Contribution # Yar (98 | Seasonal Monitoring Cruise At The Western Long Island Sound Disposal Site August 1986 | Disposal Area Monitoring System DAMOS re iS | DES: no. b| Contribution 61 March 1988 DOCUMENT LIBRARY Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution US Army Corps of Engineers New England Division - UTICA MBL/WHOI A 0 0301 0069523 5 SEASONAL MONITORING CRUISE AT THE WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND DISPOSAL SITE AUGUST 1986 CONTRIBUTION #61 11 JANUARY 1988 Report No. SAIC - 87/7500&C61 Contract No. DACW-86-D-0004 Work Order No. 2 Submitted to: Regulatory Branch New England Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 424 Trapelo Road Waltham, MA 02254-9149 Submitted by: Science Applications International Corporation Admiral's Gate 221 Third Street Newport, RI 02840 (401) 847-4210 US Army Corps of Engineers New England Division Naik ean i TS ee ee a oe ‘yes a a > = ; a E ® UG 2, | (H+ i _ Se! Ona ae ’ P44 4% ( ' ae Y ‘ j { athe -% : +% . a 2 ‘ wy ‘ ees Hee? Me Ae ait 5 Aaya 8 » eat ia a, ytd ( ' ce , i ) ce ¢ H yx: \ ia < 1. i m 7 ;
4 phi) sediments (Figure 3-3). However, a cluster of 6
stations on and east of mound "C" consisted of very fine, fine,
and medium sands. Figure 3-4 shows the distribution of sandy
sediments across the survey area. Distinct sand layers, either
at the surface or buried, were evident throughout the northern
and eastern half of the region (Figure 3-5). Mounds "A" and "B",
composed predominately of silt-clay, also exhibited some near-
surface layers of sand. Based on this distribution, the sands
appear to represent dredged material deposited since the last
complete survey of this area in August 1985. This inference is
also supported by the lack of sand layers in images from the
western portion of the survey area and from the WLIS Reference
station. All replicates collected at the WLIS Reference station
exhibited a major mode of silt-clay (> 4 phi).
Dredged material layers (Figure 3-6) deposited since
1985 were readily detected when dredged material thickness was
less than the prism penetration depth (20 cm). This was because
the relatively high-reflectance, pre-disposal interface was
evident below the low-reflectance dredged material (Figure 3-7).
This high-reflectance material could be either natural bottom or
previously deposited dredged material that had developed a deep
RPD layer. The pre-disposal interface was not evident in many of
the images from the region around disposal mound "C" indicating
that dredged material layers were at least 20 cm or greater
throughout this area. Overall, dredged material was widespread
in the area surveyed. Only the southern portion of the site
lacked readily discernible dredged material layers.
At the Reference station, thirty-five percent (7 of 20)
of the images showed subsurface low-reflectance layers overlying
high-reflectance sediments. These layers do not sharply contrast
with adjacent sediments and are generally discontinuous. They
are inferred to represent relict dredged material (i.e., material
disposed of a number of years ago). Recently deposited dredged
material would be expected to contrast more sharply with the
buried pre-disposal interface. Similar dredged material layers
were observed at the Reference station in 1985 and 1984. At
those times, it was also concluded that this material represented
relict dredged material deposited in an historically-used
disposal site in that area (Eatons Neck). REMOTS® images were
not obtained at the WLIS reference site prior to 1984.
A process map of the survey area shows the distribution
of features which are indicative of bottom disturbance (Figure 3-
8). For example, many stations showed the presence of low
reflectance (black) sediment at, or near, the sediment surface.
This reduced sediment appears to have its origins from below the
high reflectance (ferric hydroxide) bioturbated zone as either a
layer or discrete mud clasts (Figures 3-7 and 3-9). Oxidized mud
clasts were also present in many images. Surface patches of
reduced sediment (which were also observed in the August 1985
WLIS survey) were likely produced by predator excavation and/or
bottom scour. The depth of excavation or scour need not be great
to expose this reduced material to the interface because RPD
depths are shallow (< 2.0 cm) over much of the area. Methane gas
pockets were observed at depth in the sediment at station 3-D
(Figure 3-10). The presence of methane is an indication of high
sediment oxygen demand (SOD). Surface shell lag deposits,
produced by physical bottom scour, were observed in 5 images. In
general, evidence of small-scale physical and biogenic bottom
disturbance was widespread. This is similar to the pattern
observed during the post-"Gloria" REMOTS® survey in October 1985.
The relative frequency distributions of surface boundary
roughness values at the WLIS survey area and WLIS Reference are
shown in Figure 3-11. The major mode was 0.80 for both regions.
This represents an increase in small-scale surface roughness
since August 1985 when the major modal value was 0.4 cm. This
may reflect the impacts of Hurricane Gloria on the region.
The mean apparent Redox Potential Discontinuity (RPD)
frequency distribution for the survey area (Figure 3-12) is
bimodal with modes centered at 1.0 cm and 3.0 cm. The mean RPD
depth was 2.16 cm. The WLIS Reference RPD distribution is skewed
right with the major mode at 1.0 cm, and a mean value of 0.59 cm.
RPD depths at WLIS Reference were significantly shallower than
RPD depths at the survey area (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.001).
This pattern is noteworthy and suggests that the "disturbance"
factors affecting the WLIS Reference station were more severe
than the effects of the dredged material disposal operations
occurring within the WLIS survey area. At the WLIS survey area,
RPD depths have shallowed significantly since August 1985 (ANOVA,
p = 0.004); suggesting an increase in oxygen depletion in the
region. The mapped distribution of mean RPD depths is shown in
Figure 3-13. The hatched areas exhibited RPD values greater than
3 cm. In general, these areas were restricted to the edge of the
survey area. Most of the region was represented by RPD values
between 3 and 1 cm. Based on past experience, values less than 1
cm represent highly stressed habitats. The largest highly-
stressed area extended N-S through the area occupied by mounds
rane! a this likely cetlects the antluences wor scecent
disposal operations. Another area of low values existed adjacent
to mound "B".
