20170116 Ver 1_Burdett NC DEQ DWR Correspondence02062017update_20170207

Proposed project: Thin-layer application of dredged material on degraded salt marsh
Supplemental Information to include with PCN Application:NWP18
Dr. Carolyn Currin and Dr. Jenny Davis NOAA NCCOS Beaufort Lab
Updated 2/6/2017
January 20, 2017

1.Cover Letter (See Separate Attachment)

2.Project Vicinity Map

This single and complete project is located within the boundary of Marine Corps Base Camp
Lejeune (MCBCL), in the Freeman Creek salt marsh adjacent to the Atlantic Intracoastal
Waterway

Figure 1. Project vicinity on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Project area indicated by the
red rectangle.

3. Project Location Map
The precise location of the proposed project is indicated by the red box in the figure below. Control
and experimental plots will be located within the project location. All experimental plots will be
in low lying (0 to -20 cm) Spartina alterniflora marsh.

Figure 2. Project location indicated by the red rectangle, within the Freeman Creek salt marsh,
o o
located at 34.590241 N, 77.242739 W. Marsh surface elevation in m NAVD88 is indicated by
the colors in the legend.

4. Design Drawings - illustrate the project area, area for sediment to be placed, include acreage
calculation on exhibit. If possible, illustrate placement of pipe (this intake and discharge) as
well.
Figure 3.
Figure 3. Project area and plot size are indicated by rectangles. Filled rectangles indicate plots
to receive dredged sediments to a depth of 15 - 25 cm. Sediment will be removed from the
channel near the location indicated, and applied to the plots by moving the pipe along a
fiberglass boardwalk.

Figure 4. Schematic of Control and Filled experimental plots. Control plots will have a coir log
either temporary silt fence or hay bale
and in order to test impact of those structures on the
marsh. Dredged sediment will be applied to Fill plots at high tide, and contained within the plot
by silt fence or hay bales during the initial application
area . After settling, coir logs will remain
in place approx. 20 cm above the marsh surface to prevent subsequent movement of sediment
from the test plot.

5. Letter from Camp Lejeune POC advocating project and include contact information. (Sent by
separate mail)

PreConstruction Notification Supplemental Information

Section B. 3d Explain the purpose of the proposed project:

With the increasing risk of sea level rise, more frequent and/or severe storms, and a
decline in suspended sediment in coastal environments (Morris et al. 2002, Kirwan et al 2010,
Emanuel 2016, Weston 2014) there is a need to develop adaptive management strategies, such as
thin-layer placement, that allow marsh plants to maintain their natural coastal integrity and
‘keep-up’ with sea level rise, thereby enhancing the coastal resilience of these systems (Bridges
et al. 2016, Sutton-Grier et al. 2015). Recent events, including hurricanes Sandy and Matthew,
have led to an increased interest in both NOAA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
to utilize nature-based features, such as marshes, dunes, and oyster reefs, to provide shoreline
protection and coastal resilience. In addition, the Department of Defense (DoD) has identified
sea level rise as a risk to military installations, and recommends an adaptive management
approach to reduce that risk (SERDP 2013, Hall et al. 2016).

NOAA’s long-term research on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (MCBCL) has
identified three primary threats to the long-term integrity of salt-marshes; erosion, fragmentation
and drowning (Currin et al. 2015, DCERP1 Final Research Report 2013). These threats are
exacerbated by the relatively low suspended sediment concentration found in the system (Ensign
et al. 2016, Ensign and Currin 2016). In addition, NOAA research has determined the marsh
plant biomass : surface elevation relationship crucial to modeling long-term marsh response to
sea level rise using the Marsh Equilibrium Model, or MEM (Morris et al. 2002;
http://129.252.139.114/model/marsh/mem2.asp). This data and model projections are the
foundation for understanding the impacts of a thin-layer sediment addition to marsh production
and long-term resiliency (Figure 5).

Figure 5 A) Relationship between Spartina alterniflora aboveground biomass and marsh surface
elevation in the Freeman Creek marsh B) Marsh Equilibrium Model projections of Spartina
biomass at two initial surface elevations, -5 cm and -20 cm NAVD88. The model was run

assuming a 100 cm rise in slr over the next century. Sediment and belowground production were
parameterized using data collected by DCERP researches in the Freeman Creek area.

