|
Environmental
Monitoring
Field
Testing of a Physical/Biological Monitoring Methodology for Offshore
Dredging and Mining Operations
Description
Following finalization of the monitoring protocols
developed by Research Planning, Inc. to evaluate the potential physical
and biological impacts resulting from the long-term use of OCS sand,
BOEMRE
initiated a cooperative effort with the Virginia Institute of Marine
Science (VIMS) to field test and validate the recommended biological and
physical monitoring protocols provided to the BOEMRE by the study’s project
team. The test will be used to determine if the data collected after
implementation of the recommended protocols can be used by technical and
non-technical personnel to manage over the long-term, OCS borrow sites in
such a manner as to preclude or minimize adverse environmental impacts to
the physical and biological environments. The test may point out
procedures/mechanisms which should be modified to yield information which
may be more scientifically appropriate or accurate for making technical or
management decisions and will be used to evaluate the validity of the
pre-mining predictions presented in BOEMRE environmental assessments.
The field test encompasses a wide range of field data
collection and monitoring. Benthic macrofauna samples are being collected
from the Sandbridge Shoal borrow area, both pre- and post-dredging. Trawls
are being used to collect fish samples and video transect and sediment
profile imagery analysis is taking place. Shore surveys are being
conducted to track the movement of the shoreline in regards to the beach
fill. Bottom imagery and bathymetric data are being collected and
nearshore sub-bottom and seafloor bathymetry will be integrated with the
shoreline surveys. Radar observations are being conducted to collect
resident wave information.
A final report is expected to be delivered by VIMS in
late 2005.
Use in Compliance
Sandbridge Shoal is a major source of sand for beach
nourishment and coastal protection efforts on the Virginia coastline from
Virginia Beach south to Sandbridge Beach. The shoal’s sand has been used
for several nourishment efforts at Sandbridge Beach and the Dam Neck Naval
Facility and is likely to proposed for use for future coastal projects.
Although the intent of the VIMS effort is to evaluate
and test the field methodologies for monitoring, the study results will be
used to evaluate biological and physical impacts as a result of dredging
operations on Sandbridge Shoal.
Reference Web Sites:
|
