40 CFR § 230.73 - Actions affecting the method of dispersion.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t40/s230.73"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "40 CFR § 230.73 - Actions affecting the method of dispersion."
title_number: 40
title_name: "Protection of Environment"
section_number: "230.73"
section_name: "Actions affecting the method of dispersion."
chapter_name: "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY"
subchapter_number: "H"
subchapter_name: "OCEAN DUMPING"
part_number: "230"
part_name: "SECTION 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFICATION OF DISPOSAL SITES FOR DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "33 U.S.C. 1251"
regulatory_source: "45 FR 85344, Dec. 24, 1980, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "230"
---


# 230.73 Actions affecting the method of dispersion.

The effects of a discharge can be minimized by the manner in which it is dispersed, such as:

(a) Where environmentally desirable, distributing the dredged material widely in a thin layer at the disposal site to maintain natural substrate contours and elevation;

(b) Orienting a dredged or fill material mound to minimize undesirable obstruction to the water current or circulation pattern, and utilizing natural bottom contours to minimize the size of the mound;

(c) Using silt screens or other appropriate methods to confine suspended particulate/turbidity to a small area where settling or removal can occur;

(d) Making use of currents and circulation patterns to mix, disperse and dilute the discharge;

(e) Minimizing water column turbidity by using a submerged diffuser system. A similar effect can be accomplished by submerging pipeline discharges or otherwise releasing materials near the bottom;

(f) Selecting sites or managing discharges to confine and minimize the release of suspended particulates to give decreased turbidity levels and to maintain light penetration for organisms;

(g) Setting limitations on the amount of material to be discharged per unit of time or volume of receiving water.