Hardground Buffer Zones definition
Hardground Buffer Zones. All dredging in sand mining areas will be designed to ensure that dredging will not occur within a minimum of 400 feet from any significant hardground areas or bottom structures that serve as attractants to sea turtles for foraging or shelter. NMFS considers (for the purposes of the NMFS biological opinion entitled “Lease of Borrow Area T1 to the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ County Parks and Recreation Department for the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ County Beach Renourishment Project (Consultation Number SER-2012-9274)” only) a significant hardground in a project area to be one that, over a horizontal distance of 150 feet, has an average elevation above the sand of 1.5 feet or greater, and has algae growing on it. The [USACE] Districts will ensure that sand mining sites within their Districts are adequately mapped to enable the dredge to stay at least 400 feet from these areas. If the [USACE] is uncertain as to what constitutes significance, it must consult with NMFS SERO's Habitat Conservation Division (727-824-5317) and NMFS' Protected Resources Division (▇▇▇- ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇) for clarification and guidance. Walls of federally-maintained navigation channels, and jetties and other such man- made structures, are not considered hardgrounds for the purpose of this opinion.
Hardground Buffer Zones. All dredging in sand mining areas will be designed to ensure that dredging will not occur within a minimum of 400 feet from any significant hardground areas or bottom structures that serve as attractants to sea turtles for foraging or shelter. NMFS considers (for the purposes of this opinion only) a significant hardground in a project area to be one that, over a horizontal distance of 150 feet, has an average elevation above the sand of 1.5 feet or greater, and has algae growing on it. The [USACE] Districts shall ensure that sand mining sites within their Districts are adequately mapped to enable the dredge to stay at least 400 feet from these areas. If the [USACE] is uncertain as to what constitutes significance, it shall consult with NMFS SERO's Habitat Conservation Division (727-824-5317) and NMFS' Protected Resources Division (▇▇▇- ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇) for clarification and guidance. Walls of federally-maintained navigation channels, and jetties and other such man-made structures, are not considered hardgrounds for the purpose of this opinion.