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Issue #21 The Water Report Sediments Objectives Characterization Framework Regulatory Framework Uniform Evaluation CWA Notification Uniform Requirements CERCLA & ARAR Database Development Disposal Options Sediment Evaluation Framework Objectives The Draft SEF was prepared to satisfy multiple objectives. 1) It establishes an appropriate marine and freshwater sediment characterization framework agreeable to the public, stakeholders, and resource agencies. This regional SEF manual establishes a sediment sampling, testing, and interpretation framework acceptable to stakeholders, such as ports and private industries that maintain navigation access in the study area, and to resource agencies having an interest in, concern for, or some form of permit authority relative to sediment management. Such a framework will provide clarity, maximize consistency and, allow informed discussions to take place on the need for and extent of sediment characterization for dredging and sediment management projects. 2) It establishes a uniform framework under which the Corps will carry out Federal requirements in conducting the dredging and disposal program. The laws and regulations under which the Corps operates require the Corps, to the maximum extent practicable, to predict dredged material types, contaminant levels, and biological effects, both in water and sediments, before dredging and disposal actions can be considered environmentally acceptable. This document provides the regulatory framework that will facilitate a consistent application of regional criteria and guidelines. 3) It establishes a uniform framework for evaluating sediment management activities on water quality. The Pacific Northwest includes the water bodies in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Projects may involve actions in one state which may affect another state. Because sediment management impacts affect all states, regulation of these activities must be consistent between Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. States have statutory control over water quality impacts resulting from a neighboring state. Section 401 (a)(2) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that a neighboring state be notified of actions that may affect its water quality. In order to work efficiently under this regulation, water quality requirements in a bi -state waterway must be uniform. Without uniform requirements, the implementation of water quality programs in shared water bodies may not be consistent or predictable. Section 103 of the CWA encourages states to develop uniform laws for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution, and to negotiate and enter into agreements or compacts not contrary to any laws or treaties of the United States. Although the laws discussed in the SEF may well be applicable and relevant and appropriate requirements (ARAR) as defined by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) for a particular CERCLA site, this SEF is not itself an ARAR. It does not apply to CERCLA cleanups, except to the extent determined that it is to be considered (TBC) in the CERCLA site decision document. However, the "tools" described in the Draft SEF and Future SEF may be useful to the CERCLA program. 4) It establishes appropriate databases to track the long -term trends in sediment quality of specific dredging projects /locations and the river in general. Sediment management programs require the collection and maintenance of data about projects and their characteristics. This objective includes the establishment of appropriate databases which will track sediment quality trends over time at specific locations and for the region in general. Systematic database development will provide useful input into larger planning efforts. Implementation of the framework will generate regular reporting on sediment quality and thus raise the information level available for making decisions on sediment management. 5) It establishes procedures or references for other regional /national guidance to assist in the identification and evaluation of alternative sediment management options. The SEF will address the five basic dredged material disposal options: unconfined aquatic, unconfined upland, confined aquatic, confined nearshore, and confined upland. It is acknowledged that different sampling and testing requirements may be required for evaluating alternative management options. Beneficial uses of dredged material, such as wetland creation and beach nourishment, will also be discussed. 8 Copyright© 2005 Envirotech Publications; Reproduction without permission strictly prohibited.