Monitoring

All Class 4 aquaculture operations in which culture organisms are fed are required to monitor pre-operation and post-operation environmental conditions at the site, using the services of an individual or firm qualified to perform this work. Conditions to be monitored and frequency shall be as specified in the NPDES Permit, including: (a) Dissolved Oxygen Profiles. Operation of the facility must not degrade the classification of receiving waters by lowering dissolved oxygen saturation to less than 85% of ambient conditions; (b) Video Transects of Sea Floor Beneath Pens to Document Potential Degradation of Benthic Habitat. Signs of degradation shall include changes in sediment composition, azoic or anoxic conditions, outgassing, and growth of bacterial mats; (c) Infauna. Abundance and relative diversity of benthic organisms; (d) If habitat degradation is determined through monitoring, a corrective plan will be prepared in consultation with the permit holder and EPA. Corrective measures may include improved best management practices or temporary removal of gear.