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Ocean disposal sites are designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to minimize the environmental effects of dredged material disposal to the area or region in which the site is located.  Most ocean disposal comes from dredging operations to maintain navigation channels.  Many of these ocean disposal sites are located offshore of major ports, harbors, and marinas and are important for maintaining safe navigation for commercial, military, and private vessels.

Disposal operations must be conducted in a manner that allows each site to operate without adverse impacts to the coastal marine environment in excess of what is expected under the given site use requirements.  These sites have guidelines based on site designation parameters established in the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) and site management and monitoring plan (SMMP) for each ocean disposal site.  Each SMMP typically incorporates a tiered monitoring structure to assess potential environmental issues specific for each site and its geographic area.

The purpose of the survey was to collect physical, chemical, and biological data at the Rogue ODMDS that informs a trend assessment evaluation of environmental effects at the site from the disposal of dredged material.  The survey was performed from the R/V Pacific Storm and sampling operations included:

• Sediment physical sampling and analysis. 40 sediment samples from within and outside the ODMDS were analyzed for grain size and total organic carbon. 
• Sediment chemical sampling and analysis. 12 sediment samples from within the ODMDS were analyzed for chemicals of concern to ensure that disposal of dredged material is not causing contamination of the benthic communities.
• Sediment benthic infaunal sampling and analysis. 40 sediment samples from within and outside the ODMDS were assessed to characterize benthic infaunal community characteristics.
• Epibenthic trawls. Six trawls were conducted within and outside the ODMDS to assess epibenthic community characteristics.
• Benthic video sled. Video was collected and reviewed to assess epibenthic community characteristics.
• In-situ water quality measurements. A water quality probe was deployed and retrieved at multiple stations throughout the ODMDS.

ANAMAR was contracted by Cadmus to coordinate with EPA Region 10 on the study design and preparation of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, lead the survey efforts, coordinate logistics, provide a vessel and experienced crew properly equipped to perform all sampling operations, oversee all survey activities and subcontractors (Marine Taxonomic Services, Pacific Storm, and laboratories), log all samples and document survey operations, provide data quality review and data quality assurance, and prepare report deliverables.