The location of the three disposal mounds appears to
"straddle" regions of both Stage I and Stage I-III successional
seres (Figure 3-14). Stage III seres occurred in three large
patches in the eastern, southern, and north-central portion of
the survey area. G€ompacison of Figures 3-14 and 3-1/3, nevealisiva
poor correspondence between Stage III seres and deep RPD's. This
pattern may indicate that a retrograde successional condition was
being caused by reduced rates of bioturbation (possibly due to
seasonal hypoxic conditions). About half of the WLIS ‘survey area
stations and 70% of the WLIS Reference replicates exhibited a
Stage I assemblage. Again, this pattern suggests that, overall,
the WLIS Reference station was more highly stressed than the
active disposal area. In August 1985, the distribution of Stage
III seres was much less widespread in the eastern portion of the
region.
Based on the results of past REMOTS® surveys, Organism-
Sediment Index (OSI) values of +6 or less are considered to
indicate that the bottom is stressed or has experienced recent
disturbance (erosion, dredged material disposal, hypoxia, or
demersal predator foraging). The polymodal OSI frequency
distribution of the WLIS survey area (Figure 3-15) indicates a
mosaic of past disturbances (the major mode at 6 and 7,
subordinate modes at 3 and 9). The WLIS Reference site had a
major mode at -3, and no values exceeded +5. OSI values for the
WLIS survey area were significantly greater than the WLIS
Reference OSI values (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.001). Even
relative to the WLIS survey area, WLIS Reference appeared to be a
highly stressed region. The mapped distribution of OSI values
(Figure 3-16) shows a region of relatively high OSI's to the east
of the site and to the north and west of the disposal mounds. The
apex of disposal mound "B" exhibited relatively high, but
variable, OSI's. Mound "A" was bounded on the south by an area
of high indices. The center of mound "C" was associated with the
lowest mapped OSI value (-2); this illustrates the impacts of
recent disposal operations. The overall pattern of OSI values
consisted of high and low values in close proximity to one
another. This appears to reflect both the influence of disposal
operations as well as disturbance factors (unrelated to disposal)
prevalent in western Long Island Sound in general.
3.53) Sediment Characteristics
Results from the chemical analysis of the sediment
samples are presented in Table 3-1. Each individual result and
the means and standard deviations are presented for the Top and
Bottom sections of each core. The exception to this is PCBs for
which only one composite sample was analyzed from each station.
Statistical tests were performed to determine if the
contaminant concentrations were different between stations.
8
Also, the contaminant concentrations of the Top and Bottom
sections of the cores were compared. The Kruskal-Wallis test was
used for comparing concentrations to detect significant
differences at the p < 0.05 level.
Results of the statistical analyses showed that in the
cores from the Reference station, the concentration of chromium
was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Top sections whereas
those of iron were significantly higher in the Bottom sections.
In the WLIS-A station cores, concentrations of lead, nickel,
copper, and oil and grease were significantly higher in the Top
sections compared to the Bottom sections. The concentrations of
these same four elements were significantly elevated in Top
sections of the WLIS-A cores compared to those of the Reference
station cores.
The physical characteristics were determined for the
sediment collected for the benthic community analysis (Table 3-
2). The sediment from all five samples obtained at the "A" mound
center was described as dark gray silty sand with some gravel
and/or shell fragments. The sediment from the Reference station
was much finer material dominated by dark, olive gray organic
clay with shell fragments.
3.4 Benthic Community Analysis
The sieve residues from the Reference station samples
consisted of 500-1,200 cm? of shells and shell particles. Intact
shells of bay scallop (Aequipecten irradians), soft shell clam
(Mya arenaria), gem clam (Gemma gemma), juvenile surf clam
(Spisula solidissima), and mud snail (Ilyanassa obsoleta) all
suggest an origin in shallow sandy bottom. Coot clam (Mulinia
lateralis) shells were also present, but are less indicative of
(poate yaligye The samples contained a small amount (approximately 20
cm’) of fine organic debris.
Samples collected at the center of "A" mound contained
3000-4000 cm’ of sand and pebbles and about 100 cm? of coarse
plant debris. Smooth white quartz pebbles were a conspicuous
constituent. Bits of coal, boat paint, and rust could be seen
under magnification. Table 3-3 presents the visual descriptions
of the sediment grabs collected at both WLIS-A and the Reference
station for benthic community analysis.
Species counts are given in Table 3-4. A summary of
the number of species and individuals in major taxa at each
station is given in Table 3-5. The number of species present at
the two stations follows a pattern found at other disposal sites.
Species richness is lower at the Reference station than at the
WLIS-A station. At both stations, polychaetes were the most
abundant taxon followed by molluscs and crustaceans.
Density of individuals was higher at the WLIS-A station
than at the Reference station (mean/sample 1421 vs. 584, Table 3-
5s Most of the individuals at the WLIS-A station were
polychaetes with a mean density per sample of 1264 (89% of the
individuals). There were nearly equal numbers of polychaetes and
molluscs in the Reference samples. Crustaceans were found at low
densities at both stations (2.2 and 2.3% of individuals).
The dominant species at the WLIS Reference station are
characteristic of the deep silty bottoms of Long Island Sound.
The polychaetes Nephtys, Mediomastus, Sigambra, and Cossura; the
bivalves Nucula and Yoldia; and the anemone Ceriantheopsis all
also appear in samples collected at the reference station at the
Central’ Long “island )Sound =(CLis)) = disposalmmsiter Excluding
Mediomastus, these species were absent or found in lower numbers
in the WLIS -A station samples. The densities of dominant
species at the WLIS Reference station were less than are usually
found at CLIS and included few mature individuals.
The WLIS-A station had over 20 species which were
notably more abundant than at the Reference station. These
included species requiring solid surfaces for attachment (e.g.,
the polychaete Sabellaria, the gastropod Crepidula) and many tube
dwellers or burrowers requiring silty sand or sandy substrate
(e.g., the polychaetes Pherusa, Pectinaria, Euclymene, Ampharete;
the amphipod Leptocheirus; the bivalves Ensis, Tellina). In
addition, some species present are characteristic of shallower,
less saline, more variable environments (e.g., the polychaetes
Polydora ligna and Nereis succinea).
