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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, MMS 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 MMS 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 MMS 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:

	Monitoring protocols final report
	Progress reports for field test
	Dredging activities at Sandbridge Shoal