Book Description

This report assesses the environmental effects of maintenance dredging in Mississippi Sound in 1974. Background conditions were measured before and after dredging, and extensive monitoring was conducted during the dredging operation. It was found that dredging had no significant or lasting effect on any of the conditions evaluated in this investigation. TUrbidities ans suspended solids were measured and the size and dispersion of the discharge plume were defined. Distributions and levels of bacteria and heavy metals were studied to measure their release from the sediments to the waters. The biological parameters investigated were: plankton, coliform bacteria, and benthic invertebrates. The discharge plumes of suspended solids were small; the solids settled rapidly, and, within 2-3 hours after discharge, no plume was detectable.