365) Body Burden Analysis
Triplicate samples of Nephtys incisa from both the
WLIS-A and Reference stations were analyzed for eight inorganic
elements and several PCB formulations. Concentrations were
calculated on both a dry weight and wet weight basis for
comparisons with literature values and FDA action levels.
Statistical analyses (Kruksal-Wallis test) were conducted on the
results to test the difference between concentrations found in
organisms collected at the two stations, with the exception of
PCB's which were below the analytical detection limits. Results
of the inorganic analyses are presented in Tables 3-6 and 3-7
and the PCB results are shown in Table 3-8.
The results from the statistical analyses of the
inorganic data showed that the concentration of lead in the
Nephtys collected from the WLIS-A station were significantly
higher (p<0.05) than in those collected from the Reference
station. Zinc and cadmium concentrations were significantly
higher in the Reference Nephtys compared to the levels in the
polychaete collected at the WLIS-A station.
10
4.0 DISCUSSION
4.1 Bathymetry
Results of the bathymetric surveys conducted at the
WLIS disposal site indicate that dredged material is accumulating
at the designated disposal point between mounds "A" and "C". The
volume of deposited dredged material estimated from scow logs was
73,230 m?. The volume difference calculated from the bathymetric
surveys in October 1985 and August 1986 was 35,700 + 6720 m3, or
49% of the scow log estimate. The difference in the two
estimates is partially due to the overestimates from scow logs
due to unknown amounts of water in the scow. In addition,
dredged material at the flanks of the mound can occur in thin
layers that are undetectable acoustically. Finally, compaction
Oth ewemat-crmialsOnuethenmbotcoms spislom) «cols the = post—disposal:
bathymetric survey can significantly affect the estimate of the
volume of deposited material.
A study was conducted by the New York District of the
Corps of Engineers in 1980 at the Mud Dump Site in the New York
Bight to determine the loss of dredged material from the initial
dredging to disposal (Tavalaro, 1983). A comparison of carefully
determined volumes of dredged material in the scows with the
volume of material deposited at the disposal site, determined by
pre- and post-disposal bathymetric surveys, indicated a loss in
volume of approximately 40.7%. Of this total, a volume loss of
15.4% was attributed to the dispersal of interstitial water
during descent. It also has been estimated that approximately 7%
can be attributed to compaction of the material once on the
bottom (Bokuniewicz et al., 1980). Bokuniewicz et al. has
determined that 50% of the total compaction will occur within one
month of disposal and 100% within one year. Of the total loss in
volume of 40.7% determined at the Mud Dump Site, approximately
Cero cue (Olsud Ol cane e142. o))) Or the loss sanwavolume: awas
unaccountable. This loss is likely due to dredged material being
deposited in thin layers that can't be detected acoustically.
4.2 REMOTS® Sediment-Profiling
The major objectives of the present REMOTS® survey were
- to document the distribution of dredged material in the WLIS
survey area and to document the process of recolonization on the
new and existing disposal mounds. As observed in the surveys
conducted in 1985, dredged material was widespread in the
surveyed area (Figure 3-6). Dredged material layers were
distinct and relatively thick, often consisting of coarse-grained
sediments, in the eastern portion of the survey area and
apparently represent materials deposited at the present disposal
point since the last complete REMOTS® survey in August 1985.
This dredged material may extend somewhat east and northeast of
the area surveyed. However, because the survey area was
11
approximately 1600 meters west of the eastern boundary of the
WLIS Disposal Site (Figure 2-1), this dredged material is likely
contained well within the disposal site. In general, the dredged
material observed in the western portion of the survey area was
fine-grained and did not exhibit a sharp contrast to the
surrounding sediments in terms of its reflectance and many of the
layers were discontinuous (Figure 4-1). This "weathered" dredged
material apparently represents sediments deposited in past years
(Qe pointsmwANwandewBw)r
Dredged material was also detected in 35% (7 of 20) of
the WLIS Reference images. In August 1985, dredged material was
observed in 50% of the Reference images. Based on its very low-
contrast optical signature and discontinuous layering (Figure 4-
1), this sediment is inferred to represent relict dredged
material. The Reference station is located near the edge of an
historically-used disposal site (Eatons Neck). These inferences
regarding "relict" dredged material are further supported by the
lack of sandy sediments at the Reference station. Sands were
concentrated only around disposal point "C". Based on scow logs,
this coarse-grained material represents the most recently
deposited material. The placement of the WLIS Reference station
near a previously-used disposal site (Eatons Neck) is the
unavoidable result of several constraints encountered during
station designation. These constraints included locating a
station near the WLIS Disposal Site of comparable water depth,
bottom topography, and sediment type. In addition, several
formerly used disposal sites are present in the region.
Consequently, an area satisfying the above environmental criteria
that did not occur in or immediately adjacent to an historic
disposal site could not be found.
Some infaunal recolonization of the survey area has
occurred between the 1985 and 1986 surveys. Stage III taxa were
more widespread in the region of the active disposal point in
1986 (50% of the images) than in 1985 (33% of the images).
Overall, however, OSI values in the WLIS survey area have not
changed. Moreover, RPD depths across the survey area have become
shallower since 1985. This change appears to reflect bottom-
water oxygen depletion. Near-bottom hypoxia was prevalent
throughout much of the Sound in August 1986 (this is discussed
further below).
This is the second REMOTS® survey at the WLIS disposal
site since August 1985. The previous survey was conducted in
October 1985, one month after Hurricane Gloria. This post-storm
survey was concentrated on, and around, the three disposal
mounds. The post-storm survey indicated that massive sediment
transport or erosion of existing mounds did not occur. However,
many stations experienced surface erosion which was deep enough
to strip-off the aerated surface and expose reduced sediment to
the water column. This phenomenon caused a major downward shift
12
in Organism-Sediment Index Values. Table 4-1 compares the WLIS
data collected during the present survey with data collected in
the October 1985 post-storm survey. There is no difference in
mean RPD depths for the WLIS stations, but OSI values in the
present survey are significantly higher than those measured after
the -hurricane. This pattern indicates that the infaunal
successional stages of the survey area have improved since
October 1985. Table 4-1 also compares the WLIS Reference
station, as measured in this survey, with the data collected in
October 1985. Notably, mean RPD depths were shallower and OSI
values were lower at WLIS Reference station in 1986 than in the
disposal area after the storm.
