HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS2 - Update on Lower Bay Dredging Issues - PPT24s5a y - IN - off
LOWER NEWPORT BAY CAD SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Prepared for
City of Newport Beach
Harbor Resources Division
829 Harbor Island Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
Prepared by
Anchor QEA, L.P.
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 425
Laguna Niguel, California 92677
April 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ....................................................... ..............................1
2 NATURE AND EXTENT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS .............. ..............................3
3 OVERVIEW OF SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT OPTIONS ..................... ..........::..................6
3.1 On -site Sediment Treatment Facility .....................::................. ........ ..............................7
3.2 Future Port Fill.. ...::............................................................................ ..............................9
3.3 Upland Landfill Disposal .................................................................. ..............................1 l
3.4 Long Beach CAD Site ....::.................................................................. .............................12
3.5 Lower Newport Bay CAD Site .......................................................... .............................13
4 REVIEW AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES ............................
.............................15
4.1 Cost ............................:::.::..................................................................
.............................15
4.2 Feasibility ......................••••.. ........................................................... ...............................
.16
.
4.3 Permitability ......................................................................................
.............................16
4.4 Environmental Impacts ...............................:.....................................
.............................18
4.5 Summary ............................................................................................
.............................19
5 PROPOSED PATH FORWARD ...............................................................
.............................23
List of Tables
Table 1 Summary of Operations and Management Dredge Volumes by USACE
ChannelReach ........................................................................ ............................... 4
Table 2 Non- operations and Management Sources of Contaminated Sediments from
LowerNewport Bay ................................................................ ............................... 4
Table 3 Summary of Pros and Cons for Each Management Alternative ....................... 21
Conceptual Development Plan April 2009
Lo war Newporr Bay CADSireFeasibilityStudy i 090243 -01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures
Figure1 Site Location ............................................................................ ............................... 2
Figure 2 Estimated Operations and Management Dredge by USACE Channel Reach .... 5
Figure 3 Example CAD Cell Locations ................................................ ............................... 26
Figure 4 Estimated Geometry of CAD (Plan View) ........................... ............................... 27
Figure 5 Estimated Geometry of CAD (Cross- sectional View) ......... ............................... 28
Figure 6 CAD Site Development Decision Process ........................... ............................... 30
List of Appendices
Appendix A Lower Newport Bay — Available Quantities and Summary of Existing Data
(Prepared by Newfields Northwest)
Appendix B Los Angeles County Regional Dredged Material Management Cement -based
Stabilization of Dredged. Material Field Pilot Study (Provided on CD)
Appendix C Sand Separation Treatment of Dredged Material — Laboratory Studies
(Provided on CD)
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
LowerNewport Bay CAD SiteFeasi bib ty Stu dy ii 090243 -01
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CAD
confined aquatic disposal
CCC
California Coastal Commission
CEQA
California Environmental Quality Act
City
City of Newport Beach
CSTF
Contaminated Sediments Task Force
CWA
Clean Water Act
DMMP
Dredged Material Management Plan
EA
Environmental Assessment
EIR Environmental Impact Statement
FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact
LARE Los Angeles River Estuary
LTMS Long -Term Management Strategy
MND Mitigated Negative Declaration
NewFields NewFields Northwest, LLC
NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
O &M
Operations and Management
OHD
Oxnard Harbor District
PCB
polychlorinated biphenyl
PCH
Pacific Coast Highway
RHA
Rivers and Harbors Act
USACE
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USEPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WDR
Waste Discharge Requirement
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site FeasibilhyStudy iii 090143 -01
Introduction and Overview
1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
The Newport Bay /San Diego Creek watershed is located in Central Orange County in the
southwest corner of the Santa Ana River Basin, about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles and
70 miles north of San Diego (Figure 1). The watershed encompasses 154 square miles and
includes portions of the cities of Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Tustin,
Orange, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa. Mountains on three sides encircle the watershed; runoff
from these mountains drains across the Tustin Plain and enters Upper Newport Bay via San
Diego Creek. Newport Bay is a combination of two distinct water bodies, Lower and Upper
Newport Bay, which are divided by the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Bridge. The Lower
Bay, where the majority of commerce and recreational boating exists, is highly developed.
The Upper Bay contains both a diverse mix of development in its lower reach and an
undeveloped ecological reserve in its upper reach.
The rich history of agricultural and industrial activities in the watershed has resulted in a
legacy of sediment contamination in Newport Bay. Sediment contamination in Newport Bay
is specifically a result of historic releases from industrial sources and storm drains adjacent to
the bay as well as ongoing runoff from the surrounding watershed. Contaminants of concern
include metals, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In addition to the
potential for human health and ecological risks associated with these sediments, the presence
of elevated chemicals also makes it very expensive to dredge and dispose of accumulated
material. As a result, many areas have not been dredged in many years and will eventually
become non - navigable.
This document focuses on identifying a solution to the issue of managing contaminated
sediments in Newport Bay by evaluating the nature and extent of contaminated sediments,
which likely require managing, reviewing, and evaluating the available management options
and recommending a course of action for consideration by the City of Newport Beach (City).
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 1 090243 -01
Figure 1
tzANCHOR Site Location
OEA " Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
Nature and Extent of Contaminated Sediments
2 NATURE AND EXTENT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for maintaining the federal
navigation channel inside Newport Bay. A June 2008 survey of the channel conducted by
the USACE shows approximately 1 million cubic meters of sediment accumulated above the
authorized Operations and Maintenance (O &M) depths within actively maintained portions
of the bay. Figure 2 presents a breakdown of the sediment volumes accumulated in the
Lower Newport Bay O &M channel, by dredge segment.
The City of Newport Beach Harbor Resources Department is currently working with
NewFields Northwest, LLC (NewFields), to test and evaluate bay sediments to determine
suitability for open -ocean disposal. A summary of the most recent chemical and biological
data for these segments is contained in Appendix A and summarized below in Table 1. Using
the current worst -case, conservative projections from NewFields, the total estimated volume
suitable for open -ocean disposal is approximately 300,000 cubic meters, with the balance of
700,000 cubic meters of sediments not likely to pass the suitability determination for open -
ocean disposal. These sediments will instead require some form of treatment or alternate
disposal. These are very preliminary estimates as testing activities are ongoing. It is possible
that the estimated contaminated volume may be reduced significantly as the work
progresses, however, for now the worst -case scenario has been assumed.
Conceptual Development Plan Apn12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site feasibil&tyStudy 3 090243 -01
Nature and Extent of Contaminated Sediments
Table 1
Summary of Operations and Management Dredge Volumes by USACE Channel Reach
Federal Channel Segment
Estimated O &M
Volume
(cubic meters)
Expected Suitable
for Ocean
Entrance Channel
40,580
Yes
Corona Del Mar Bend
2,150
Yes
Balboa Reach
79,370
Yes
Harbor Island Reach
74,570
Yes
Lido Isle Reach
157,500
Yes
Turning Basin
63,740
No
West Lido Area A
51,710
No
West Lido Area B
38,020
No
Newport Channel
187,050
No
Yacht Anchorage
359,220
No
Bay Island Anchorage
14,690
Yes
Upper Channel
37,050
Yes
North Anchorage Area
5,720
Yes
South Anchorage Area
9,800
Yes
Balboa Island Channel
40,520
Yes
In addition to the contaminated material from the federal O &M channel, there are several
other areas of contaminated sediments in the Lower Newport Bay that also require some
form of management. Not all of these areas are the responsibility of the City, but they are
documented here as that they may be included as part of a larger bay -wide management
plan. Table 2 summarizes the volumes and indicates responsibility for the material.
