MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, PROCUREMENT & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIV, 381 ELDEN STREET MAIL STOP 2500, HERNDON, VA 20170-4817

B -- ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY OF IDENTIFIED SAND RESOURCE SITES OFFSHORE: ALABAMA SOL CBD&&&96100002 1435-01-97-RP-30840 DUE 120296 POC Contract Specialist, Jane M. Carlson, 703-787-1364 The Minerals Management Service of the Department of Interior has jurisdiction over all mineral resources on the Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), a zone which extends from three miles seaward of the coastal State boundaries out toto hundred miles. Until recently only oil and gas resources were harvested from within this area. However, the potential for exploitation of sand resources located on the OCS as a source of material for beach and barrier islands restoration has grown rapidly in the last several years as similar resources in State waters are being depleted or polluted. Several OCS areas are also being examined as possible sources of aggregate for construction purposes. Resources in U.S. Federal waters may also be environmentally preferable, due to concerns over changes in resident physical oceanographic conditions as large quantities of material are extracted from areas within the existing wave base. This has generated a need for technical information and environmental studies to ensure that offshore minerals are developed in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The MMS's Office of International Activities and Marine Minerals (INTERMAR) has been developing and procuring contracts to provide needed environmental information in regards to environmental management of these resources. The main purpose of this proposed study is to address environmental questions raised by the potential for dredging sand from the inner continental shelf offshore the State of Alabama for the purposes of beach nourishment. The Alabama Geological Survey has identified five potential areas in federal waters as being sites suitable as borrow areas for beach nourishment. Significant components of this study are: (1) visiting and discussing the field work conducted by the Geological Survey of Alabama within the five potential borrow areas and obtaining any data or information that might be used during the conduct of this project; (2) searching the available literature base for additional relevant field data or information; and (3) designing and carrying out an oceanographic field program to address the following elements: (a) assessment of the baseline benthic ecological conditions in and around the five proposed sand borrow areas that will identified in the Request for Proposal; (b) evaluation of the benthic infauna resident in the five potential borrow sites and assessment of the potential effects of offshore dredging activity on these organisms, including an anaysis of the potential rate and success of recolonization following cessation of dredging activities; (c) development of a schedule of best and worst times for offshore dredging as regards transitory, pelagic species; (d) evaluation as to the potential modifications to waves that cross within the study area due to offshore dredging within the five proposed sand borrow areas; and (e) evaluation of the impacts of offshore dredging and consequent beach nourishment in terms of the potential alteration in sediment transport patterns, sedimentary environments, and impacts to local shoreline processes. The RFP, which we hope to issue approximately 15 days following publication of this notice, will contain specific instructions regarding proposal preparation, due dates, etc.; dates specified in the RFP will override any conflicting dates contained herein. A copy of the RFP may be requested by facsimile (703) 787-1009, or by mail to the above address. Please include the name of your organization, a point of contact, address, phone and fax numbers with your request. Telephonic requests will not be accepted.(0282)

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