45 



JOHN VLASTELICIA 

 tides, winds and currents. Conditions in this zone kill 

 fish and are toxic to most other marine forms. The 

 development of a substantial portion of the bottom- 

 dwelling cooHDunity is precluded^ and odors and floating 

 and suspended material are aesthetically unacceptable. 



Beyond this zone of acute pollution is a 

 second zone, a zone of chronic pollution. It often ex- 

 tends for many miles from the source. In this zone the 

 major pollutional impact of the pulp and paper mill waste 

 discharges is the presence of diluted quantities of 

 sulfite waste liquor, particularly in the critical near 

 surface waters. 



The extent of the zone of chronic pollution 

 depends on the quantity and composition of the wastes, 

 the method and depth of discharge, and the general water 

 circulation patterns in the area. 



In summary, then, the oceanographic and 

 related studies documented the existence of pulp and paper 

 mill wastes in Puget Sound, both vertically, in the near- 

 surface density stratified layer where sensitive marine 

 life also floats, and horizontally in two zones depicting 



concentration of wastes and intensity of impact on marine 



of 

 life, that is the two zones/acute pollution and of chronic 



pollution. 



