Feasibility of using dredge spoil to generate a wildlife reserve and salt marsh in San Diego Bay, California

A multidisciplinary feasibility study involving extensive interaction with regulatory agencies and environmental groups has shown that the proposed use of about one million cubic yards of unpolluted dredged sediment from a small boat basin to build a 90 to 100 acre island-like wildlife reserve and associated salt marsh would be environmentally beneficial, compatible with existing local multiple land/water use, and is feasible from an engineering point of view. Using hydraulic dredging and confined disposal, the project would cost about $1.5 million. The study and the proposed project together constitute a practical example of effective coastal zone multiple use planning and management in a state with rigorous coastal zone laws.