6.0 Other Considerations Required by CEQA/NEPA
During dredging activities, fish would move from the area of active dredge, but these species would not be
lost to the ecosystem nor would migration patterns be affected. Fish that feed on benthic biota would
experience short-term loss of prey, but because the active area of dredge would be relatively small, the
affect would not be significant. A minimum 500-foot buffer has been established between the dredge area
and any kelp or reef (300 feet at SO-7 from the artificial reefs). Under average current conditions, turbidity
plumes from hopper dredge operations are anticipated to average approximately 260 feet, but range from
72 to 544 feet (Table 4.3-1). Any turbidity plumes that would extend to the reefs or kelp would be very
limited and within the range that these resources naturally experience from storms, rip currents, etc. All
dredging operations would be performed in conformance with the permit conditions established by the 401
permit issued by the Regional Water QualityControlBoard. The proposed action would not result in long-
term or significant effects to sustainable fisheries present in the Coastal Pelagics or Pacific Groundfish
FMPs.
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
Page 6-9
99-69\SANDAG EIREA 5 to 10.wpd 7/17/00
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