Table 2
Non - operations and Management Sources of Contaminated Sediments
from Lower Newport Bay
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD SiteFeasibiL'tyStudy 4 090213-0I
Estimated Volume of
Contaminated Sediment
Source
(cubic meters)
Responsibility
Rhine Channel
100,584
City and Various Shoreline Tenants
Private /Commercial facilities
10,000+
Varies
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD SiteFeasibiL'tyStudy 4 090213-0I
' SII °y t / : sV/. » v `\3r +r. a1 ' .,,� ."'•- +�•Y�" Ir°ic +yr Sir •� " , a 's '
W.�.�lk` ' ll�?` �� 'V�• ���yyl d��r' /3•i i�' /Y' �� r >':� �st� j � i._'7. ei��,
1 r/A °C�'p 1 ^ \t rr• •„"'�7 ri/N /'f • �' 1 �
1 ee• ��
� e rjrlA"TI ( G 4 r �. � AF,19���I1 �' P'(\� �i`�rxr k � •. � 'a � 'p' 1" l
• 1 I� IY gill. 1'rn �_ � R,� .�'� �' '� 4� �a�'.� � � r.' �� l +}L
I. 4
° � 1
,1
1 I
•, � Y 1 pis ;D
)l 14••:
+ij •'
,
l
•1 1 I
:11 1 1 :11
•11 1 1 1 :1
1 1 1
Figure 2
ANCHOR
Estimated Operations and Management Dredge Volumes by USACE Channel Reach
OEA Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
Review ofSediment
3 OVERVIEW OF SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Contaminated sediment management options in southern California have been studied
thoroughly and documented in two key regional documents: The Los Angeles Contaminated
Sediments Task Force (CSTF) Long -Term Management Strategy (LTMS) and the Los Angeles
Regional Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP).
The CSTF study was the result of a 7 -year collaboration by state and federal regulatory
agencies, state and federal resource agencies, cities, counties, ports, consultants, and local
environmental groups to develop management options that supported beneficial reuse (when
possible) and avoided upland disposal options when larger community impacts are observed.
The DMMP project represents a 20 -year plan formulated by the Los Angeles District of the
USACE for managing clean and contaminated sediments from ports and harbors containing
federally maintained navigation channels. Co- sponsors for the DMMP study included the
Port of Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, and the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches
and Harbors. Both the CSTF study and DMMP include a decision process for evaluating
contaminated sediment management options and make recommendations for preference
depending on site characteristics, material quality, and availability of existing or
constructible disposal sites.
Using these two documents as a basis, and following their decision framework process, the
following list of potential management options was selected for evaluation relative to Lower
Newport Bay sediments:
On -site sediment treatment facility
Future port fill
• Upland landfill disposal
• Long Beach confined aquatic disposal (CAD) site
• Lower Newport Bay CAD site
Each option is described in more detail in the following sections, which is then followed by a
comparison of alternatives and a recommendation for a path forward.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site feasibibty Study 6 090243-01
Review ofSedunent Management Options
3.1 On -site Sediment Treatment Facility
The treatment of contaminated sediments typically consists of one or more physical and/or
chemical processes aimed at removing or rendering inert the target chemicals of concern.
Treatment system designs usually focus on classes of chemicals (e.g., metals and organics) or
particle size fractions of the material. Some recent examples of dredged material treatment
systems include cement -based stabilization and sand separation.
Cement -based stabilization is a process where additives (e.g., cement, lime, or kiln dust) are
mixed into the contaminated dredged material after it has been removed from the water and
placed into a mixing barge or on -shore containment area. The water in the sediment reacts
with the additives to form tight bonds, which keep the chemicals from leaching out. As a
secondary benefit, the material is rapidly dewatered by the addition of cement additives and
can be used as a compactable fill source for construction projects. The treatment process
operates in batches of 500 to 1,000 meters at a time and takes approximately 12 hours for the
initial mixing phases to be completed, which includes debris removal. After miring, the
material must be placed in a lay down area and tilled to ensure complete curing. The entire
process typically requires 24 to 36 hours from start to finish. Additive concentrations can be
adjusted to achieve different outputs of material. Lower percentages (1 to 2 percent)
typically result in a dry, crumbly material when completed, and higher concentrations (4 to
5 percent) result in a compactable solid that resembles concrete.
The Los Angeles District of the USACE sponsored a series of laboratory and field pilot studies
to test the feasibility of cement -based stabilization using regional dredged material as part of
the CSTF strategy development process. A range of sediments was tested including sandy
material from Marina del Rey, fine- grained sediments from along berths at the Port of Los
Angeles, and extremely contaminated, fine- grained material from the Consolidated Slip area
of the Port of Los Angeles. The results of those studies (summarized in Appendix B) showed
that the process can be effective in immobilizing the contaminants and, assuming sufficient
upland processing and storage space was available for the equipment, could feasibly be
constructed in the region. The major disadvantage of this option is that it requires the City
to have not only a recipient for the treated material but the regulatory approval for its use in
some beneficial manner. This issue has not yet been addressed in the region and attempting
to address this issue at a new site (such as Lower Newport Bay) would require some extensive
testing and consultation with the local regulatory agencies. With the USACE pilot study, the
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Sitefeasibi6tyStudy 7 090243-01
Review ofSedimentManagement Options
costs for cement -based stabilization was approximately $45 per cubic meter, excluding the
final handling and placement costs for reuse and acquisition cost for property required near
the dredge site for setting up the treatment system.
Sand separation is a process where the relatively clean sand fraction is mechanically
separated from the fine- grained and relatively contaminated material to produce two
products: beach suitable sand and contaminated fines for landfill disposal. Separation
typically occurs when using hydrocyclones, shaker screens, or a combination of the two can
be used to treat a sediment stream resulting from clamshell or hydraulic dredging operations.
Like the cement -based stabilization process, the Los Angeles District of the USACE has been
conducting pilot studies in the region to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the
treatment process for large -scale use. A small pilot study was conducted several years ago in
Long Beach in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the process. This project was then
followed by a much larger project that was just completed in Marina del Rey, California
(March 2009).
The results of the earlier study (presented in Appendix C) show that the approach can indeed
be effective at removing contaminants. The Marina del Rey maintenance dredging and sand
separation project, however, showed that these results are difficult to achieve consistently
under large -scale (more than 500 cubic meters per day) production rates. Therefore, using a
system of this type with the volumes present here could result in extremely long
construction timeframes.
Site requirements for setting up the treatment system are quite extensive and include
facilities for either pumping the material or mechanically offloading it to the separation
system; equipment needed for separating the clean sand and filtering the water from the
contaminated fines; space for a wastewater treatment system to process all the discharge
water; and storage space to stockpile the sand and fines prior to transport and disposal/reuse.
The costs for sand separation are variable and have ranged from approximately $30 to $200
per cubic meter, including both dredging and processing. Costs for acquiring the land to
house the treatment facility and for transporting and placing the final product would be
additional. The biggest disadvantage of this approach is that it still requires landfill disposal
of all fine - grained material, which for much of Lower Newport Bay could be as high as 50
Conceptual Development plan April2009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 8 090243 -01
Revlew ofSediment Management Options
percent of the total volume. A summary of the pros and cons for each of these on -site
treatment approaches is presented below.
Treatment Alternative
Pros
Cons
Cement -based Stabilization
• Cost effective
• Lack of recipients for treated
• Can treat metals and organics
material
• Agency approved treatment
• Unclear Agency support for material
process
reuse
• Removes material from the
• Requires upland treatment site
water
• Requires multiple rehandling
• Adjacent land impacts likely to be
significant
• Slow process (approximately 1,000
yards per day)
Sand Separation
• Actual treatment process is
• Process not yet refined
cost effective
• Unclear Agency support for material
• Can remove metals and
reuse
organics
• Still requires upland disposal of fine
• Removes material from the
grained material
water
• Requires adjacent land for
• Creates beneficial product
treatment system
• Slow
3.2 Future Port Fill
Another potential option for disposal of contaminated dredged material from the Lower
Newport Bay would be to contribute the sediment to a current or future fill project within
the Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach. This option would require mechanically
dredging the sediments using a clamshell dredge and placing the material into a hopper barge
for transport to the fill site via tugboat. Once at the disposal site, the material would then be
either placed in the fill by towing the barge inside the disposal area and opening it to drop
the sediment or, in the case of an enclosed disposal area with a barrier dike, by rehandling
the material over the top of the dike using a derrick barge and clamshell or hydraulic
unloader.
From a constructability standpoint, this form of sediment management is relatively
straightforward in terms of implementation and requires standard construction equipment.
