from 
the Cape Fear River project for fifteen years. Subsequent monitoring of 
these disposals and the long-term effects show that no adverse impacts 
have, or are likely to occur to the area.

8. Interference With Shipping, Fishing, Recreation, Mineral Extraction, 
Desalination, Fish and Shellfish Culture, Areas of Special Scientific 
Importance and Other Legitimate Uses of the Ocean (40 CFR 228.6(a)(8))

    The shape of the proposed ODMDS was designed to avoid interference 
with commericial shipping. The location was also selected to move away 
from commercial fishing, particularly trawling bottoms. It is not 
anticipated that the proposed site would interfere with any 
recreational activity. In addition, mineral extraction, fish and 
shellfish culture, and desalination activities do not occur in the 
area.

9. The Existing Water Quality and Ecology of the Site as Determined by 
Available Data or by Trend Assessment or Baseline Surveys (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(9))

    Appropriate water quality and ecological assessments have been 
performed at the site. Site-specific information concerning the water 
quality and ecology at the proposed ODMDS is presented in the FEIS. A 
copy of the FEIS may be obtained at any of the addresses given above.

10. Potentiality for the Development or Recruitment of Nuisance Species 
in the Disposal Site (40 CFR 228.6(a)(10))

    The disposal of dredged materials should not attract or promote the 
development of nuisance species. No nuisance species have been reported 
to occur at previously utilized disposal sites in the vicinity.

11. Existence at or in Close Proximity to the Site of Any Significant 
Natural or Cultural Features of Historical Importance (40 CFR 
228.6(a)(11))

    The only resource known to exist in close proximity to the proposed 
site is the wreck of the Virginius. This wreck lies outside the eastern 
boundary of the proposed site. Since no disposal will occur within 600 
ft. of the boundary, and the wreck lies in shallower water, placement 
of material within the site is not expected to adversely affect it.

E. Site Management

    Site management of the New Wilmington ODMDS is the responsibility 
of EPA as well as the COE. The COE issues permits to private applicants 
for ocean disposal; however, EPA/Region 4 assumes overall 
responsibility for site management.
    The Site Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) for the proposed New 
Wilmington ODMDS was developed as a part of the process of completing 
the EIS. This plan provides procedures for both site management and for 
the monitoring of effects of disposal activities. This SMMP is intended 
to be flexible and may be modified by the responsible agency for cause.

F. Proposed Action

    The EIS concludes that the proposed site may appropriately be 
designated for use. The proposed site is compatible with the 11 
specific and 5 general criteria used for site evaluation.
    The designation of the New Wilmington site as an EPA-approved ODMDS 
is being published as Proposed Rulemaking. Overall management of this 
site is the responsibility of the Regional Administrator of EPA/Region 
4.
    It should be emphasized that, if an ODMDS is designated, such a 
site designation does not constitute EPA's approval of actual disposal 
of material at sea. Before ocean disposal of dredged material at the 
site may commence, the COE must evaluate a permit application according 
to EPA's Ocean Dumping Criteria. EPA has the right to disapprove the 
actual disposal if it determines that environmental concerns under 
MPRSA have not been met.
    The New Wilmington ODMDS is not restricted to disposal use by 
federal projects; private applicants may also dispose suitable dredged 
material at the ODMDS once relevant regulations have been satisfied. 
This site is restricted,

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however, to suitable dredged material from the greater Wilmington, 
North Carolina vicinity.

G. Regulatory Assessments

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is required to perform a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for all rules that may have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. EPA has 
determined that this proposed action will not have a significant impact 
on small entities since the designation will only have the effect of 
providing a disposal option for dredged material. Consequently, this 
Rule does not necessitate preparation of a Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis.
    Under Executive Order 12866, EPA must determine whether the 
regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to OMB 
review and the requirements of the Executive Order. The Order defines 
``significant regulatory action'' as one that is likely to result in a 
rule that may:
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    It has been determined that this rule is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under the terms of Executive Order 12866 and is 
therefore not subject to OMB review.
    This Proposed Rule does not contain any information collection 
requirements subject to Office of Management and Budget review under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 228

    Environmental protection, Water pollution control.

    Dated: February 8, 2002.
J.I. Palmer, Jr.,
Regional Administrator, Region 4.

    In consideration of the foregoing, subchapter H of chapter I of 
title 40 is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 228--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 228 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1412 and 1418.

    2. Section 228.15 is amended by adding paragraph (h)(20) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 228.15  Dumping sites designated on a final basis.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (20) New Wilmington, North Carolina; Ocean Dredged Material 
Disposal Site.
    (i) Location: 33 deg.46' N., 78 deg.02.5' W.; 33 deg.46' N., 
78 deg.01' W.; 33 deg.41' N., 78 deg.01' W.; 33 deg.41' N., 78 deg.04' 
W.
    (ii) Size: Approximately 9.4 square nautical miles.
    (iii) Depth: Ranges from 35-52 feet.
    (iv) Primary use: Dredged material.
    (v) Period of use: Continuing use.
    (vi) Restriction: Disposal shall be limited to suitable dredged 
material from the greater Wilmington, North Carolina vicinity. Disposal 
shall comply with conditions set forth in the most recent approved Site 
Management and Monitoring Plan.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 02-7774 Filed 3-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P