The highly "stressed" conditions that presently exist
at the WLIS Reference station are not readily explained. Near-
surface reduced sediment patches were evident in all the
References images; this feature suggests disturbance of the
bottom (e.g., predator foraging or trawling activity). IMS » aS
known, also, that severe bottom water hypoxia was widespread
throughout western Long Island Sound at the time of the survey.
In August 1986, a REMOTS® survey was conducted in Long Island
Sound from New Haven, Connecticut to the Throgs Neck Bridge
(SAIC, 1987). This survey, funded by EPA Region I, was conducted
to characterize the dissolved oxygen conditions within 1 cm of
the sediment surface over the entire area. A YSI digital oxygen
meter and the YSI probe were mounted on the REMOTS® camera such
that the probe membrane was 1 cm above the sediment-water
interface. Five replicate images and dissolved oxygen
measurements were made at each of 45 stations. One of these
stations was located near Station 4-A of this survey (40°59.33N
and 73°29.503W). The five replicate dissolved oxygen values
were: 1.88, 1.90, 2.40, 1.84, and 1.80 mg/l. These values fall
well below the Interstate Sanitation Commission's water quality
standard of 5 mg/l. Similarly low values were found in deep water
(generally > 15 meters) over the entire surveyed area (from
Throgs Neck to New Haven). This hypoxic event was certainly a
major contributing factor to the stressed benthic conditions
observed at the WLIS survey area in 1986. This event does not
explain why the WLIS Reference station was disturbed relative to
the WLIS disposal region (both areas lie below a depth of 15
meters). However, it is apparent that the most severe ecosystem
stress affecting the western Long Island Sound benthic
environment is not directly related to disposal activities but to
Sound-wide bottom hypoxia. Since the initiation of REMOTS®
monitoring at the WLIS disposal site (1984), shallow RPD depths
have been observed. This suggests persistent or recurrent
hypoxia in the western Sound in recent years. Accurate spatial
and temporal mapping of this event and research into the possible
causes will become an active area of investigation over the next
decade. It will be critical to incorporate the findings of this
research into the long-term assessment of the impacts of dredged
material disposal in Long Island Sound.
13
4.3 Sediment Characteristics
Sediment chemical analyses were previously conducted at
the WLIS-A disposal mound during June 1984 (SAIC, 1985) and
August and October 1985 (SAIC, 1986b). The October sampling and
analysis was done to determine the effects of Hurricane Gloria.
The Reference station was previously sampled during June 1984 and
August 1985.
Comparison of the chemical concentrations measured in
the Top core sections with those measured in the Bottom sections
revealed that certain elements did exhibit higher concentrations
in the Top core sections. For the samples from the WLIS-A and
the Reference stations, lead, copper, nickel, and oil and grease
were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the Top core sections. In
addition, chromium was also significantly higher (p<0.05) in the
Top sections at the Reference station. The reason for the
elevated concentrations of those particular elements is not
readily discernible at the present time. More intense sampling
would be needed to accurately determine the actual relationships
of the metal concentrations in the sediment.
When the sediment chemistry from previous samplings at
the Reference station are compared to the results of the present
sampling there (Table 3-1), the following can be concluded. The
concentrations of most parameters measured in the present study
are similar to those previously measured at this’ station.
Exceptions to this were mercury and PCB's which showed
Significantly higher concentrations in the present survey and the
Chemical Oxygen Demand which was lower.
At the WLIS-A mound the measured concentrations
reported in Table 3-1 are again generally very similar to what
has been previously reported (SAIC, 1985, 1986b). However, the
concentrations of mercury, lead, chemical oxygen demand, and PCBs
are significantly higher than the previously reported values.
Other studies have reported the concentrations of
metals and PCBs in Long Island Sound sediments (Table 4-2).
Benninger et al. (1979) measured the concentrations of lead,
zinc, and copper in a sediment core collected in Central Long
Island Sound. The zinc concentrations that they found ranged
from 106-190 ppm in the top 10 cm of the sediment core. These
values are very similar to the concentrations at both stations in
the present study. The copper concentrations reported by
Benninger et al. (1979) ranged from 44-96 ppm, again similar to
the results reported here. Lead concentrations were 30-52 ppm.
These levels are similar to the Reference site concentrations but
lower than the levels reported at the WLIS-A mound (Table 3-1).
Similar levels were also reported by Greig et al. (ale\7/7/)) alig\ qela@
14
area of the Western Long Island Sound Disposal Site. fTherefore,
the lead concentrations on the WLIS-A disposal mound are somewhat
elevated over those of other sediments in the vicinity.
Greig et al. (1977) also measured the concentrations of
nickel, chromium, mercury, and cadmium (Table 4-2). They
measured nickel concentrations between 22.0 and 22.6 ppm in the
vicinity of the disposal site. These are similar to the values
measured for both sites of the present study. The chromium
concentrations that Greig et al. (1977) reported were 159-164 ppm
which were higher than the levels measured at both the WLIS-A and
Reference stations in this study. The mercury concentrations
that they reported were 0.5-0.6 ppm. These levels are similar to
those from the present study and previous studies at the Western
Long Island Disposal Site (SAIC, 1985). Cadmium levels were
below the analytical detection limits of the Greig et al. (1977)
study.
Munns et al. (in preparation) reported cadmium
concentrations in sediment from the Reference station of the
Central Long Island Sound (CLIS) Disposal Site to be near 0.3
ppm. This is considerably lower than the levels reported in the
present study. The iron concentrations were similar in both
studies. Munns et al. (in preparation) also measured PCB
concentrations. They reported levels ranging from 0.03-0.05 ppm
in Reference sediments. In the present study the concentrations
were 0.09 at the Reference site and considerably higher (0.50) on
the WLIS mound "A".