The primary purpose of the proposed project is to develop and test adaptive management
strategies to address the vulnerabilities that threaten the future viability of salt marsh habitat
located adjacent to the Atlantic Intracoastal Water Way (AIWW). This project is critical to
confirming and validating modeling results that predict the marsh response to surface elevation
change, and which are used to determine the amount of added sediment necessary to achieve the
optimal elevation for long-term marsh growth. The proposed project is a pilot-scale
demonstration project designed to facilitate marsh growth and long-term integrity in low-lying
Spartina alterniflora salt marshes by enhancing the elevation capital through the deposition of a
thin-layer of sediment. This project will help to meet a critical research need, which is to validate
marsh response modeling results and predictions of the amount of thin-layer sediment addition
necessary to achieve optimal marsh elevation. The project is built upon a decade of research on
MCBCL coastal wetlands and local scientific expertise, providing a unique opportunity to
scientifically test the thin-layer approach in a situation where the environmental and biological
variables are well-understood. One goal of the project is to provide the foundation for use of this
technique in similar locations, by developing a list of parameters and model predictions that are
necessary for thin-layer application of sediment into coastal wetlands. This project will further
enhance the partnership between NOAA, USACE and MCBCL, and further each organization’s
goals and needs to promote coastal resiliency.

The ability of salt marshes to maintain ecosystem function after a thin layer (< 25 cm or
10 inches) application of dredged sediment has been demonstrated in both experimental and
project-scale applications in the coastal U. S. (Mendeslsohn and Kuhn 2003, Ray 2007).
However, the only published experimental results of the impact on Spartina alterniflora in the
southeast U. S. are from a hand-delivered application of sandy sediment on reference and
deteriorated marsh on Masonboro Island, NC (Croft et al. 2006). The impact of sand application
to Spartina alterniflora in small mesocosms has also demonstrated the benefit of this approach to
marsh sustainability (Walters and Kirwan 2016, Wigand et al. 2016). However, there has not
been a project in this area (Freeman Creek) that directly applied dredged material from a
navigation channel to the salt marsh surface.

There is a critical need to quantitatively measure the response of marsh plants to thin
layer placement with precise before and after elevation and plant biomass measurements, an
element that is lacking from previous thin-layer placement studies in the southeast and elsewhere
(C. Piercey USACE ERDC, personal communication). If successful, this project will fulfill the
need to demonstrate and quantify the response of marshes to thin layer placement, thereby
calibrating previous model results and supplying resource managers (i.e. MCBCL, USACE, etc.)
with a viable option for enhancing natural coastal resilience. This proposed pilot study is
designed to adhere to all Nationwide Permit 18 (NWP18) general and regional conditions and
includes two-years of post-construction monitoring. This project represents the first step to
developing, testing and implementing a strategy in the Southeast Atlantic that has been
successful in other regions (Ray 2007).

Section B 3e Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:

This single and complete project is located within the boundary of Marine Corps Base Camp
Lejeune, in the Freeman Creek salt marsh adjacent to the AIWW (Figure 1). We propose to lay
out 6 experimental plots in the Freeman Creek marsh, within 50 m of the AIWW. We have
selected a location (see Figure 2) where low-lying marsh and a surface elevation < 0 m
NAVD88, is located behind the AIWW shoreline and is adjacent to approximately x acres of
largely monotypic Spartina alterniflora marsh habitat. The degraded area is large enough to
Three of these plots will be used as controls, and will
support six experimental 5 m x 5 m plots.
only be treated with temporary silt fence and coir logs, as shown in Figure 4. The other three
plots will also have silt fence and coir logs around the border of the plot, and will be filled with
dredged sediment, so that a final elevation increase of 15 to 25 cm will be achieved.

Sediment will be dredged from the AIWW shoreline, from a depth less than 3.0 m

(Figure 3). This area is routinely maintained as a navigable channel by USACE Wilmington
District and similar best management practices and protocols will be employed to obtain the
sediment. The total sediment volume to be deposited in the 3 Fill plots is 25 cubic yards, and
would be distributed over a project area of <0.02 acres. Another 0.02 acres of marsh would
serve as Control plots, for a total research area of 0.04 acres. In addition to the dredged
material, the plots will be bordered by 12” (0.304 m) diameter coir log. We propose
establishing a temporary silt fence around the border of Fill and Control plots, to limit
distribution of dredge material outside the Fill plots, and to test impact of the fence alonge on
Control plots. The silt fence will have less impact on the marsh surface, and will be our first
choice if we can establish it in the soft marsh sediment. If initial trials with the silt fence prove
unsatisfactory in terms of containing sediment, we may use hay bales of approx.18” (0.54 m)
width deployed during the sediment application, but removed within days, after suspended
sediment from the dredging operation has settled to the marsh surface. We note that both hay
bales and silt fence has been used in previous thin layer applications in New Jersey (personal
communiciation, M. Chasten, USACE).