Conceptual Development Plan Apr112009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 9 0917243 -01
Review ofSediment Management Options
For potential outside users of these fills (e.g., potentially the City), agency permitting can also
be very straightforward, provided that the recipient port fill project has already been
separately and successfully authorized. The material serves a beneficial use by lessening or
eliminating the need for the ports to harvest fill material from the adjacent harbor bottom,
and the contaminants are completely isolated inside the fill material such that the potential
for release is very minor. Disposing of contaminated sediments inside a port fill is also very
cost effective, with typical projects costing approximately $10 to $15 per meter for transport
and disposal (depending on the distance traveled to the fill site).
The major disadvantage of using a port fill site as a management tool for contaminated
sediment disposal is that these fill sites are becoming increasingly rare opportunities, and
when these sites do arise, they are only able to receive sediment for a relatively short amount
of time. Recently, port fill projects have been subject to highly contentious and
unpredictable authorization processes and have been the subject of complex and lengthy
lawsuits related to future operations at the affected facilities. It typically takes a port
authority between 5 and 10 years (when including authorizations) from conceptual
development to the start of construction for a fill site. This process is further complicated by
the fact that many fill sites are actually part of much larger terminal development projects
with numerous smaller components that are all dependant on each other. A delay in any one
of the pieces causes a domino effect that can delay the overall project schedule. As such,
successfully lining up the timing of an available fill site with the planned dredging effort
proposed for disposal in the fill site is usually the most difficult challenge. With the down
turn in the economy and increased environmental scrutiny, the creation of new fill sites has
become more and more rare, and thus the need has far outweighed the available capacity.
Currently, the Port of Long Beach is in the final stages of designing a large fill site at Pier G
for construction in early 2010, but this fill site is already at capacity. Another fill site is
planned for the next 2 to 4 years (i.e., Middle Harbor), but permitting is not yet completed,
and it is unclear if any need or capacity for "outside" fill sources exists. Typically, when
ports do allow external material for disposal inside one of their fill sites, the volume of
material accepted is less than 100,000 cubic meters, which is far less than what is expected
for the City's needs in the Lower Newport Bay.
Conceptual Development Plan Apr712009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasi khty Stu dy 10 090243 -01
Review ofSediment
The following summarizes the pros and cons associated with selecting port fill sites as a
management option for Lower Newport Bay contaminated sediments.
Management Alternative
Pros
Cons
Future Port Fill
• Cost effective
• Limited duration of availability;
• Agency approved management
highly schedule dependent
approach
• Uncertain schedule for permits and
• Removes material from the
authorizations
water
• May not be able to accept all
material requiring disposal
• Liability transfer agreement with
Port will be required
• Does not provide a guaranteed
solution for the City
3.3 Upland Landfill Disposal
Upland landfill disposal has been used for relatively small quantities (fewer than 10,000
meters) of contaminated dredged material within the region, but never for a project as large
as the current estimates for Lower Newport Bay. Officially, this approach is not supported
by the Water Resources Control Board (RWQCB) because of concerns related to salinity in
the sediments affecting underlying groundwater reserves. As a result, marine dredging
projects utilizing upland landfills are typically required to use private landfills, which is
costly.
In terms of implementation, sediments are mechanically dredged using a clamshell bucket
and placed into a hopper barge for storage. Once full, the barge would be relocated to an
offloading area where the sediments would be removed using a shore -based excavator or an
excavator mounted on a derrick barge and placed into a dewatering area to remove most of
the moisture prior to transport to a landfill. Once sufficiently dry (i.e., able to pass the "paint
filter" test), the material can be loaded into haul trucks and transported to a suitable landfill
for disposal or reuse as daily cover material. The costs for landfill disposal can be quite high
depending on the location of the landfill. Typical costs range between $100 and $250 per
meter.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
ZowerNewport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 11 090243 -01
Review of Sediment Management Options
In addition to the very high disposal costs, adjacent land impacts associated with the
dewatering facility and truck trips through local roads would likely be significant. For
example, a project requiring the disposal of 500,000 cubic meters of sediment would require
approximately 30,000 one -way truck trips to haul all the material to a landfill. A typical
dredge project may remove up to 3,000 cubic meters per day, which would take 250 one -way
truck trips to dispose, each day. This calculation means that there would be 500 daily truck
trips on the local roads when assuming each truck has to return to the site empty for the next
load.
The following summarizes the pros and cons associated with selecting upland landfill
disposal as a management option for Lower Newport Bay contaminated sediments.
Management Alternative
Pros
Cons
Upland Landfill Disposal
• Removes material from the
• Very expensive
water
• Not supported by agencies
• No schedule constraints
• Local landfills will not accept the
material
• Significant adjacent land and
community impacts including air and
traffic
3.4 Long Beach CAD Site
CAD is a process where the contaminated sediments are placed inside either an existing
submerged depression or a newly excavated cell for the purpose of physical isolation from
the surrounding environment. Once inside the cell, the material is capped with clean sand
to act as a barrier between the contaminants and the overlying water column and benthic
organisms. This management approach is relatively new to the West Coast, but has been
used for decades in the Northeast and in Europe.
The construction process for disposal of Lower Newport Bay sediments within the Long
Beach CAD cell would be nearly identical to port fill site disposal in that the material is
mechanically dredged and barged to the CAD site where it would be bottom dropped into
the disposal cell. Clean sand would then need to be harvested and placed in the cell on top
of the contaminated material using the same process. The costs for implementing this
process for the Long Beach pilot study was $45 per meter. A pilot study was conducted to
Conceptual Development Plan Apri11009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 12 090243 -01
Review ofSediment Management Options
prove the technology regionally in Long Beach in 2001 by the USACE Los Angeles District in
support of the CSTF and DMMP long -term sediment management documents. The Long
Beach CAD pilot study was conducted by dredging 100,000 cubic meters of contaminated
sediment from the Los Angeles River Estuary (LAKE) and placing it into an existing cell in
the inner harbor called the North Energy Island Borrow Pit ( NEIBP). Clean sand was
harvested from an adjacent pit to be used as the cap material. A long -term monitoring
program has been conducted annually since the project was constructed, and the results
show that the material remains isolated beneath the cap with no chemical migration
detected.
The primary downside to selecting this management option is that the NEIBP is not
currently permitted for additional disposal events and the City of Long Beach is not actively
promoting its use. The disposal site is located in the Long Beach Inner Harbor on land that
the City of Long Beach manages through a Tidelands Trust Agreement with the California
State Lands Commission. The City of Long Beach has been considering applying for a multi-
user permit for the site, which would allow disposal of material from multiple sources, but
no steps have been taken toward this action thus far and thus its viability is uncertain. If
steps were taken, however, this option would be very advantageous, owing to its cost
effectiveness and environmental protectiveness.
The following summarizes the pros and cons associated with selecting the Long Beach CAD
site as a management option for Lower Newport Bay contaminated sediments.
Management Alternative
Pros
Cons
Long Beach CAD Site
• Cost effective compared to
• Not yet permitted by the City of Long
upland disposal
Beach
• Can accept all material
• Approximately 20 mile round trip for
• Could possibly tie to another
each disposal event
project for cap material
• Not supported by Los Angeles
County environmental activist
groups
3.5 Lower Newport Bay CAD Site
Constructing a project - specific CAD site in Lower Newport Bay is another possible option for
on -site management of contaminated sediments. This option would require the excavating a
Conceptual Development Plan Aprl12009
LowerNewport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 13 090293 -01
Review ofSediment Management Options
disposal cell within the Lower Newport Bay, mechanically dredging contaminated sediment
from around the bay, and placing the material inside the cell. Once completed, the cell
would be capped with clean, sandy dredged material to isolate the sediment from the
overlying water. Reusing clean dredged material from the bay would eliminate the costs for
harvesting cap material and would also provide an in -bay beneficial use for the clean sands.
Most of the material excavated from the cell could be pumped to the beach or barged and
dropped in the nearshore zone and used as nourishment material.
A recent example of this option is currently in construction in Port Hueneme, California,
where the USACE, U.S. Navy, and Oxnard Harbor District (OHD) are jointly implementing a
maintenance dredging project that includes excavating a CAD cell and placing approximately
260,000 cubic meters of contaminated sediment within the cell. A thick sand cap and rock
layer will be added at the end to isolate the material from the overlying water column and to
protect the material from vessel scour (the CAD is located in the center of the turning basin
in an active shipping harbor). The per unit cost for this project is approximately $50 to $60
per cubic meter, which includes the costs for engineering design, permitting, and
construction.
