Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Ocean Disposal. Testing manual.

Abstract

This manual, commonly referred to as the "Green Book," is an update of Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Discharge of Dredged Material into Ocean Waters (EPA/USACE, 1977). The manual contains technical guidance for determining the suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal through chemical, physical, and biological evaluations. The technical guidance is intended for use by dredging applicants, laboratory scientists, and regulators in evaluating dredged-material compliance with the United States Ocean Dumping Regulations. Integral to the manual is a tiered-testing procedure for evaluating compliance with the limiting permissible concentration (LPC) as defined by the ocean-dumping regulations. The procedure comprises four levels (tiers) of increasing investigative intensity that generate information to assist in making ocean-disposal decisions. Tiers I and II utilize existing or easily acquired information and apply relatively inexpensive and rapid tests to predict environmental effects. Tiers III and IV contain biological evaluations that are more intensive and require field sampling, laboratory testing, and rigorous data analysis. This manual provides National technical guidance for use in making LPC compliance determinations for proposed discharges of dredged material; it does not provide comprehensive guidance on other factors that should be considered during the sediment-evaluation process. Decision-making, involving the evaluation of regulations and local policies, site conditions, and project-specific management actions to limit environmental impacts, is addressed in other Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) guidance manuals.