Visual‐based rapid assessment techniques provide an efficient method for characterizing the restoration potential of streams, with many focusing on channel stability and instream habitat features. Few studies, however, have compared these techniques to see if they result in differing restoration priorities. Three rapid assessment techniques were contrasted at three wild trout streams in western New York with different amounts of channel disturbance. Two methods focused only on geomorphic stability, whereas the third addressed physical habitat condition. Habitat assessment scores were not correlated with scores for either geomorphic assessment method and they varied more between channels with different degrees of disturbance. A model based on dynamic equilibrium concepts best explains the variation among the streams and techniques because it accounts for a stream's capacity to maintain ecological integrity despite some inherent instability. Geomorphic indices can serve as effective proxies for biological indices in highly disturbed systems. Yet, this may not be the case in less disturbed systems, where geomorphic indices cannot differentiate channel adjustments that impact biota from those that do not. Dynamically stable streams can include both stable and unstable reaches locally as characterized by geomorphic methods and translating these results into restoration priorities may not be appropriate if interpretations are limited to the reach scale.

The Environmental Evaluation and Management of Dredged Material for Beneficial Use: A Regional Beneficial Use Testing Manual for the Great Lakes (a.k.a. Great Lakes Beneficial Use Testing Manual) is a resource document providing technical guidance for evaluating the suitability of dredged sediment for beneficial use in aquatic and terrestrial environments in the Great Lakes region. The procedures in this manual are based on the Environmental Laboratory extensive research, working with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Great Lakes districts, state resource agencies, and local stakeholders seeking to develop dredged material beneficial use alternatives consistent with regional needs and goals. This manual is the first guidance document developed by USACE for evaluating the environmental suitability of dredged material specifically for beneficial use placements. It provides a tiered framework for evaluating the environmental suitability of aquatic and upland beneficial uses consistent with the Inland Testing Manual and the Upland Testing Manual. This manual is intended to serve as a regional platform to increase collaborative problem-solving and endorse a common understanding of the scientific and institutional practices for evaluating dredged material for any beneficial use. Dredged sediment may be managed as a valuable resource, with great potential to create economic, environmental, and social benefits.

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Dredged material (DM) impacted by harmful algal blooms (HABs) potentially introduces algal toxins (e.g., microcystins (MCs)) to areas where material is being stored (e.g., confined disposal facilities (CDFs)) or beneficially used for nearshore and upland placement for land and habitat improvements. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review of the current information related to the fate and transport of MCs in upland environments. The study also focused on detailing relevant pathways for potential human exposures during, and following, relocation of DM from collection to placement sites for beneficial use. BACKGROUND: To appropriately manage the 200-300 million cubic yards (CY) of DM collected annually in the United States (U.S.), beneficial use programs are increasingly being favored over traditional disposal practices due to the economic, social, and ecological benefits, along with the limited capacity of CDFs. However, potential risks associated with DM re-use must be evaluated prior to placement. Recently, the potential occurrence of MCs in DM sourced from HAB-impacted water bodies has raised concerns regarding the risks with upland and nearshore placement of DM. MCs are known hepatotoxins that can pose ecological and human health risks. The presence and persistence of MCs in DM have the potential to prevent the beneficial use of otherwise suitable material sourced from HAB-impacted water bodies. APPROACH: A literature review was conducted to document what is currently known about the fate and transport of MCs in DM relocated to upland environments for beneficial use, with specific emphasis on relevant exposure pathways to human receptors. The review will also document gaps of information related to the fate of MCs in upland environments and inform future research needs. This documentation provides available information that can be used to inform the assessment and management of risks associated with MCs in upland environments. RESULTS: Chemical and physical properties of MCs. MCs are common cyanotoxins found in waters through the world (Carmichael 1992), and are relatively stable in the aquatic environment due to their resistance to hydrolysis at near neutral pH (USEPA 2015a). Numerous genera of cyanobacteria are associated with MC production and are known to bloom to high densities, including Microcystis,