The major downside to selecting this approach is that it will require a detailed entitlement
process and a large construction effort in the Lower Newport Bay, which will be visible to
the local community for about a year while construction is underway. The following
summarizes the pros and cons associated with selecting the Lower Newport Bay CAD site
disposal as a management option for Lower Newport Bay contaminated sediments.
Management Alternative
Pros
Cons
Lower Newport Bay
• Cost effective compared to
• Local community will be impacted in
CAD Site
upland disposal
terms of aesthetics and disruptions
• Can accept all material at once
to navigation
• City controls schedule and
• Temporary displacement of some
process
boaters
• Use Port Hueneme as example
• Environmental groups might be
for permitting and design
opposed to disposing of
• Cell excavation could provide
contaminated sediments in the bay
material for beach nourishment
Conceptual Development Plan Apti12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 14 090243 -M
Review and Commmon ofAlternatives
4 REVIEW AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES
The previous section reviewed the available management alternatives for contaminated
sediments from the Lower Newport Bay and presents some generic pros and cons with each
approach. This section provides a more in -depth comparison of the alternatives and presents
a recommended approach for moving forward.
The criteria selected for this evaluation includes cost, feasibility, permitability, and
environmental impacts. Cost is simple to define; it is the estimated per unit (cubic meter)
cost for implementing the approach. Feasibility refers to the anticipated difficulty in
designing and constructing the project. Permitability is the ease or difficulty expected in
obtaining the necessary permits to implement the project.
4.1 Cost
From a cost perspective, a port fill site will always be the lowest cost solution for the City
because it requires the least amount of construction. The dredged material is only handled
once, and disposal occurs very quickly. Similarly, the second least expensive option is
disposing of the material in the Long Beach CAD site. Although the sediment transport
distance would likely be similar, construction costs for Long Beach CAD site alternative are
slightly higher than those for the port fill, because cap material would need to be excavated
to place over the material in the cell, and the City, in theory, would bear some of this cost.
This additional cost could hypothetically be avoided if the project were conducted in parallel
with a clean maintenance dredging project (e.g., dredging portions of the LARE), which
could provide the clean capping material for the CAD cell. If this parallelism were to occur,
both the Long Beach CAD and the port fill alternatives would have similar construction
costs.
Costs for landfill disposal or sediment treatment would be significantly higher than those for
the options described above. Construction of a CAD cell in the Lower Newport Bay would
entail higher costs than the Port fill or Long Beach CAD site alternatives, but significantly
less than landfill or treatment.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Say CAD Site Feasibtlt'ty Study 15 090243 -01
Review ofSediment Management Options
4.2 Feasibility
All of the management alternatives presented in this document are technically feasible from
a construction standpoint and have recent examples of their success in the region. From an
engineering design standpoint and in terms of City efforts, a port fill disposal effort would be
the simplest to design as it would take advantage of the fact that a disposal site has been
designed by others. In terms of complexity, the next desirable option would be the Long
Beach CAD site, as it is essentially similar to the port fill with the addition of a sand cap
layer. Constructing a CAD cell in the Lower Newport Bay is more complex, since the City of
Newport Beach would be responsible for designing and constructing the cell. However, this
approach benefits from the fact that the Port Hueneme CAD Site provides an actual, recent
example for agencies and contractors.
The most challenging of the alternatives would be those that require an upland processing
area component (i.e., cement -based stabilization, sand separation, and upland landfill
disposal). Implementing one of these projects would require that land adjoining the Lower
Newport Bay be obtained and prepped, if needed, for construction activities, significant
volumes of stockpiled sediment, and equipment for sediment processing and/or dewatering.
Similar projects have required between 1 to 2 acres of land for this work. Each of these
alternatives would require site preparation activities, such as containment cells for
dewatering (landfill), mixing (cement -based stabilization), or installing asphalt and a
wastewater treatment system for hydrocyclones (sand separation). The upland design
challenges combined with the dredge and transport requirements for the project, in general,
make these latter three alternatives the least feasible.
4.3 Permitability
From the City's perspective, the simplest contaminated sediment dredging and disposal
project to permit is one where the material is isolated inside a permitted port fill, because the
most difficult aspect of the project is the port obtaining authorization for its fill, which
would already be complete. However, the difficulty with this option is that these
authorizations are highly contentious and have frequently resulted in litigation. Once a port
fill site is permitted for construction, the only construction elements that require evaluation
and approval for the City are the dredging, transport, and placement within the fill, if space
exists and allowed by the port.
Conceptual Development Plan Apn72009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 16 097243 -01
Review ofSeditnent Management Options
Permitting a disposal event for the Long Beach CAD site will be difficult to achieve without
the City of Long Beach's support and participation, since they are responsible for managing
the submerged lands containing the NEIBP through their Tidelands Trust Agreement with
the state. At the current time, the City of Long Beach does not intend to permit the NEIBP
for use by outside entities as a regional disposal facility, and no permits or authorizations to
do so exist.
Permitting the construction of a CAD site within the City requires environmental review
under both state (California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA]) and federal (National
Environmental Policy Act [NEPA]) guidelines. The City would act as the lead CEQA
agency, and the USACE would act as the lead NEPA agency. Based on expected construction
methodology; knowledge of sediment contamination in the bay;, and extensive experience
with CAD development, excavation of a CAD cell, placement of clean excavated sands on
City beaches, and placement and capping of contaminated sediments within the CAD cell is
not expected to produce any significant environmental impacts. It is worth stating that the
landfill disposal alternative would entail potentially significant impacts to air and traffic due
to the vast number of truck trips (more than 50,000) involved. While no significant impacts
are foreseen with in -water CAD construction, and therefore a Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND) is available as a CEQA document, the City may choose to pursue an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to more fully and thoroughly analyze alternatives to the
CAD site. The USACE is expected to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) and
associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under NEPA.
The aforementioned construction activities are also subject to permits issued under Section
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA), Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA), and the California Coastal Act. The USACE would be the lead agency for RHA and
CWA Section 404 permits as well as associated consultations for Endangered Species Act
(ESA) and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) issues, including eelgrass. The California Coastal
Commission (CCC) would be the lead California Coastal Act agency, and may choose to treat
the project as either a City or USACE O &M consistency situation. The Santa Ana Regional
RWQCB would be the lead agency for CWA Section 401 as well Waste Discharge
Requirements (WDRs). All of the above mentioned agencies, including other consulting
agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), have experience with
Conceptual Development Plan Apr711009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 17 090143 -01
Review ofSediment Management Options
review and approval of CAD site development using essentially the same methodology
proposed here.
The above agencies understand the environmental and logistical benefits of the CAD site
approach, including beach nourishment, cost - effective solutions to contaminated sediments,
and avoidance of significant air and traffic impacts associated with landfill disposal. Given
that off -site options (other CAD sites or landfills) are not available (e.g., no port fill with
capacity), the costs and impacts of landfill, and the proven benefits of CAD development, the
proposed development of a CAD site in the Lower Newport Bay can be easily shown as the
preferred environmental option.
Permitting the treatment alternatives will be challenging, as there are limited local examples
of similar projects to rely on for information. Pilot studies have been conducted for each
option and thus the engineering aspect has been addressed, but the regulatory issues have not
been fully addressed. While the regulatory agencies favor treatment and reuse of
contaminated dredged material, they have not all agreed on what level of treatment is
suitable for various reuse alternatives. For example, the Marina del Rey maintenance
dredging and sand separation project sponsored by the USACE was recently halted
prematurely because the agencies could not all agree on what defined beach suitability for
the treated sands.
The air quality, transportation, and community impacts of a landfill disposal process for
contaminated sediments in the bay would be severe. The RWQCB would likely not issue a
WDR for the landfill to handle the material at public landfills, and furthermore, most
landfills in Orange County do not have the capacity to receive this much material. Thus, the
only option for upland landfill disposal would be to transport the material to a private
hazardous waste facility located outside the county, which would be of great expense and
expand the transportation- related impacts over a larger area.
