USACE and EPA have identified a need to expand the existing Port Everglades Harbor ODMDS. ANAMAR was contracted by USACE to help conduct a site designation survey and perform site designation studies to characterize and compare the two proposed expansion areas as part of Phase III of the site designation process as stated in 40 CFR § 228.6(b). Results of the site designation studies will also be used in an environmental assessment of the proposed site expansion.
The site designation survey was performed in May 2011 and consisted of recording or collecting:
A comprehensive site designation report of results and findings was produced and used to help select the preferred expansion area. ANAMAR conducted all epifaunal analyses; completed QA/QC on all raw data; compiled results into concise summary tables; and performed data interpretation consisting of benthic infaunal, epibenthic invertebrate, and demersal fish community composition, abundance, assessment of managed species and nonindigenous species, and comparisons with past surveys. The report included a literature review of bioaccumulation studies as it pertains to this study and suggestions for future studies. Once the final report is completed and approved by USACE and EPA, the document will be used in an environmental assessment of the proposed site expansion, and will be used as a baseline for comparison with future monitoring results.