For this pilot-scale operation, a small suction dredge with a flexible pipe of < 6“
diameter, also known as a mini-dredge, will be used. The applicant is investigating several
options, and may use a NOAA-purchased suction dredge, may rent a suction dredge, or may
contract with a local company with the proper equipment. In any event, the excavation rate will
be less than 40 cu yd/hr.

Figure 6. Boardwalk made of fiberglass grating allows for maximal light peneration to marsh surface.
We will install 12” wide grated-fiberglass boardwalks over the marsh to accommodate
the dredge pipe, and to facilitate monitoring, with minimal damage to the marsh surface (Figure
6). We will use PVC supports, and attach the boardwalks to supports every 3 feet. These
boardwalks will be removed upon project completion. In addition, temporary boardwalks
consisting of planks attached to plastic crates, may be used during sediment application and
monitoring activities to minimize impact of ‘boots on the ground’. Boardwalks are used
extensively in marsh restoration and long-term monitoring studies to minimize foot traffic on the
marsh surface, thus avoiding any permanent adverse effects from monitoring activities to marsh
health and integrity.

Figure 7 Sampling location for collection of surface sediments in the AIWW by NOAA staff.

The sediment along the AIWW shoreline is predominantly sand-sized particles. In
addition to geotextile information provided by the USACE Wilmington District from prior
dredging operations, NOAA NCCOS sampled surface sediments in 2010 along the AIWW
shoreline within MCBCL. Surface sediments (top 5 cm) were sampled along a transect
perpendicular to the shoreline, at water depths of 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 m (See Figure 7). Samples
were obtained from both marsh shorelines and adjacent to military splash points, where
amphibious vessels are launched during training missions. Average sand content (particle size >
63 µm) of surface sediment from marsh shorelines was 78%. Average organic matter content
was 3%.

Prior to deposition of the sediment, we will obtain a detailed elevation and vegetation
survey of the area within the red rectangle in Figure 2. We will utilize a SET benchmark
established approximately 500 m from the site as a vertical reference, and install a local
reference benchmark using threaded stainless steel rod, to provide a vertical resolution of < 2 cm.
Final plot locations will be selected from areas with similar elevations, of less than 0 m
NAVD88. Boardwalks will be constructed from the shore to plot edges as described above. After
final plot locations are selected we will lay out (6) experimental 5 m x 5 m plots (Figure 4).
Three (3) of these plots (total 0.02 acres) will be used as controls and treated only with
silt fence or hay bales
temporary and coir logs, as shown in Figure 4. The other three Fill (3)
plots will be filled with the dredged sediment and also have the temporary sediment containment
(silt fence or hay bales)
and coconut coir logs for sediment containment to avoid and minimize
effects to the adjacent marsh area. These methods have been used successful in previous thin-
layer application studies to prevent sediment from draining out of the location (M. Chasten,
USACE, personal communication). Prior to sediment application, data will be collected inside
each Fill, and Test plot on vegetation (species % cover, stem density, stem height) and sediment
characteristics (grain size, organic matter content, bulk density, porewater salinity and nutrients).
Data will also be collected from undisturbed nearby marsh (without bales or logs) before and
after the project.

We will obtain additional sediment grain size, bulk density and organic matter analyses
from the target area and conduct initial tests on settling rate. Prior to applying dredged material
to the marsh, we will install hay bales to height of at least 0.5 m above the marsh surface around
each plot. We will dredge sediment during high tide, and discharge the sediment into the three
(3) designated Fill Plots (Figure 3). Preliminary measures of sediment delivery rate and water
content will be made to determine the amount of time that dredged material should be added to
each plot. The time over which we will apply material will be calculated from bulk density data
of the sediment to be dredged, and water content of dredged material. We anticipate that smaller
applications over no more than a 2-3 day period may be made to minimize chance of overfilling
plots. The goal is to increase the marsh surface elevation within each Fill plot by 20 cm. This is
consistent with the results of a Marsh Equilibrium Model (Morris et al. 2002; Wigand et al
2016), which utilizes site-specific plant biomass-elevation relationships, annual marsh
production, suspended sediment concentrations, and tidal inundation to predict marsh biomass
over varying sea level rise scenarios. Model predictions for Freeman Creek are illustrated in
Figure 5.

