314 OCEANOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES 



this possibility by selecting a site near a wreck, we doubt that any disposal 

 contractor whose operation is too small to permit him to carry wastes out to 

 deeper water will either be equipped for, or prone to pinpoint bombing. Since 

 trawl nets might occasionally be destroyed by the bulky waste disposal containers 

 and since it would be bad psychologically if containers were to be trawled up, we 

 believe that they should not be dumped at this site. 



(3) The wreck and lumps, indeed the whole flat, constitute a good sport fishing 

 area whose use might be discouraged should it become known that radioactive 

 wastes are being dumped nearby. 



(4) Unfortunately perhaps the word radioactivity and the phrase radioactive 

 wastes evoke an emotional reaction from the public. The use of a dumping 

 site so close to the Virginia beach resort areas may have an adverse effect on 

 their habitues. 



Aside from stating that at this time we are in cautious agreement with the 

 National Bureau of Standards Handbook 58's 1,000 fathom rule of thumb we 

 t;an offer no alternative for site 4 other than 4a or 4b, which seem much more 

 ejuitable to us. Our knowledge of the circulation pattern is unfortunately 

 scanty. 



May I make several pertinent comments? I have found it quite interesting 

 that neither the precise amounts nor kinds of radioactive materials already 

 deposited in the sea are known despite Handbook ;jS"s recommendations (p. 

 4) that accurate records be kept. Slipshod record keeping should not persist. 

 All of us are aware of the myriad unknown factors involved in the biological 

 activities of radioactive substances and the possible effects of these materials on 

 the marine system and it seems absurd to compound these unknowns unneces- 

 sarily. 



We believe that there are so many unknowns involved that choice of disposal 

 sites should not be limited to the distance a small contractor can take his boat 

 and return in 1 day. As a matter of fact, if a contractor's equipment is too 

 small to travel beyond the 1,000 fathom curve, his navigational ability might be 

 somewhat limited and his accuracy impaired. If time is important, perhaps a 

 helicopter or a blimp might be used to shorten travel time. Disposal sites 

 should not be selected on the basis of cost or travel time. 



We have all heard rumors of irresponsible actions by disposal contractors 

 in dumping radioactive materials in unauthorized areas. While they may be no 

 more than rumors, we believe that some who may be chosen, such as garbage 

 haulers, etc., are and will continue to be ignorant of the possible serious effects 

 of irresponsible disposal practices. We believe it poor policy to entrust dis- 

 posal of radioactive materials to civilian contractors unless precise control of 

 their activities can be assured and unless they are adequately equipped and 

 aware of their resi)onsibilities. Perhaps in order to have proper control over 

 disposal an agent of a regulatory bo<ly should accompany each load. 



Mr. Haven, of this laboratory, observes that according to extrapolation from 

 data contained in page G of Publication (i't't al»out 1,()00 drums of low-level 

 radioactive wastes a year have been dumped into the Atlantic since 1951 and' 

 suggests that dumping of this small volume could be done by the AEC in deep 

 water at relatively little expense. Users could ship wastes to several collec- 

 tion points along the coast and the AEC could dispose of them at regular inter- 

 vals, perhaps numthly. One thousand barrels amounts to little more than a 

 good-xlzed bai'geload. 



The amounts of money involved in disposal contracts must be relatively small 

 and their contribution to the general eccmomy slight. Though we are defi- 

 nitely not opposed to encouragement of jirivate enterprise we believe that a re- 

 sponsible Government dispo.sal unit .should be established immediately. In any 

 case, we are opposed to the notion of allowing cost to have any limiting' in- 

 fiuence on selection of disposal sites. The safest, most infallible met hinl, from 

 every present and future standpoint, must be employed. Ignorance of iKjssible 

 effects is too great to have it otherwise. 



In closing may I say that our lal)oratory is extremely interested in any "pre- 

 use, (luring-use. post-use" surveys that might be c(mducted in Virginia "waters 

 or offshore. We will make our laboratory facilities, v(>ssel, personnel ' and 

 data available, conduct coordinated studies and even undertake contract' re- 

 search should the need and opportunity arise. AVe are also interesttnl in corol- 

 lary research into the various aspects of radioactivity as it is connecteil to 

 niariue biology. Plea.se count us in on all deliberations, survey.s, etc. 



With best regards to you and your a-ssociates, I am. 

 Cordially yours, 



William J. Haegis, Jr., Director. 