4.4 Environmental Impacts
The potential environmental impacts associated with the various alternatives are quite
variable. All of the alternatives entail potential impacts in the Lower Newport Bay due to
Conceptual Development Pian Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 18 090243-01
Review ofSediment Management Options
large scale dredging. These impacts include potential effects on water quality and sensitive
ecological communities. The alternatives differ relative to impact in terms of disposal site.
With respect to the transport and disposal of City sediments, port fill or Long Beach CAD site
disposal have the least impact from the City's point of view, as in both cases the fill site is
separately approved and authorized.
Landfill disposal actually involves potentially significant environmental impacts to the City
and surrounding communities as it relates to air and traffic impacts. New CEQA guidelines
require an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions as part of any project. The amount of
toxic air contaminant and greenhouse gas emissions related to thousands of truck trips for
landfill disposal is significant and lends serious weight to a CAD alternative.
Construction of a CAD site in the Lower Newport Bay will have increased temporary
dredging effects due to excavation of the CAD cell but has no long -term impact. The CAD
site construction completely isolates chemical contaminants from the environment. The
CAD site option also results in a significant beneficial beach nourishment option. Regardless
of the selected disposal option, dredging of sediments in the bay may have the potential to
impact eelgrass. The CAD solution may provide a habitat benefit in that the surface of the
CAD site can be planted with eelgrass, thereby providing a large square footage of new
eelgrass habitat.
4.5 Summary
Because of the very large potential volume of contaminated sediments within the Lower
Newport Bay (more than 500,000 cubic meters), management options are limited. Disposing
of dredged material within a construction fill at the Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long
Beach is by far the least expensive, environmentally protective option, but the likelihood
that a port fill would be available is quite low. In the last 5 years, port fill sites have been a
rare occurrence due to the extreme environmental regulations associated with terminal
expansion projects. As a result, when these projects do occur, space is limited and priority is
given to internal port sediment projects.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri11009
Lo war Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Stu dy 19 097243 -01
Review ofSedunent Management Options
Sediment treatment projects are rare mostly because they do not provide a complete solution
to the problem. These types of projects require an end use for the treated product that is
usually difficult to find. The regulatory agencies do not have policies in place to regulate the
treated material, which affects the lack of recipients for the material; the technology is
specialized, which means that there are limited vendors; they typically cost more than other
alternatives, daily production is slow which means the projects take a long time to complete;
and they require large parcels of land adjacent to the dredge areas for processing the
material. For these reasons, the use of one or more sediment treatment processes is not
recommended for Lower Newport Bay sediments.
Upland landfill disposal is not a feasible option for large quantities of dredged material unless
it is delivered to a private facility permitted to handle such material. Landfills located in
Orange and Los Angeles counties do not have the capacity for the material locally, and the
RWQCB does not currently allow such disposal at county landfills. The costs for private
landfill disposal could be more than $100 per meter and the project would require tens of
thousands of truck trips to complete causing significant air, noise, and community impacts.
As such, this option is also not recommended for Lower Newport Bay sediments.
Given the quantities of sediments involved, CAD site disposal is perhaps the only feasible
option for the Lower Newport Bay. This process has been conducted within the region twice
in the past 7 years. The most recent occurrence (Port Hueneme) is in active construction at
the time this report is being prepared and is proceeding smoothly. CAD site placement is a
preferred option of the USACE and has proved to be a cost - effective and environmentally
protective solution for managing contaminated sediments. A CAD site allows the City to
manage the issue within the confines of the Lower Newport Bay and not rely on outside
sources with variable schedules to affect its progress. The state and federal regulatory
agencies completed the approval process for the Port of Hueneme maintenance dredging and
CAD site construction project within 6 months, and the agencies are comfortable with the
regulatory issues and how to mitigate for potential problems. The only real downside to the
selection of CAD for managing Lower Newport Bay sediments is that it will cause some
disruptions within the bay and some vessels will need to be temporarily relocated during
construction.
Conceptual Development Plan AprV 20109
LowerNewport Bay CAD Site leamb4htyStudy 20 090243-01
Review ofSediment
A CAD cell was constructed in Long Beach in 2001, but it has not been used since. The City
of Long Beach currently has no plans to permit the site as such. The Long Beach CAD cell
has the capacity for more than 5 million cubic meters of sediments, and if the City of Long
Beach ever decided to proceed with permitting its use, this would present an attractive
option for Lower Newport Bay material. Table 3 summarizes the pros and cons of each
management alternative. A ranking system was not employed for this process because the
assignments would be too subjective to provide useful information. The process of selecting
the best alternative is actually quite simple when you consider that only one option (i.e.,
CAD site) is actually feasible for construction. The following sections of this document detail
the steps required to construct a CAD cell in Lower Newport Bay.
Table 3
Summary of Pros and Cons for Each Management Alternative
Management
Alternative
Pros
Cons
Cement -based
• Cost effective
• Lack of recipients for treated material
Stabilization
. Can treat metals and organics
• Unclear agency support for material reuse
• Agency approved treatment
• Requires upland treatment site
process
• Requires multiple rehandling
• Removes material from the
e Adjacent land impacts likely to be significant
water
e Slow process (approximately 1,000 yards per day)
Sand Separation
• Actual treatment process is
• Process not yet refined
cost effective
. Unclear Agency support for material reuse
• Can remove metals and
. Still requires upland disposal of fine grained
organics
material
• Removes material from the
. Requires adjacent land for treatment system
water
• Creates beneficial product
Port Fill
. Cost effective
• Limited duration of availability; highly schedule
• Agency approved
dependent
management approach
• Uncertain schedule for permits and authorizations
• Removes material from the
• May not be able to accept all material requiring
water
disposal
Liability transfer agreement with port will be
required
Does not provide a guaranteed solution for the
City
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 21 090243 -M
Review ofSe&ment
Table 3
Summary of Pros and Cons for Each Management Alternative
Management
Alternative
Pros
Cons
Upland Landfill
• Removes material from the
• Very expensive
Disposal
water
• Not supported by agencies
• No schedule constraints
. Local landfills will not accept the material
• Significant adjacent land and community impacts
including air and traffic
Long Beach CAD
a Cost effective compared to
• Not yet permitted by the City
Site
upland disposal
• Approximately 20 mile round trip for each
• Can accept all material
disposal event
• Could possibly tie to another
• Not supported by Los Angeles County
project for cap material
environmental activist groups
Lower Newport
• Cost effective compared to
• Local community will be impacted in terms of
Bay CAD Site
upland disposal
aesthetics and disruptions to navigation
• Can accept all material at once
• Temporary displacement of some boaters
• City controls schedule and
• Environmental groups might be opposed to
process
disposing of contaminated sediments in the bay
• Use Port Hueneme as example
for permitting and design
• Cell excavation could provide
material for beach
nourishment
Conceptual Development Plan April 2009
LowerNewport Bay CAD SiteFeas ibility Stu dy 22 0910243 -01
Path Forward
5 PROPOSED PATH FORWARD
Considering the evaluation of available alternatives presented in the previous section,
constructing a project - specific CAD cell within the Lower Newport Bay appears to be the
best alternative for managing the City's contaminated sediment challenges. The CAD
appears to be the most cost - effective solution, as it:
Minimizes environmental impacts
Is within the control of the City (not dependent on outside entitlements /schedules)
Is a complete solution that is technically proven
Provides beneficial reuse of dredged material for nourishment of City beaches
Is cost effective in comparison to expensive treatment solutions or landfill
Using the Port of Hueneme maintenance dredging and CAD site construction project as a
guide, the proposed path forward would include excavating a CAD cell (of sufficient size) in
the bay to handle all the contaminated sediments. The nature of the material to be excavated
from the CAD cell would first need to be verified through a field sampling program. If it is
beach suitable sand, it could be hydraulically pumped or barged and dropped in the
nearshore zone of the groin field on the northwest portion of Newport Beach, where erosion
is a constant problem. Once the cell is excavated, contaminated sediment dredging could
commence with one or more mechanical clamshell dredges. The contaminated material
would be placed into the cell and then would capped using clean maintenance material from
within the bay. The City could then use the surface of the cap as a possible enhanced habitat
area by planting eelgrass and incorporating it into the bay -wide master plan for eelgrass
protection.
