Ocean Dumping Regulations: Atchafalaya-West Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site Designation; Calcasieu, Sabine Neches, and Atchafalaya-East Site Corrections

Pursuant to section 102(c) of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA), the EPA today designates the Atchafalaya-West Ocean Disposal Site (ODMDS-West), located adjacent to and west of the Atchafalaya River Bar Channel (ARBC) of Louisiana as a permanent ocean dredged material disposal site (ODMDS). This designation will allow continued use of the site, which was previously designated a temporary site pursuant to MPRSA section 103(b). In addition to the designation, the EPA now issues a technical amendment to correct seven typographical errors. The designation of the Atchafalaya ODMDS-West disposal site does not by itself authorize the disposal of dredged material, but makes the site available for use for dredged material from the ARBC if no environmentally preferable, practicable alternative for managing that dredged material exists, and if analysis of the dredged material indicates that it is suitable for open-water disposal. This action is to designate adequate, environmentally-acceptable ocean disposal site capacity for suitable dredged material from the ARBC.