Benthic invertebrates and sediment characteristics at 10 dredged-material disposal areas (beach nourishment) in the lower Columbia River, 1994-1995

The disposal of dredged material in a narrow band (about 30 m) onto beaches in the lower Columbia River is commonly referred to as beach nourishment. In 1994, the Portland District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) contracted with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to conduct four quarterly surveys at 10 beach nourishment areas in the lower Columbia River. All 10 disposal areas had been used in the past for the disposal of dredged material pumped from the bottom of the navigational channel. However, the COE is currently required to complete biological assessments prior to any future disposal of dredged material in these 10 areas. Contract no. E96940050