Monitoring of surface elevations within Fill and Control plots will be conducted at two-
month intervals over the first six months post dredging, using a Trimble RTK VRS receiver. At
least 5 elevation points will be obtained within each plot. Vegetation, % cover, stem density and
2
stem height will be measured from (3) 0.5 m plots within each large experimental plot during
peak marsh biomass (Late July- early August). (Note that NOAA has an 8 year record of marsh
vegetation and surface elevation change from this area, providing longer-term context to
interpret experimental results and assess interannual variability). After the first 6 months,
elevation and vegetation measures within Fill and Control plots will be determined annually
through 2019. In addition, sediment cores will be obtained in 2018 to obtain depth profiles of
belowground marsh biomass, sediment grain size, and sediment organic matter content.
Porewater nutrients and salinity will be collected in conjunction with vegetation measures.

We anticipate that this site will continue to be monitored after 2019, as the data are
important to the NOAA mission of coastal resilience, and the site is readily accessible by NOAA
Beaufort lab personnel.

Section B 6b Future Project Plans
Upon successful completion of construction-related activities, NOAA's National Centers for
Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) would monitor the site for at least an additional 2 years, as detailed
above. No new dredging or application of sediment will be conducted at this location. This is a
single and complete project. NCCOS researchers will work with colleagues from academia and
other federal agencies (including ERDC) to obtain funding for longer-term monitoring and research
at this site. Results would be provided to the USACE's interagency review team (IRT) on a bi-annual
basis.
Upon demonstrating success with this pilot-scale project, NCCOS may pursue the identification of
a different location within the larger salt marsh area on the Camp Lejeune Base that is void of
vegetation. In turn, NCCOS would approach the USACE and IRT with a request for authorization to
perform the same type of activities within a different location on a larger scale. The applicant
recognizes that an individual (standard) permit maybe required if such an activity (on a larger scale)
is pursued in the future.

Section F.5.D. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat NOAA Assessment

Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that each federal agency, ensure
that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency is not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or
adverse modification of designated critical habitat.
NOAA requested a species-list of potential endangered species and critical habitat that may be in
the project area from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Information and Planning for
Conservation (IPaC) website and reviewed endangered species lists from the following National
Marine Fisheries Service website. There are sixteen (16) endangered or threatened species
potentially found within the action area (Figure 1, Table 1).

NOAA determined that given the limited duration and area of dredging (< 48 hrs), the
limited area over which the dredged material will be applied (< 0.02 acres of low-lying salt
marsh), and the expectation that marsh production and biomass will be enhanced with this action,
there will be no significant adverse impact to any endangered species, critical habitat, or
migratory bird.

Details of this assessment follow.
There are three species of threatened and endangered birds potentially found in the proposed
project area: Piping plovers, red knots, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. However, none have
critical habitat within the project area, therefore no critical habitat will be jeopardized or
modified as a result of proposed project activities. Piping plovers are generally found in sound
(bay or bayshore) beaches and sound islands for foraging and ocean beaches for roosting
preening or being alert (Cohen et al. 2008). Thus interior areas of continuous marsh are not likely
to be an area where nesting or foraging piping plovers are found. If piping plovers are observed
in or near action area, sediments will not be applied until they have left the area. Similarly, it is
unlikely that a red knot will be present in the proposed action area and if so, project activities
will be suspended until the red knot has left the area. The red knot breeds in the arctic dry tundra