Considering the potential volume of material that would need to be placed in the CAD cell
(approximately 800,000 cubic meters), there are only three potential locations within Lower
Newport Bay where it could be constructed: West Lido Area A, Yacht Anchorage, or the
South Anchorage area (Figure 3). In practice, however, the Yacht Anchorage appears to be
poorly suited for CAD site excavation, since it receives a relatively high sedimentation rate,
receives heavy vessel traffic, and has known existing surface sediment contamination.
Therefore, only the West Lido Area A and North Anchorage areas were considered feasible
for construction of the CAD cell. These two areas each present unique opportunities and
constraints.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study 23 090243-01
Path Forward
The West Lido Area A is closer to most of the contaminated sediments and proposed beach
nourishment area assuming that a hydraulic pipeline is used, which will facilitate the
processes of transporting excavated material to the nearby groin field beach and
contaminated sediments into the CAD cell. This location has the disadvantage, however, of
an estimated 2- to 3- foot -thick veneer of contaminated sediments that is known to be
present across the presumed footprint of the CAD. This could be managed by utilizing a
dual -cell CAD concept, wherein an initial CAD cell (CAD -A) is created to hold the veneer
sediments, and a second CAD cell (CAD -B) receives the remainder of the bay sediments.
Estimated layouts and dimensions of this dual -cell CAD approach are shown in plan view on
Figure 4 and in cross section on Figure 5. The dimensions shown would be suitable for
holding up to 800,000 cubic meters of sediment. Specifically, this process would involve the
following sequence of steps:
Remove the 2- to 3- foot -thick contaminated sediment veneer from the footprint of
CAD -A (estimated to be approximately 20,000 cubic meters). The removed material
would be temporarily placed within the footprint of CAD -B.
• Complete the excavation of CAD -A to the required extents and an estimated depth of
-9.8 meters, using hydraulic dredging equipment with the excavated sand pumped to
the nearby beach groin field or loaded onto a barge and dropped in the nearshore
zone. This is expected to generate approximately 100,000 cubic meters of material for
the beach.
• Using mechanical dredging equipment and a bottom -dump barge, place the
contaminated sediment veneer material from the surface of CAD -B, into the
excavated CAD -A. This material includes both the 20,000 cubic meters of relocated
material from the footprint of CAD -A, plus another 65,000 cubic meters of
contaminated veneer that is present within the surface footprint of CAD -B.
Altogether, given the dimensions of CAD -A depicted on Figures 4 and 5, the
anticipated volume capacity for contaminated surface sediments in CAD -A is
approximately 86,500 cubic meters, sufficient to hold the contaminated veneer
material removed in the previous step.
Excavate the cell for CAD -B to an estimated depth of -17.7 meters, producing
approximately 750,000 cubic metes of material. Some of this excavated material can
be used to create a 1.5- meter -thick cap on CAD -A while the remainder can be sent
to the nearby beach groin field.
Place the remainder of the contaminated sediments from Newport Harbor within
CAD -B. Altogether, given the dimensions of CAD -B depicted on Figures 4 and 5, the
anticipated volume capacity for contaminated surface sediments in CAD -B is
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
Lower Newport Bay CAD SiteFeasibilt'tyStudy 24 090213 -01
Path Forward
approximately 720,000 cubic meters.
• Cap CAD -B using clean maintenance sediments dredged from elsewhere in the bay.
It is estimated that CAD -B will require approximately 108,000 cubic meters of
material to create a 1.5- meter -thick cap.
Conceptual Development Plan Apri12009
LowerNewport Bay CAD Site FeasibibtyStudy 25 090243 -01
Figure 3
kzANCHOR Example CAD Cell Locations
OEA Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
146 m 396 m
102 m
305 m
$ E
E
E
E
d N
W L
n
°
CAD A
m
CAD B
W
a
z
a
a
�i
0
'v
u
r
0
a
N
O
a
0
7
Y
m
i
v
t
m
0
N
m
O
Q
Figure 4
kzANCHOR Estimated Geometry of CAD (Plan View)
QEA Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
CAD -A CAD -B
N 17 Q.
Clean Material Cap
a Existing Surface
w � 146 m 396 m
0
— -2.4 m
CL
--4.0 m
° 3 / i3 g
1 t 3
° Cent in e o LL991 e� 1 1 i
Yttll��
o I - -9.8m
102 m—i
N
O
m
0
0
- -17.7 m
Y 305 m
t
E
M
m
N
m
°o
N
0
O
kzANCHOR Figure-)
Estimated Geometry of CAD (Cross- sectional View)
QEA ` Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
Proposed Path Forward
An alternative CAD location, the South Anchorage area, does not contain any existing
surface contamination; therefore, this option avoids the need for a dual -cell CAD
construction process. However, this location is further from the target beach nourishment
area if hydraulic dredging is used, thus requiring a significantly longer pumping distance.'
This location is also in a portion of the bay that has much higher vessel congestion and is
adjacent to the most dense eelgrass beds in the bay, which could be impacted during CAD
construction, adding mitigation requirements to the project.
Figure 6 presents the decision process for navigating through the various regulatory and
engineering steps required to get the project ready for construction. The first step in the
process is to verify the suitability of subsurface sediments for placement on the beach as
nourishment material. Once that step is complete, the City would need to formally initiate a
project, which starts the CEQA and preliminary design process. The permitting and design
tasks would be completed in tandem, working in parallel and using field and laboratory data
from the target construction site. For example, elements of the design plans would be used
in completing the permit application package, feedback from the agency consultation process
would feed into the design, final permit conditions would be added to the engineering
specifications.
' The South Anchorage Area would be closer to the target nourishment area if the material is mechanically
dredged and barged to the nearshore zone along the beach.
Conceptual Development Plan April 2009
Lower Newport Bay CAD Site FeasibihtyStudy 29 O90243 -01
0
City of Newport Beach
o
commitment to initiate D
t
u
site investigation process in
ry
partnership with USACE
$
Initiate agency consultation
Collect sediment cores for geotechnical
N
process to alert them of
- - - - - -- and chemical analyses at potential CAD
potential project
site in West Lido Anchorage area
Visual observations of sediment No Collect cores from alternate
cores suggest "clean' beach- IP locations in North and South
suitable material anchorage areas
Yes
0
Yes Visual observations of sediment No PP
o
Board r i cores suggest "clean" beach - and evaluate other
ai
"project" material disposal options
site development suitable
Initiate 30 percent
Initiate CEQA process
engineering design
Ongoing agency Coordination meeting
coordination with USACE engineers
O
g
Hold public workshops to
Review available site data Yes Collect and analyze
describe project and
to determine if additional
additional field data
—'
solicit feedback
information is needed
o
re 30 percent plans
*_jnt
d specifications
0
bPu
blic and agency City of Newport Beach
E
review and USACE internal review
n
N
o
Certify CEQA documents
Respond to comments
nand
obtain all necessary
Prepare 100 percent
and prepare f nal
=
permits and approvals
plans and specifications
a
for construction
CEQA document
0
0
w
Prepare bid package
and hire contractor
N
N
d
a
E
w
wt
KEY
CAD — confined
aquatic disposal
CEQA—
California Environmental Quality Act
USACE —
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Figure s
kZANCHOR
CAD Site Development Decision Process
QEA Lower Newport Bay CAD Site Feasibility Study
APPENDIX A
LOWER NEWPORT BAY
AVAILABLE QUANTITIES AND SUMMARY
OF EXISTING DATA
(PREPARED BY NEWFIELDS NORTHWEST)
Lower Newport Bay — Available Quantities and Summary of Existing Data
The following summary of data is based on area definitions and estimated quantities
provided by Joe Ryan at SPL -ED -DC on January 14, 2009. Data regarding sediment
chemistry, toxicity, and bioaccumulation potential is based on dredged material
evaluations supporting the Regional General Permit 54 (RGP -54; Weston Solutions
2005) and the proposed dredging of the Lower Newport Bay Federal Channels (Weston
Solutions 2006). Sediment investigations were conducted on sediment cores collected to
design/as built depth plus 1 ft. overdredge (for the RGP -54) and 2 ft. overdredge for the
Federal Channels project. Chemical evaluations included sediment conventionals
(particularly grain size and TOC), metals, organotins, petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons,
chlorinated pesticides, and plychloronated biphenyls (PCBs). Toxicity testing included
two benthic tests (amphipod and mysid /polychaete) and three water - column tests (mysid
shrimp, fish, larval bivalve). Bioaccumulation potential was evaluation for the RGP -54
program and included two species (clam and polychaete) evaluated for mercury,
organotins, and chlorinated pesticides.
