Santa Cruz Harbor
Location
Santa Cruz, CA
Project Cost
$50,000
Services Provided
- Regulatory liaison
- Sampling & analysis plan
- Subcontractor coordination
- Sample compositing
- Reporting
Project Background
The Santa Cruz Harbor, operated by the Santa Cruz Port District, is located within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Sediment has been dredged from the harbor since 1964 in order to maintain its safety and navigability. RRM was contracted to provide the Santa Cruz Port District with technical expertise in the areas of sampling, evaluation, and characterization of sediments that are dredged from the harbor and discharged into sanctuary waters.
Solutions Provided
RRM has designed and implemented sediment sampling protocols in the Santa Cruz Harbor on an annual basis since 1998. A complex regime of physical and chemical analyses and biological testing are required in order to obtain final regulatory approval for theoffshore discharge of these sediments.
Regulatory guidelines for the sampling and analysis of dredge sediments have been developed by the Dredge Material Management Office (DMMO), which consists of input from many regulatory agencies including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Additional stakeholders that provide review and approval of the Sampling and Analysis Plans and the Sediment Physical, Chemical and Biological Evaluations for the dredging operations include the Department of Fish and Game, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the California Coastal Commission, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
RRM works closely with Santa Cruz Port District personnel to plan and implement annual dredging operations. These dredge planning activities include:
- Planning of specific dredging areas and volumes within the Santa Cruz Harbor.
- Developing the required testing regimes pursuant to DMMO protocols.
- Submitting Sampling and Analysis Plans for DMMO review.
- Coordinating and supporting all field sampling and laboratory efforts.
- Submitting reporting documentation in a timely manner.
Benefits to Client
- Timely and efficient responses to client requirements.
- RRM consistently obtains regulatory approval for the implementation of dredging activities in Santa Cruz Harbor.
- Cost-effective solutions to the satisfaction of the Santa Cruz Port District.