habitat (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red_Knot/lifehistory#at_habitat) and would not be
present in the action area during the time period proposed for this project. The red-cockaded
woodpecker is found in mature pine forests and also would not be affected by project activities.
There are five (5) species of reptiles potentially found in the action area of dredging (Table 1).
The American alligator and four (4) marine turtle species. Thin-layer sediment application will
have no effect on any of these species. Dredging activities will occur from 1 to 2 days in an area
routinely maintained by USACE Wilmington District. Observers will be continuously
monitoring dredge activities to ensure no turtles are adversely affected as a result of dredging
activities. The AIWW channel where sediments will be obtained is routinely maintained using
similar methods by USACE Wilmington for safe navigation purposes. The suction dredge will
only be operated at the sediment interface and will not be operated within the water column.
Therefore, due to the small size of the pipe (<6”), relatively low suction rate (~40 yds/hour), the
short duration of dredging (several hours in each of 2-3 days), and small amount of sediment to
be obtained (<25 cu. yards), NOAA NCCOS determines that proposed activities are not likely to
adversely affect any of these species.
There are two (2) species of endangered fishes, the shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon, potentially
found in the project area. Sediment application on to the degraded marsh would have no effect
on either species of sturgeon. Similarly, as both species of sturgeon are found in low numbers in
the project area and dredging activities are anticipated to occurwithin1 to 3 days, the action is not
likely to adversely affect either species. Especially as the area where sediments will be obtained
(Figure 3) are located within a regularly maintained part of the AIWW by USACE using similar
methods. In addition, there is no proposed critical habitat in the project action area.
According to the USFWS IPaC website there are five (5) species of endangered flowering plants
potentially found in the project area. However, based on aerial imagerry and recent site visits the
sediment application area is known to be a degraded (sparse) monotypic Spartina alternaflora
marsh habitat that if left alone will continue to undergo fragmentation and conversion to bare or
open water. There are no endangered flowering plants found in the area where sediment will be
applied.
Marine Mammals – There is only (1) species of endangered marine mammal potentially found
within the project area, the West Indian Manatee. However, all marine mammals are protected
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Sections 101 (a)(5)(A) and (D) allow the
incidental take of marine mammals only under special circumstances, where “take” is defined as
“to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal”
(16 U.S.C. §§ 1361-1421h). Harassment includes any annoyance which has the potential to
injure a marine mammal or stock (Level A) or disrupt its behavioral patterns (Level B). In
addition to manatees, porpoises and dolphins may be found in the AIWW near the project area.
However, similar to the analysis for reptiles, NOAA NCCOS determines that no adverse affects
to marine mammals are likely given, the small size of the pipe (<6”), the relatively low suction
rate (~40 yds/hour), the short duration of dredging (2-3 days) and small amount of sediment to
be obtained (<25 cu. yards). In addition, the area to be dredged is a navigable water way
maintained by USACE Wilmington District.
Table 1. USFWS and NMFS threatened and endangered species and designated critical habitat
(if any) in the proposed action area.
SpeciesESA StatusCritical Habitat

Bird

Outside of
Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Threatened
project area
Outside of
Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) Threatened
project area
Red-Cockaded woodpecker (Picoides Outside of
Endangered
borealis) project area
Reptiles

American alligator (Alligator
Threatened None
mississippiensis)
Outside of
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Endangered
project area
Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Endangered None Designated
Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys Outside of
Endangered
coriacea) project area
Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) Outside of
Threatened
Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS project area
Fishes

Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) Endangered None Designated
Proposed,
Atlantic sturgeon, (Acipenser oxyrinchus
Endangered Outside of
oxyrinchus) – Carolina DPS
project area
Flowering Plants
Cooley's meadowrue (Thalictrum
Endangered None
cooleyi)
Outside of
Golden sedge (Carex lutea) Endangered
project area
pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) Endangered None
rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia
Endangered None
asperulaefolia)
Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus
Threatened None
pumilus)
Mammals
West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Outside of
Endangered

manatus)project area

Migratory Birds - Birds are protected by the migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act. Any activity that results in the take of migratory birds or eagles is

prohibited unless authorized by the USFWS. There are no provisions for allowing the take of
migratory birds that are unintentionally killed or injured. There are thirty-five (35) species of
migratory birds potentially found in the project area (Table 2). Observers will ensure that no
birds are breeding, nesting or otherwise impacted by sediment application activities. No sediment
Based on the analysis of project activities as stated
will be applied under these circumstances.
above, NOAA NCCOS determines that no activities conducted as part of this project will
result in the take of migratory birds or eagles.
Table 2. Species list of migratory birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act that are potentially found in the project action area.

