An Assessment of Problems Associated with Evaluating the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Impacts of Discharging Fill Material.
Abstract
Fill materials can be natural (soil, rock, or sand) or man-altered (dredged material, solid wastes, or residues), with projects involving usage including property protection, causeway/roadfills, and site development. Potential environmental impacts are regulated by permits based on Section 404 of PL 92-500. This study focused on problems associated with evaluating environmental changes resulting from fill material discharges. A weighted rankings technique was used to established priorities of permitting (administrative) concerns and technical deficiencies. A literature survey was conducted to determine technical deficiencies. Potential physical impacts found include changes in infiltration and flow regimes, destruction/alteration of natural or man-made habitats, and creation of habitats. Chemical impacts were found to result from the release of suspended solids, organics, nutrients, and toxic substances. Biological impacts ranged from physical barriers to fish migration to complete 'smothering' of entire wetland areas. The effects of leachates on aquatic biota were found to be complex and diverse, ranging from no measurable changes to acute toxicity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA052519
Entities
People
- E. H. Klehr
- G. D. Miller
- J. W. Laguros
- L. E. Streebin
- Larry W. Canter
Organizations
- University of Oklahoma