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REFERENCE AREA DATABASE FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO DEEP OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE (SF-DODS)
Citation:
Impact/Purpose:
Database of results from physical, chemical, and biological testing of sediments from the reference area for SF-DODS.
Description:
In order for a dredging project to be authorized to dispose of dredged material at the San Francisco Deep Ocean Disposal Site (SF-DODS), sediment evaluations (including, as appropriate, physical, chemical, and biological testing) must first be conducted. EPA determines the suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal in large part by comparing the results of tests conducted on the material to be dredged against the results of the same tests conducted on sediment from a reference area identified by EPA to be representative of the disposal site and substantially free of contaminants. The designated reference area for the SF-DODS is located approximately 20 nautical miles (35 kilometers) from the SF-DODS itself. Because of the great water depth and open-ocean location of the reference site, sediment collection there can be expensive and logistically difficult at best, and hazardous at times. Because bad weather and sea-state conditions can force costly delays in project sampling programs, EPA has established a database of previously-collected reference area sediment test data, that may be used in lieu of collecting and testing reference area sediment directly. Development of and restrictions on use of the SF-DODS reference area database are described in this document, and the current physical, chemical, and biological database values are provided. EPA Region 9 may update this database with new information from time to time.
URLs/Downloads:
OVERVIEW: DEVELOPMENT OF A REFERENCE AREA DATABASE FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO DEEP OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE (SF-DODS) (PDF, NA pp, 233 KB, about PDF)OVERVIEW: DEVELOPMENT OF A REFERENCE AREA DATABASE FOR THE SF-DODS