Bird SpeciesSeason

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Wintering
American Kestrel Falco sparverius paulus Year-round
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Year-round
Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis Year-round
Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis Breeding
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Year-round
Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica
Breeding
virens
Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla Year-round
Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis Breeding
Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca Wintering
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Breeding
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Breeding
Least Tern Sterna antillarum Breeding
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Wintering
Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa Wintering
Nelson's Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni Wintering
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris Breeding
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Wintering
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Breeding
Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Breeding
Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Wintering
Endangere
Red Knot Calidris canutus rufa Wintering
d

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes Endangere
Year-round
erythrocephalus d
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus
Wintering
Saltmarsh Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus
Wintering
Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus Year-round
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis Wintering
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
Wintering
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Wintering
Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii Breeding
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Wintering
Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia Breeding
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Breeding
Worm Eating Warbler Helmitheros
Breeding
vermivorum
Yellow Rail Coturnicops noveboracensis Wintering

Section F.6.b. Essential Fish Habitat
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that federal
agencies consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service on actions that “may adversely
affect” essential fish habitat (EFH) (16 U.S.C. § 1855(b)(2)).

According to the NOAA Habitat Conservation EFH mapper, the following species groups/taxa
have designated EFH within the project action area: coastal migratory pelagics (king mackerel,
Spanish mackerel, cobia), snapper/grouper, and two (2) species of sharks; Atlantic sharpnose
shark and black tip shark,

In addition, there are two (2) Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) within the action area,
Penaeid Shrimp and Snapper-Grouper. There are no EFH areas protected from fishing within the
action area.

NOAA NCCOS determines that dredging activities would have no adverse effects on EFH
within the project area. The AIWW channel where sediments will be obtained is routinely
maintained using similar methods by USACE Wilmington for safe navigation purposes. The
suction dredge will only be operated at the sediment interface and will not be operated within the
water column. Only a small amount of sediment (<25 cu. yards) will be suctioned off the channel
using a pipe of small diameter (< 6”) and relatively low suction rate (~40 yds/hour) over a short
time period (2-3 days). The dredged substrate is anticipated to have a high sand content and
therefore the activity is not expected to produce a plume of suspended fine particulates in the

project area. Further, project activities will not result in a loss of marsh habitat. Rather, the
actions described here will transform very low lying Spartina alterniflora marsh into a higher
elevation Spartina alterniflora marsh.

In addition, NOAA NCCOS determines that sediment application activities in three (3), 5 X 5 m
plots would not adversely affect EFH outside of the project area as hay bales and coir logs will
be used to limit sediment run-off outside of the designated experimental plots.

A detailed EFH Assessment is being prepared in coordination with NFMS.

Section F.7.b. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies to take
into account the effects of their actions on historic resources (16 U.S.C. §§ 470 et seq).
Based on consultation with MCBCL staff, there are no historic resources in the project action
area, therefore project activities will not impact any historic resources. In addition, the site
location is well known to NOAA NCCOS participants from previous site visits and ongoing
research within the area. In addition, we consulted the following National Register of Historic
Places website: https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=7ad17cc9-b808-4ff8-a2f9-
a99909164466

Literature Cited
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resilience and sustainable development. The Military Engineer 699: 52-54.

Cohen, J.B., S.M. Karpanty, D.H. Catlin, J.D. Fraser, and R.A. Fischer. 2008. Winter
ecology of piping plovers at Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. Waterbirds 31:472-479.

Craft, C., J. Clough, J. Ehman, S. Joye, R. Park and others. 2009. Forecasting the effects of
accelerated sea-level rise on tidal marsh ecosystem services. Frontiers in Ecology and the
Environment doi: 10.1890/070219.
Croft, A.L., L.A. Leonard, T. Alphin, B. Cahoon, and M. Posey. 2006. The effects of thin layer sand
re-nourishments on tidal marsh processes: Masonboro Island, North Carolina. Estuaries and Coasts.
29: 737-750.
Currin, C. A., Davis, J., Cowart, L., Malhotra, A., and M. Fonseca. 2015. Shoreline change in the
New River Estuary, North Carolina: Rates and Consequences. Journal of Coastal Research 31:1069-
1077
DCERP Coastal Wetlands Final Report 2013. Chapters CW-1 and CW-2.
https://dcerp.rti.org/DCERPPublicSite/EcosystemModules/CoastalWetlands.aspx

Ensign, S.H.,and Currin, C. 2016. Geomorphic implications of particle movement by water surface
tension in a salt marsh. Wetlands, DOI 10.1007/s13157-016-0862-4
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