interference can occur at any level of the ecosystem. When released in a 

 concentrated manner at a defined point, contaminants are called "point- 

 source" pollutants. 



In 1972 Congress established as a national goal the elimination of 

 all discharge of pollutants into navigable waters by 1985. On or before 

 July 1, 1983, water quality standards must be applied that provide for 

 the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and 

 that allow for recreation in and on the water. Permitted discharges for 

 an oil refinery, for example, are shown in Table 28. Currently, 



Table 28. Permitted Current (A) and 1983 Projected (B) Effluent 

 Discharges (in Pounds per Day) for a 250,000 BBL per Day Refinery 

 (Source: References 7 and 8) 



industrial, municipal, and other point-source dischargers (including OCS- 

 related industries) must obtain permits for the discharge of any 

 pollutants into the navigable waters of the United States under the 

 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Point-source 

 pollutants may have profound effects on coastal ecosystems and should be 

 considered in relation to siting, design, and operation of OCS-related 

 onshore facilities. 



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