4.4 Benthic Community
The uniform, fine-grained, soft sediments at the WLIS
Reference station limits the number of species present. The
Nucula-Nephtys assemblage present there is comprised
predominately of deposit-feeders. Conversely, the heterogeneity
of sediment types (sand mixed with mud) in the disposal site
allows different lifeforms and feeding types to become
established. Species requiring solid surfaces for attachment
(e.g., the polychaete Sabellaria, the gastropod Crepidula), tube
dwellers or burrowers requiring silty sand or sandy substrate
(e.g., the polychaetes Pherusa, Pectinaria, Euclymene, Ampharete;
the amphipod Leptocheirus; the bivalves Ensis, Tellina),and
deposit feeders (e.g., Euclymene, Ampharete, Mediomastus and
Tharyx acutus) all occur at the WLIS-A station. In large part,
this sediment type difference accounts for the greater species
richness in the survey area relative to the Reference station.
The disposal mound station is dominated by surface-
dwelling deposit feeders (Mediomastus makes up 52% of all
individuals counted). This corresponds to the REMOTS® analysis
which indicates that the station closest to the center of mound
15
"A" (5-E), exhibits a Stage I successional status. The benthic
results also indicate that some recolonization by deeper-
dwelling deposit feeders (Stage III infauna) has occurred in this
area. The maldanid, Euclymene zonalis, is the second most
abundant polychaete in the samples, and small numbers of Nephtys,
and the bivalves Nucula and Yoldia are present. The REMOTS®
stations immediately adjacent to station 5-E to the north, east,
and west reveal Stage III infauna. It is apparent from these
data that benthic recolonization of disposal point "A" is
occurring, but at a reduced rate relative to other Long Island
Sound disposal sites. This reduced rate of recovery does not
appear to be due to any character of the dredged material
disposal operations, but rather to the widespread ecosystem
stresses (i.e., hypoxia) which are occurring in the western
Sound.
The benthic community results from the Reference
station support this conclusion. In terms of the types of
species present, the samples revealed a Nucula-Nephtys deposit-
feeding community characteristic of silt-clay bottoms of central
Long Island Sound. However, few mature individuals and lower
densities of species were found at this station relative to the
CLIS Reference station. The REMOTS® analysis detected Stage III
seres in only 30% of the Reference images. This area, and
western Long Island Sound in general, is apparently experiencing
severe ecological stress.
4.5 Body Burden Analysis
Lead was the only element that showed significantly
(p<0.05) higher concentrations in Nephtys collected from the WLIS
mound "A" compared to levels at the Reference station. The mean
lead concentrations were 3.7 ppm at WLIS-A and 2.9 ppm dry weight
at the Reference station (Table 3-6). These concentrations from
both sites are very similar to the levels that Munns et al. (in
preparation) reported for the reference station at the Central
Long Island Sound Disposal Site (Table 4-3). On dredged
material, Munns et al. (in preparation) measured lead
concentrations in Nephtys of about 4.7-8.9 ppm. Because the
Nephtys analyzed in the present study were purged of gut contents
and those analyzed by Munns et al. (in preparation) were not
purged, the higher levels for some elements in that study may be
due to sediment in the gut of the organisms.
The concentrations of zinc and cadmium were
Significantly (p<0.05) higher in Nephtys collected from the
Reference location when compared to organisms from WLIS-A in the
present study. In both cases, however, the levels were similar
to or lower than what Munns et al. (in preparation) found at the
Central Long Island Sound Reference station (Table 4-3). The
cadmium concentrations found in the present study are all lower
16
(0.25-0.48 ppm) than the concentrations reported by Munns et al.
(in preparation).
Similar results were also observed for chromium and
copper. Munns et al. (in preparation) reported that chromium
concentrations in Nephtys collected away from dredged material
ranged from 1-5 ppm dry weight. This is slightly higher than the
range of concentrations (0.42-0.72 ppm) found in the present
study (Table 4-3). For copper the range of concentrations
reported here are 12-16 ppm compared to about 22-33 ppm at the
Central Long Island Sound Reference station (Munns et al. in
preparation).
The iron concentrations showed a similar trend. The
concentrations reported for the present study were between 490
and 570 ppm dry weight whereas those measured by Munns et al. (in
preparation) were all between 400 and 1100 ppm.
The PCB concentrations reported here (Table 3-8) for
Nephtys were below the analytical detection limits for all but
two samples. In both cases the measured concentrations were
Aroclor 1254 in organisms collected from the Reference station.
The levels measured were 420 and 620 ppb dry weight. These
levels are slightly higher than those measured by Munns et al.
(in preparation) in Nephtys from their Reference station at CLIS
(186-375 ppb).
It is somewhat surprising to see measurable PCB
concentrations in the Reference organisms and not in those
collected from the WLIS-A station. This would not be expected
because the sediment PCB results showed a level of 90 ppb at the
Reference station and 500 ppb at WLIS-A (Table 3-1). In all
cases, the measured wet weight concentrations for mercury (Table
3-7) and PCBs (Table 3-8) are well below the FDA Alert Levels
(0.2 ppm for mercury, 2 ppm for PCB's).
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The results of the analysis of the bathymetric data
collected at the WLIS Disposal Site indicates an accumulation of
sediment (estimated from bathymetry surveys to be approximately
35,700 m?) in the vicinity of the disposal buoy. Comparison of
the contoured bathymetric charts from the October 1985 and the
August 1986 surveys reveals a decrease in depth at the buoy
location and on the west flank of mound "C" and the northeast
flank of mound "A". Because of the buoy's position between the
two mounds, the deposited dredged material will tend to create a
Single, wide flat mound. This may, in fact, aid in stabilizing
the dredged material. The peaks of dredged material mounds are
usually the site of any initial erosion that may occur.
AL?
The REMOTS® survey showed that recently deposited
dredged material was evident in the area of disposal point "C",
supporting the results of the bathymetric survey. Much of this
newly deposited dredged material consists of coarse-grained
sediments (fine to medium sands). This material may extend
somewhat beyond the survey area to the east and northeast.
However, given that the survey area is approximately 1600 meters
west and 900 meters south of the Disposal Site boundaries, it is
highly unlikely that this material extends out of the disposal
site. Lower contrast dredged material layers were evident in the
western portion of the survey area apparently representing
material deposited a number of years ago. Apparent relict
dredged material is observed in some replicates from the WLIS
Reference station. This material is clearly relict (deposited
more than just a few years ago) based on its extremely low
reflectance and discontinuous layering. Relict dredged material
has been observed at this station since the initiation of REMOTS
surveys in 1984. The reference station is located close to an
historically-used disposal site (Eatons Neck). There is no
evidence that recent disposal activities have occurred at this
location.
