4.9 Public Health and Safety
Recreational Safety
As described inSection 3.9, extensive sediment characterization analyses were conducted for the proposed
receiver sites as part of this project (Sea Surveyor 1999; FRH 1997). These analyses were conducted
in accordance with USACOE, USEPA, and RWQCB procedures for dredged sediment. Based on
sediment studies, it was determined that the dredged material from the offshore borrow sites is suitable for
beach replenishment and does not pose a threat to public health and safety. No impacts would occur with
implementation of this alternative.
Although not anticipated, the possibility exists that unforseen wastes and materials could be dredged from
the offshore borrow sites. Borrow sites have been tested for the suitability of the dredge materials to be
placed on the receiver beaches; nonetheless, illegal dumping activities do occur in offshore waters and the
proposed borrow sites might contain hazardous or dangerous materials. In the event that hazardous or
dangerous materials are found in dredge spoils, dredging and disposal activities would immediately stop.
An evaluation would be made to determine the extent of the contamination and most appropriate treatment
of the site.
Scarps
Scarp height is a function of the breaking wave height and the elevation of the existing beach berm. Scarps
develop naturally along the beach profile and vary in height due to significant changes in the beach profile
(i.e., a drastic drop in elevation).
Large scarps may result in safety hazards due to substantialchanges in the beach profile (i.e., a drastic drop
in elevation). Because scarps are a function of beach berm height, placement of fill on the receiver sites
would not increase scarp height, provided fill is placed to the height of the existing beach berm(Department
of the Navy 1997b). The proposed action specifies that beach fill would not be placed above the height
of the existing beach berm. Therefore, safety impacts due to increased scarp heights would not occur upon
implementation of this alternative.
Borrow Sites (Vessel Safety)
The potential for a vessel to collide with a dredge or support vessel would be extremely remote. The
dredge would be equipped with markings and lights in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
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