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possible area of uncertainty would be indirect impacts to eelgrass; however, at explained above, the uncertainty pertains to the precise extent, not the probability of the impact•
* dmr ttt-oteo that the impacts to the Rockland disposal site from the dredge material will be minimal.
The material proposed to be dredged has not yet baan tasted to determine its suitability tor disposal at the Rookland Disposal Sif,  EPA, the Corps and NMFS have requested that the material be tested for dioxin, due to the site^s proximity to the penobscot River and the Statue health advisory on fieh and lobater oonauroption dus to alevatad dioxin levttla.  If taating indicatas that the material is not suitable for disposal at Rookland, than an alternative disposal aite is necacsary.
* dmr doeB not beXiave that the project causes or cpnt^ributep ^o larga iinpacts to marine ^nvironmant.
Dr. Fred Short's 1995 report, "Eftlgrase Distribution in panobscot Bay," docuatante that poor water quality limits the distribution of aolgraea in the bay.  Eelgrass distribution becomes more limited closer to the river mouth; in addition. eelgraaa is limited to shallower water.  Eel^raas is greatly diminished over its historic range, occupying dramatically less area than it could*  This project would have a large effect on a resource that i6 already dramatically impacted in Penabsoot Bay.
Moreover, the propoeod port would also adversely affect other valuable marine habitat, including intertidal habitat, mudflats, clam flats, and unvegetated subtid&l habitat. Historically, the S&ars Island marina environment supported extremely high dansitias of clams, and the area southvast of the project site supported commercial densities of scallops. Water quality degradation, loea of habitat, and overfiehing have all contributed to depletion of shellfish and finfish Blocks.  Construction and operation of the proposed terminal would contribute to the loss of habitat adversely affecting these species.
Finally, aa tttated ab<?vo, our judgment regarding the significance of tha impacts is based on its application of the facts of the case against the applicable federal regulatory criteria developed by epa.  dmr does not in genera 1 and has not in this case utilieed theae federal regulatory criteria and its conunents regarding the significance of impact should be viewed in that context.