Dependence of Shoreline Change on Channel Dredge Material Disposal Practices, Humboldt Bay, CA, A Case Study

Madalon, Leonard J.; Kendall, Thomas R.; ,

Dependence of Shoreline Change on Channel Dredge Material Disposal Practices, Humboldt Bay, CA, A Case Study

by Leonard J. Madalon, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, United States,
Thomas R. Kendall, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering Considerations in Coastal Zone Management

Abstract:

This paper addresses the evaluation of dredge material disposal sites for Humboldt Harbor with emphasis on the Humboldt Open Ocean Disposal Site (HOODS) and the potential impact of its use on the adjacent shoreline. The dispersive characteristics of three disposal sites are evaluated based on wave induced near-bed velocity and through use of Hallermeier limits. The applicable littoral cell is defined, including the influence on regional sediment transport of the jetties which stabilize the entrance to Humboldt Bay. The high water line on eleven sets of aerial photos spanning 42 years are analyzed to determine historic shoreline-change trends for 19.3 kilometers of coastline, establishing a baseline data set to aid in isolating any contribution of the HOODS use on subsequent shoreline changes. Implications of HOODS use are described. A shoreline change monitoring program is recommended. Data collected two years after the baseline data set was established are presented and analyzed. The recommendation is made to continue use of the HOODS with a provision for continued long-term monitoring.

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