Evaluating Sub-Channel Confined Aquatic Disposal Cells: Experience from the Boston Harbor Navigation Improvement Project

This paper summarizes the July 2001 monitoring survey, which evaluated the condition of the caps and biological recolonization more than one year after their completion in the nine Boston Harbor CAD cells. Results suggest the condition of the caps in the majority of the cells remains similar to that detected immediately following the completion of capping. In cells where a relatively thick, discrete cap was initially placed, the cap continues to maintain its integrity, while earlier cells with layered cap material and DM, continue to display stratification. Benthic habitat quality was assessed over the CAD cells for the second time since initial construction of the cells. Current benthic conditions are consistent with the ambient Boston Harbor sediments not subjected to dredging operations.