It is important to note that the dredge areas defined by Joe Ryan do not necessarily have
the same footprint as the composited areas defined in each of the sediment evaluations.
This is due to the different project objectives. Existing data from the previous studies
was compiled to provide an indication of sediment quality for the proposed volumes.
Estimated quantities include a 0.3 in overdredge. Chemistry data is presented only for
those analytes of note (that either exceed ERM values or have been a concern in the
area).
Area 1: Entrance Channel
Volume: 40,580 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m
This area has not been part of the 2005 and 2006 dredged material evaluations.
Area 2: Corona del Mar Bend
Volume: 2,150 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m
This area has not been part of the 2005 and 2006 dredged material evaluations.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFlelds LLC
Area 3: Balboa Reach
Volume: 79,370 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m
Synopsis: Three stations were sampled in this reach and were evaluated as an individual
composite (Area lb in Weston Solutions 2006). Grain size was 79% silt and clay, with
0.83% TOC. Mercury (0.21 mg/kg) and 4,4 -DDE (46 Ng /kg) were the only analytes of
note. All bioassay responses met the LPC criteria, with the exception of the amphipod
test with Eohaustorius estuarius. This area is expected to pass for ocean disposal
following the amphipod study.
,. oaFederal
Channel,AreaA;lh- . a,.��.Wu�n.
Grain size %
79% silt & clay
Total organic carbon %
0.83
Mercury (mg/k
0.21
4,4'DDD /k
10
4,4'DDE /k
46
4,4'DDT /k
4.4
Total Detected DDT tk
60.4
Eohausforius estuarius survival i%
51% (LA-3: 82%
Area 4: Harbor Island Reach
Volume: 74,570 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m
Synopsis: This area was represented by five stations in two composites (Areas 3b and 2c
in Weston Solutions 2006). Sediment grain size was 51% and 44% sand, with TOC of
approximately 0.75 %. Mercury concentrations were below the ERL. 4,4' -DDE was
above the ERM. Bioassay responses met the LPC criteria. This area is expected to pass
for ocean disposal following bioaccumulation tests.
- _ �.Y.➢9BBBB.
;ra6ysr... Federal Channelelreas
wn 6y
Parameter
Area 3b
Area 2c
Grain size %
51 % sand; 25% clay
44% sand; 29% clay
Total organic carbon %
0.75
0.72
Mercury m lk
0.15
0.20
4,4'DDD /k
5.1
19
4,4'DDE /k
37
38
4,4'DDT /
4.7
3.8
Total Detected DDT /k
46.8
67.2
Eohaustorius estuadus survival %
64 (LA-3: 82%
75 (LA-3: 82%
Bold number indicates concentration is above the ER -M for chemistry and statistically
different from reference for bioassay.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 5: Lido Isle Reach
Volume: 157,500 m3 Volume: 157,500 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m Project Depth: 3.0 m
Synopsis: This area includes two subareas: the main channel with a design depth of 6.1
m and the southern portion of the channel that has a design depth of 3.0 m. The main
channel was represented by three stations; however, it was evaluated as a composite with
two stations in the Harbor Island Reach (Area 2 in Weston Solution 2006). Two stations
have been evaluated in the shallow portion of the reach and were evaluated as part of a
composite that included stations along the nearshore areas of the West Lido Channel,
along the Balboa Peninsula, and the southern shores of Lido Isle (Area 1 in Weston
Solutions 2005), Sediment grain size was approximately 75% silt/clay with high
percentages of clay. TOC was 0.87 to 1.3 %. Mercury, organotin, and 4,4; -DDE were
detected in notable concentrations; however, the mercury concentrations were likely
influenced by sediment from the West Lido Channel area. Organotins were not
accumulated in tissues from the bioaccumulation tests. Bioassay responses met the LPC
criteria; except E. estuarius survival in the Federal Channels sample. This area is
expected to pass for ocean disposal following the amphipod and bioaccumulation tests.
Federal Channel Area 2
Parameter
Area 2
Grain size %
32% sand; 32% silt; 35% clay
Total organic carbon %
0.87
Mercury (mg/k
0.73
4,4'DDD lkg)
ND
4 4'DDE /k
38
4 4'DDT k
4.5
Total Detected DDT /k
42.5
Eohaustorius estuarius survival %
60% (LA-3:82%)
RGP -54 Area 1 Comp
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
43% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.29
Mercury m k
0,82
No toxicity observed for this composite
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 6: Turning Basin
Volume: 63,740 m3
Project Depth: 6.1 m
Synopsis: This area was represented by three stations in one composite (Areas 2b in
Weston Solutions 2006). Sediment grain size was 68% clay with TOC of 1.26 %.
Mercury concentrations were above the ERM. 4,4' -DDE was above the ERL but below
the ERM. Bioassay responses met the LPC criteria, with the exception of E. estuaries.
This area may pass for ocean disposal following the amphipod reevaluation. However,
this area should be included in volume estimates for alternative disposal options due to
mercury concentrations.
Parameter s
Area 26(Ttifffifig Basin Onl
Grain size %
68% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.26
Mercury m k
1.42
4,4'DDD /k
11
4,4'DDE k
39
4,4'DDT lkg)
11
Total Detected DDT /k
61
Eohaustorius estuarius survival %
38 LA -3: 82%
Area 7: West Lido Area A
Volume: 51,710 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 m
Synopsis: This area was represented by five stations as part of a composite that included
stations in Lido Isle Reach and along the Balboa Peninsula (Area 1 in Weston Solutions
2005). In addition, this area is part of an ongoing effort to understand mercury
concentrations in West Lido and Newport Channels. Sediment grain size was generally
dominated by silt; however, there are portions of this area that are dominated by sand.
TOC is generally above 1 %. Mercury concentrations were above the ERM throughout
the area ranging from below the ERM of 0.7 mg/kg to >5 mg/kg in some locations.
Bioassay responses and bioaccumulation tissue residues met the LPC criteria for the
entire Area 1 composite; however, they have not been evaluated for the West Lido
Area A specifically. While studies are ongoing, this area should be included in volume
estimates for alternative disposal options.
RGP -5a Area 1 Com A�.ar�3
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
43% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.29
Mercury (mg/k
0.82
No toxicity observed for this composite
Bold number indicates concentration is above the ER -M for chemistry and statistically
different from reference for bioassay. Additional data collected from the area indicate that
mercury concentrations range from the ERM to approximate] 5 mg/kg.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 7: West Lido Area B
Volume: 38,020 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 m
Synopsis: This area was represented by two stations as part of a composite that included
the Yacht Anchorage (Area 4 in Weston Solutions 2006) and a composite that include the
Lido Isle Reach and West Lido Area A (Area 1 in Weston Solution 2005). This area is
also part of an ongoing effort to understand mercury concentrations in West Lido and
Newport Channels. Sediment grain size is generally dominated by silt, with 46 to 49%
clay. TOC is generally above 1 %. Mercury and DDE were the primary analytes of
concern observed in area sediments. Bioassay responses and bioaccumulation tissue
residues met the LPC criteria for the entire RGP -54 Area 1 composite; however, poor
survival has been observed in the Federal Channels Area 4 composite. Recent data
indicates that the Area composites may not necessarily represent West Lido Area B.
While studies are ongoing and this area is could possibly meet the LA -3 LPC criteria, this
area should be included in volume estimates for alternative disposal options.