Although limited benthic recolonization of the survey
area had occurred since the August 1985 survey, the area
continued to exhibit a "stressed" biological community. The
highly disturbed WLIS Reference community indicated that this
stress was not directly related to disposal activities, but
reflected a regional ecosystem disturbance factor, i.e., bottom
hypoxia.
Statistical analyses of the chemical data collected for
the sediment at WLIS indicated that the concentrations of lead,
nickel, copper, and oil and grease were elevated in the WLIS-A
sediment compared to the levels at the Reference station. The
concentrations of nickel and copper are, however, only slightly
elevated in the dredged material and are within the range of
concentrations reported by other investigators for central and
western Long Island Sound. The lead concentrations at WLIS-A
are, however, elevated compared to what other investigators have
found. These same four elements exhibited elevated
concentrations in the top 2 cm of the sediment cores when
compared to the remaining 2-10 cm for both the disposal mound and
Reference station. The reason for only these elements to be
elevated is unknown, but more sampling would be required to
determine the actual chemical and physical processes occurring in
the sediment. In addition to the above elements, the PCB
concentration appeared to be high in the WLIS-A sample.
For the concentrations of metals in the body tissue of
Nephtys, only the concentration of lead was significantly higher
in Nephtys collected from WLIS-A compared to levels in organisms
collected from the Reference station. This is consistent with
18
significantly elevated levels of lead in the WLIS-A sediment.
The concentrations of mercury were well below the FDA Alert
Level.
In summary, the results of the present survey indicates
that the management controls over dredged material disposal at
WLIS, initiated by New England Division, Corps of Engineers, have
been effective in minimizing the dispersion of dredged material
and preventing any significant adverse environmental impacts.
Distinct disposal mounds have been formed by disposal operations
occurring at taut-moored buoys and appear to be stable with no
evidence of erosion or significant transport of material. The
"stressed" condition at the disposal site is not attributible to
disposal operations but rather to conditions in Western Long
Island Sound in general.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The DAMOS monitoring protocol for disposal sites in
Long Island Sound depends on comparing disposal site conditions
with an appropriate reference, i.e., a nearby area of seafloor
which is not affected by the disposal events. The WLIS Reference
station was clearly more stressed than the survey area. The
reason for this may be low bottom water oxygen. However, it is
not clear why the Reference station, located only 2 km east of
the survey area, should have been more oxygen stressed. Future
monitoring should include some near-bottom oxygen monitoring and
an additional reference station should be located to document how
widespread are the changes measured at the present one. This may
not be possible for this area of the Sound because the study done
for EPA Region I has shown that low oxygen water exists at depths
of 50 feet or more throughout this area in August. While
year-to-year variations may be present in bottom water oxygen,
extended periods of low oxygen tensions in the range measured can
seriously compromise the benthic habitat throughout the whole
region. In short, a relatively undisturbed Reference site may
not exist in the vicinity of the disposal site.
7.0 REFERENCES
Benninger, kek, Rac. Alden) “o.K. Cochran and K.K. Turekian:
1979. Effects of biological sediment mixing on the 210 Pb
chronology and trace metal distribution in a Long Island
Sound sediment core. Earth and Planetary Science Letters
43:241-259.
Bokuniewicz, H.J., Gebert, J.A., and R.B. Gordon. 1980.
Consolidation of a rapidly emplaced deposit of estuarine
sediment. Unpublished report, 42p.
Ale)
Greig), R.A, ReNe Reid sandyD2 “Ra Wenzlotie. 1977. Trace metal
concentrations in sediments from Long Island Sound. Marine
Pollution Bulletin 8: 183-188.
Whetoh=, Welto, Wea, Gols wewuls IWoears shhehaneinl, Dies, Wolo JENS, Wolo
Galloway, G.L. Hoffman, R.R. Payne, P.F. Rogerson and R.J.
Pruell. (in preparation). Exposure assessment component of
the Field Verification Program: Data presentation and
synthesis. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, R.I.
Plumb, R.H. 1981. Procedures for Handling and Chemical Analysis
of Sediment and Water Samples. Technical Report EPA/CE-81-
ale
TEWEULeEsO, Wolo weIBs> Sediment Budget Study for Clamshell
Dredging and Disposal Activities. US }Armyay (Conpsimot
Engineers, New York District. New York, NY.
SAIC. 1985. DAMOS Annual Report. SAIC Report #84/7521&C46 , US
Army Corps of Engineers, New England Division, Waltham, MA.
DAMOS Contribution #46.
SAIC. 1986a. Seasonal Monitoring Cruise at the New London
Disposal Site, July 1986. SAIC Report #86/7540&C60 , US
Army Corps of Engineers, New England Division, Waltham, MA.
DAMOS Contribution #60.
SAIC. 1986b. Monitoring Surveys at the Western Long Island Sound
Disposal Site, August and October 1985. SAIC Report
#86/7510&C55 , US Army Corps of Engineers, New England
Division, Waltham, MA. DAMOS Contribution #55.
SAC Lo Sie REMOTS® reconnaissance mapping of near-bottom
dissolved oxygen: Central to western Long Island Sound,
August 1986. SAIC Report #87/7502&132. US Environmental
Protection Agency, Region I, Boston, MA.
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O°rI zyadd doo
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cv wdd 35D
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Table 3-2
Physical Characteristics of Sediment from the Biological Samples
WLIS Disposal Site, August 1986
Station-Re
WLIS-REF-1
WLIS-A
°
©
Coarse
2
17
ILS)
36
14
nS
°
©
Med.
