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EPA has responsibility for ODMDS monitoring in accordance with requirements specified at 40 CFR 228.13.  Monitoring requirements for disposal sites are described in a site management and monitoring plan (SMMP) for each site.  Each SMMP typically incorporates a tiered monitoring structure to assess potential environmental issues specific for that site and the geographic area in which it is located. 

This project consists of survey work focused on characterizing the surficial geological substrate, grain size distribution, chemical contaminants, benthic infaunal communities, epifaunal communities, and water quality characteristics inside and outside of the Umpqua and Siuslaw ODMDSs.  The collection and analysis of these data satisfy the routine monitoring needed to inform and update the Umpqua and Siuslaw SMMPs.  The 2019 monitoring effort at the Umpqua and Siuslaw ODMDSs included the following:

• Hydroacoustic survey. A hydroacoustic survey was conducted at the Umpqua North and South ODMDSs in July 2019. The hydroacoustic survey used sidescan sonar to assess the location of sand dollar (cf. Dendraster excentricus) beds at the Umpqua North and South ODMDSs.
• Sediment physical sampling and analysis. Sediment samples within and outside the ODMDSs were assessed for grain size distribution and total organic carbon.
• Sediment chemical sampling and analysis. Sediment samples within the ODMDSs were analyzed for chemicals of concern. The resultant data were evaluated to ensure that disposal of dredged material is not causing contamination of the benthic communities.
• Sediment benthic infaunal sampling and analysis. Sediment samples within and outside the ODMDSs were assessed to determine benthic infaunal community characteristics.
• Epifaunal trawls. Trawls within and outside the ODMDSs were conducted to assess epifaunal community characteristics.
• Video transects. Video was collected within and outside the ODMDSs to assess epifaunal community characteristics and to conduct a comparison of the video footage with the trawl findings.
• Water quality. Water quality profile data were collected within and outside the ODMDSs.

Challenges and Solutions:  This was a long survey effort due to sampling within four ODMDS areas.  As part of the proposal response, figuring out key survey details ahead of time to estimate costs accurately was critical.  The RFP was issued in August 2018, making it necessary to secure a vessel a year in advance that met survey requirements and was available for a 2+-week window.  ANAMAR’s relationship with Miss Linda Charters helped with securing the R/V Miss Linda for this effort.

ANAMAR was responsible for coordinating and overseeing field sampling logistics, subcontracting a vessel and crew properly equipped to assist with sampling operations, providing data QA/QC, preparing report deliverables and reviewing subcontractor reports, and uploading data into the EIM database.

Roles/Responsibilities

• Coordinate survey with EPA
• QAPP review
• Lead and oversee survey effort
• Vessel leasing
• Lab coordination/sample custody
• Data QA/QC and reporting