Federal Channel Area 4
Parameter
Area 4
Grain size %
49% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.08
Mercury m k
0.25
4,4'DDD /k
18
4,4'DDE /k
71
44'DDT /k
6.6
Total Detected DDT /k
95.6
Eohaustodus estuarius survival %
26 LA -3: 82%
C. gigas EC50 - % of SPP
60
-- _ •.• .. ^Er. a-.�s ® ®® aa,ra yr •,r r a rYb ✓ M "ir a/
RGP,54,Area 1 Comer ...;
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
43% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.29
Mercury m
0.82
No toxicity observed for this composite
Bold number indicates concentration is above the ER -M for chemistry and statistically
different from reference for bioassay.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 8: Newport Channel
Volume: 187,050 m3
Project Depth: 4.6 m
Synopsis: As with the West Lido Area B, the Newport Channel has not been evaluated
as a discrete area, but as two composite areas (Area 4 in Weston Solutions 2006 and the
Lido Isle composite as part of the RGP -54; Area 1 in Weston Solution 2005). As with
the previous two areas, the Newport Channel is part of an ongoing effort to understand
mercury concentrations in West Lido and Newport Channels. Sediment grain size is
generally dominated by silt, with 46 to 49% clay. TOC is generally above 1 %. Mercury
is expected to be the primary analyte of concern observed in area sediments, with
concentrations ranging from below the ERM to >5 mg/kg. Bioassay responses and
bioaccumulation tissue residues met the LPC criteria for the entire RGP -54 Area 1
composite; however, poor survival has been observed in the Federal Channels Area 4
composite. Recent data indicates that the Newport Channel sediment may not prove to
be acutely toxic to amphipods and bioavailability of mercury may not be significant.
While studies are ongoing, this area should be included in volume estimates for
alternative disposal options.
F.;. Federal Channel Ares 4, , , „,
Parameter
Area 4
Grain size %
49% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.08
Mercury (mg/k
0.25
44'DDD /k
18
4,4'DDE /k
71
4,4'DDT /k
6.6
Total Detected DDT /k
95.6
Eohaustorius estuarius survival %
26 LA -3: 82%
C. gigas EC50 - % of SPP
60
...... R6P -54 Area 1 Comp
FParameter
2005
Grain size %
43% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.29
Mercury (mg/k
0.82
No toxicity observed for this composite
Bold number indicates concentration is above the ER -M for chemistry and statistically
different from reference for bioassay.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 9: Yacht Anchorage
Volume: 359,220 m3
Project Depth: 4.6 m
Synopsis: The Yacht Anchorage has been evaluated as two subareas during the Federal
Channels investigation (Areas 4 and 4b in Weston Solutions 2006). Sediment grain size
was generally dominated by silt, with 46% clay in the overall area and 95% silt/clay in
the area immediately east of Lido Island. TOC is generally above 1 %. 4,4' -DDE is the
primary analyte of concern observed in area sediments; however, similar concentrations
of 4,4 -DDE observed in other portions of the Harbor have not been associated with
toxicity or unacceptable uptake in bioaccumulation tests. Poor amphipod survival has
been consistently observed in this area. TIE studies have been conducted with sediment
from both Area 4 and Area 4b to determine the potential cause of toxicity. These studies
are ongoing.
Due to the large volume of sediment represented by this area, the Yacht Anchorage will
likely be evaluated as three distinct areas. A portion of this area may meet LA -3 LPCs;
however, the entire area should be included in volume estimates for alternative disposal
options.
r±.r" ✓anus,..,.,
,,,,gydo„ ;Federal Channel Areas 4 and 4b,
Parameter
Area 4
Area 4b East tip of Lido Isle
Grain size %
49% clay
95% silt & clay
Total organic carbon %
1.08
1.01
Mercury m /k
0.25
0.12
4,4'DDD /k
18
12
4,4'DDE /k
71
60
4,4'DDT /
6.6
4.8
Total Detected DDT /k
95.6
76.8
Eohaustorius estuarius survival
26 (LA -3: 82 %)
49 (LA -3: 82 %)
C. i as EC50 - % of SPP)
60
_ 63
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 10: Bay Island Anchorage
Volume: 14,690 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 in
Synopsis: One station was sampled in the Bay Island Anchorage and analyzed as part of
a composite that included stations along the southern shore of Balboa Island and the
Balboa Island Channel (Area 4a in Weston Solutions 2005). Sediment grain size was
comprised of 40% and 31% clay, with 1.07% TOC. No analytes of concern were
identified for this area. No toxicity or significant bioaccumulation was observed for this
area. Recent surface samples from the nearby A- anchorage showed similar results with
high amphipod survival. Chemistry data will be available in mid -March for the A-
anchorage. Sediment from the Bay Island Anchorage is expected to meet suitability
requirements for LA -3.
RGP -54 Area 4a Comp,
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
40% sand; 31 % clay
Total organic carbon %
1.07
Sediment chemistry showed no concentrations above the ER -M
No toxicity observed for this composite
Area 11: Upper Channel
Volume: 37,050 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 in
Synopsis: Two stations were sampled in the Bay Island Anchorage and analyzed as part
of a composite that included stations around Linda Isle (Area 2 in Weston Solutions
2005). Sediment grain size was comprised of 44% clay, with 1.36% TOC. No analytes
of concern were identified for this area. Chemical analyses were also conducted on each
station within Area 2. Stations 2 -4 and 2 -7 were within the Upper Channel. Tribultin
(7.4 µg/kg; Station 4 -7) and 4,4 -DDE (52 gg/kg; Station 4 -2) were the only analytes of
concern observed in the station sediments. No toxicity or significant bioaccumulation
was observed for this area. Sediment from the Upper Channel is expected to meet
suitability requirements for LA -3.
P -54 Area 2 Comp,.
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
44% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.36
Sediment chemistry showed no concentrations about the ER -M
No Toxicity Observed in the Area 2 Composite
Chemistry in Area 2 evaluated for each station - Stations 2-4 and 2 -7 are within the Upper
Channel.
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 12: North Anchorage Area
Volume: 5,000 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 in
Synopsis: Four stations were sampled in the North Anchorage Area and analyzed as part
of a composite that included stations Bay Island Anchorage and the Balboa Island
Channel (Area 4a in Weston Solutions 2005). Sediment grain size was comprised of
nearly equal portions of sand, silt, and clay, with 1.07% TOC. No analytes of concern
were identified for this area. No toxicity or significant bioaccumulation was observed for
this area. Sediment from the North Anchorage Area is expected to meet suitability
requirements for LA -3.
RGP -54 Area 4a Comp
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
40% sand; 31% clay
Total organic carbon %
1.07
Sediment chemistry showed no concentrations above the ER -M
No toxicity observed for this composite
Area 13: South Anchorage Area
Volume: 5,000 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 in
Synopsis: Three stations were sampled in the South Anchorage Area and analyzed as a
single composite (Area 4b in Weston Solutions 2005). Sediment grain size was
comprised of 60% sand, with 0.99% TOC. No analytes of concern were identified for
this area. No toxicity or significant bioaccumulation was observed for this area.
Sediment from the North Anchorage Area is expected to meet suitability requirements for
LA -3.
RGP -54 Area 4b Comp
Parameter
2005
Grain size %
60% sand; 20% clay
Total organic carbon %
0.99
Sediment chemistry showed no concentrations about the ER -M
No toxicity observed for this composite
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
Area 14: Balboa Island Channel
Volume: 40,520 m3
Project Depth: 3.0 to
Synopsis: Three stations sampled in this reach were evaluated as part of a composite that
included two stations immediately west of Collins Island (Area 3 in Weston Solutions
2006). Grain size was 96% silt and clay, with 1.03% TOC. 4,4-DDE was slightly above
the ERM concentration. All bioassay responses met the LPC criteria, with the exception
of the amphipod test with Eohaustorius estuarius. However, subsequent tests with
Ampelisca abdita indicate that this area is expected to pass for ocean disposal following
the arnphipod study.
MIMME'�' 6dirklCha
Parameter
2006
Grain size (%)
96% silt & clay
Total organic carbon (%)
1.03
Mercury (mg/kg)
0.6
4,4'DDD (pgtkg)
5.6
4,4'DDE (pglkg)
50
Total Detected DDT (pg/kg)
61.2
Eohaustorius estuadus survival (%)
36 (LA-3: 82%)
mpelisca abdita survival (%)
61 (LA-3: 74%)
Lower Newport Bay Synopsis NewFields LLC
APPENDIX B
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL
DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
CEMENT -BASED STABILIZATION OF
DREDGED MATERIAL FIELD PILOT STUDY
(PROVIDED ON CD)
APPENDIX C
SAND SEPARATION TREATMENT
OF DREDGED MATERIAL -
LABORATORY STUDIES
(PROVIDED ON CD)