Sand
2
26
32
30
41
21
°
©
Fine
Sand
3
11
32
38
30
42
36
z
Sslie/
Clay
93
87
91
80
87
25)
ILS)
18
Dark olive gray
organic clay (OH) with
shell fragments
Dialraks olive gray
organic clay (OH) with
shell fragments
Dark olive gray
organic clay (OH) with
shell fragments
Dark olive gray
organic clay (OH) with
sand and shell
fragments
DeIsIs ~— OQlave gray
organic clay (OH) with
shell fragments
Dark Gray, sisilty,s sand
(SM) with shell
fragments
Dark olive gray silty
sand (SM) with shell
fragments
Dark CGiegayy jgoOOime sy
graded sand with
gravel (SP)
Dark Cees ja@@r2 Ly
graded sand (SP)
Dark gray silty sand
(SM) with shell
fragments
.. 4 ni
_ ’ TG au D kunt
i 7 a.
shes Lene Last ent ae ad tua ph
= ae
i Sie: METS.
ie
ee 2°) $V 216 ts tt ce
Fie (AO), ysl OLneoIA
. ee ts ee
exe ays vhs CUB > OR
Li aie) ty S ALE Sa
ee eheeapatt eG ae
oeeee a
f rt LE a Ca
1 aa: CBR Waal aah dali
>See x . Tene ere
tate C0 tte ). hee8
diiv (Hoy yee olnapying 6S"
tie ‘t @ ont fi 0a i _
aynsmpert
¢eze. Vite R7eG: vs
iv Fic} Vale 4a nays “
; } esis Ff aie, -
i ! i SR
7 hiniiy Weta NAGD 7 yin nw
Li wi ike 4 tik
oni vai saa ka eam. w SS
Iflate= Atie (MS) pile
oo is oi
2 vilznen ¥S2
e is
42%v. Boke &5S seer
1a6) £ > 7 \
hae bot YRS em Lr
ie} Boae, ave
Siee val ia Vere Geer’ hae
CiLate wd * oo ge Oe fig ROR
™ castes
fcate
ure
aca
t=
er:
TS
Benthic Community Analysis of Sediment Collected at WLIS
SPECIES
CNIDARIA
Ceriantheopsis americanus
RHYNCHOCOELA
Cerebratulus lacteus
Tubulanus pellucidus
Rhychocoela ST
PHORONIDA
Phoronis mulleri
ANNELIDA
Oligochaeta spp.
Polychaeta
Ampharetidae
Ampharete arctica
Amphitrite ornata
Asabellides oculata
Capitellidae
Mediomastus ambiseta
Chaetopteridae
Spiochaetopterus oculatus
Cirratulidae
Tharyx acutus
Cossura longocirrata
Flabelligeridae
Pherusa affinis
Glyceridae
Glycera americana
Hesionidae
Podarke obscura
Maldanidae
Asychis elongata
Euclymene torquata
Euclymene zonalis
Table 3-4
UU
August 1986
WLIS-A
CENTER REFERENCE
Slee Ae ee ees!
2 ile 3
3 2 al 1
2. 5 1 2 2 2
aL 1 :
3 al iE
12 eal 17 4 JL 4
74 92 42 - 5 alt
7 : 1 aL al 2
sto) AOAOQ SOY 102 219 194
al: e * 5
62 US, AS) 0 ° °
. 2 2 2
14 42 43 13
4 11 7 1
2 s o °
5 3 0 ° 1
° 6 ° ° .
100 168 87 6 14
SPECIES
Nephtyidae
Nephtys incisa
Nereidae
Nereis succinea
Paraonidae
Paraonis gracilis
Pectinariidae
Pectinaria gouldii
Pilargidae
Sigambra tentaculata
Phyllodocidae
Eulalia bilineata
Eteone longa
Paranaitis speciosa
Polynoidae
Harmothoe extenuata
Lepidonotus squamatus
Sabellaridae
Sabellaria vulgaris
Sabellidae
Potamilla sp.
Scalibregmidae
Scalibregma inflatum
Spionidae
Nerinides tridentata
Polydora ligni
Polydora socialis
Spio fillicornis
Streblospio bendicti
Syllidae
Autloytus prolifer
Terebellidae
Polycirrus eximius
Nicolea juv.
Table 3-4 Continued.
WLIS-A
CENTER REFERENCE
Al, 2 4 1 4 3
1 17 2 74 113 79
: 5 ll . © :
C : 1 : 1
4 6 C : : C
- 2 . 2 0 IS}
° 13 s) 1 . 6
C 1 5 0 6 2
. 2 8 2 0 5
. 1 ° 0 7
8 2 99 0 ° :
5 AL all : 2 2
° ° 5 0 ° °
° ° 9 : : 2
10 8 2 : 6 0
° 6 2 1 : 5
6 4 ° O ° .
66 54 . 1 0 °
. ° . 6 ° 1
79 71 by7/ 2 . °
° 1 ° 2 ° 5
SPECIES
MOLLUSCA
Arcidae
Anadara transversa
Lyonsiidae
Lyonsia hyalina
Mactridae
Mulinia lateralis
Mytilidae
Mytilus spat
Nuculanidae
Yoldia limatula
Nuculidae
Nucula annulata
Pandoridae
Pandora gouldiana
Solenidae
Ensis directus
Tellinidae
Tellina agilis
Macoma tenta
Veneridae
Pitar morrhuana
Leptonidae
Gastropoda
Prosobranchia
Calyptraeidae
Crepidula fornicata
Crepidula plana
Crepidula spp.
Nassariidae
Nassarius trivittatus
Pyramidellidae
Odostomia A
Table 3-4 Continued.
WLIS-A
CENTER
1 2
3
7
28 15
3 4
al
1 3
4 )
18 Bs)
3 2
2
° 8
14 9
4
18
62
REFERENCE
1 4
5 11
BIS SOO
3 al
1
Sh 7/
3
10
35
Table 3-4 Continued.
SPECIES
ARTHROPODA
Crustacea
Cephalocarida
Hutchinsoniella macracantha
Amphipoda
Gammaridea
Ampeliscidae
Ampelisca spp.
Corophiidae
Corophium acutum
Erichthonius brasiliensis
Unciola irrorata
Photidae
Leptocheirus pinguis
Stenothoidae
Parametopella cypris
Caprellidea
Luconacea incerta
Cumacea
Diastylidae
Oxyurostylis smithi
Isopoda
Idoteidae
Edotea triloba
Decapoda
Caridea
Crangonidae
Crangon septemspinosa
Paguridae
Pagurus longicarpus
Cancridae
Cancer irroratus
Hemichordata
Saccoglossus kowalewskii
20
WLIS-A
CENTER
2
4
Al
REFERENCE
4
All 0
2 0
0 1
alt 1
4 °
3
Table 3-4 Continued.
SPECIES
Total number individuals
Polychaetes
Mollusca
Crustacea
Amphipoda
1347
WLIS-A
CENTER
2
1790
1608
117
33
23
837
REFERENCE
al 4 3
499 766 467
MA Sasa sychal
292 409 Y2)
3 2 36
2 1 28
pdt bine 9 5 i Ere
ae A~BEW. chat - ian i.
| Labatsistereaa a: CE
— 0
: 1" Ree tat a emrwaingtet
Alecia, bh cote cone” joie tal |
pow peer ' : a) a . : ; won
si, eos Tes we Abbe be oa |.
Re
Table 3-5
Summary of Totals of Species and Individuals Among Major Taxa
Collected at Western Long Island Sound Disposal Site, August 1986
CENTER "A" REFERENCE
Species/station 5S 47
Total species 68
Species Per Station By Taxa
Number % Number %&
Polychaeta 28 50n9 19 40.4
Mollusca 14 25.4 12 AB o
Crustacea 7 Bo V 10 ZnS
Other 6 10.9 6 Ao T/
Individuals/
sample 1493 1790 B79 499 766 487
Mean individuals/
station 1421 584
Individuals Per Station By Taxa
Mean Mean
Number %& Number &
Polychaeta 1264 89.0 296 54.0
Mollusca 96.3 So 7 260 44.5
Crustacea 32 2.2 13.6 2c}
Other 29 PR (0) IGS 2.4
Se> OT c 80°0O S0°O TO°O “Asd °p3AS
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G0°0O> OVS Sr 9S°0 GZ°0 vL°O @-SIIM
G0°0O> OVS VI vv'o ££°O (72,20) T-SIIM
2S OV T 60°0 S0°O Zc0°O "Acq °pas
--- O€sS €T £9°0 vv°o S/L°O) ueoHW
9L0°0 OLS cia O20) BPO vL°O € BdUeTeTOY
860°0 O67 Gr vS°O 6£°O €L°0O Z BdUeTSeTSY
GO°O> OES SIE £9°0O 9v°O LO TL eouereyoy
DH oa nd 26) po id uoT eqs
6/fbn ut uotzerWUeDUOD
986T ysnbny ‘e4TS Tesodstd SIIM 3e pexdeT TOD
SA}YdeN JO sonsstL Apog ut (3ybtTemM Arq) sTe_eW sorry,
9-€ 29TqUeL
--- € S/O O°) T0'0 EOL
--- vOT 8°? 60°0 GO°O i a)
TO°O> EOE Tae} 80°0 S0°0O vt°O
T0°0> 90T 9°2 EL O S0°0 GiO
T0°0> vOT [Lee 80°0 90°0 vT°O
--- 9 18 (0) Z0°O LOMO TO°O
--- T6 Gee TtaO 80°0O €T°O
€T0°O L6_ Cae IE 0) 80°0 FEO)
LT0°0 98 16.202 60°0 1O)°O €T°O
800°> 06 Cec ELCO 80°0 Gio
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6/6bn ut uotzerQUsDUO0D
986T ysnbny ‘e4TS Tesodstq SIIM 3e peqyoeTTOD
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Z-€ 9TqeL
ANM
“Aed *P3S
ueohl
€-SIIM
c-SIIM
T-SIIM
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uray
sdUueTeToY
sdUueTeyoY
adueTVJoy
WoT #e4S
Table 3-8
PCB Concentrations in Nephtys Collected at WLIS Disposal Site
August 1986
Reference WLIS
Dry Weight (ppb) 1
420 <300
<570 <350
620 <400
Wet Weight (ppb)
Ya. <58
<100 <69
105 <78
1 concentrations and detection limits as Aroclor 1254. See
Methods section for discussion of relationship to other PCB
mixtures. No other PCB mixtures were detected.
Table 4-1
Comparison of REMOTS Data from the August 1986 and
October 1985 Surveys at WLIS
Mean RPD Mean OSI
(cm)
WLIS Stations 1.62 3.18
October 1985
(n=22)
WLIS Stations 2.16 ns Berge
August 1986
(n=56)
WLIS Reference 0.59 * =O 70m s
August 1986
(n=22)
Note: ns indicates that results of the comparison to the October
data was not significantly different (Kruskal-Wallis,
p>0.05).
* indicates a significant difference (p<0.05).
Hg
Pb
an
As
Cd
(Gis
Cu
Ni
Table 4-2
Comparison of Chemical Analysis of Sediment Collected
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
ppm
Note:
in Long Island Sound
(Concentrations on a dry weight basis)
Greigt Benninger2 WLIS-aA? WLIS-REF2>
0.5-0.6 ON 39=214 0.05-1.9
58-77 30-52 <25-270 43-99
195-201 106-190 140-280 82-180
NbD4 3.8-9.0 2.8-5.0
ND <3-8 <3-9
159-164 30-54 27-52
122-154 44-96 64-110 16-59
220226 <26-65 <26
from Greig et al. (1977); results from two stations in
the valcinity of WEES) top) 4 icmeot icones ouirmon es oisalr
from Benninger et al. (1979); results from top 10 cm of
one core collected in the vicinity of the CLIS disposal
site.
includes results from 0-2 and 2-10 cm core sections.
ND = not detected.
Table 4-3
Comparison of Chemical Analysis of Nephtys Collected
in Long Island Sound
(Concentrations on a dry weight basis)
Munns et al.!
On DM Reference WLIS-A WLIS-REF
4.7-8.9 2.6-4.4 3.5-3.8 Bo PCS 5 Al
150-220 25 = A775) 130-140 150-160
0.5-2.7 0.9-1.8 0.25-0.33 0.39-0.48
No OS55'7/ 1.0-2.4 0.42-0.56 0.54-0.72
36-64 22-33 13-16 12-13
500-1100 430-790 520-540 490-570
610-838 186-375 ND3 420-620
from Munns et al. (in preparation); results from Field
Veriiication) “Program (VP) Ysite! in’ the (Central Long
Island Sound Disposal Site.
Concentrations as Aroclor 1254.
ND = not detected.
¥ U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1988--500-017--60053
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